given over to the children's use. Though not often in the drawing-
room, the four young Maynards frequently monopolized the large
living-room, and were allowed free access to the library as well.

Also they had a general playroom and a nursery; and Kingdon had a
small den or workroom for his own use, which was oftener than not
invaded by the girls.

To the playroom they went, and Kingdon carefully cut small locks
from the kitten, the doll, and the bear, and Marjorie neatly tied
them with narrow blue ribbons. These mementoes the girls put away,
and carefully treasured all through the summer.

Another Maynard custom was a farewell feast at dinner, the night
before vacation began. Ordinarily, only the two older children
dined with their parents, the other two having their tea in the
nursery. But on this occasion, all were allowed at dinner, and the
feast was made a special honor for the one who was going away.
Gifts were made, as on a birthday, and festival dress was in
order.

A little later, then, the four children presented themselves in
the library, where their parents awaited them.

Mr. Maynard was a man of merry disposition and rollicking nature,
and sometimes joined so heartily in the children's play that he
seemed scarcely older than they.

Mrs. Maynard was more sedate, and was a loving mother, though not
at all a fussy one. She was glad in many ways to have one of her