was nearly her own age-fifteen, Mary Louise judged her to be-and her golden hair and fair complexion proclaimed her an American. But now the girl's quick ears had detected presence, and sh

sitano for a new wheel. Meantime we were exploring our surroundings and stumbled upon the path leading to this spot. Forgive the trespass, if you will, and al

awkward. She blushed in an em

or a time with my father, Jason Jones. We, a

ded the Colonel, with a smile. "May

s morning, and has not yet returned. But perhaps he will be back soon," she added, seeming to ponder the mat

could look at Mary Louise without gaining confidence and the friendly smile and warm handclasp made Alora feel instantly that here was a girl who

ortable living room and called to

n a convent, for there I would see other girls while here I see no one bu

ce," declared Mary

sometimes I feel that I'd like to run away

e three years?" ask

ot much to interest one. Then my father found this place and rented it, and here we've stayed-I can't say 'lived'-ever since. I get along pret

for help, and did not need to guess the explanation. The man in the vineyard had called her father "the Student" and said he was a reserved man and never was seen without a book in

r. Jones is so immersed in his studies that he f

smile that for a moment curled Alora's l

speaks. Also, he ignores me, and I am glad he does. But before my mother died," her voice breaking a little, "I was greatly loved and petted, and I can't get use

r trembling hand now and s

," she said softly. "Is it

for art was her hobby. I did not know my father in those days, you see, for-for-they did not live together. But in her last ill

ay had listene

r mother's n

Antoinette Sea

iful and cultured woman I never met. Her father, Captain Seaver, was my friend, and I met his daught

ith delight and Mary Louise was

isn't it queer we have come together in this singular manner? In a fo

d an artist," said Mary Louis

was, in fact, a mere dauber. He became discouraged in his attempts to paint and soon after he took me to

idered a fine conception, skillfully executed. That was the opinion of so good a judge as

metimes destroys one's talent, though in after years, with proper impulse, it may return with added strength. In my father's case," she expl

therefore her daughter must be an heiress. What a shame to keep the girl hidden in this out

ur age, my de

en, sir," r

is the guardian

my mother

re receiving pro

my father's care I have had no instruc

voice, and all three turned to find