Allie Briskow was indeed in training, both physical and mental, and the application, the energy she displayed had surprised not only her parents, who could but dimly understand the necessity of self-culture, but also Mrs.Ring, the instructress.

Mrs.
Ring, a handsome, middle-aged woman whose specialty was the finishing of wealthy young "ladies," had been induced to accept this position partly by reason of the attractive salary mentioned in Calvin Gray's telegram, and partly by reason of the fact that she needed a rest.

She had met the Briskows in Dallas only a short time before their departure for the north, and although that first interview had been a good deal of a shock to her--almost as much of a shock as if she had been asked to tutor the offspring of a pair of chimpanzees--nevertheless she had nerved herself to the necessary sacrifice of dignity.

After all, Allegheny was only an overgrown child in need of advanced kindergarten training, and in the meantime there was the prospect of a season at Burlington Notch.

The latter was, in itself, a prospect alluring to one suffering from the wear and tear of a trying profession.