ot wish her to
be idle or inattentive. I want her to be energetic, full of purpose,
resolved to do her best, and to take advantage of those opportunities
which have come to you all, my dear, when I, your mother's sister, took
up my abode at The Dales. Sometime, dear, it is quite possible that,
owing to what will be begun in Pauline's character to-day, people will
stop and admire the lovely flower. They will know that the gardener who
put it to some pain and trouble was wise and right. Now, my dear girl,
you will remember my little lecture. Pauline needs discipline. For that
matter, you all need discipline. At first such treatment is hard, but in
the end it is salutary."

"Thank you, Aunt Sophy," said Verena. "But perhaps," she added, "you will
try and remember, too, that kindness goes a long way. Pauline is perhaps
the most affectionate of us all. In some ways she has the deepest
feelings. But she can be awfully sulky, and only kindness can move her."

"I quite understand, my dear; and when the time comes kindness will not
be wanting. Now go away and amuse yourself with your sisters."

Verena went away. She wondered as she did so where Pauline was hiding
herself. The others had all settled down to their various amusements and
occupations. They were sorry for Pauline, but the pleasant time they were
enjoying in the middle of this lovely summer's day was not to be
despised, even if their sister was under punishment. But Verena herself
could not rest. She went into the schoolroom. On a tray stood poor
Pauline's neglected dinner. Verena lifted the cover from the plate, and
felt as though she must cry.

"Pauline is taking it hardly," thought the elder girl.

Tea-time came, and Pauline's tea was also sent to the schoolroom. At
preparation hour, when the rest of the girls went into the room,
Pauline's tea remained just where it had been placed an hour before.
Verena could scarcely bear herself. There must be something terribly
wrong with her sister. They had often been hungry in the old days, but in
the case of a hearty, healthy girl, to do without any food from
breakfast-time when there was plenty to eat was something to regard with
uneasiness.

Presently, however, to her relief, Pauline came in. She looked rough and
untidy in appearance. She slipped into the nearest chair in a sulky,
ungainly fashion, and taking up a battered spelling-book, she held it
upside down.

Verena gave her a quick glance and looked away. Pau