In a few months' time he departed, and after him came a young banker, and then another squire, and a third and a fourth, and goodness knows how many more.

And all of them were great votaries of art, worthy respectable gentlemen every one of them, who were never known to utter an improper word, who kissed mamma's hand, and talked on sensible topics with papa, and bowed as decorously to the girls as if they were young countesses at the very least.

And among them were such merry, amusing young fellows, who would make one die of laughter with their jokes, and teased mamma by going into the kitchen and tasting the dishes, and pocketing the pancakes.

Oh, they were such funny, quizzical young fellows! Four of the Meyer girls were now tall and stately, and all of them as beautiful as could be, and not a year's difference between them.

As they grew up, and their virginal charms developed, Mr.Meyer's house became more and more noisy and frequented.