st discontent,
"that you did not speak to me before now on this subject. I cannot bear
to think that a child of mine does not give me her full confidence. You
know I am the last person in the world to keep you drudging and toiling
at home when you yourself long for a wider field of usefulness."

"Yes, mother, I know that," said Effie in a grave voice "The fact is,"
she continued, "I did not think it would be possible for you to spare
me; but if you can, and you think it right for me to go, I shall of
course be delighted, for I have long had my heart in this work."

"You are like all other modern girls," said Mrs. Staunton in that
provokingly inconsistent way which characterized her; "you are not
satisfied in the home nest. Well, well, I have got my boy, and I must
not complain."

"Oh, mother, dear mother, you have got us all." Effie rose from her
chair, went over and knelt by her mother's side.

"I would give anything in the world," she said, looking full at Mrs.
Staunton, "for you to say that you are going to miss me awfully."

The sight of her pretty face softened the mother's heart.

"Of course I shall miss you, my darling," she said, "You always were the
best of girls; but I don't wish to stand in your way. I know you will be
happy where your heart is, and your father wished it. That, in my
opinion, settles the matter."

"Well, I have a week," said Effie more cheerfully, standing up as she
spoke. "I must do all in my power to instruct Agnes. I must teach her
the little economies which I have been trying to practice."

"No, you need not do that, Effie. When you go to the hospital I intend
to resume full control of the family purse."

Effie hesitated, and looked anxiously at her mother as she said this.

"I wish it, my love, so there's no use in discussing the matter,"
continued Mrs. Staunton. "I know exactly what we have got to spend--L150
a year. It is very little, indeed, but I rather fancy I am as good a
manager as my child. I have at least a wider experience to guide me. Out
of that income dear George provides a third. It seems to me, Effie, that
we should give him rather more comforts than he has had lately for this
generous allowance."

"Oh, mother! George really wants for nothing."

"I cannot agree with you. I should wish him to have beer at supper every
night."

"I do not think it can be managed. There is not a penny to spare."

"Well, my dear, we will see. It is also only just that a proporti