Eleanor rose and, drawing Alice's
arm through her own, the two resumed their leisurely stroll about the
garden.

"I wonder if Riley has forgiven me for marrying your father," Eleanor
queried, laughingly. "He looks upon 'Mr. Robert' as his personal
property, and I really believe he has always resented my presence as an
intrusion."

"Pat is the only one who can make him stand around," Alice admitted;
"but, seriously, I think he looks upon you as a real addition to the
family. That's a proud position for you to have attained in four years."

"I hope you are right," Eleanor laughed again. "Without Riley's
approval, peace in the Gorham family would be impossible. Now tell me
what you are thinking over so seriously. I've been on the point of
asking you ever since luncheon."

Alice looked up quickly and smiled brightly.

"Am I serious?" she asked. "I didn't realize that I became thoughtful so
seldom as to have it attract attention; but, since you ask, I am
wondering how my business experiment is going to work out."

"Mr. Covington is an able instructor, and I feel sure that his pupil is
a proficient one."

"Isn't it good of him to give me so much time! He hasn't missed a
morning since we returned. Oh, it's wonderful to listen to him, he knows
so much about things; and it all seems simple enough after he explains
it. He is very patient with me, even though I know he thinks I'm awfully
stupid."

"He doesn't seem to find the task irksome," suggested Eleanor.

"That's because he thinks so much of father," the girl explained. "He
has told me a lot I never knew about dear daddy, and it makes me love
him more than ever. Mr. Covington says there isn't a man in the world
to-day equal to father; and, of course, I know he's right, but it's
pleasant to hear some one else say it."

"How do you like Mr. Covington as you become better acquainted with
him?" Eleanor asked.

"Very much," Alice replied, sincerely; "no one could help it. Next to
daddy, he's the finest man I know."

"Do you think you could become very close friends?"

The girl laughed merrily. "What a funny idea!" she exclaimed. "It takes
two to become close friends, and a man in his position could never have
a friendship with a girl my age--especially when he has this opportunity
to learn all my shortcomings. I should be very proud of a friend like
Mr. Covington."

Eleanor feared to disturb matters by further questioning. All seemed to
be progressing favorably