Answering these letters and preparing bridal presents for their old friends gave them busy days.

Gerald sometimes ordered new music and new novels from New York, and their arrival caused great excitement.

Floracita's natural taste for drawing had been cultivated by private lessons from a French lady, and she now used the pretty accomplishment to make likenesses of Thistle with and without garlands, of Tulee in her bright turban, and of Madame Guirlande's parrot, inscribed, "_Bon jour, jolie Manon_!" One day Rosa said: "As soon as the heat abates, so that we can use our needles without rusting, we will do a good deal of embroidery, and give it to Madame.

She sells such articles, you know; and we can make beautiful things of those flosses and chenilles the good soul saved for us." "I like that idea," replied Flora.

"I've been wanting to do something to show our gratitude." There was wisdom as well as kindness in the plan, though they never thought of the wisdom.