n auto, and he had made up his mind
that he never would be.

Through the shopping district they went, and into a
brilliantly-lighted residence street, thence into smaller, narrower
streets as Gerald turned the big Ajax toward the shore of the bay.

Then old Bellvieu, lying dark and silent in the moonlight, a single
light twinkling from the servants' quarters in the rear, burst upon
their view. The car ran quickly along the hedge and stopped before
the gate.

Gerald looked at his watch.

"It is just eleven-thirty," he said. "I have the honor to report that
I have beaten the time I suggested by several minutes--enough to give
you time to unload your things and get to bed before the clock
strikes twelve."

Jim and Ephraim grabbed the baskets out of the big chest in the rear,
while Aunt Betty and the girls seized their other belongings. Then,
bidding Gerald and Aurora good night, with many thanks for the nice
time they had had in the new car, they went up the pathway toward the
house.

Chloe, Dinah and Metty had heard their voices, and with shouts of
delight had begun to light up the mansion. By the time the party
reached the gallery the big house looked as inviting as one could
wish.

How soft and fine the beds seemed that night to each one of the tired
camping party, for no matter how enjoyable a time they had had, they
were forced to admit that there was no place like home.

CHAPTER IX

THE FIRST LESSON

The next week was a pleasant one at Bellvieu. Molly Breckenridge
secured the consent of her father to remain for that long, and the
girls explored every nook and corner of the old mansion and its
grounds. Even the big, old-fashioned barn came in for its share of
their attention.

Horseback riding is one of the chief attractions at Bellvieu. Both
girls were good riders, and very fond of horses. Jim was not so
anxious, but usually accompanied them when they ventured away from
home.

Long rides into the country early in the morning, or in the cool of
the evening, were enjoyed to the utmost. Gerald came over frequently
and the big automobile served to give them many pleasant hours.

The first lesson with Herr Deichenberg had been postponed until after
Molly's departure, though that young lady was not aware of it. The
Herr refused to have the attention of his pupils distracted by
visitors, so, while impatient to begin his labors, he consented to a
postponement until Bellvieu should be clear of comp