There was no mistaking Isa's delight when she was informed that she was to go to school to Aunt Harriet and room with Rhoda. "You won't let me have hard lessons or music?" she said to her aunt. "Because, indeed, aunt, I cannot learn it if I try ever so hard." "The doctor thinks we had better let the music go, at least for the present," answered Miss Hardy. "As for the other lessons, we will see. I think a good deal of play will be the best for the present." Mr. Ferrand's eyes were at last opened, and he watched his daughter with most painful solicitude and with self-reproach, which were not lessened by the sight of her evident delight in getting away from him. He seemed to find his only relief in fitting up Isa's room with everything which he thought could give her pleasure. He was extremely cordial to Rhoda, and expressed to her in formal but earnest words his obligations to her. "I have requested Miss Hardy to supply all things needful for both your wardrobes, and she will give to each of you the same allowance of pocket-money. If any unforeseen occasion for expense arises, you will please let me know." "You are very good, Mr. Ferrand," said Rhoda, "but indeed it is not necessary. I have enough to clothe myself for the present." "You must allow me to have my own way in the matter," said Mr. Ferrand. "I choose that my daughter's chosen companion should be fully on an equality with her school-mates in every respect. You must be content to be our other child, Rhoda, and Isabella's sister. On no other terms could I allow you take such a care upon yourself." And Rhoda put her pride in her pocket, and let Mr. Ferrand have his own way. CHAPTER XVIII. _SCHOOL._ THE school-year opened, as usual, on the second Wednesday in September, with its full number of pupils. Rhoda was a little embarrassed at first by the natural surprise of the girls on meeting as a school-mate and companion one whom they had left in such a different position, but the awkwardness soon wore off, and she took her natural place among them. She was soon a favourite with all, especially the younger girls, whom she was always ready to help on proper occasions. Miss Hardy's girls were a well-bred and, for the most part, a well-principled set. Indeed, there was among them only one of those black sheep who are to be found in every school. This was a young girl named Caroline Burtis. She was an orphan and an heiress, according to her own account, who had come to school during the last quarter.