e can go, Miss Aldred?" imploringly.

"I see no objection at present."

The stage had come up with some scholars, and Miss Aldred went to
receive them.

"I am really going to take Miss Grant in charge. First, let us have a
walk about our own domain."

The front and one side were devoted to pleasure and beauty. Some lovely
old trees, a willow touching the ground with its long arms, two splendid
Norway spruces, a great catalpa, maples, and one fine old elm. Two
hammocks were swung in the shade, there were several rustic seats about,
and a table that seemed to invite one to a picnic meal. At the back the
decline was a tangle of wildness until it reached the little stream.
Various wood asters were beginning to bloom, golden-rod, balsams, and
several fine, white blossoms. Yet, it was rather shady and they all had
a delicate appearance.

"And there is a path. You can go down," exclaimed Helen, rather
wistfully.

"And get yourself torn by briers. We won't go down this morning, for
there are pleasanter ways, and you will have enough of it when you go
out botanizing."

"It is so beautiful. And over there is another hill." Her eyes were
alight with enthusiasm.

"And the end of the town lies down in the valley. Now around here is the
useful and a bit of orchard. The old branching apple tree gives us
oceans of bloom in the spring, and we are allowed to despoil it as it
seldom fruits. That's the useful--not exactly the garden of sweet herbs,
but there are some in it. And here is the lovely grape arbor, if you are
not afraid some fierce caterpillar or savage green worm an inch or two
long may swing down upon you."

There was a long bench at one side, and the air was fragrant with
ripening grapes. They seated themselves, and Miss Mays extended a
cordial invitation to the merry group.

"Are we really allowed to?" asked someone, hesitatingly, a stranger to
the privileges.

"In reason, yes. It would be most unkind and ill-bred to strip the vines
and offer them for sale in the public market. I hope none of you have
been seized with that intention. There are some more prisoners of hope,"
as another stage stopped.

"Why prisoners? Do they not come of their own accord," asked Helen.

"Oh, Miss Grant, they generally come of their fathers' and mothers'
accord the first time. Did you really sigh to come?"

"I wanted to, yes;" in an eager tone.

"Depraved taste."

Helen looked surprised. That everyone of any intelligence sh