that matter. Lily Jennings
is full of mischief, but she moves in straight lines; she is not
conceited or self-conscious, and she really likes Amelia, without
knowing why."

"I fear Lily will lead Amelia into mischief," said Madame, "and Amelia
has always been such a good child."

"Lily will never MEAN to lead Amelia into mischief," said loyal Miss
Parmalee.

"But she will," said Madame.

"If Lily goes, I cannot answer for Amelia's not following," admitted
Miss Parmalee.

"I regret it all very much indeed," sighed Madame, "but it does seem to
me still that Amelia's mother--"

"Amelia's mother would not even believe it, in the first place," said
Miss Parmalee.

"Well, there is something in that," admitted Madame. "I myself could not
even imagine such a situation. I would not know of it now, if you and
Miss Acton had not told me."

"There is not the slightest use in telling Amelia not to imitate
Lily, because she does not know that she is imitating her," said Miss
Parmalee. "If she were to be punished for it, she could never comprehend
the reason."

"That is true," said Miss Acton. "I realize that when the poor child
squeaks instead of singing. All I could think of this morning was a
little mouse caught in a trap which she could not see. She does actually
squeak!--and some of her low notes, although, of course, she is only a
child, and has never attempted much, promised to be very good."

"She will have to squeak, for all I can see," said Miss Parmalee. "It
looks to me like one of those situations that no human being can change
for better or worse."

"I suppose you are right," said Madame, "but it is most unfortunate, and
Mrs. Wheeler is such a superior woman, and Amelia is her only child,
and this is such a very subtle and regrettable affair. Well, we have to
leave a great deal to Providence."

"If," said Miss Parmalee, "she could only get angry when she is called
'Copy-Cat.'" Miss Parmalee laughed, and so did Miss Acton. Then all the
ladies had their cups refilled, and left Providence to look out for poor
little Amelia Wheeler, in her mad pursuit of her ideal in the shape of
another little girl possessed of the exterior graces which she had not.

Meantime the little "Copy-Cat" had never been so happy. She began to
improve in her looks also. Her grandmother Wheeler noticed it first, and
spoke of it to Grandmother Stark. "That child may not be so plain,
after all," said she. "I looked at her this morning