ot to say
unkind things to your neighbors, or of them, as long as you are in my
house."

The firmness of his voice and the dignity of his bearing had a slight
effect on Irene. Rosamund began to talk rapidly to her on different
subjects, and by and by the meal came to an end.

That evening nothing very extraordinary occurred; but Irene, without
waiting for any one, rushed down to the room and seized little Agnes's
hand.

"Come, Agnes," she said, "it is time for you to go to bed."

"I am the person who has charge of putting the little ones to bed," said
Miss Frost, going up and speaking in a trembling tone.

"You may put all the other little ones to bed, as far as I am
concerned," said Irene; "but you don't put my Agnes to bed."

"But she is my Agnes, too."

"No; she is mine. Agnes, say at once that you belong altogether to me;
that you are my darling, my doll, my baby."

"I do love you," said little Agnes; "but of course I love Emily,
too--dear old Emily!"

She laid her hand on her elder sister's arm and looked up affectionately
into her face.

"I thought, Irene, I said I wished to speak to you," remarked the
Professor then; and before Irene could reply he had taken her hand and
led her into the study.

He made her sit down, and seated himself opposite to her.

"Now, my dear," he said, "you are going to be under my roof for a few
weeks. The term as a rule lasts about twelve weeks--that is, three
months."

"An eternity--impossible to live through it," said Irene.

"I hope you may not find it an eternity; but, anyhow, it is arranged
that you are to stay here, and during that time you must be subjected to
the rules of discipline."

"What is discipline?" said Irene.

"One of the rules of discipline is to obey those put in command of
you."

"In command of me? But there is no one in command of me!"

"I am in command of you, and so is my wife, and so are your three
governesses."

"And what do you mean to do now that you are in command of me?"

"I, for one, hope to help you, Irene, to be a good girl."

"I think," said Irene steadily, "that I'd rather be a naughty girl. When
I was at The Follies I used to do what dear Rosamund wished; and then
sweet little Agnes came, and she loved me, and I loved her and did kind
things for her, and I felt ever so much better; but I am not at all
better at your horrid school."

"Did any one ever happen to punish you, Irene?"

"Punish me?" said Irene, opening her e