u at the end of your course at Oak Knowe. I feel it is a small
favor, to grant, dear, so if you are still of the notion that you
were intended for a great violinist, I have decided to give you a
chance to show your mettle."

"Dear Aunt Betty," said the girl, earnestly, putting an arm
affectionately around the neck of her relative, "it is the dearest
wish of my life, but one."

"What is the other wish, Dorothy?"

"That you be thoroughly restored to health. Then, if I can become
perfect on my violin, I shall be delighted beyond measure."

"Oh, my health is all right, child, except that I am beginning to
feel my age. It was partly through a selfish motive that I planned
this outing in Western Maryland."

"An outing in Western Maryland! Oh, and was that the secret you had
to tell me?"

"Yes; the South Mountains, a spur of the famous Blue Ridge range,
will make an ideal spot in which to spend a few weeks during the
summer months."

"It must be a beautiful spot," said the girl. "I love the mountains,
and always have. The Catskills especially, will always be dear to me.
When do we start, auntie?"

"As soon as you have perfected your arrangements with Herr
Deichenberg, and have rested sufficiently from your journey."

"Herr Deichenberg? Oh, then you have already found my teacher?"

"Yes; and a perfect treasure he is, or I miss my guess. Do you
remember David Warfield in 'The Music Master,' which we saw at the
theater a year ago?"

"Indeed, yes, auntie. How could one ever forget?"

"Herr Deichenberg is a musician of the Anton Von Barwig type--kind,
gentle, courteous--withal, possessing those sterling qualities so
ably portrayed in the play by Mr. Warfield. The Herr has the most
delightful brogue, and a shy manner, which I am sure will not be in
evidence during lesson hours."

"And I am to be taught by a real musician?"

"Yes."

"What a lucky girl I am!"

"If you think so, dear, I am pleased. I have tried to make you
happy."

"And you have succeeded beyond my fondest expectations. There is
nothing any girl could have that I have wanted for, since coming to
live with you. You are the finest, best and bravest auntie in the
whole, wide world!"

"Oh, Dorothy!"

"It's true, and you know it. It's too bad other girls are not so
fortunate. To think of your having my vacation all planned before I
reached home. I said I am tired of railroad trains, but I've changed
my mind; I am perfectly willing to ride as far