And now, having convinced you all to my way of thinking, I will leave the case in the hands of our wise and competent judge." "Wait," said Uncle Charley; "I believe the captains are usually allowed a sort of summing-up speech, are they not ?" "They are in this case, anyway," said Patty.

"Mr.Elliott will please go ahead with his summing-up." "Well," said Uncle Charley, "the sum of the whole matter seems to be that we all want Fred and Patty to live here because we want them to; but, of course, it's only fair that they consult their own wishes in the matter, and if they conclude that they prefer New York, why,--we'll have another debate, that's all." Uncle Charley sat down, and Mr.Fairfield rose.

"I have listened with great interest to the somewhat flattering remarks of my esteemed fellow members, and have come to the conclusion that, if agreeable to Her Judgeship, a compromise might be effected.

It would seem to me that if a decision should be arrived at for the Vernondale home, the Fairfields could manage to reap some few of those mysterious advantages said to be found in city life, by going to New York and staying a few months every winter.

This, too, would give them an opportunity to receive visits from the Elliott family, which would, I'm sure, be a pleasure and profit to all concerned.