Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/260

254 window, and she reads, till it is time to lay the cloth for dinner. After that she lies down, and I go into the arbour in the garden, where there is now a wooden table. For the next hour I am trying to teach Hannah, and Mary, to write and count, but they don't learn very fast. To be sure, you will say that they have not had time. Mary too is teaching me to plait straw, and I like doing it very much.

"Then I get the tea ready, and, Mamma and I take another walk, but I walk more than she does.

"Then I read till bed-time, or talk to Mamma, but I am afraid she misses your reading aloud to her.

"Ah, dear Fanny, I wish we were as rich as we have been! but there are many poor children starving, and, if I could see you, I should be quite happy. Mamma says I may give her love, but she is going to write the last page herself. Good bye dear, dear, Fanny,

"Your affectionate sister,

""