n awfully naughty Rosamund had
it not been for Irene--poor little wild Irene; but she was really
and truly much naughtier than I ever thought of being, and her
example shocked me and pulled me up, and I resolved to try to be
good for her sake.

"But I do like Professor Merriman, although I know he does not like
me; and I believe they are very poor. So I wish you would find
another pupil in my place--some ordinary kind of girl, who would
pay about the same sum; or perhaps, mother, as you are so very well
off, you might pay the money for her. What do you say to that? It
is just a notion of mine. There is my cousin Anice: you know how
her mother frets because she is not well educated. Well, she would
be well educated at the Merrimans', for the two governesses, as
well as the masters who come for occasional lessons, are
first-rate. Now, just think that over, only don't let my name
appear in the matter.

"Well, dearest, that's all about the Merrimans for the present. I
am staying with Irene; but she knows that if she plays any very
serious pranks I go. Meanwhile you must not suppose that I am
letting my lessons alone. I am working very hard with Miss Frost.
She is a dear creature when you get to know her, and she is very
fond of me. I told you about those dreadful insects that that
wicked child made her swallow. Well, she is all right again now,
and isn't a bit afraid of them, and she believes the doctor, and is
perfectly happy. As to Irene, nothing would induce her to do
anything of the kind to Miss Frost now, for she would get it hot
from me if she did. I should like to stay with Irene for the next
few months at any rate, and if you want me to get on very fast
indeed with my music, and to take up my drawing systematically,
some of the masters who attend at the Merrimans' could come on
here, couldn't they? I think that could be arranged. Dear Lady Jane
is so fond of me, and I really think I am doing a little bit of
good in the world, so you won't be angry even if the Professor
writes you a horrid letter about your own

"ROSAMUND."

When this letter was despatched Rosamund felt quite light and happy, and
she went out into the garden to talk to Miss Frost. Miss Frost looked
already quite six or seven years younger than she had done on the day of
Rosamund