THE NORTHCROFT LILIES.

so; and Miss Campion said Nancy was not very well,
the spring weather tried her."
 Dear me, Gertrude you are very quick with your
figures this morning," said Effie, who knew quite well
that Gertrude very much disliked arithmetic.
 Set the heart to guide the head, and there is no
knowing what may be done," said papa; and Gertrude
treasured up his words.
 And who is to gather these 'heaps' of lilies ?"
 "Oh, papa, I will !" exclaimed Gertrude.
 "And me too!" said Lottie.
 Gertrude had not thought of this. She was apt to
be rather selfish, even in her generosity; and as she
had lain awake planning all about the lilies no one had
entered into her mind to help in the scheme but her-
self. But the selfish thought was gone in a moment,
and she answered, Thank you, Lottie."
 But Effie must be considered," said Mrs. Layton;
"I can't allow another holiday this week, and if you
spend a day in the woods you must have school on
Saturday."
 I should not mind, mamma."
 "No, but Effie might."
 "Oh, she won't, I'm sure; will you, Effe ?"
 Effie did not, as a rule, like to be put out of the
way when her plans for regular work were made; and
she had, in her own mind, fixed some employment for
the week's one free day. But with two such eager
faces before her she forgot her methodical exactness,
and said cheerfully, "I don't mind, mamma; one day
is as good as another."
 "Oh, thank you, Effie."
 "Then we may go to-day ?"
 "Yes, as soon as you like; and I will give you a
hamper that will hold a great many lilies."