remarkably proficient. Then perhaps an hour a day of reading well-
selected literature with a competent teacher, and I'll guarantee that a
year at home will do more for Patty than any school full of masters."

Mr. Fairfield looked at his young wife in admiration. "Why, Nan, I
believe you're right," he said, "though I don't believe it because of
any change in my own opinions, but because you put it so convincingly
that I haven't an argument left."

Nan only smiled, and went on.

"You said yourself, Fred, that Patty disliked the routine and restraint
of school life, and so I think it would be cruel to force her into it
when she can be so much happier at home. Here she will have ample time
for all the study I have mentioned, and still have leisure for the
pleasures that she needs and deserves. I shall look after her singing
lessons myself, and make sure that she practises properly. Then I shall
take her to the opera and to concerts, which, though really a part of
her musical education, may also afford her some slight pleasure."

Patty flew over to Nan and threw her arms about her neck. "You dear old
duck," she cried; "there never was such a dear, lovely, beautiful
stepmother on the face of the earth! And now it's all settled, isn't it,
papa?"

"It seems to be," said Mr. Fairfield, smiling. "But on your own heads be
the consequences. I put Patty into your hands now, so far as her future
education is concerned, and you can fix it up between you. To tell the
truth, I'm delighted myself at the thought of having Patty stay home
with us, but my sense of duty made me feel that I must at least put the