madam won't be very particular about what you write to me, if you are a good child."

"I know she will. I saw fussiness in her face. She's sure to be strict and prim, and I shall be so miserable." Here Kitty began to cry over her woes.

It was a habit of hers to have a great many troubles, and to be very much afflicted about trifles, for she had not a real trial in the world, except her own fidgety little self.

As she sat on her trunk, with all her possessions scattered about her, and one great tear on the end of her nose (she couldn't squeeze out another to save her life), she was a very pathetic object; and mamma felt so tender about losing her that she could not make light of this grief, as she often did when Kitty wept over some trifle.

All of a sudden a bright idea came into her head, for mothers' wits are usually sharper than other people's where their children are concerned. Up she got, and hurrying to her desk pulled out a box of many-colored note paper, with envelopes to match, saying, as she showed them with a smile: "I've thought of a nice plan, a sort of joke between us. Come here, and I'll tell you about it."

So Kitty wiped away her one tear, and ran to hear the new plan, full of curiosity and interest; for pretty papers are always attractive, and mamma looked as if the joke was going to be a funny one.

"I will fill your little portfolio with these, and for each color we will have a different meaning, which I shall understand. Let me see. When you are well and happy, use this pink paper; when you are homesick, take the blue; if you want goodies, use the green; and if you don't feel well, take the violet. idea, Puss?"

How do you like the

"It's regularly splendid! I do love to have secrets, and this will be such a nice one, all private, between our two selves. Mamma, you are a perfect dear, and I'll send you a letter every week. It will be such fun to write it all prim and proper, and let madam see it, and then have it tell you all about me by the color."

And Kitty danced about the room, till the little blue bow on the top of her head stood straight up as if with excitement.

So the portfolio was fitted out in great style, and Kitty felt as proud as you please, for other girls did n't have colored note papers, much less private jokes with their mammas.

The new arrangement made her quite willing to go; and all that day she kept looking at her mother with twinkling eyes, and the last thing she said, as the carriage drove away, was, "Don't forget what pink, blue, green, and violet mean, mamma.'

The first week was a hard one, for everything was new, and the rules were rather strict. Kitty did her best for the honor of her family, but sometimes her woes did seem

heavier than she could bear, especially French verbs, and getting up very early.

So when Saturday came, and the home letters were to be written, she longed to pour out her full heart to dear mamma, but did not dare to do it, for madam went about among the girls, suggesting, correcting, and overseeing their productions as if they were nothing but compositions.

"Remember, my dears, these three rules when you are writing letters: always put in something about your Heavenly Father, the progress of your studies, and your duty to parents and teachers.

"None of these important points have been touched upon in your epistle, Miss Catherine; therefore, as it is much blotted, I desire you to rewrite it, making these additions. Here is an example of the proper style"; and madam laid a model letter before poor Kitty, who muttered to herself, as she read it: "I might as well write a sermon, and done with it. Papa will laugh, and mamma won't get one bit of news from it. I'll let her know how unhappy I am, anyway.'

So Kitty took out her bluest paper (the homesick color, you know), and produced the following letter, which madam approved and sent:

My dear Mamma:

With every sentiment which affection can suggest, I hasten to inform you that I am well, and trust you, also, and my honored father are enjoying the best of blessings, robust health.

I am endeavoring to prove, by diligence and good conduct, my gratitude for the advantages now offered me, and trust that my progress may be a source of satisfaction to my parents and teachers, as well as profitable to myself in years to come.

Madam is most kind to me, and my schoolmates are agreeable and friendly young ladies. That I may merit their affection and respect is the sincere wish of my heart, for friendship adds a charm to life, and strengthens the most amiable sentiments of the youthful mind.

As Monday is your birthday, please accept this little picture as a token of my love, with best wishes for many happy returns of the day. May our Heavenly Father, in His infinite goodness, long preserve you to us, and when this earthly pilgrimage is over, may your landing be on that happy shore where naught but bliss can meet you, and where your virtues will receive the recompense which they

deserve.

I desire much to see you, but do not repine, since you deem it best to send me from you for a time. Our meeting will be the more delightful for this separation, and time soon flies when profitably employed.

Please give my love to all, especially my papa, and believe me, dear mamma,

Your ever dutiful and affectionate daughter,

CATHERINE AUGUSTA MURRY

"It's perfectly awful," said Kitty to herself, as she read it over; and so it was, but madam was an oldfashioned lady, and had been brought up to honor her parents in the old-fashioned way. Letters like that were written in her youth, and she saw no occasion to change. the style for what she called the modern slipshod mixture of gossip and slang.