Max and Lulu, would you like to bring your writing-desks in here, and let me give you any help you may need ?" Both assented to the proposal with thanks, and were presently seated near her, each with open desk, a fresh sheet of paper spread out upon it, and pen in hand.
"I think that until you are a little used to the business, it would be well to compose first with a pencil, then copy in ink," remarked Violet.
"And here," taking it from a drawer in her writing-desk, as she spoke, "is some printing paper which takes pencil mark much better than the more highly glazed paper which we use ordinarily in writing letters." She gave each of them a pile of neatly cut sheets and a nicely sharpened pencil.
They thanked her, and Max set to work at once.
Lulu sat playing with her pencil, her eyes on the carpet.

"I don't know how to begin!" she exclaimed presently in an impatient tone.

"What shall I say first, Mamma Vi ?" "Write down the date and then--Suppose you dictate to me, if that will be any easier." "Thank you, ma'am, I think it would till I get into the way of it," Lulu said, handing over her paper and pencil with a sigh of relief.
"Now," said Violet, encouragingly, "just imagine that you are sitting on your papa's knee and answering the question, 'What have you been doing all day ?'" "As soon as I was dressed and ready for breakfast, I went to Grandma Elsie's dressing-room, along with Rosie and the others, to say Bible verses, and hear Grandma Elsie talk about them and pray.

Will that do, Mamma Vi ?" "Very nicely, dear; it is just what your papa wants, I think." Lulu's brow cleared, and she went on stating briefly the doings of the now closing day in the due order of their succession, Violet's pen nearly keeping pace with her tongue.
"And here we are--Max and Gracie and I--sitting with Mamma Vi in her boudoir, and she is writing for me the words I tell her, and I'm to copy them off to-morrow," was the concluding sentence of this first entry in the little girl's diary.
"Will you hear mine, Mamma Vi, and tell me if it will do ?" asked Max; and receiving permission read it aloud.
"It is very good indeed, Max," Violet said; "a good and true report, and well expressed.

Now, if you and Lulu choose you may bring your books here and study your lessons for to-morrow, and if you need help from me I shall give it with pleasure." "But, Mamma Vi, it will be very dull for you to stay up here with us while the rest of the grown-up people are having a nice time together in the parlor," said Max.
"You are very kindly thoughtful, Max," returned Violet, with a pleased look, "but I don't care to go down-stairs for some time yet; Gracie begins to look weary, so I shall help her to bed and then answer your father's letter.