Jo was very much relieved that one of his virtuous fits should come on just then, and made her preparations with a lightened
heart, -- for Beth seemed more cheerful, -- and hoped she was
doing the best for all.

"One thing I leave to your especial care," she said, the night
before she left.

"You mean your papers?" asked Beth.

"No, my boy. Be very good to him, won't you?"

"Of course I will; but I can't fill your place, and he'll miss
you sadly."

"It won't hurt him; so remember, I leave him in your charge,
to plague, pet, and keep in order."

"I'll do my best, for your sake," promised Beth, wondering
why Jo looked at her so queerly.

When Laurie said "Good-by," he whispered significantly, "It won't do a bit of good, Jo. My eye is on you; so mind
what you do, or I'll come and bring you home."

" NEW YORK, November.

"DEAR MARMEE AND BETH, --

"I'm going to write you a regular volume, for I 've got heaps
to tell, though I 'm not a fine young lady travelling on the
continent. When I lost sight of father's dear old face, I felt
a trifle blue, and might have shed a briny drop or two, if an
Irish lady with four small children, all crying more or less,
had n't diverted my mind; for I amused myself by dropping
gingerbread nuts over the seat every time they opened their
mouths to roar.

"Soon the sun came out, and taking it as a good omen, I
cleared up likewise, and enjoyed my journey with all my heart."

"Mrs. Kirke welcomed me so kindly I felt at home at once,

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