[Illustration:  ONE WAY TO BEGIN.]

“All of which I have seen and a part of which I have been,” said Jack.  “I intended to have a lift in this house, but somehow it was left out.”

“Our architect.”  Jill continued, “must be instructed to arrange not only an easy staircase, but there must be a paneled wainscot at the side.  We will dispense with elegance in any other quarter, if need be, in order to have the stairs ample, strong and well protected.  I am not over-anxious to have them ornate, although handsome stairs are very charming if well placed; like many other beautiful things, they become incurably ugly when too obtrusive.  The architect has sent several designs of balustrades from which we are to choose, and gives this advice about the dimensions:  ’As you have plenty of room, the staircase should be four or four and a-half feet wide, so that two people can easily walk over it abreast, I have arranged to make the steps twelve inches wide, besides the projection that forms the finish—­the “nosing”—­and six inches high; that is, six inches “rise” and twelve inches “run.”  Some climbers think this too flat, and perhaps it is in certain situations; but for homes, for easy, leisurely ascent by children and old folks.  I think it better than a steeper pitch.  All large dwelling-houses, and some small ones, ought to be supplied with “passenger elevators,” at least from the first to the second story.  Those who take the rooms still higher are usually able to make the ascent in the common way.  Such an elevator can undoubtedly be made that will be safe and economical, especially where there is an ample water supply.’”

[Illustration:  A BROADSIDE OF AN EASY ASCENT.]

“The safety is the most troublesome part of the problem,” said Jack; “and I can think of no way to overcome the danger of walking off the precipice, when the platform happens to be at the bottom, but by having the car run up an inclined plane.  There would be no more danger of falling down this than down a common stairway, and the car might be fixed so it couldn’t move up or down faster than a walk or a slow trot.”

“Would you like to experiment in the new house?  You may do so—­at your own expense—­if you will promise not to spoil the plan.  Among the designs for the stairs there is one that will be of no service to us—­the screen at the foot of the stairs; our ‘reception’ hall will be separated from the staircase hall by the chimney and the curtains at the sides.”

“I have an idea,” exclaimed Jack, “a truly philanthropic one.  You know we are accumulating a large stock of plans, to say nothing of general information on architectural subjects, which we cannot possibly use ourselves, but which ought not to be wasted.  Now you know Bessie is pining for a mission.”.

“Bessie has gone home.”