the windows; and the broad, low sills were cushioned, making pleasant
places to sit in.

"It will be just a pleasure to study in such a place as this," cried
Max, rubbing his hands with satisfaction, and smiling all over his face.

"Indeed it will! especially with such a teacher as we are to have,"
chimed in Lulu.

"Oh, I'm just in ever such a hurry to begin!" said Grace. "Papa, which
is my desk?"

"They are exactly alike," he said. "I thought of having yours made a
trifle lower than the others, but concluded to give you a foot-rest
instead, as you will soon grow tall enough to want it the height it now
is. Max and Lulu, shall we give your little sister the first choice, as
she is the youngest?"

"Yes, indeed, papa! yes, indeed!" they both answered with hearty good
will, Max adding, "And Lu must have the next, if you please, papa."

That matter being speedily settled, the next question was when school
was to begin. They were all three asking it.

"You may have your choice--we will put it to vote--whether we will begin
to-morrow morning, or not till Monday," replied their father;
"to-morrow, you will remember, is Thursday: we will begin school
regularly at nine o'clock each morning; and it is to last four hours,
not including five or ten minutes at the end of every hour for rest."