na's home she would
become exactly like Anna; as brave and as independent, and who could
tell but what she might grow to look like her as well!

The same thought came to Anna. Of course, if she lived with Mrs. Lyon
she would learn to behave exactly like Melvina. But to go away from her
father and mother and from Rebby; this seemed hardly to be possible.

"Do you want me to go, Mother?" she asked, half hoping that her mother
might say at once that it was not to be thought of.

"I must talk with your father; 'tis a great opportunity for your good,
and I am sure he will be pleased," replied Mrs. Weston. For had not the
Reverend Mr. Lyon written a book, and, it was rumored, composed music
for hymns; for any little girl to live in his family would be a high
privilege. And this was what Mr. Weston thought when he heard of the
plan.

"Why, it is a wise scheme indeed," he said gravely; "my little Danna is
being too much favored at home, and to be with the minister and his wife
will teach her as much as a term in school."

"But I am not to stay long, Father. I am only to stay for two weeks,"
said Anna, "and you must not learn to think Melvina is your little
girl."

"Mr. Lyon wishes Melvina to run about as freely as we have allowed
Anna," Mrs. Weston explained, "and to have no lessons or tasks of any
kind, and to spend an hour each afternoon at home while Anna does the
same."

"But I am to have lessons, just as if I were Melvina," Anna declared,
and before bedtime it was decided that on the next day Anna should go to
the minister's to remain a fortnight.

Rebecca was the only one who did not think well of the plan. "I do not
want Danna to go," she said over and over; and added that she should not
know how to treat Melvina, or what to say to her. It was Rebecca who
went with Anna to Mr. Lyon, carrying the small package containing Anna's
clothing, and she brought back Melvina's carefully packed basket. Mrs.
Lyon looked worried and anxious as she saw Melvina start off for the
Westons'; but she gave her no cautions or directions, beyond telling her
to be obedient to Mrs. Weston. Then she took Anna's hand and led her
up-stairs to the pleasant room where she and Melvina had played so
happily with the rabbits.

"You can leave your sunbonnet here, Anna, and then come down to the
library. This is the hour for your lesson in English history."

"'English history,'" Anna repeated to herself excitedly. She wondered
what it could