ay to choose with exceptional acumen--Annabel, spell
that word!" So suddenly had the command been sprung upon her that,
whatever knowledge poor Annabel might have possessed five seconds before,
promptly flew straight out of her head, and she answered:

"_Ackumen._"

"Sorry I haven't time to pass it on just now, but I'll reserve that honor.
As I was saying, the heads had best keep their wits wide-awake, for I'm
going to choose the words from a highly scientific and instructive volume
to-day. It is called "How to Feed Children," and in this you will observe
that I have a double object in view: to teach you which words, as well as
the sort of food, to be digested. Wholesome instruction, my dears; and now
to work, every woman Jill of you."

At ten-thirty all were again assembled in the big room, and a lively
choosing of sides ensued. It was not by any means invariably the older
girls who could spell best, for often some of the younger ones led them a
fine race.

Taking up the brilliantly bound little book, Miss Preston said:

"Now, my friends, I hope you will look upon the cover of this book as a
brilliant and rosy example of what I expect, and, I beg of you, do not
disappoint me," holding up the bright red book for the inspection of all.
"Do not become excited, but learn to take a 'philosophical' view of it."
Miss Preston paused, and so well did the girls understand her original way
of doing things that "philosophical" was at once essayed. The first
attempt resulted in "_philosopical_."

"A little too suggestive of milk-toast, I'm afraid, Marion. We must have
our philosophy upon a sound basis. Next."

Several words passed successfully down the line until "course" was given,
and when that was spelled "_cource_" Miss Preston's face was a study.

"That which we are most inclined to accept as a matter _of course_ we may
be sure will prove a matter of mortification to us. Katherine, you are
given to poetic flights. Who was it that said: 'The course of true love
never did run smooth?' He would have had an opportunity to learn that
there were also other courses which did not run smoothly had he
followed--'pedagogy.'"

This proved a stumbling-block for the first girl, but the next one spelled
it correctly.

"You see, Alma, that even the road thereto has its pitfalls, so take
warning."

"Catch me ever teaching," was the half-audible reply, but softly as it was
spoken sharp ears caught it.

"Posterity will be grateful