"Yes; Marion's hint is a good one, and I will certainly take it into consideration," said Mrs. Campbell. "You see, Marion, the only person who could write such a book is one of the teachers who have been engaged in the work of the school and lived among the people; but I will certainly think the matter over."
The next day Mrs. Campbell was engaged in unpacking and disposing of her possessions and distributing the presents she had brought home. Marion was delighted with a string of large and finely-cut amber beads and a bottle of genuine otto of rose, nor was the heiress of the McGregors above being gratified with a box of Rabat-Lookoom. For the benefit of such unfortunate people as have no friends in Turkey, I will explain that Rabat-Lookoom is a delectable kind of marmalade or paste, made, I believe, of the juice of figs and other fruits. It is known to city confectioners as Turkish fig-paste.
"Are you going to school to-day?" asked Mrs. Campbell.
"Yes, I suppose so," answered Marion, in a somewhat discontented tone. "If one stays out, one is behind all the others just so far. Then, when it comes to review day, there is just so much more to do, for Miss Oliver never will let us miss a lesson."
"Miss Oliver is a very thorough teacher," remarked Aunt Baby. "There, Marion! Your dinner-basket is all ready, and I wish at noon-time you would go round to Barton's and ask him to send up a barrel of flour, six pounds of white sugar, and a box each of cloves, pepper, and cinnamon. Can you remember all that?"
"Yes, I suppose so," answered Marion. "Good-bye, Aunt Christian."
"If I finish my unpacking in time, I will walk down to meet you," said Mrs. Campbell. "I have a string of olive-wood beads for Grandfather Beaubien which I must carry myself. I suppose the old man is living still?"
"Yes, but very old and feeble," answered Miss Barbara. "Tone's disgrace nearly killed him."
"Has he become a Protestant?"
"Not avowedly, but he comes to church sometimes in fine weather and reads the French Bible which Mrs. Tremaine gave him. I think the old man is a very good Christian according to his lights. He has brought up his children well. Poor Tone is the only black sheep in the flock, and old Michael has been wonderfully kind and patient with his daughter-in-law, poor perverse woman that she is."