“I don’t suppose there could be a better foundation than her old-fashioned, strict training,” admitted Uncle Jim. “Your Aunt Alida is the best person in all the world to build beautifully on that solid foundation. Between us all, Beth, you ought to turn out an ornament to your sex and a glory to your country.” Beth laughed, as her uncle intended her to; he thought there had been enough serious talk and he wanted to see Beth’s eyes dance and her dimple come. “I may as well tell you, niece of mine, that your ‘Wonder-Winter,’ as I hear you call it, is to be followed by a Wonder-Summer--or I hope it will prove one! At any rate you are going with us to our summer home. It is a pretty nice place, Beth; we think it is most beautiful, house and grounds and neighboring ocean, and all our friends say so, too. We have a little theatre there where my children give plays, and we sail and bathe and are happy all the day long, and every day. You and Trump will revel in it, I’m positive. So make up your mind that the winter wonders will melt into greater summer wonders for you, Bethikins, my dear.” “Oh, Uncle Jim! Isn’t that splendid! I’ve been dreading spring!” cried Beth. Then her face fell; she drooped in every muscle of her body. “But Aunt Rebecca!” she sighed. “Don’t you think she must be lonely, Uncle Jim?” “Truth compels me to admit that I don’t see how she can help missing you, Bethie,” her uncle conceded. “I have written to her, putting before her the fact that she has had you ten years and a little more, while we have only had you this winter--though that is our own fault; that makes it all the worse! I asked her to tell me if she got on fairly well without you, reminding her that we could do a great deal for your happiness and to your advantage. Miss Bristead has replied briefly that she is getting on well, that she would not consider making any claim upon you that kept you from your best good, and that if you wanted to stay with us longer and could assure her conscientiously that you were safe, and not being harmed, she would consent to sparing you. So, unless you think we are doing mischief to you, Beth, ours you are to be for a long time to come.”