A Little Bush Maid

trum."

"No" Norah would agree abstractedly. "Mr. Groom, you know that poley bullock down in the far end paddock--"

"No, I don't," severely. "This is a music lesson, Norah; you're not after cattle now!"

"Wish I were!" sighed the pupil. "Well, will you come out with the dogs this afternoon?"

"Can't; I'm wanted in the office. Now, Norah--"

"But if I asked father to spare you?"

"Oh, I'd like to right enough." Mr. Groom was young, and the temptress, if younger, was skilled in wiles.

"But your father--"

"Oh, I can manage Dad. I'll go and see him now." She would be at the door before her teacher perceived that his opportunity was vanishing.

"Norah, come back! If I'm to go out, you must play this first--and get it right."

Mr. Groom could be firm on occasions. "Come along, you little shirker!" and Norah would unwillingly return to the music stool, and worry laboriously though a page of the hated Czerny.