stes had been studied; "I do desire
a school."

"I will assist with pleasure, Mees. Be seated; in a few moments I will
accompany you."

I sat down, wondering whither the gay, loquacious gentleman would lead
me.

He soon rejoined me, hat in hand.

"Will you accept my escort, Mees; the place is near by," said he, reading
the note. "No. 14 B----, street. Will you walk, or shall I call a cab?"

"I will walk," I answered, scarcely knowing what reply was expected. As
we turned the corner of the street I ventured to ask:

"Is it to some school you are guiding me?"

"Ah, Mees," said he, rubbing his hands together and laughing, "it is some
great secret. Mons. Bristeed would surprise you. Have a leetle patience,
and all will be divulged."

We walked rapidly for a space and then paused before a handsome building.

Entering the courtyard, we rang the silver bell. A servant answered our
summons and invited us in. Seated in the drawing-room, I heard the buzz
of many voices.

"Is it an academy?" I whispered to Monsieur Pilot, my conductor. He
smiled encouragingly.

"This is a young ladies' seminary, Mees."

Before I could question further, the room door opened, and a lady of
tall, imposing figure entered.

Monsieur Pilot commenced a vehement conversation with her in French. She
responded in the same tongue. The dialogue ended, he turned to me and
said:

"Mees Reef, permit me to introduce you to Madame Fontenelle."

Madame smiled very graciously upon me, and then recommenced the
gesticulation and babble of the two. At length she appeared satisfied
with the understanding at which they arrived. I was growing uneasy at
their prolonged volubility, when Monsieur Pilot pirouetted up to me, and
said:

"Mees Reef, I beg to congratulate you. Madame consents to transfer this
mansion into your hands, She accepts our recommendation and that of your
own intelligent countenance. Mons. Bristeed was not mistaken in the
impression you would make. I wish you joy in having become the
proprietress of this splendid institution."

"How," I cried in astonishment; "I proprietor? I do not understand.
Please explain."

Madame looked blandly on; my remarks were evidently unintelligible to
her.

"It is a very onerous and responsible position, Mademoiselle"--shrugging
her shoulders--"I should not like to advise you. Do you comprehend the
extent of the undertaking? I should not be willing to trust my pupils in
timid hands."

Her remarks