"A growing girl has such an infinite amount to learn," said Miss Falconer; "the growth of her threefold nature demands it. Mysie is past the age for pretty fancies. I want to teach her the worth of her body, soul and spirit. Her body and her soul, or intellect, I feel I am well able to cope with, but as regards her religion I want to have a talk with her father about that. I keep an open mind myself. I have had Roman Catholic pupils, Anglican and Nonconformist. I have had one or two Mohammedan pupils, and my rule is to train them absolutely in their parents' creed and faith." Rowena felt this delicate young woman was rather astonishing her. "Can you teach what you do not believe yourself?" she inquired. "Assuredly. I have always had the power of throwing my whole soul into the subject which I am studying. My head grips it and holds it, though my heart remains untouched." "Mere mechanical motion," murmured Rowena; "well, machinery accomplishes wonders nowadays. But you cannot inspire them with enthusiasm if you do not feel it yourself." "Enthusiasm is not good in religion," said Miss Falconer calmly. "It leads to fanaticism, which is unhealthy." "And are you enthusiastic about nothing?" asked Rowena. Miss Falconer's eyes glowed. "Ah, you ask me a great question. I want to train the girlhood of England to know their value. In these times it is more than necessary. Our sex has made great strides in all that they have put their hands to. They are the most valuable asset of the nation. Is there a single position of power or influence which woman is now not competent to fill?" "The biggest position of power and influence for a woman is the home," said Rowena very quietly. Miss Falconer looked at her, and once as often before Rowena's eyes misled her. "You are laughing at me. Thank goodness we have enlarged our borders, and broken the chains of subservient, degrading service under the male." "And now we'll have tea," said Rowena, turning to welcome Janet with the tea tray. "Whatever the modern woman has learnt, she has not yet broken away from the thrall of the tea-cup." She refused to be drawn into serious discussion again, but showed her most ridiculous and frivolous side for the rest of Miss Falconer's visit, and when she had gone she said to her dear dog: