Cousin Harold gave permission, and away went the happy children who were enemies such a short time before, but had been made friends by a few "soft words." BY A LITTLE GIRL. [Illustration: SOME OF MISS MERWYN'S SCHOLARS.] [Illustration: The P. S. CORNER] SEE here, my Blossoms, keep your thoughts carefully fixed on what I am going to tell you, so that you will understand, and not have to ask me any questions. Sometimes, you know, when mamma is talking to you, you only half listen, and pretty soon you say: "O, mamma, what did you say? I didn't quite understand." You mean, "I was thinking about something else." Now! Attention! If you, my Blossom, have received, with your badge, a letter signed "Pansy" in which I have answered your questions, and given you greeting, you of course will not expect me to reply to your letter again in THE PANSY. Because people do not receive two replies to one letter, now do they? But if, on the contrary, you have received through my secretary, your badge, and a line stating that your letter will be answered in THE PANSY, in due time, why, then look out for it; though when its turn will come is more than I can tell you; the truth is, there are at least a _thousand_ letters now awaiting answers! If some of you get gray before I can reach you with a letter, you will not blame me, will you? Because, really and truly, I am doing my _very_ best; and I answer privately all the letters I possibly can, so that you will not have to wait so long. Meantime, I expect each of you to show how patient and unselfish a Pansy Blossom can be in this matter, as well as in larger ones. I wish you a very pleasant Fourth of July. I hope it will be "independence day" to you; that you will each prove yourselves free from every chain which Satan can think of to try to throw around you on that day. If you feel like writing to tell me how you spent the day, and what one thing you did in it to give some one a happy time, whom you thought might else be forgotten, I shall be very glad to hear the stories. Remember to send your letters to Chautauqua, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and my secretary who is there, will see that I receive them promptly. And now, good-by once more, until August. Lovingly, PANSY. * * * * * _Violet_ from Maine. So violets can blossom in your State in the midst of a snowstorm! I am glad; and I hope it is a very sweet flower. Still I see the weeds trouble you. The one you mention, grows very fast, unless constantly watched. Don't let it hurt the perfume of your blossom.