writing table upon
which were scattered books, pamphlets, letters, scraps of manuscript,
blank paper, pens and inkstands; by no means primly arranged.

Three weeks had passed since Beatrice had taken her first walk with her
father. That walk had been followed by others until now she accompanied
him as a matter of course. Each day also she had gone to him for a time
to study butterflies, and recently she had begun to help him catalogue
his specimens. On this day father and daughter were in the study hard at
work.

"There, child," remarked Doctor Raymond, laying aside his manuscript. "I
think you have done enough for one day."

"I am not one bit tired," protested Bee eagerly. "I could work for hours
yet."

"You are a delightful helper, Beatrice," commented he smilingly. "You
are so willing and zealous; but for that very reason I must guard
against your enthusiasm carrying you too far."

Beatrice flushed with gratification. It seemed to her that her father
was really beginning to care for her. He had several times uttered words
of commendation, and she knew that he was pleased with her application
to study.

"If you wish you may go to the laboratory with me," continued her
father. "There are several butterflies that should come out of their
chrysalids today. You may be interested in seeing them. Then we will go
for a walk."

"I should like to see them," cried Bee rising. "Are they rare specimens,
father?"

"A few of them are. They are all European butterflies. The one specimen
in all my collection that I prize the most highly is the pupa of the
Teinopalpus imperialis--an Asiatic butterfly. It is found in the forests
of Sikkin, and also in Central China, but is very rare. In fact, if this
one of mine comes out all right it will be the only one of its kind in
any collection. I have retarded the development of the chrysalis by cold
until the present time. It is a magnificent butterfly, and I am
anxiously waiting its coming out. Then there will be something to see,
Beatrice. Still, while not so rare, these will be quite interesting, so
we will go to see them."

The laboratory which joined the study was a large room with glass on two
sides, fitted out with both a heating apparatus and a refrigerating
process. Cabinets with glass-covered drawers filled with butterflies in
all stages of development, from the egg to the perfect insect, lined one
side of the apartment. Another side was fitted with shelves which were
fi