100 MADGE’S MISTAKE,

before us. “If only there had been a shower
in the night,” says Aunt to Miss M., “it would
have cleared ¢he air and laid the dust,’—
dust was Aunt’s bitterest foe.

“Tt is really dreadful,” groans Freda, as
she pushes her plate from before her and
leans back in her chair, “I am sure it is,
hotter than ever this morning.”

“Tl see what the thermometer says,” I
ery, and jumping up I go into the hall.

We have become quite accustomed to
ways and manners, in Father’s short absence,
which would be considered quite treasonable
could he see us. I am really glad to sce
that the figure is no less than 97 degrecs,
and carry this news into the dining-room,
quite triumphantly.

Jack and Gip take my view of the case
and seem pleased to hear that it is really as
hot as it seems.

Freda and Tiny, however, grumble more
than ever. “Just think what it will be,”
they cry in a breath, “baking in those
glaring gardens,”