Two little girls, rejoicing in the names of Mary and MaimÉe, were one summer recommended to visit the sea-shore, to regain the health and strength which they had lost by too steady an application to study. After being duly prepared, one by the "Good Aunt," whom every body knew and loved for her many acts of disinterestedness; the other by a most excellent mother, they both started off with friend "Maimiotti" for a snug little nook at Lynn.

Wild was the delight of the trio, as they took up their comfortable quarters with the good-natured fisherman; and never were they tired of gazing at the beautiful expanse of waters spread before them. Many were the plans formed for that week of leisure, and unbounded freedom; certainly enough to fill up six common months, and for a while, what to do first was a difficult question.

However, moderation, or "A happy Medium," was to be their motto; and though they were their own mistresses, with liberty to do just what they pleased, they showed a wonderful instance of self-government, and were pleased to do right. Whether this is difficult or not, I leave to the decision of certain scholars, who have enjoyed a similar pleasure, when controlling themselves during the temporary absence of the Queen Bee.

Every day Mary, MaimÉe and "Maimiotti" were up bright and early before breakfast; and after a brisk walk on the beach, or in the surrounding woods, they returned with fine appetites and an inexhaustible supply of spirits.

When proper attention had been bestowed upon the arrangement of their rooms, they passed a portion of their time aiding the fisherman's wife in the homely details of house-keeping; sometimes holding the little baby, and sometimes devoting themselves to the amusement of sick Kitty B., who was always pleased with the attention.

After this wholesome discipline, they sat down to their sewing with renewed interest, and while one read aloud, accomplished wonders of work with their fast flying needles, unconscious of the flight of time.

At length the hour for the bath, with its important and interesting preparations arrived. After decking themselves in the most fantastic costumes, great was the frolic at "the Cradle," as they gambolled in the waters like so many sea-nymphs; but vainly striving to emulate them in the art of swimming.

A nap and the duties of the toilet followed this delightful exhilaration; for they considered a tidy exterior indispensable to their comfort and pleasure, even in their retirment from all social life. At their meals a constant flow of lively conversation, and never ceasing jokes enlivened the hour; while at the same time, a graceful attention to the wants of those around them marked their refinement, and made them the pets of the household. They all seemed to remember the infinite power of good manners, and in their wildest fun never overstepped the bounds of a becoming propriety.

In the afternoon, a little more reading, letters and journal-writing filled up the time, till cooler hours allowed another ramble on the rocks, or a stroll after the sweet wild flowers in the woods around. And famous were the collections of Iceland moss, sea-shells, pebbles and pressed flowers, made by those indefatigable bodies for "the dear ones at home."

Every day brought some new pleasure, and though apart from the throng of gay visitors around them, they were never weary of their simple life; and their happy hearts were a constant offering of gratitude to the Giver of all the fair and glorious things in the world about them. The sunset clouds, the flight of birds, the brilliancy of the sea and sky, the bracing air and the soft moonlight, filled their hearts with good and holy feelings; and without knowing it, they were made better by the beauty of Nature.

The building of a stone cottage near by, was the source of constant interest; and many were the pleasant visits to its various apartments, decorated with all the appliances of wealth and taste. By the aid of a kind gentleman's camera, a perfect drawing of the cottage, and a pretty little bird's eye view of the shore were obtained; but better than all, an original sketch of their humble cot was taken, as a memento of those sunny hours.

Fishing for cod and haddock with the skipper in his dory, sea-sickness notwithstanding, was one of their rare occasions of enjoyment. Then the delightful trip to Nahant, in a sail boat, will long be remembered by those hardy adventurers, one of whom almost pitched the merry crew into the briny deep, as the stout fisherman pushed the little bark homeward against the resisting winds and waves.

But last, though not least in their annals, was the grand "Clam bake," when "all the folks" from far and near, came to have a good time, and eat as much baked fish, boiled lobsters and hot clams as possible. One of the party, carried away by the spirit of the occasion, and imitating the example of those around, forgot the motto of the week and ate too many clams. As a necessary consequence she forfeited a delicious bath; thereby proving that every excess is followed by the loss of some anticipated enjoyment, and worse than all, by an accompanying loss of self-respect.