n slim fingers
glided over the keys with chords of melody it penetrated her very soul,
and she just drew in long breaths of delight. But hers were not slim
fingers and running up and down the scale seemed as much beyond her as
conversing in Latin.

"You are in too great a hurry. You go too hard, with too much force,"
said Madame Meran.

All that she had done thus far in life had been done in a hurry, except
waiting on Mrs. Van Dorn, who took everything leisurely. She tried not
to run upstairs, as she found only new girls did that, and not to walk
heavily on the uncarpeted floor. And she was glad enough of the
experience at Mrs. Dayton's. She was not an awkward girl, and she
watched the others with keen eyes. A fortnight passed before the school
was full. One day Mrs. Aldred summoned her.

"You said the first day you came that you liked people," that lady began
smilingly. "As yours is a double room and the other part needed, I am
going to give you a choice. You can have a small room to yourself or
Miss Daisy Bell will share yours, and the new scholar take hers."

"Oh, I should like that," her eyes shining with pleasure. "But if
she----"

"She is quite willing. This is a first year for both of you, since she
only came last Easter, and you may be able to help each other. She is
already a fair musician and has had a year's tuition in Latin; in
several English branches you are much in advance. Then you have a study
habit, and that she lacks."

"I am glad I have one good quality," and the eager face flushed with
gratification.

"You have more than one," smiling. "You are too impatient about
learning. Everything does not come by nature, and there may be many
years to devote to it."

"I think of only two. I want to crowd in everything I can."

"Do not look so far ahead. It is better to live day by day; better to do
to-day's duty."

"But I am falling behind all the time. I spent Saturday trying to catch
up, instead of having a good time. And I do so want to walk in those
haunts over the river, those woods and wilds, before the frost comes
on."

"You were brave to give it up. They are beautiful even after frost, and
there will be some time to spare. The first week, the first month,
indeed, is generally the hardest. Then I'll send Miss Bell to you? I
think you will make good comrades."

"Oh, I shall be delighted."

She almost ran into Daisy's arms in the hall.

"I was coming to tell you some news," exclaimed th