Vi glanced over the note and hastened to Eddie, whom she found in the schoolroom, its only occupant at the moment.
"Here's a note from Isa, asking me to bring Rosie and come to Roselands for the rest of the day, after lessons are done. She thinks I must feel lonely. It is very kind, but what shall I do about it? Rosie would enjoy going, but would it be kind to you or the boys, or Molly?"
"I might take the boys over to the Oaks, but I don't know—oh, I think Molly would probably prefer solitude, as I happen to know that she has some writing to do. Well, what now?" seeing a hesitating, perplexed look on Vi's face.
"I cannot ask permission of papa or mamma."
"No, of course not; we must go to Mr. Daly for that now."
"I don't like it," she answered coloring; "it does seem as if nobody has the right to control us except our father and mother, and our grandparents."
"Only that they have given him the right for the present."
Mr. Daly came in at that instant, and Vi, placing the note in his hand, said "Will you please to look at this, sir, and tell me if I may accept the invitation?"
"I see no objection," he said, returning it with a kindly smile, "provided your lessons are well recited."
Mr. Daly was an excellent teacher, thoroughly prepared for his work by education, native talent for imparting the knowledge he possessed, love for the employment and for the young creatures entrusted to his care.