had decided that to raise the neededhighest esteem and formerly been one of his most liberal supporters in church work, was quite interested in the shy girl's account of "' Molly's Venture " as she called it and when Nan, as she proceeded, told how much they hoped to accomplish by aid of the bees and that even then they had honey for sale, the kind hearted lady entered into the project at once and said she would gladly buy the dozen boxes and that in the fall she would like to purchase a winter's supply of both comb and extracted honey. So Nan called Rob and he brought in the dozen pounds of pure golden honey and received the three dollars and sixty cents which Mrs. Fry gave him, with thanks. Then the lady asked the children many questions about their mother, their home and school life, and especially about their new industry, and at parting said she expected her nephew, Ned Stearns, soon to spend the summer with her and she wanted, when he came, to have a garden party and have them all out to see her. What a joyous description of their kind reception Nan and Rob gave to Tom during their homeward drive can well be imagined, and when on their return they showed the money they had received, and told of the garden party, which was to take place, there was a general rejoicing, and the thought arose in Mollie's mind : "I wonder what Ned Stearns will think of my business project." Fourth of July morning dawned auspiciously. The boys were up by daybreak, and, with their companions, by noisy demonstrations, had awakened the whole neighborhood. Tom had suggested that, as John Pierce and his companions were to have a lemon-dae stand at the picnic, he and the Graham boys might have a stand for the sale of honey, and in that way they might advantageously advertise their bee business. Accordingly, Molly put up two dozen pound boxes of the best honey in a basket, and Tom and the Grahams had started off right after breakfast in the pony cart, carrying with them the honey and a large box, which, covered nicely with a new piece of marble oil cloth, was to serve as their stand. John Graham was to bring back the pony cart, while James was to remain with Tom and assist him as salesman. At ii o'clock Mrs. Heath, Nan and Teddy were to be driven by John to Forest Hill in the carryall, with a bountiful luncheon stowed away in baskets under the seat, while Molly, with Mary and Bessie Graham, were to be rooved over by Rob in his little boat, carrying with them the croquet set, which, on such occasions, was always in demand. The sun shown brightly, and all were in the best of spirits. The Heath children's happiness was greatly increased by seeing the sunny smiles which wreathed the faces of the little Grahams. A great treat indeed it was for the little tenement children to spend a whole day away from the close atmosphere of their dingy home, and Molly, always light-hearted, was the life of the party, caring for every one, and by her usual tact and unselfishness, bringing a joyous gladness to all with whom she came in contact. Rob, adming Molly, tried to imitate her in kindly ways, and the two were un-wearied in their efforts in providing games for the amusement of the children, and in seeing that the wants of the elderly folks were all supplied. Tom, the bustling man of business, was on the alert for customers, and when he had enticed any of the curious passers-by to stop and purchase, he answered their questions so politely, and gave them so much information respecting the Heath Apiary, that they invariably said they would like to know more about it, and would give Rose-croft an early call. In the evening the children of the neighborhood had a gale time with the fireworks, and Rose-croft had never looked pretine than it did on that occasion, with its festoon of bright colored lanterns, and its illumination of red and blue lights. No doubt Ned Stearns felt its attraction as he drove up to the gate and offered his services in the roman candle line, and then lingered awhile on the porch after the children had departed. A fairy scene in truth it appeared to the * [78]**THE BEE-KEEEPERS' MAGAZINE.**