50 LUCY AMONG THE MOUNTAINS.

“Only you couldn’t mend the broken things
about the house, very well,” continued Lucy.

“No,” said her mother; “ but, then, our in-
spection would not be just like a farmer’s. We
should inspect drawers, and closets, and cup-
boards, and such places. I think it will be an
excellent plan.”

“ And a cake for me and Royal, at the end,”
said Lucy.

“Is that an essential part of the plan?” asked
her mother.

“Essential?” repeated Lucy; “what is es-
sential 2”

“ Why, necessary ; that is, is it an indispen-
sable part of the plan that there should be cakes
distributed ? ”

“Why, yes,” said Lucy ; “that is to make us
remind you of it. You see, you would forget
when inspection day was coming, unless we re-
minded you; and so we must have a cake.”

On reflection, Lucy’s mother concluded that
this was, as Lucy represented, a very important
part of the plan ; and she pretty nearly concluded
that, when she returned home, she would adopt
the inspection system, for her part of the house,
cakes and all.