Somewhat disturbed by this unexpected summons, she laid aside her work, removed her dainty white apron, then, with heightened color, but a dignified mien, she bent her steps toward the room where she had been received upon her arrival, and which she had not entered since. Upon opening the door, she was surprised to find sitting, in confidential communication with Mr. Coolidge, Mr. Alcott, the gentleman whose acquaintance she had made in the reading-room two evenings previous. She bowed slightly to him, and then turned to Mr. Coolidge, who had arisen as she entered, and now greeted her in courteous tones. “My father-in-law, Mr. Alcott, Miss Douglas,” he said, by way of introduction, and Brownie now understood his start of surprise when she gave him her address. “Be seated, Miss Douglas, if you please,” her employer continued, placing a chair for her. She sat down and folded her little hands in her lap. Both gentlemen noticed her ladylike and self-possessed demeanor, and inwardly commented upon it. “Miss Douglas, Mr. Alcott has done nothing but rehearse your accomplishments since his meeting with you night before last,” said Mr. Coolidge, with an affable smile. “If what he says is true,” the gentleman continued, “and I have no doubt it is, since he is amply qualified to judge, this factory is no place for you.” Was she to be turned away on account of her little knowledge? “One cannot always control one’s circumstances, sir,” she said, quietly. “True; I understand you, Miss Douglas. But it may be in the power of others to control them for you in a measure. Now, I have a proposal to make to you. If I understood Mr. Alcott correctly, you would like to teach?” “Indeed, I should like it very much, sir.” “Very well. My family contemplate going abroad in about one week; the steamer sails the tenth, I believe. We have been trying for several weeks to find some person competent to superintend the education of my two younger daughters, and act as a sort of companion and interpreter for them during their travels. Now, will you accept this position and accompany us to Europe?” “How long do you contemplate remaining abroad?” Brownie asked, after a few moments spent in thought, and greatly surprised at this offer. “A year, at least; probably longer, if the girls and their mother enjoy it.” “How old are your daughters, Mr. Coolidge?” “Viola is sixteen, Alma is fourteen. I have another who is twenty, but I believe she considers her education completed, although I think she said something about studying the languages a little more while she is abroad.” “Have the young ladies completed any course as yet?” Brownie asked, wishing to know something of their attainments before deciding. “No; I regret to say, they have not. Their mother was unwilling they should attend any public institution, so they have had private teachers, and I am afraid they have not improved their advantages as they should have done.”