"Would you like to take lessons?"
"Shouldn't I!" cried Effie, with emphasis. "But, dear me, there's no use thinking of it, as I'm not likely ever to have the chance."
"I'd rather give a music lesson any day than work buttonholes," remarked Mildred laughingly; "and oh, the quantities of them to be made in this family! Effie, why shouldn't we exchange work occasionally?—an hour of instruction on the piano for an hour's sewing? Don't you think it would do, mother?"
"Capitally, if you are mutually satisfied."
Effie's face was sparkling with delight. "Oh, do you really mean it?" she cried. "Why, I'd gladly give two hours' sewing for one of music lesson, and am sure it would be worth it."
"No," said Mildred, "I think not, considering what a swift and neat needlewoman you are."
"Not much worldly wisdom in either of you, I think, my dear girls," remarked Mrs. Keith with an amused smile.
"But there's a difficulty I had not thought of," said Effie. "I have no piano to practise on."
"You shall have the use of mine."