It was a rather pretty little picture, for the sisters sat together in the shady nook, with sun and shadow flickering over them, the aromatic wind lifting their hair and cooling their hot cheeks, and all the little wood people going on with their affairs as if these were no strangers but old friends. Meg sat upon her cushion, sewing daintily with her white hands, and looking as fresh and sweet as a rose in her pink dress among the green. Beth was sorting the cones that lay thick under the hemlock near by, for she made pretty things with them. Bring on your bears. The story was not a long one, and when it was finished, he ventured to ask a few questions as a reward of merit. I wanted to amuse him one night when you were all away, and he was rather dismal. Never mind, it saves trouble now. Well, we have tried not to waste our holiday, but each has had a task and worked at it with a will. For the fun of it we bring our things in these bags, wear the old hats, use poles to climb the hill, and play pilgrims, as we used to do years ago. The sun was low, and the heavens glowed with the splendor of an autumn sunset. I want to fly away at once, as those swallows fly, and go in at that splendid gate. I only wish we may all keep well and be together, nothing else. Brooke had worn when he told the story of the knight. What a venerable party! Brooke has, by being respected and loved. And how he provides now for an old woman who nursed his mother, and never tells anyone, but is just as generous and patient and good as he can be. He thought she was just perfect, and talked about it for days and days, and went on about you all in flaming style. If you have been good, he looks satisfied and walks briskly. You are so kind to us, we feel as if you were our brother and say just what we think.