speaks about father's wonderful interesting travels, and his sort of
public life, the life he gives to his country. Oh, dear! I never saw
anyone grander than dear, dear father!"

"You have said that very often," said Dolly; "I have got a father too,
but I don't think he is specially grand. I suppose it was because your
father was a hero before Sebastopol. I shall never forget about
Sebastopol now and the trenches since you told me that wonderful story
about your father and Sir John Wallis, and the night they were both
nearly frozen," said Dolly Fairfax. "I suppose that is why you love
your father so much."

"No, it isn't," answered Kitty stoutly; "I love him just because he is
my father and because, because, oh! I don't know why--I love him
because I do."

"Well, read your other letter now; two have come--read the other."

Kitty picked up the other letter and glanced at it. "This is a private
letter; it has come by hand," she said. "Oh, of course, it is from Sir
John Wallis. I wonder what he has got to say to me."

Kitty opened the letter and read the following words:

"MY DEAR KITTY: I want you and Miss Florence Aylmer and Miss Mary
Bateman to spend to-morrow with me at Cherry Court Park. Mrs.
Clavering will accompany you, and I have written to her also on the
subject. My dear child, my reason in having you three girls is simply
that I want to study your characters. I say this quite frankly, and
you may tell both your companions that such is my intention in having
you to spend a long day with me. I will do all I can to make you
happy, and I think it but fair to put all three of you on your guard,
for please understand that the Scholarship is given, not only for
scholarly attainments and correct deportment, but also for those lofty
traits of character which are a greater possession to any woman than
either ladylike manners or great accomplishments. Pray do not be
anything but your natural selves to-morrow, for I shall never allude to
this matter again. From now until the date when the Scholarship is to
be decided, I will expect you three to spend one day a week at Cherry
Court Park.

"Your affectionate friend,
"JOHN WALLIS."

CHAPTER XIV.

AT THE PARK.

The news that the lucky three were to spend a whole day at Cherry Court
Park caused great excitement amongst the other girls of the school.

"It's nothing short of delightful," said Alice Cunningham to her
sister; "I only wish