Grace and Walter would be there also at the start, but their short and easy tasks having been attended to, they might stay and amuse themselves quietly, or if inclined for noisy sport, go to the nursery or play-room to enjoy it there.

Max conned his lessons alone in his own room, joining the others only when the hour arrived for reciting to Mr. Dinsmore, who took sole charge of his education, and of the two little girls, so far as concerned Latin and arithmetic.  Rosie and Max were together in both these studies, but Lulu—­because of being younger and not so far advanced—­was alone in both, much to her dissatisfaction, for she was by no means desirous to have Mr. Dinsmore’s attention concentrated upon herself for even a short space of time.

His keen dark eyes seemed to look her through and through, and though he had never shown her any sternness, she was quite sure he could and would if she gave him any occasion.

But for that there was no necessity, his requirements being always reasonable and only such as she was fully capable of meeting.  She had a good mind, quick discernment and retentive memory, and she was quite resolved to be industrious and to keep her promise to her father to be a good girl in every way.  Also her ambition was aroused to attempt to overtake her brother and Rosie.

She was moderately fond of study, but had a decided repugnance to plain sewing, therefore looked ill-pleased enough upon discovering that it was to be numbered among her daily tasks.

“I hate sewing!” she said with a scowl, “and when I’m old enough to do as I please, I’ll never touch a needle and thread.”

It was afternoon of their first school day, and the little girls had just repaired to the school-room in obedience to directions given them on their dismissal for the morning.

All the ladies of the family were there, gathered cosily about the fire and the table at which Grandma Elsie was busily cutting out garments that seemed to be intended for a child, yet were of coarser, heavier material than any of the family were accustomed to wearing.

“Perhaps you may change your mind by that time,” she answered Lulu, with pleasant tone and smile; “and I hope you will find it more agreeable now than you expect.  You are a kind-hearted little girl, I know, and when I tell you these clothes are for a little Indian girl who needs them sadly, I am quite sure you will be glad to help in making them.”

Lulu’s brow cleared.  “Yes, ma’am,” she said with a little hesitation, “if I could sew nicely, but I can’t.”

“The more need to learn then, dear.  Mamma Vi is basting a seam for you, and will show you how to sew it.”

“And when we all get started there’ll be some nice story read aloud, won’t there, mamma?” asked Rosie.

“Yes; your sister Elsie will be the reader to-day, and the book Scott’s ‘Lady of the Lake.’”

“Oh, how nice!” cried Rosie in delight; “it’s such a lovely book, and sister Elsie’s such a beautiful reader.”