a great favour;' and she
detailed her little scheme for Mollie.

Mrs. Blake was evidently surprised, but she testified her gratitude in
her usual impulsive way.

'How good, how kind of you, my dear Miss Ross! Indeed, I do not know how
to thank you; no one has ever taken so much notice of my poor Mollie
before, except that droll old creature Miss Foster; but she could not
bear me--a compliment I reciprocated; so we always quarrelled when we
met.'

'And you will spare Mollie to me for an hour or so twice a week?'

'Will I not! Do you suppose I am such an unnatural mother that I could
refuse such a generous offer? I really am ashamed to tell you, Miss
Ross, that I do not know a note of music. When I was a girl I was very
perverse, and refused to learn, because I said I had no ear; but in
reality I hated the trouble of all those scales and exercises. Of course
I am sorry for it now: Cyril is so musical, and has such a delightful
voice, and even poor little Mollie has picked up her notes as cleverly
as possible.'

'I am so glad you have not refused me. I am sure I shall enjoy teaching
Mollie. I think we had better begin as soon as possible. Let me see:
this is Friday; will you ask her to come to me on Monday morning? I will
be ready for her by half-past eleven.'

'Thank you a thousand times! I will certainly give her your message.
What a blessing that new cambric is finished! Cyril will be so pleased
when I tell him about your kindness. He worries dreadfully about Mollie
sometimes: he says her education is so desultory; but I tell him he
cannot alter his mother's nature. I never was methodical; it drives me
crazy to do things by rule. Mollie sometimes says to me: "Mamma, I do so
wish I had a fixed hour for lessons, that I knew exactly when you could
read with me;" and my invariable answer is, "Good gracious, Mollie!
don't you know me by this time? am I that sort of person?" I wish for my
children's sake that I were different; but they must just put up with me
as I am. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.'

'My dear Mrs. Blake, what an odd comparison!'

'Oh, it just came into my head, you know; it is rather strong, but it is
very expressive. By the bye, I was going to ask you something. Have you
any idea on which day your mother and sister intend to call on me?'

'I believe Geraldine said Tuesday or Wednesday; I really forget
which--Wednesday, I think.'

'But it might be Tuesday. Thanks. I would not wil