CHAPTER III.
MONSIEUR BÉRANGER.
It was the half-hour intermission at school; and Marion and Florence had taken Julia Thayer up into their room to give her a taste of some of the goodies they had brought from home with them. Their room was one of the largest in the house, having two deep windows; one in front, the other on the side. The side window faced the west, and in it the girls had placed a very pretty flower-stand filled with plants; an ivy was trained against the side, and a lovely mirandia hung from the top. The front window had a long seat fitted into it, and as it overlooked the street it was here that the girls almost always sat at their work or studies.
"Now, Julie," began Marion, "which will you have, sponge or currant?"
"Why, you are getting awfully stingy!" exclaimed Flo; "give her some of both."
"No, she can't have both; it is altogether too extravagant. This is my treat, and you need not make any comments."
"Well, if I can't have but one, I think I'll try sponge."
"Sensible girl! you knew it would not keep long. There, you shall have an Havana orange to pay you for your consideration."
"Please, ma'am," said Flo, in a voice of mock humility, "may I give her some of my French candies?"
"Yes, if you'll be a very good girl, and never interfere again when I am 'head-cook and bottle-washer.'"