floor, and Japanese lanterns hung from the ceiling, all in tones
of green and white and silver.

Marjorie unceremoniously dislodged Puff from her comfortable
position, and flung herself into the hammock instead.

"Uncle Steve!" she exclaimed, grabbing that gentleman tightly
round the neck as he leaned over her to adjust her pillows, "you
are the best man in the whole world, and I think you ought to be
President! If you do any more of these lovely things for me I
shall just--just SUFFOCATE with joy. What makes you so good to me,
anyhow?"

"Oh, because you're such a little saint, and never do anything
naughty or mischievous!"

"That's a splendid reason," cried Marjorie, quite appreciating the
joke, "and, truly, Uncle Steve,--don't you tell,--it's a great
secret: but I AM going to try to be more dignified and solemn."

This seemed to strike Uncle Steve as being very funny, for he sat
down on the little wicker settee and laughed heartily.

"Well, you may as well begin now, then; and put on your most
dignified and pompous manner, as you lie there in that hammock,
for I'm going to read to you until tea-time."

"Goody, goody!" cried Marjorie, bobbing up her curly head, and
moving about excitedly. "Please, Uncle, read from that new book
you brought me last night. I'll get it!"