But this year, being idle, and his uncle being on the school board
here, he accepted this place as a sort of vacation in the meanwhile.
That is all it means to him. But I love teaching, it is my life-work.
I love the young people, and I want to help them. Why won't the twins
give me a chance? Surely I am as attractive as Professor Duke. They
are even fond of Miss Adams, whom most people consider rather a sour
old maid. But they have no use for me. I want you to find out the
reason, and tell me. Will you do it? They will tell you if you ask
them, won't they?"

"I think so. It is partly my fault. I am very strict with them about
saying hateful things about people. I do not allow it. And I insist
that they like everybody,--if they don't, I make them. So they have
just kept it to themselves. But I will do my best."

One would have thought that Prudence carried the responsibility for the
entire public-school system of the United States upon her shoulders
that night, so anxious were her eyes, so grave her face. Supper over,
she quietly suggested to Fairy that she would appreciate the absence of
herself and Connie for a time. And Fairy instantly realized that the
twins must be dealt with seriously for something. So she went in
search of Connie, and the two set out for a long walk. Then Prudence
went to the kitchen where the twins were washing the dishes, and as
usual, laughing immoderately over something.

Prudence sat down and leaned her elbows on the table, her chin in her
palms. "I met Miss Allen to-day," she said, closely observing the
faces of the twins. A significant glance flashed between them, and
they stiffened instantly.