me to high school. Of course, my five
dollars a week from Mrs. Gray helped a great deal, but up to the time
Mr. Southard sent for me to go to New York City to play Rosalind I
didn't really think of college as at all certain. Before I left New York
for Oakdale, Mr. and Miss Southard and I had a long talk. They made me
see that it was right to use the talent God had given me by appearing in
worthy plays. Mr. Southard pointed out the fact that I could earn enough
money by playing in stock companies in the summer to put me through
college and at the same time contribute liberally to my mother's
support.

"The home problem was really the greatest to be solved. I felt that it
wouldn't be right for me to even work my way through college and leave
Mary to struggle on alone, after she had worked so hard to help me get a
high school education. So the stage seemed to be my one way out after
all. And when once I had definitely decided to do as Mr. Southard
recommended me to do I was happier than I had been for ages."

"Anne Pierson, you quiet little mouse!" exclaimed Grace. "Why didn't you
tell us all this before? You are the most provoking Anne under the sun.
Here I've been worrying about you having to wait on table or do tutoring
and odds and ends of work to put yourself through college, while all the
time you were planning something different. We all know you're too proud
to let any of your friends help you, but since you are determined to
make your own way I'm glad that you have chosen the stage, after all."

"I think you are wise, Anne," agreed Miriam. "With two such people as
Mr. Southard and his sister to look after you, there can be no objection
to your following your profession."

"I am glad to know that you girls look at the matter in that light,"
replied Anne.

"Suppose we had offered any objections?" asked Grace.

"I'll answer that question," said Miriam. "Anne would have followed the
path she had marked out for herself regardless of our objections. Am I
right, Anne?"

"I don't know," said Anne, flushing deeply. "You have all been so good
to me. I couldn't bear to displease my dearest friends, but it would be
hard to give up something I knew could result in nothing save good for
me." Anne paused and looked at Grace and Miriam with pleading eyes.

"Never mind, dear," comforted Grace. "We approve of you and all your
works. We are not shocked because you are a genius. We are sworn
advocates of the stage and only t