"Well, yes, father, Cicely and I have been curious; for, you see, the life is so very different from ours. And so to-day, when Maggie and I were in the picture-gallery, I asked her to tell me about Aylmer House, and she--she did." "She made a glowing picture, evidently," said Mr. Cardew. "Oh father, it must be so lovely! Think of it, father--to get the best music and the best art, and to be under the influence of a woman like Mrs. Ward. Oh, it must be good! Do you know, father, that every girl in her school has an East End girl to look after and help; so that some of the riches of the West should be felt and appreciated by those who live in the East. Oh father! I could not help feeling a little jealous." "Yes, darling, I quite understand. And you find your life with Miss Beverley and Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Bennett a little monotonous compared to the variety which a school-life affords?" "That is it, father darling." "I don't blame you in the least, Merry--not in the very least; but the fact is, I have my own reasons for not approving of school-life. I prefer girls who are trained at home. If, indeed, you had to earn your living it would be a different matter. But you will be rich, dear, some day, and----Well, I am glad you've spoken to me. Don't think anything more about it. Come in to lunch now." "I'll try not to think of it, father; and you're not really angry?" "Angry!" said Mr. Gardew. "I'll never be angry with you, Merry, when you tell me all the thoughts of your heart." "And you won't--you won't," said Merry in an anxious tone--"vex darling mother by talking to her about this?" "I make no promises whatsoever You have trusted me; you must continue to trust me." "I do; indeed I do! You are not angry with dear, nice Miss Howland, are you, father?" "Angry with her! Why should I be? Most certainly not. Now, come in to lunch, love." At that meal Mr. Cardew did his very utmost to be pleasant to Merry; and as there could be no man more charming when he pleased, soon the little girl was completely under his influence, and forgot that fascinating picture of school-life which Maggie had so delicately painted for her edification. Soon after lunch Mrs. Cardew and Cicely returned; and Merry, the moment she was with her sister, felt her sudden fit of the blues departing, and ran out gaily with Cicely into the garden. They were seated comfortably in a little arbor, when Isabel's voice was heard calling them. She was hot and panting. She had come up to tell them of the proposed arrangements for the afternoon, and to beg of them both to come immediately to the rectory. "How more than delightful!" said Merry.--"Cicely, you stay still, for you're a little tired. I'll run up to the house at once and ask father and mother if we may go."