Allie's dark eyes grew darker. Imperiously she cried: "All right! But let me say this my own way. It won't be right or elegant, but you'll understand. And that's what we got to have first off--a good understanding. After I've said it, you can rub it down and curry it. I been watching you like a hawk, Miz' Ring, and you're just what he said you was. You got everything I want, but--I can't go so slow; I got to get it quick--quickly. You been teaching me to read and talk, and how to laugh, and how to set--sit--but we been _playing_. We got to _work_! Oh, I know I'm forgetting everything for a minute. Miz' Ring, I gotta learn how to act pretty and talk pretty and _look_ pretty. And I gotta learn how, _quick_." "You are a fine-looking girl as it is, Allegheny." "Oh, I guess I look _dressed up_, but I'm awkward. I'm stiff as a hired hand, and I fall over my feet. Look at 'em. Biggest live things in the world without lungs! I got to get slim and graceful--" "I'll teach you a setting-up routine, if you wish, although it is scarcely in my line. Goodness knows you don't need physical culture." "But I do," cried the girl. "Very well. Riding is a smart accomplishment. Can you ride a horse?" "Pshaw! I can carry a horse." "You'd look well in a habit, and with baths, massage, dancing, and a little diet I dare say you can reduce." "I'll starve," Allie asserted, fiercely. "But that ain't half enough. You gotta give me more studyin'. I got callouses on my hands and I'm used to work. We'll get up at daylight-" "Good heavens!" Mrs. Ring exclaimed, faintly. "You learn me how to do the sitting-up things first off, then I'll do 'em alone. Ride me hard, Miz' Ring. I'll remember. I'll work; you won't have to tell me twice. But I gotta make speed. I 'ain't got the time other girls have." "My dear child, all this cannot be done in a day, a week, a month." "How long you allow it will take?" The elder woman shrugged. "Years, perhaps." "Years?" "Real culture, social accomplishments, are the results of generations of careful training. I'm not a miracle worker. But why this impatience?" "I got-" "I have." "I have a reason. I can't take a generation; I'd be too late." "Too late for what?" But Allie refused to answer. "We'll start in to-day and we'll work double tower till one of us plays out. What d'you say?"