et de time be as short as possible. If
you are going avay, please notify me of your return, und I vill
manage to come to Bellvieu to give Miss Dorothy her first lesson. But
don't make it too long! I am anxious--anxious. She vill make a great
musician--a great musician. So goot day, ladies. It has been a
pleasure to me--dis visit."

"Let us hope there will be many more, Herr Deichenberg," said Aunt
Betty.

They watched the figure of the little music teacher until it
disappeared through the gate and out of sight behind the hedge. Then
they turned again to their comfortable rockers, to discuss the visit
and Dorothy's future.

"Oh, Aunt Betty," confessed the girl, "I was terribly nervous until I
felt my violin under my chin. It seemed to give me confidence, and I
played as I have never played before. Somehow, I felt I could not
make a mistake. I'm so glad the Herr professor was pleased. Isn't he
a perfect dear? So genteel, so polished, in spite of his
dialect--just the kind of a man old Herr Von Barwig was in 'The Music
Master.'"

Dinah came out on the gallery to say that Dorothy was wanted at the
'phone.

"Oh, I wonder who it can be?" said the girl. "I didn't think any of
my friends knew I was home."

She hastened inside, and with the receiver at her ear, in keen
anticipation murmured a soft:

"Hello!"

"Hello, Dorothy, dear! How are you?"

It was a girl's voice and the tones were familiar.

"Who is this? I--I don't quite catch the--! Oh, surely; it's Aurora
Blank!"

"You've guessed it the first time. I only learned a few moments ago
that you were home. I'm just dying to see you, to learn how you liked
your trip and the adventures you had at school. You'll tell me about
them in good time, won't you, Dorothy?"

"Why, yes, of course. On our camping trip, perhaps."

"Won't that be jolly? Papa says we're to stay in the mountains as
long as we like--that's what he bought the auto for. Gerald and I
have been planning to start the first of the week if you can be
ready."

"Oh, I'm sure we can. I'll speak to Aunt Betty and let you know."

"Do so, and I'll run over to Bellvieu to-morrow to discuss the
details. Did that nice boy, Jim Barlow, return to Baltimore with
you?"

"Yes; he is going with us on the trip--at least, Aunt Betty said he
was included in the invitation."

"Indeed he is! I like him immensely, dear--lots more than he likes
me, I reckon."

"Oh, I don't know!"

"I'm sure of it."

"Aurora,