d catechism to their father.

The evening was spent in conversation and music suited to the sacredness
of the day, and all retired to rest.

Nine o'clock of the next morning found the girls and Walter seated in
the schoolroom. Lulu and Grace busied with their tasks, the others ready
and waiting to have theirs appointed by the captain.

School that day was a decided success, and Rosie pretended that her
fears of the new teacher were greatly allayed.

Between that and Christmas-time everything moved along smoothly; studies
were well attended to, sports and pastimes greatly enjoyed.

The celebration of the holidays--Christmas and New Year's--also proved a
great success. There were many and beautiful gifts; a handsome brooch
from the captain delighted each little girl, and there were other lovely
gifts too numerous to mention.

The distribution was on Christmas Eve. The next day there was a grand
dinner at Viamede, all the relatives present, and everybody in gayest
spirits.

The day was bright and beautiful, seeming but little like Christmas to
those accustomed to frost and snow at that season.

New Year's day was not less lovely, nor were its festivities less
enjoyable, though the gifts were fewer.

The holidays past, the young folks went back with zest to their studies,
Rosie saying she was now convinced that Captain Raymond was an excellent
teacher, and not at all inclined to tyrannize over a well-behaved pupil;
for which complimentary expression of opinion he gravely thanked her.

"You are very welcome, sir," she said, "and may depend upon a
recommendation from me whenever it is wanted."

"O Rosie, how ridiculous you are!" exclaimed Walter.

But Rosie was already out of the room, the other girls following. They
went out on the lawn, ran about for a while, then settled themselves
under a tree and began cracking and eating nuts.

Lulu, who was very fond of them, presently put one between her teeth and
cracked it there.

"O Lu!" exclaimed Grace, "you forget that papa forbade you to crack nuts
with your teeth, for fear you might break them."

"Well, I wanted to break the nut," returned Lulu, laughing, and blushing
because her conscience reproached her.

"I meant break your teeth," said Grace. "I'm sure you wouldn't have done
it--cracked the nut with them, I mean--if you hadn't forgotten that papa
forbade you to do it."

"No, Gracie, I'm not so good as you think; I did not forget; I just did
it because I