On the whole things are much better as they are." Miss Beach was so extremely busy with her own multifarious occupations that she had not time to see very much of her great-niece.

She made every arrangement for her comfort, however, and caused the piano to be moved into the dining-room for the convenience of her practicing.

She had always had a tender spot for Winona, whom she regarded as the one hopeful character in a family of noodles.

She talked to her at meal times about a variety of subjects, some of them within her intelligence, but others completely--so far--above her head.

She even tried to draw her out upon school matters.