, and also took lessons while in
boarding-school; but one studies the piano under difficulties while in
the routine of a _pensionnat_, for the hour devoted to it must be taken
from one's recreation time, or from some other lessons. Our friends
will remember, too, that dear Ida was taken out of school while yet
very young, to become the devoted nurse that she has since shown
herself to her mother, and from the time she left the _Sacre Coeur_
until this spring she has never opened the piano. Now, however, she
practises regularly and conscientiously, and brings to her music all
the enthusiasm of her loving nature, and the intelligence of her
superior mind; consequently, when her fingers are well trained, I shall
expect to see her a thoughtful and brilliant pianist.

Gabrielle is still in the tedious preliminary steps, for Geometry and
Latin, rather than the _Rhythme des Doigts_ and the _Ecole de la
Velocite_, have hitherto engaged her attention; but time will show.

CHAPTER III.

An Unexpected Visit--Morning Drives--Gabrielle's Ponies--A Repulsive
Object--A Visitor--The King of Sweden's Soup--Advantages of a Royal
Kitchen--Startling Experience--Ida's Letters--Strange Contents--A Lucky
Stone--Bequest for a Melodeon--Offers of Marriage--Arrival of a
Suitor--Reasons why he should marry Ida Greeley--He proves a
Lunatic--He is taken before a Magistrate--He is lodged in the County
Jail.

_June 5_.

As unexpected visit yesterday from Mr. O'Dwyer, a member of _The
Tribune_ staff, and for several years dear uncle's private secretary.

Mamma had invited Mr. O'Dwyer to come out and pass a quiet day with us,
and had appointed Wednesday for the visit. Desirous of a little
excitement, and already somewhat weary of our nun-like simplicity of
toilette, we decided to do honor to our guest by dressing our hair
quite elaborately, and attiring ourselves, despite the heat, in our
best bombazines with their weight of crape. We were assembled in the
dining-room after our early dinner, discussing, in our plain print
wrappers and Marguerite braids, our plans for the morrow, when Minna
announced:

"A visit, Madame; a gentleman."

"Probably a neighbor upon business," said mamma to us; "show him in
here, Minna."

The door opened, and enter the guest for whom, in imagination, we were
making such extensive preparations.

A very expressive glance was telegraphed around our circle. I was
engaged in the domestic occupation of he