ins as to what
disposition is to be made of you? I am not altogether satisfied to let
you remain with your uncle's family for many reasons; chief among them
being that I believe that your interests are subordinated to Adele's.
That, I presume, is highly natural for them, but scarcely gratifying to
me. Therefore, I have thought of placing you in college."

"College?" repeated the girl mechanically, hardly hearing what he was
saying. But one thought was in her mind. He was going away! He was going
to leave her for two long years! It sounded in her ears like a refrain:
two long years!

"College life will appeal to one of your mind. I wish you to become a
fine, lovable woman, Beatrice. The problem of molding you into such a
character is a vital one to me. A healthful body, a thoughtful mind, a
good heart are three things which every girl should have in common with
her brothers. These you have, and it is my desire that they shall be so
trained that they will merge into gracious womanhood. This much have you
taught me, Beatrice: that there is a charm greater than that of beauty.
I would rather have this head with its mottled tresses--" He bent his
head and touched her hair with his lips caressingly,--"than all the
golden locks in the world."

Bee choked. As always when deeply stirred she could not speak. A
numbness clutched at her heart and held her still and cold. A lump in
her throat would not down. Presently her father continued:

"Our summer has been full of unfortunate misunderstandings, and, I fear,
of much unhappiness for you. Could we begin over, that is, provided I
had my present knowledge, I believe that such misunderstandings could be
avoided. I have been blind to many things, child."

"And now," burst from Bee, the fullness of her heart finding vent at
last in passionate, pleading protest, "now just as we have learned to
understand each other you are going away. Father, father! I have had you
such a little while. Only three short months out of my whole life! Oh,
do take me with you! I'll be so good, so good. I'll try so hard to be
all that you wish. Do take me, father. I cannot let you go."

"It is my dearest wish, Beatrice," spoke her father huskily. "But I can
not."

"Is it that I would be in the way? Or don't you trust me? I would be
very careful of your specimens, father. Could I not be of some use to
you?"

"You could help me in many ways, Beatrice. Not only in my work but by
your loving companionsh