think, too," continued Martin, "that Laburnum Villa might not be
agreeable to her at present; and if it ain't agreeable to her she'll
put on the sulks, and that's more than I _can_ abide. Cheerfulness I
must have. My joke I must be allowed to make. My fun in my own way I
must enjoy. You and me--we'll hit it off splendid, and let the girl go
for the present."

"But she must go somewhere," said Mrs. Howland.

"Good gracious, my lady! do you suppose I'd allow the girl to be
destitute? No; I'm ready to do the generous; and now, I'll tell you
something. You mustn't blame her too much. She repented of her
ill-natured manner last night, and came to me as pretty as you please
this morning, and asked me to breakfast with her. I was taken aback,
but she came round me, and we went to Harrison's and had a topping
meal. Then she spoke to me very sensible, and explained that she
wanted more 'parlez-vooing' and more 'pi-annofortying,' and all the
rest of the so-called ladies' accomplishments. She consulted me very
pretty and very proper indeed; and the long and the short of it is
that I am willing to allow her forty pounds a year for her education
at that blessed Aylmer House where all the swells go, and to keep her
there for two years certain; and I am willing, further, to give her
twenty pounds a year to spend on dress. Of course she takes her
holidays with us. Then, if at the end of that time she turns out what
I hope she will, I will make her an accountant in the shop; it will be
a first-rate post for her, and I am sure, from the way she talks, she
has a splendid head for business. Now, what do you say to that,
Little-sing?"

"I say there never was your like, Bo-peep."

Mr. Martin rubbed his hands. "Thought you'd be pleased," he said. "The
girl spoke very proper indeed this morning, and she is a good
girl--plain and sensible, and I couldn't but take notice of her words.
Now then, s'pose we take a fresh 'ansom, and hurry home; and I'll take
you out and give you a right good bit of dinner, and afterwards we'll
go to the play."

"Oh dear!" said Mrs. Howland, "you are good to me, Bo-peep."

CHAPTER XV.

TWO SIDES.

Mrs. Ward's school reopened on the 20th of September. For two or three
days beforehand the immaculate and beautiful house was being made, if
possible, still more immaculate and still more lovely. The
window-boxes were refilled with flowers; the dainty little bedrooms
were supplied with fresh curtains to t