"Miss Dennis, what means would you advise for interesting a company of
young girls in reading, regularly, books which would be of use to them?
Of course, I speak of a class of girls who have done no reading of any
account heretofore, and who have no knowledge in the matter."

"It is something about which I have not thought at all," said Gracie,
her pretty face all in a flush. "But I should suppose the way would be
to take one girl at a time, and study her, to find what would be likely
to interest and help _her_, and also to get such an influence over
her that she would read what I wanted her to."

"First catch your hare, eh? Good!" said the doctor, with an approving
glance towards Mrs. Roberts. "The longer I live the more convinced am I
that individual effort is what accomplishes the great things in this
world."

There was more talk about this and kindred matters; and Gracie found
herself drawn out, and her interest excited on themes about which she
had supposed she knew nothing.

Then occurred an interruption,--a ringing of the door-bell.

"For Miss Dennis," said the messenger; but she handed the card to Mrs.
Roberts.

There was just a moment of hesitation, while that lady apparently
studied the name, then she said, composedly:--

"This is Professor Ellis, Gracie. Do you wish to receive him this