“Well, what would they wish for? I can do something towards preparing them, and I can teach Thekla, but I should like to know what you think would be best for them.” “Vera’s strong point is music,” said Agatha. “She cares for that more than anything else, and Mr. Selby thought she had talent and might sing, only she must not strain her voice. I don’t believe she will do much in any other line. And Polly—she is very good, and always does her best because it is right, but I don’t think anything is any particular pleasure to her, except needlework. She is always wanting to make things for the church. She really has a better voice than Flapsy, and can play better, but that is because she is so much steadier.” “Seventeen and sixteen, are they not?” “Yes; but Polly seems ever so much older than Flapsy.” “Mrs. Best showed me that she had higher marks. She must be a thoroughly good girl.” “That she is,” cried Agatha, warmly. “She never had any task for getting into mischief.” “Well, they are both so young that a little study with me will be good for them, and there will be time to judge what they are fit for. In art I think they are not much interested.” “Paula draws pretty well, but Vera hates it. Old Mr. Delrio is always cross to her now; but—” Agatha stopped short, remembering that there might be a reason why the drawing master no longer made her a favourite pupil. “Do you think him a good judge?” “Yes; Mrs. Best thinks much of him. He had an artist’s education, and sometimes has a picture in the Water Colour Exhibition; but I believe he did not find it answer, and so he took our school of art.” Agatha had talked sensibly throughout the conference, but not confidentially; much, in fact, as she would have discussed her sisters with Mrs. Best. She was glad that at the moment the sound of the piano set them listening. She did not feel bound to mention to “sister” any more than she would to the head mistress, that when staying at Mr. Waring’s country house a sort of semi-flirtation had begun with Hubert Delrio, a young man to whose education his father had sacrificed a great deal, and who was a well-informed and intelligent gentleman in all his ways. He had engaged himself to the great firm of Eccles and Beamster, ecclesiastical decorators, and might be employed upon the intended frescoes of St. Kenelm’s Church. Ought “Sister” to be told?