"Spirit!" said Harold, who all this while had been reclining in his
invalid chair, apparently reading a review.

Mrs Devitt looked up, as if surprised.

"After all, everything depends on the point of view," remarked Miss
Spraggs.

"Is there any more?" asked Harold.

By way of reply, his father read from Miss Mee's letter:

"'In conclusion, I am proud to admit that Miss Keeves has derived
much benefit from so many years' association with one who has
endeavoured to influence her curriculum with the writin's of the
late Mr Ruskin, whose acquaintance it was the writer's inestimable
privilege to enjoy. With my best wishes for your welfare, I remain,
dear Madam, your obedient servant, Annie Allpress Mee.' That's all,"
he added, as he tossed the letter on to the table at his wife's
side.

"Did she know Ruskin?" asked Harold.

"When I was at her school--it was then at Fulham--she, or her
sister, never let a day go by without making some reference to him,"
replied his step-mother.

"What are you going to do for Miss Keeves?" asked Harold.