Arrived at your destination, you will probably find that quarters have been assigned to you in hospitable homes. Here, as you are received with friendly greetings, do your utmost to prove that you appreciate the kindness shown. Give as little trouble as possible to your entertainers. Every home has its fixed hours for meals, and visitors should be ready at the moment, so that the hostess shall not be embarrassed in her proceedings by any lack of punctuality in theirs. If prayers in the family are before breakfast, be sure that you rise early enough to attend them, and in every point make your visit a pleasure to those who kindly invite you to be a guest beneath their roof.
In visiting a strange place avail yourself of each opportunity for seeing interesting points, for going to see objects of natural interest, museums, libraries, etc., always, however, visiting these with your own party, or with friends who are responsible for your safety.
You will need very little money on such a journey as I am thinking of, your tickets being procured beforehand, and your only requirement being for small change. The funds of the party should be in the hands of one person, selected before starting, who will act as treasurer on the trip, keeping a strict account of her disbursements, so that she may render it at the journey's end.
Marjorie Daw.—Miss Deland's Oakleigh is, in my opinion, as entertaining a book as Little Women. The Story of a Short Life and Jackanapes were written by Mrs. Ewing, who died some years ago. Grandma's Attic Treasures is by Mary D. Brine.
Marion D.—Send your invitations for the garden party in the shape of informal notes, written in the ordinary way. "Dear Alice,—Come to my party next Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Tea in the garden," or, "My dear Mary,—Will you give me the pleasure of your presence at a lawn-party next Saturday at four o'clock, to meet Miss Elsie Morrow and Miss Nancy Page, of Baltimore." Let your little note be brief but cordial. It is quite proper to write such an invitation on one's visiting-card.
Carrie H. D.—I do not think that a girl should too confidently depend on her friend's opinion that she can write short stories. The only way to really test the matter is to send the stories, written plainly, or type-written, and, of course, on one side of the paper only, with return postage enclosed, to the editor of a paper. A girl should read the best stories she can find, and the best essays and historical sketches too, and be in no haste to publish. I cannot advise a young girl to go upon the stage. She should certainly not think of this, unless her parents and teachers not only fully approve, but also urge her to do so. In my experience girls of all periods are much alike. I think the girls of to-day are not at all silly; in some particulars, as in opportunities for out-door sports, and in excellent health, they surpass the girls of a few years ago. Girls are fascinating creatures, and I dearly love them.
