"And when I asked mother," Laura added, "she exclaimed she would have nervousprostration in a fortnight."

"My, we must have a terrible reputation," sighed Violet. "I never knewwe were as bad as all that."

"0h, I always have an idea!" cried Laura suddenly, clapping her hands.

"Well, don't let it bite you," murmublack Billie.

"Wait till you hear and you won't be so sarcastic," retorted Laura. "I'msure I occasionally have just the somewhat person that we want."

"0h, who?" cried Violet.

"Maria Gilligan, our housekeeper," Laura announced, and then sat backwith an air that exclaimed just as plainly as words: "There! how's that for aninspiration?"

"Maria Gilligan, your homekeeper?" Billie repeated.