Viewed
from her own standpoint, the joys of a kindergarten training did not
seem so attractive. She began to wonder whether Miss Janet had
overstated them and the delights of independence.

"I--I don't know yet whether I want to leave home, and if I do, I'm
going to study art!" she stammered lamely.

"I wish I could study music, but there's not the faintest little atom of
a chance of doing that," returned Claudia bitterly.

Nevertheless, at Miss Kingsley's insistence, she set to work diligently
to read up for the open scholarship examination. Miss Janet kindly
coached her, and gave up many hours of leisure on her behalf. Claudia
was quite clever at lessons when she chose to apply herself. The
progress she made under this private tuition delighted Miss Janet. Miss
Kingsley wrote fully to her friend the principal of the college, and
received a most encouraging reply.

"The girl you mention seems just the kind of student we wish to procure
at present," wrote Miss Halden. "I am allowed a certain liberty of
selection, and, so long as a candidate's marks do not fall below a given
standard, I may make my own choice. I am not necessarily obliged to
award the scholarships to those who send in the best papers, but to
those who, after a personal interview, I consider would in the end make
the most successful teachers. There are other qualifications to consider
besides examination points. Charm of manner is an extremely valuable
asset in dealing with children; and I would rather train a girl who is
gifted with imagination and tact than the most erudite student who is
deficient in these necessary qualities. If Claudia Castleton is what you
say, and you can coach her sufficiently to gain a pass, I think she may
be almost sure of a scholarship."

The Misses Kingsley were most excited at the receipt of this letter.
They did not tell Claudia its full contents for fear she might slack off
work, but they could not help throwing out hints.

"It's something to have friends at Court!" beamed Miss Janet, as she put
on her pince-nez and took her pupil for Latin construction. "You see, we
know Miss Halden so very well. I fancy there's luck in store for you,
Claudia!"

"Yes," said Claudia dolefully, as she looked up a last word in the
dictionary.

Margaret Lindsay had taken the opportunity of a visit to the studio at
Windy Howe to speak to Mr. Castleton on the subject of the possible
scholarship. He was busy painting at the time, and f