On the morrow, lessons were to begin seriously, and some seemed to think it almost a hanging matter, so doleful did they look. They were to have that part of the room nearest the door, as being lighter and more airy. The maids had the rest of the room for laying the meals, while Schillie and I had to dispose of ourselves any way we could, so it was out of the way.
We had a long conversation on this particular morning, which I began by saying, "We must now begin to think of making discoveries, and storing food against the rainy weather."
Schillie.—"Good woman, how fidgety you are. I do think you might allow me a little rest after building that horrid house and labouring so hard."
Mother.—"But we shall look so silly if we have nothing to eat, and it is impossible to get out during the wet weather."
Schillie.—"That's granted, I cannot abide wet weather."
Mother.—"Then making discoveries is your principal delight; and you may combine amusement and use together."
Schillie.—"A thing I abominate. I hate joining two things, and I cannot be amused when all the time I am thinking I am so useful."
Mother.—"Then sit down here, while I go and perpetrate this horrid crime!"
Schillie.—"Now, June, you are going too far, as if I would suffer you to stir a yard without me; you will be tumbling over some precipice, get eaten up by a huge turtle, or light on another great snake. Now, come along, what's the first discovery we are to make?"
Mother.—"That's more than I can settle, because I am quite in the dark at present about what we require. But, if you must have a decided answer, pray discover some shoes and boots."