"It might be. But I like our High School at home, and we learn a lot
there."

"But not the same kind of learning. Do they teach you manners and
general society instruction?"

"No," said Bernice, smiling at thought of such things in connection
with the Berwick school. "But my father thinks those things come
naturally to girls of good families."

"Maybe so, maybe so." And then Mr. Forbes again walked up and down the
long room, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

Dolly and Dotty felt a little uncomfortable. They wanted to make
themselves agreeable and entertaining, but their host seemed
interested exclusively in his young relatives, and they hesitated lest
they intrude.

As it neared ten o'clock, Mr. Forbes paused in his pacing of the room,
bowed to each of the four in turn, and then saying, courteously, "I
bid you goodnight," he vanished into the hall.

Immediately Mrs. Berry entered. It seemed a relief to see her kind,
smiling face after the uncertain phases of their eccentric host.

"Now you young people must go to bed," the housekeeper said; "you're
tired,--or ought to be. Come along."

Not at all unwillingly they followed her upstairs, and she looked
after their comfort in most solicitous fashion.