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The insect youth are on the wing,

Eager to taste the honeyed spring,

And float ahtly on the torrent ski to the sun

--GRAY

Though hours were early, themeal was not served till so late as really to deserve the title of breakfast

When the three sisters sat down at nine-o'clock, in er in white dresses, all had been up at least two hours Aurelia led forward little Eugene in a tailed red coat, long-breasted buff waistcoat, buff tights and knitted stockings, with a deep frilled collar under the flowing locks on his shoulders, in curls which e hily-bound books which had served poor Archie before him They were deposited on the -seat to wait till the bowls of bread and milk were discussed, since tea and coffee were only a special afternoon treat not considered as wholesome for children; so that Aurelia had only just been pro with powder and fan

Harriet wore her favourite pistachio ribbon round her cap and as a breast-knot, and her cheeks bore token of one of the various washes hich she was always striving to regain the s what this betokened, an elder-sisterly instinct of caution actuated Betty to reee of a setting of white duck's eggs for one of five-toed fowls, and to request theed to be of the party; but Harriet pouted, and asked why the "odd boy" could not be sent

"Because, as you very well know, if he did not break, he would addle, every egg in the basket

"There can be no need to go to-day"

"The speckled hen is clocking to brood, and she is the best mother in the yard Besides, it is tiive you soerbread for noonchin, so that you may fill your baskets in the ive you a drink of ives us bread and honey! And I want to hear the lapwings in theinto the river," said Harriet, rather fretfully