"Well, there is something in that," admitted Ma-
dame. "I myself could not even imagine such a
situation. I would not know of it now, if you and
Miss Acton had not told me."

"There is not the slightest use in telling Amelia
not to imitate Lily, because she does not know that
she is imitating her," said Miss Parmalee. "If she
were to be punished for it, she could never compre-
hend the reason."

"That is true," said Miss Acton. "I realize that
when the poor child squeaks instead of singing. All
I could think of this morning was a little mouse
caught in a trap which she could not see. She does
actually squeak! -- and some of her low notes, al-
though, of course, she is only a child, and has never
attempted much, promised to be very good."

"She will have to squeak, for all I can see," said
Miss Parmalee. "It looks to me like one of those
situations that no human being can change for better
or worse."

"I suppose you are right," said Madame, "but
it is most unfortunate, and Mrs. Wheeler is such a
superior woman, and Amelia is her only child, and
this is such a very subtle and regrettable affair.
Well, we have to leave a great deal to Providence."