"I suppose that is one reason you look so forlorn all the time. I will ask Uncle Guy to send you to the dancing school for—"
"Pauline, it is school-time, and you don't know one word of that Quackenbos; I would be ashamed to start from home as ignorant of my lessons as you are." Mrs. Chilton's head was projected from the parlor window, and the rebuke was delivered in no very gentle tone.
"Oh, I don't mind it at all; I have got used to it," answered the daughter, tossing up the book as she spoke.
"Get ready for school this minute!"
Pauline scampered into the house for her bonnet and sachel; and, fixing her eyes upon Beulah, Mrs. Chilton asked sternly:
"What are you doing out there? What did you follow my brother to the gate for? Answer me!"
"I merely opened the gate for him," replied the girl, looking steadily up at the searching eyes.
"There was a servant with him to do that. In future don't make yourself so conspicuous. You must keep away from the flower beds too. The doctor wishes no one prowling about them; he gave particular directions that no one should go there in his absence."
They eyed each other an instant; then, drawing up her slender form to its utmost height, Beulah replied proudly:
"Be assured, madam, I shall not trespass on forbidden ground!"