There was a large, airy room set apart for the purpose, and furnished with every suitable appliance, books, maps, globes, pictures, an orrery, a piano, etc., etc.

There were pretty rosewood desks and chairs, the floor was a mosaic of beautifully grained and polished woods, the walls, adorned with a few rare engravings, were of a delicate neutral tint, and tasteful curtains draped each window.
Thither mother and children now repaired, and spent two happy hours in giving and receiving instruction.
Harold had not yet quite mastered the alphabet.

His task was, of course, soon done, and he was permitted to betake himself to the nursery or elsewhere, with his mammy to take care of him; or if he chose to submit to the restraint of the school-room rather than leave mamma and the others, he might do so.
Violet could already read fluently, in any book suited to her years, and was learning to spell, write and sew.
Eddie was somewhat further advanced, and Elsie had begun arithmetic, history and geography; music, also, and drawing; for both of which she already shown decided talent.
School over, she had a half hour of rest, then went to the piano for an hour's practice, her mamma sitting by to aid and encourage her.
Mr.Travilla came in, asking, "Where is Eddie ?" "Here, papa," and the boy came running in with face all aglow with delight.

"O, are you going to teach me how to shoot?
I saw you coming with that pistol in your hand, and I'm so glad." "Yes," his father answered, smiling at the eager face.

"You will not be anxious, little wife ?" turning to her with a tender loving look.
"No, my husband; surely I can trust him with you, his own wise, careful, loving father;" she answered with a confiding smile.
"O papa, mayn't I go along with you?
and won't you teach me too ?" cried Violet, who was always ready for any excitement.
"Not to-day, daughter: only Eddie and I are going now; but sometime I will teach you all.