x that had been sent across the water with some
pretty laces and a fine neck-chain and charm. It seemed to bring Paris
much nearer. Her letter, too, was very enjoyable. Mrs. Van Dorn was glad
to have her feel at home and study with energy. But she wanted her to go
at French just as soon as she possibly could, and pay close attention to
it. She, Mrs. Van Dorn, was going to start for Southern France the
beginning of the year and would have a restful time after the jaunting
about. Helen must write freely of herself and the friends she was
making, as well as her progress in every study.

[Illustration: When Helen returned there was a box that had been sent
across the water with some pretty laces, and a fine neck-chain and
charm.--_Page 272._]

The week was a pleasant one to those who stayed at school. Miss Reid and
Miss Bigelow both painted on snow scenes taken at different points.
Miss Reid's had a gray sky with one streak of light down in the
southwest that gave the somber picture a really beautiful effect; Miss
Bigelow's was the sun shining through an opening in some trees and
glistening on the frosted snow. Miss Craven kept on with her lessons,
though she took several walks with Helen. Westchester put on quite a
holiday attire. The Literary Society gave a reading from Dickens'
"Christmas Stories," and there was a church tea and sociable, but no
persuasion could induce Miss Craven to attend it, though Helen and a
number of the girls accompanied Miss Aldred.

Mrs. Aldred was much engrossed looking over reports, and re-arranging
classes, designating the girls who were to go at the French table, and
making a few changes. For it sometimes seemed as if all the real work
began after Christmas.

"There will be a vacancy at your table," she said to Helen, who had been
consulting her on some studies. "I wonder if you have any choice as to
who fills it?"

"Who is going away?" the girls asked.

"Miss Mays. She should have gone in September, but she begged off," and
Mrs. Aldred gave a little smile.

"If the others would have no objection to Miss Craven----" hesitatingly.

"They would have no right to object," gravely.

"But would I have a right to make a selection for the others?" and a
flush crept up to her forehead.

"Not a right," in a pleasant tone. "I offer it as a privilege."

"Then I do think Miss Craven would like it. We have been making
friends," smiling and yet perplexed a little, desiring not to seem
officio