“Ah, Marian, if you are wise you will not put too much faith in the opinion of one who evidently looks at the person under discussion through rose-colored glasses,” remarked the captain in a gravely warning tone.
“It seems to be the way with every one who knows you, sir,” laughed Marian; “so I will be on my guard till I have learned more of you through my own observation.”
“And do you mean to wait till you have satisfied yourself upon that point before you venture to become one of his pupils?” queried Lulu.
“It would not be waiting very long, as I am already satisfied that Captain Raymond is to be trusted; for I have had a report of his teaching and government from both Rosie and Evelyn; a most favorable one from each,” Marian said in reply.
“And of course they wouldn’t be as likely to prove partial judges as his own daughters who love him so dearly,” remarked Grace, with her arm about her father’s neck, her eyes gazing fondly into his.
“I think I shall venture,” returned Marian. “My intention is to be careful to keep rules and to work very hard at the lessons; so doing I cannot think I shall run much risk of punishment. The worst he could inflict (expelling me) would only—I was going to say, leave me where it found me; it would be worse than that, though—real disgrace and disappointment; but I don’t intend ever to be so idle, mischievous, or rebellious as to bring it on myself.”
“I have not the slightest fear that you will,” said the captain, “and I think too that I know you pretty thoroughly since the weeks spent in the same house with you in Minersville.”
“And do you intend then to begin on Monday?” queried Lulu with, a look of joyous expectancy.
“Yes, indeed; if nothing happens to prevent. I do not want to lose any time, for I wish to be able to earn my own living as soon as possible.”
“Why, what a very independent young woman you seem to be, Cousin Marian!” laughed a sweet girlish voice close at hand, and Violet tripped lightly from the doorway to a chair which her husband, hastily putting Grace from his knee, drew forward for her use.