must give you one word of--shall I call it counsel or advice?"
studying the eager face. "Do not allow yourself to be laughed out of
what I believe will be a good work, and do not get vexed or irritated
because you cannot make others see Miss Craven with your eyes. She has
given you her confidence, and withheld it from the others. I wish you
success in your new undertaking, and I am much pleased with your
industry."

"And I am very happy," returned Helen with a glowing face and luminous
eyes, as she made a pretty inclination of the head.

Mrs. Aldred fell into musing when she was gone.

"If one knew just what Mrs. Van Dorn meant to do with the girl, whether
to educate her for some purpose, or merely to have her fitted for an
agreeable companion; but it would seem a positive sin to tie such a mind
to an old woman's whims and pleasures. However, here are the two years
in which one may work."

On Saturday the whole place was astir with the returning girls, and the
merry chatter pervaded every corner and room. There were stories to tell
of the "perfectly lovely" time one and another had had, of the gifts and
gayeties, and rather wry faces over the changes.

"And I have to go to the French table, and I just know I shall starve,"
moaned Roxy Mays. "There's Miss Law to keep me company, but she declares
she will talk straight ahead right or wrong. And is it possible that you
have that wooden head next to your elbow, Helen Grant? I would have
protested."

"I am here to obey the rules and usages of the school," answered Helen
gravely.

"Are you going to call her grandmother or great-aunt, or mother-in-law?"

"By her rightful name, Miss Craven."

"Well, I wish you joy of her. It almost compensates me for having to ask
in French for every mouthful I eat, and inquire if the day is fair, if
the door is locked, and if you have found the book of my friend. She
will not even venture upon that. And what have you been doing the whole
poky week?"

"It hasn't seemed a bit poky. I have practiced scales and fingerings,
and gone into the early stages of French," answered Helen gayly.

"Aha! Well, I've just put in all the fun I could. Two very young
people's parties, a grand concert, and to a euchre club that was
delightful with the most charming partner with whom I established
telegraphic communication. And just a lovely flirtation. What do you
think? He asked if we might not correspond?"

Helen flushed, remembering her innocent