of smoke came from the pedestal of the figure, and the goddess of
Liberty fell off and broke her nose on the fender! Maria was quite
alarmed, but it looked so ridiculous, that James and I went off into
fits of laughter, and even papa was amused. When we examined it, we
found it was a sort of alarum clock, and that, if you set it to a
particular hour, and put some gunpowder and a cap under a little
hammer, it went off whenever you wanted. Papa said it must not
remain in the library, as it made a noise, so Reggie carried it away
to the schoolroom, and does nothing but have small explosions all
day long. Do you think Arthur would like one for a wedding present?
I suppose they are quite fashionable in London. Papa says they
should do a great deal of good, as they show that Liberty can't
last, but must fall down. Papa says Liberty was Invented at the time
of the French Revolution. How awful it seems!
'I have now to go to the Dorcas, where I will read them your
most instructive letter. How true, dear aunt, your idea is, that in
