It was afternoon of their first school day, and the little girls had just repaired to the school-room in obedience to directions given them on their dismissal for the morning.
All the ladies of the family were there, gathered cosily about the fire and the table at which Grandma Elsie was busily cutting out garments that seemed to be intended for a child, yet were of coarser, heavier material than any of the family were accustomed to wearing.
"Perhaps you may change your mind by that time," she answered Lulu, with pleasant tone and smile; "and I hope you will find it more agreeable now than you expect. You are a kind-hearted little girl, I know, and when I tell you these clothes are for a little Indian girl who needs them sadly, I am quite sure you will be glad to help in making them."
Lulu's brow cleared. "Yes, ma'am," she said with a little hesitation, "if I could sew nicely, but I can't."
"The more need to learn then, dear. Mamma Vi is basting a seam for you, and will show you how to sew it."
"And when we all get started there'll be some nice story read aloud, won't there, mamma?" asked Rosie.
"Yes; your sister Elsie will be the reader to-day, and the book Scott's 'Lady of the Lake.'"
"Oh, how nice!" cried Rosie in delight; "it's such a lovely book, and sister Elsie's such a beautiful reader."
"In my little sister's opinion," laughed Mrs. Leland.
"And that of all present, I presume," said "Grandma Rose."