the inkstand on the outside; and there was a place to light
the matches, and a place to set them in while they are
burning. There, Mamma, that's it," said Ellen, as the shopman
brought forth the article which she was describing, — "that's
it exactly; and that will just fit. Now, Mamma, for the wax."

"You want to seal your letter before you have written it,"
said Mrs. Montgomery — "we have not got the pens yet."

"That's true, Mamma — let us have the pens. And some quills
too, Mamma?"

"Do you know how to make a pen, Ellen?"

"No, Mamma, not yet; but I want to learn very much. Miss
Pichegru says that every lady ought to know how to make her
own pens."

"Miss Pichegru is very right; but I think you are rather too
young to learn. However, we will try. Now, here are steel
points enough to last you a great while — and as many quills
as it is needful you should cut up for one year at least; — we
haven't a pen-handle yet."

"Here, Mamma," said Ellen, holding out a plain ivory one,
"don't you like this? I think it is prettier than these that
are all cut and fussed, or those other gay ones either."

"I think so too, Ellen; the plainer the prettier. Now, what
comes next?"