only do one thing at a time. Now,
you shall have your tea and toast in two minutes.'

'There is no doing anything well without system,' said the colonel.
'Arrange your work always, and then take it in order, the first thing
first, and so on. Now I should have said, the _first_ thing here was
the kitchen fire.'

Esther knew it was not, and that her doings had been with admirable
system; she was a little disappointed that they met with no
recognition. She had counted upon her father's being pleased, and even
a little surprised that so much had been done. Silently she made his
tea, and toasted him with much difficulty a slice of bread. Mrs. Barker
disappeared with her skillet. But the colonel was in the state of mind
that comes over many ease-loving men when their ease is temporarily
disturbed.

'How long is it going to take two people to get these things unboxed
and in their places?' he inquired, as his eye roved disconsolately over
the room and its packing-cases. 'This is pretty uncomfortable!'

'_Three_ people, papa. I shall do the very best I can. You would like
the sitting-room put in order first, where your sofa and you can be
quiet?'

'You are going to school.'

'Oh, papa! but I must see to the house first. Barker cannot get along
without me.'

'It is her business,' said the colonel. 'You are going to school.'

'But, papa, please, let me wait a few days. After I once begin to go to
school I shall be so busy with study.'

'Time you were. That's what we are come here for. The season is late
now.'

'But your comfort, and the house, papa?'

'My comfort must take its chance. I wish you to go to Miss Fairbairn on
Monday. Then Barker and Christopher can take the house between them.'

There was no gainsaying her father when once an order was given, Esther
knew; and she was terribly disappointed. Her heart was quite set on
this business of righting and arranging the new home; nobody could do
it as it should be done, she knew, except by her order; and her own
hand longed to be in the work. A sudden cloud came over the brightness
of her spirit. She had been very bright through all the strain and rush
of the morning; now she suddenly felt tired and dispirited.

'What is Christopher doing?'

'Papa, I do not know; he has been opening boxes.'

'Let him put the kitchen in order.'

'Yes, papa.' Esther knew it was impossible, however.

'And let Barker get the rooms up-stairs arranged.'

'Papa, don't you want