She had not forgotten the charm of her home at the shore, but she
remembered that she always felt very gay when the sunlight glistened
on the waves.

She remembered that when the sky was overcast, the waves were dark and
sullen, and the great gulls flew far over the sea, her laugh lost its
gaiety, and she forgot to sing her merry songs.

Here at Avondale were trees bright with leaves of red and yellow,
gardens glowing with gorgeous fall flowers, and Sprite thought Avondale
looked as if it were one huge garden, through which avenues had been
cut, and houses, surrounded by spacious lawns, had been built.

School had opened a week earlier than usual, and Sprite already felt
"at home."

She was a favorite with the boys and girls, and, to her great delight,
she found that she had progressed in her studies, under her mother's
guidance, so that, although a trifle younger than Princess Polly, she
would be a member of the same class.

Polly, and Rose, and Sprite made a lovely trio, and older people meeting
them as they tripped along together, marvelled that three such beautiful
children, happened to be intimate neighbors.

Gwen Harcourt had not entered school on the first day, but one morning
she appeared with the news that she should attend school all the year
if she chose, but that she could leave at any time if she wished.