t
prevent her learning some lessons which her other instructors had failed
to suggest. The comments of Elise on the habits and peculiarities of
every plant and flower that they attempted demonstrated to Miss Hartwell
that the real science of botany was not wholly dependent upon forceps
and scalpel. Another demonstration was to the effect that the first and
hardest step in drawing, if not in painting, was a clear-cut conception
of the object to be delineated. Elise knew her object. From the first
downy ball that pushed its way into the opening spring, to the unfolding
of the perfect flower, every shade and variety of colour Elise knew to
perfection.

Miss Hartwell's lessons had been purely mechanical. She had brought to
them determination and faithful application; but unconsciously the
object had been herself, not her subject, and her work showed it. Elise
was no genius; but she was possessed of some of its most imperative
essentials, an utter oblivion of self and an abounding love of her
subjects. Miss Hartwell was astonished at her easy grasp of details
which had come to her after much laborious effort.

They were aroused by the click of iron shoes on the stony trail as
Firmstone rode toward them.

He was delighted that his first attempt at bringing Elise in contact
with Miss Hartwell had been so successful. There was a flush of pleasure
on Miss Hartwell's face.

"I believe you knew I would not be alone. Why didn't you tell me about
Elise?"

"Oh, it's better to let each make his own discoveries, especially if
they are pleasant."

Firmstone looked at the paint-smudged fingers of Elise. "You refused my
help in square root, and are taking lessons in painting from Miss
Hartwell."

"Miss who?"

Firmstone was astonished at the change in the girl's face.

"Miss Hartwell," he answered.

Elise rose quickly to her feet. Brush and pencil fell unheeded from her
lap.

"Are you related to that Hartwell at the mill?" she demanded.

"He is my brother."

Fierce anger burned in the eyes of Elise. Without a word, she turned and
started down the trail. Miss Hartwell and Firmstone watched the
retreating figure for a moment. She was first to recover from her
surprise. She began to gather the scattered papers which Elise had
dropped. She was utterly unable to suggest an explanation of the sudden
change that had come over Elise on hearing her name. Firmstone was at
first astonished beyond measure. A second thought cleared h