CHAPTER I.

THE NEW HOME. PAGE The trunk—What made it so heavy—Jessie’s gold—The Hapley family—The separation—Jessie’s new position—Her mother’s departure—The Pages—Going to work—Ronald’s flag—A patriotic appeal—A job for Jessie—The flag-staff—Ronald’s shrewdness questioned—Some criticisms on the flag—Worth all it cost—Alterations proposed—An unexpected difficulty—How to make an American flag—The repairs completed—The flag hoisted—A surprise—Crying before breakfast—Two sober ones—Jessie in retirement—Traces of tears—Henry’s visit—Homesickness—A dory voyage across the ocean—What Marcus was thinking about—Celebrating Washington’s birth-day—Marcus explains his plan—An objection to a bonfire—The committee of arrangements—Preparations for the celebration—The pictures—Washington and his home—A busy time—The programme—The parlor and the audience—The exercises—The tableau—A scene not in the bill—Sound sleepers, 19