"You shall learn, darling," Violet said, caressing her with gentle fondness. "Would you like to begin now?"
"Oh, yes, mamma!" cried the child eagerly.
"Then bring me your slate, and I will set you a copy. Max and Lulu, would you like to bring your writing-desks in here, and let me give you any help you may need?"
Both assented to the proposal with thanks, and were presently seated near her, each with open desk, a fresh sheet of paper spread out upon it, and pen in hand.
"I think that until you are a little used to the business, it would be well to compose first with a pencil, then copy in ink," remarked Violet. "And here," taking it from a drawer in her writing-desk, as she spoke, "is some printing paper which takes pencil mark much better than the more highly glazed paper which we use ordinarily in writing letters."
She gave each of them a pile of neatly cut sheets and a nicely sharpened pencil.
They thanked her, and Max set to work at once.
Lulu sat playing with her pencil, her eyes on the carpet. "I don't know how to begin!" she exclaimed presently in an impatient tone. "What shall I say first, Mamma Vi?"
"Write down the date and then—Suppose you dictate to me, if that will be any easier."
"Thank you, ma'am, I think it would till I get into the way of it," Lulu said, handing over her paper and pencil with a sigh of relief.