Seeing how she had aroused such a love for nature study in the boys, he felt that she might do the same for Marion.  It was really a marvel, Mrs. Levering insisted, how she had bewitched both her Carl and Tommy Seldon.  They were in a fair way to become as great cranks as the old professor himself.  Now this was the proposition he wanted to make.  That Mary should take the place of teachers and text-books, for awhile, and devote herself to the task of making Marion forget herself and her imaginary grievances; to interest her in wood-lore to the extent of making her willing to spend much time out of doors, and to imbue her if possible with some of the cheerful philosophy that made the entire Ware family such delightful companions.

“Of course,” explained Mrs. Levering, “he understands that one could never be adequately repaid for such a service.  It would be worth more than any course at college or any fortune, to Marion, if she could be changed from a listless, unhappy girl to one like yourself.  She will tax your ingenuity and require infinite tact and patience, but he feels that you can do more for her than any older person, because she needs healthy, young companionship more than anything else in the world.  If you will devote your mornings to her, trying to attain the result he wants in any way you see fit, he will gladly pay you anything in reason.  Just let me take back word that you will consider his offer and he will be over here post-haste to make terms with you.”

Mary looked inquiringly across at her mother, too bewildered by this sudden prospect of such good fortune, to answer for herself, but Mrs. Ware consented immediately.  “I think it a very fortunate arrangement for both girls.  There is no one near Mary’s age in Lone-Rock, and I have been dreading the winter for her on that account.  I am sure she can make a real friend and companion out of Marion, and I can say this for my little girl, it will never be dull for anybody who follows her trail through life.”

Mrs. Levering rose to go.  “Then it’s as good as settled.  I’m sure the poor old professor will feel that you’ve taken a great burden off his shoulders, and that this will be the most profitable year’s education that Marion will ever have.”

Hardly had their visitor departed, when Mrs. Ware was seized around the waist by a young cyclone that waltzed her through the kitchen, down the garden walk and out to the shade of the tree where Jack sat reading in his wheeled chair.  “Tell him, mamma,” Mary demanded, breathless and panting.  “I’m too happy for words.  Then call in the neighbours, and sing the Doxology!”

Later, as she and Jack sat discussing the situation with a zest which left no phase of it untouched, he said teasingly, “You needn’t be pluming yourself complacently over all those compliments.  Do you realize when all’s said and done, they’ve asked nothing more of you than simply to put on cap and bells and play the jester awhile for that girl’s benefit?”