It had been a very fine place before the war, the residence of a family of wealth and standing; and though now in a measure fallen into decay, was still an attractive spot, not destitute of beauty.
The rooms appointed to study and recitation were of good size, airy, and well lighted; with a pleasant outlook--here upon lawn and lakelet, there on garden, shrubbery, or orange orchard.
"I think it is a beautiful place for a school," Lulu remarked as they were on their homeward way; "we shall enjoy wandering around the grounds, or sitting under the trees on the lawn, at recess." "Or having a game of ball," said Max.
"Do you like Professor Manton, Eva ?" asked Lulu, with a look of disgust as she mentioned his name.
"I don't know him yet," Evelyn replied, half smiling.

"I intend to try to like him." "I don't!" cried Lulu with vehemence; "he's too pompous and too--what is it ?" "Fawning," supplied Max.

"I'm just certain he has heard that Grandpa Dinsmore and Grandma Elsie are very rich, and I guess he thinks we are their own grandchildren." "Perhaps it is just as well, if it will make him treat you all the better," remarked Rosie; "therefore I shall not enlighten him.

I have formed the same opinion of him that you and Lulu have, Max." "But don't let us judge him too hastily," said Evelyn.

"Thinking ill of him will only make it hard to treat him with the respect we should while we are his pupils." "Very sage advice, Miss Leland," laughed Rosie.