are, I shouldn't be surprised if she were to turn round and propose
that I should read that extraordinary book I saw in her hand this
morning! She looks capable of doing anything in the solemn line at this
moment."

Gertrude laughed, but made no answer.

"You do not take exercise enough," said Mrs Seaton. "You have not been
like yourself for a week."

"I dare say that is it, mamma."

"Of course she is not like herself!" said Miss Atherton. "She is
exactly like her Aunt Barbara. Gertrude, my dear, you're not thinking
of growing good, are you?"

"Don't you think it might be of some advantage to the world if I were to
improve a little?" asked Gertrude, laughing, but not pleasantly.

"Well, I don't know. I am afraid it would put us all out sadly. Only
fancy her `having a mission,' and trying to reform me!"

"Pray, Frances, don't talk that way," said Mrs Seaton; but she could
not help laughing at the look of consternation the young lady assumed.

"Ah, I know what is the matter with her!" exclaimed Miss Atherton, just
as the gentlemen came in. "It is your fault, Mr Sherwood. You are
making her as wise as you are yourself, and glum besides. It is quite
time she were done with all those musty books. I think for the future
we will consider her education finished."

"What is the matter, young ladies? You are not quarrelling, I hope?"
said Mr Seaton, seating himself beside them.

"Oh, no! It is with Mr Sherwood I am going to quarrel. He and his big
books are giving Gertrude the blues. It must be stopped."

"I am sorry Miss Gertrude is in such a melancholy state," said Mr
Sherwood, laughing; "but I am quite sure that neither I nor my big books
have had anything to do with it. I have not had an opportunity to
trouble her for a week, and I doubt whether she has troubled herself
with any books of my selection for a longer time than that."

"Oh, well, you need not tell tales out of school," said Miss Atherton,
hastily, noticing the look of vexation that passed over Gertrude's face.
"I am going to take the refractory young lady in hand. I think I can
teach her."

"I don't doubt it," said Mr Sherwood, with a smile and a shrug; "but if
I were to be permitted to name a successor in my labours, it certainly
would not be you."

"Hear him!" exclaimed Miss Atherton, with indignation which was only
partly feigned. "As if I were not to be entrusted with the instruction
of a chit like you! Gertrude, can't you th