School that day was a decided success, and Rosie pretended that her fears of the new teacher were greatly allayed.
Between that and Christmas-time everything moved along smoothly; studies were well attended to, sports and pastimes greatly enjoyed.
The celebration of the holidays—Christmas and New Year's—also proved a great success. There were many and beautiful gifts; a handsome brooch from the captain delighted each little girl, and there were other lovely gifts too numerous to mention.
The distribution was on Christmas Eve. The next day there was a grand dinner at Viamede, all the relatives present, and everybody in gayest spirits.
The day was bright and beautiful, seeming but little like Christmas to those accustomed to frost and snow at that season.
New Year's day was not less lovely, nor were its festivities less enjoyable, though the gifts were fewer.
The holidays past, the young folks went back with zest to their studies, Rosie saying she was now convinced that Captain Raymond was an excellent teacher, and not at all inclined to tyrannize over a well-behaved pupil; for which complimentary expression of opinion he gravely thanked her.
"You are very welcome, sir," she said, "and may depend upon a recommendation from me whenever it is wanted."
"O Rosie, how ridiculous you are!" exclaimed Walter.
But Rosie was already out of the room, the other girls following. They went out on the lawn, ran about for a while, then settled themselves under a tree and began cracking and eating nuts.