with his mother, and has
an almost girlish love and preference for ladies' society. He and Kittie
are genial in amusements, just as you and he are in books and ambitions.
They love each other as brother and sister, but as nothing more. I
should be sorely displeased if any other idea should ever reach either."

"It never will through me," said Olive. She then sat silent for a long
time, and finally breaking the pause, by saying:

"Mama, do you remember, one night a long time ago, when we were all
telling disappointments?"

"Yes, quite well."

"Of course, it was all nonsense; but I have often thought since, that
some time, I would tell you what I wanted to do."

"And am I to hear now?"

Olive smiled, and looked a little wistful.

"Yes, I guess I will tell you, though it will be no surprise to you. I
want to study, but I can never do it in Canfield. When I was fourteen, I
first thought of going to the city and studying in Cooper's Institute
and coming home for over Sunday, and I began to save up my money for it.
The money that I gave to papa was that, and I was at work on a head to
take with me, because I thought perhaps I would have to have a trial
picture. I knew I couldn't go then, because I was too young and
inexperienced; but I'm older now, and if you would only say that you are
willing, so that I could begin to put just a little money away every
month--"

Mrs. Dering laid down her sewing, and looked in amaze at Olive's face,
which had become so enthusiastic as she put her plea in a voice that
trembled in its eagerness.

"My dear child, I had thought of that same thing for you."

"Why, mama!"

"I had, indeed; and is it possible that it has been your own thought and
desire for so long? You have so cheerfully given up your own work and
done that less tasteful, and so patiently waited for the time to come
when you could use your own money, that I had decided on just this
thing, and will draw enough money from the bank to send you. I have a
dear old friend in the city who would be delighted to have you board
with her during the week, and now that Ralph is here, you can and shall
be spared from your work, and shall take a rest in doing the work that
you love."

Olive looked speechless. Her eyes were full of sparkling tears, and her
lips trembling with a smile. She evidently did not know what to say for
some moments, then she exclaimed:

"Oh, mama! Is it really so? It seems too good to believe, I had almost