"Who can affirm positively that they are never utilized? Even the shallowest boarding-school Miss may carry herself more gracefully in society than one of your usefulest women--Mrs. Blake, for instance." "How do you know anything about Mrs. Blake?" he asked abruptly. "I met her on the train when I came here and she talked some time with me." "It is not usual for persons in your position to permit such liberties." "I thought in America all were reckoned equal." "You are not an American." "Shall I return then to Europe? I could always travel first-class, and so be safe from vulgar intrusion." "Until your majority your father decided that your home was to be here after you left school." "At what age do I attain my majority?" I asked eagerly. "Are you tired of Oaklands?" His eyes were watching me intently. "Never, until to day." I faltered, exceedingly frightened, but forced to tell the truth. He turned over the leaves of the Caesar for a few seconds, in silence, then he said in quite gentle tones:-- "You are tired; we will leave books for another day." I bowed, but dared not trust myself to speak lest I might reveal that my tears were struggling to find vent, and began gathering up my sketches. He took up a view of Oaklands over which I had lingered lovingly for a good many hours, adding what I fondly thought were perfecting touches and said:-- "I should like to keep this, if you will give it to me." My heart instantly grew lighter, so that I was able to say quite calmly that he was very welcome to it. This, however, was the only compliment he paid me for the work over which I had been expending so much time and effort during the past few months; but I had done the work much in the same fashion that the birds sing--from instinct. CHAPTER VIII. MRS. LARKUM. Hubert left for college before the time came around for the distribution of our ripened fruit, and vegetables, for which fact I was very glad. I knew the task was going to be no easy one, with Mr. Winthrop silently, and no doubt sarcastically, watching me; and Hubert's good humored raillery would in no wise lighten my cares. Mrs. Flaxman counseled me as wisely as she knew, but Mrs. Blake was my greatest help in the matter. Mr. Winthrop had not discovered, or if he had, did not interfere with my continued friendship for that worthy woman; so in my present perplexities I came to her for advice and consolation. She promised to notify all her poor acquaintances when they were to come for their share of our gifts; she assured me there was already considerable interest, as well as surprise, awakened by the expectation of such a gathering at Oaklands.