ngton were Fellow Citizens together.

Inspired by our studious evenings, what Frieda Antin would not be glad
to sit all day bent over the needle, that the family should keep on
its feet, and Mary continue at school? The morning ride on the
ferryboat, when spring winds dimpled the river, may have stirred her
heart with nameless longings, but when she took her place at the
machine her lot was glorified to her, and she wanted to sing; for the
girls, the foreman, the boss, all talked about Mary Antin, whose poems
were printed in an American newspaper. Wherever she went on her humble
business, she was sure to hear her sister's name. For, with
characteristic loyalty, the whole Jewish community claimed kinship
with me, simply because I was a Jew; and they made much of my small
triumphs, and pointed to me with pride, just as they always do when a
Jew distinguishes himself in any worthy way. Frieda, going home from
work at sunset, when rosy buds beaded the shining stems, may have felt
the weariness of those who toil for bread; but when we opened our
books after supper, her spirit revived afresh, and it was only when
the lamp began to smoke that she thought of taking rest.

At bedtime she and I chatted as we used to do when we were little
girls in Polotzk; only now, instead of closing our eyes to see
imaginary wonders, according to a bedtime game of ours, we exchanged
anecdotes about the marvellous adventures of our American life. My
contributions on these occasions were boastful accounts, I have no
doubt, of what I did at school, and in the company of school-committee
men, editors, and other notables; and Frieda's delight in my
achievements was the very flower of her fine sympathy. As formerly,
when I had been naughty and I invited her to share in my repentance,
she used to join me in spiritual humility and solemnly dedicate
herself to a better life; so now, when I was full of pride and
ambition, she, too, felt the crown on her brows, and heard the
applause of future generations murmuring in her ear. And so partaking
of her sister's glory, what Frieda Antin would not say that her
portion was sufficient reward for a youth of toil?

I did not, like my sister, earn my bread in those days; but let us say
that I earned my salt, by sweeping, scrubbing, and scouring, on
Saturdays, when there was no school. My mother's housekeeping was
necessarily irregular, as she was pretty constantly occupied in the
store; so there was enough for