any and affairs
running along in their natural groove.

The day for Molly's departure finally rolled around, and at the
station to see her off, besides Dorothy and Jim, were Gerald and
Aurora. Molly waved a last farewell from the car window as the train
moved out of the station.

In Dorothy's ears still rang her promise:

"If papa consents, I will spend Christmas with you at old Bellvieu."

To which Dorothy had replied:

"Of course, he'll consent, for you're to invite him, too."

This pleased Molly greatly and she had promised to write her chum
what the judge's decision was.

The first violin lesson was set for the morning after Molly's
departure, Herr Deichenberg having kindly consented to come to
Bellvieu, greatly to the delight of both Dorothy and Aunt Betty.

Dorothy was eager to display her ability, and, feeling every
confidence in herself, was not the least bit flustered when she met
Herr Deichenberg at the door and ushered him into the big
drawing-room.

"It seems real good to see you again, Miss Dorothy," the old
professor said. "I have been t'inking about you a great deal vhile
you have been avay, und I am really anxious to have you back--really
und truly anxious."

"It was good of you to come to Bellvieu, Herr. I feel that I should
have gone to your studio."

"Ah! Don't mention dat. I--"

"But I am much younger than you. I can afford to exercise myself a
little if it will save you trouble."

"You are younger, yes. Yet, I am not as old in body as in looks. I
valk pretty straight, yet, eh, Miss Dorothy?" and laughing, he
chucked her playfully under the chin.

"You walk with military precision, Herr, except on a few occasions
when you forget yourself. Then I have noticed a slight stoop to the
shoulders," she replied.

"Ah, vhen I forget myself, yes--und I fear dat is very often, eh?"

"No, no; I think you do remarkably well."

"Do you, really? Dat iss very nice of you to say. If you vill pay me
all de time such compliments, I t'ink you need not come to my studio
at all. I vill be happy to come to your great home, here." He looked
out through the window, where the magnificent sweep of lawn, with its
flowers, trees and hedges, made a pretty picture. "It iss
beautiful--beautiful!"

While they were talking Aunt Betty, attired in a charming morning
gown, well-becoming to one of her age, entered the room.

Herr Deichenberg arose with a broad smile to greet her.

"Ah, here iss de mistress of