s of books.

"Day after day on our way to and from school we stopped before our
idols. Clem told me she often dreamed of that pair of garters with its
shining buckles!

"'Saturday's my birthday; if some kind, rich old gentleman would happen
along and adopt me before then, the first thing I'd ask for would be a
pair of pink garters like these!'

"That day when I reached home I found a small package which my
godmother, Mrs. Keyes, had left for me. It was a pretty handkerchief
with my initial in the corner, and knotted inside was a silver half
dollar. To me that was quite a fortune and Roxana gave me much advice
as to its disposal, but I scarcely heard what she said; I was thinking
of something else; you can guess what it was."

"Yes, we know, we know," cried Ivy.

"Friday evening, I sneaked away from Clem and went to Smithley's.

"I could hardly control my voice to speak when the proprietor came
forward. I had come to a halt near the show window.

"'What's your lowest price for _Jane Eyre_?' I found myself saying.

"'A dollar and a half. It's a most fascinating book, but for your own
reading I'd advise--'

"'Thank you, sir, but I think I'll buy those.'

"I pointed to the garters. Mr. Smithley wrapped them up and tied the
package with a pink and white cord.

"I could hardly wait to get home before opening the precious parcel. I
wanted to show it to mother the first thing, but she was not in and I
proudly displayed it to Roxana. She eyed the garters dubiously.

"'Very easily soiled! How much did you pay for them?'

"'Thirty cents, at Smithley's.'

"'Thirty cents! The idea! For something you can't wear!'

"'I don't intend wearing them! It's my present for Clementina's
birthday!'

"'You foolish thing! Why didn't you consult me? A pair of black ones
would wear so much longer!'

"Roxana's manner did not chill my pleasure. I went upstairs and wrote
an inscription on a card:--

"'For Clementina on her Tenth Birthday, from Edna,' and placed it with
the garters.

"I could hardly wait for the next day! I pictured Clem's surprise and
rapture.

"Mother came home, and after supper I slipped away to get the package
to show to her. I knew when I returned to the sitting-room, that
Roxana had told her about my purchase and how she regarded it.

"She said it was pretty but--well, they kept on about it, until I began
to think myself a culprit. I could hardly see the pink garters for my
tears. At