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and so has Cicely--Molly and Isabel to tell us all about their lives at school." "I did not know it, my little Merry." "Well, yes, father, Cicely and I have been curious; for, you see, the life is so very different from ours. And so to-day, when Maggie and I were in the picture-gallery, I asked her to tell me about Aylmer House, and she--she did." "She made a glowing picture, evidently," said Mr. Cardew. "Oh father, it must be so lovely! Think of it, father--to get the best music and the best art, and to be under the influence of a woman like Mrs. Ward. Oh, it must be good! Do you know, father, that every girl in her school has an East End girl to look after and help; so that some of the riches of the West should be felt and appreciated by those who live in the East. Oh father! I could not help feeling a little jealous." "Yes, darling, I quite understand. And you find your life with Miss Beverley and Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Bennett a little monotonous compared to the variety which a school-life affords?" "That is it, father darling." "I don't blame you in the least, Merry--not in the very least; but the fact is, I have my own reasons for not approving of school-life. I prefer girls who are trained at home. If, indeed, you had to earn your living it would be a different matter. But you will be rich, dear, some day, and----Well, I am glad you've spoken to me. Don't think anything more about it. Come in to lunch now." "I'll try not to think of it, father; and you're not really angry?" "Angry!" said Mr. Gardew. "I'll never be angry with you, Merry, when you tell me all the thoughts of your heart." "And you won't--you won't," said Merry in an anxious tone--"vex darling mother by talking to her about this?" "I make no promises whatsoever You have trusted me; you must continue to trust me." "I do; indeed I do! You are not angry with dear, nice Miss Howland, are you, father?" "Angry with her! Why should I be? Most certainly not. Now, come in to lunch, love." At that meal Mr. Cardew did his very utmost to be pleasant to Merry; and as there could be no man more charming when he pleased, soon the little girl was completely under his influence, and forgot that fascinating picture of school-life which Maggie had so delicately painted for her edification. Soon after lunch Mrs. Cardew and Cicely returned; and Merry, the moment she was with her sister, felt her sudden fit of the blues departing, and ran
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