"Then you see that it is needful that you should be able to do
something for yourselves. I can give one of you at a time the power
of going to the University."

"I don't think Vera or Polly would wish for that," said Agatha.

"Well, what would they wish for? I can do something towards
preparing them, and I can teach Thekla, but I should like to know
what you think would be best for them."

"Vera's strong point is music," said Agatha. "She cares for that
more than anything else, and Mr. Selby thought she had talent and
might sing, only she must not strain her voice. I don't believe she
will do much in any other line. And Polly--she is very good, and
always does her best because it is right, but I don't think anything
is any particular pleasure to her, except needlework. She is always
wanting to make things for the church. She really has a better voice
than Flapsy, and can play better, but that is because she is so much
steadier."

"Seventeen and sixteen, are they not?"

"Yes; but Polly seems ever so much older than Flapsy."

"Mrs. Best showed me that she had higher marks. She must be a
thoroughly good girl."

"That she is," cried Agatha, warmly. "She never had any task for
getting into mischief."