"Then why don't you practise canoeing at Toronto?"

"The trouble is that I haven't time. You see, I teach all day."

"But you have holidays and the evenings."

"My evenings are occupied by study."

"I don't know if it's wise to over-work yourself for the advantage of
your pupils," Thirlwell remarked. "At one time, I was very keen about my
profession, but soon found it a mistake to tire my brain for my
employer's benefit. But what do you study?"

"Science; chemistry and geology, but not in order to teach the girls."

"Well, I suppose knowledge is worth getting for its own sake. Anyhow, I
thought so, but you learn when you undertake rude mining that the main
thing is to be able to make a practical use of what you know. In fact,
that's often better than knowing much."

"Perhaps so," Agatha agreed. "Some day I hope to make a good use of what
I have learned."

"About canoeing, or geology?"

"About both," said Agatha. "Now, however, I think we'll make for the
landing. Breakfast will be ready soon."

Thirlwell saw no more of her during the day, but she came down to the
beach in the evening and he gave her another lesson. As they paddled