many," said the visitor, with the
assurance that Margaret was to learn characterized her. "I've two
myself, two girls," she went on. "I wanted a boy, but they're nice
girls. And you've six brothers and sisters? Are they all as handsome
as you and this Teddy of yours? And why do you like teaching?"

"Why do I like it?" Margaret said, enjoying these confidences and
the unusual experience of sitting idle in mid-afternoon. "I don't,
I hate it."

"I see. But then why don't you come down to New York, and do
something else?" the other woman asked.

"I'm needed at home, and I don't know any one there,"
Margaret said simply.

"I see," the lady said again thoughtfully. There was a pause. Then
the same speaker said reminiscently, "I taught school once for three
months when I was a girl, to show my father I could support myself."

"I've taught for four years," Margaret said.

"Well, if you ever want to try something else,--there are such lots
of fascinating things a girl can do now!--be sure you come and see me
about it," the stranger said. "I am Mrs. Carr-Boldt, of New York."

Margaret's amazed eyes flashed to Mrs. Carr-Boldt's face; her
cheeks crimsoned.

"Mrs. Carr-Boldt!" she echoed blankly.

"Why not?" smiled the lady, not at all displeased.

"Why," stammered Margaret, laughing and rosy, "why, nothing--only
I never dreamed who you were!" she finished, a little confused.

And indeed it never afterward seemed to her anything short of a
miracle that brought the New York society woman--famed on two
continents and from ocean to ocean for her jewels, her entertainments,
her gowns, her establishments--into a Weston schoolroom, and into
Margaret Paget's life.

"I was on my way to New York now," said Mrs. Carr-Boldt.

"I don't see why you should be delayed," Margaret said, glad to be
able to speak normally, with such a fast-beating and pleasantly
excited heart. "I'm sure Dorothy's all right."

"Oh, I'd rather wait. I like my company," said the other. And Margaret
decided in that instant that there never was a more deservedly admired
and copied and quoted woman.

Presently their chat was interrupted by the tramp of the departing
school children; the other teachers peeped in, were reassured, and
went their ways. Then came the doctor, to pronounce the entirely
cheerful Dorothy unhurt, and to bestow upon her some hoarhound drops.
Mrs. Carr-Boldt settled at once with the doctor, and when Margaret
saw the size of the bill