ut the others," she told her mother. "They'll
think I'm partial, and I'm not, though I _do_ love Norah a little bit
the best, she's so affectionate. I wish we were rich. Then I could buy
frocks for them all."

"If you were rich, perhaps you wouldn't care about it," said her mother.
"A little here and a little there, a stitch, a kind word, a small
self-denial, these are in the power of all of us, and in course of time
they mount up and make a great deal. And, Mary dear, I've always found
if you once start in a path and are determined to keep on, somebody's
sure to come along and lend a helping hand, when you think you have got
to the end of every thing, and must stop or turn back."

"Well, I've got to the end of every thing now," said Mary. "There aren't
any more old frocks to make over, and we can't afford to buy new ones."

"Don't be discouraged," said her mother. "The way is sure to open
somehow."

"How wise mother is," thought Mary, when the very next week on their way
back from school Mrs. Wallis said, "I noticed that two of your scholars
had respectable frocks on to-day. I wonder if their mothers made them?
If they did, I've an old chintz dress which I could spare, and perhaps
Gretchen's mother and Amadine's could take it and fit them out too."

"I made the dresses," cried Mary joyfully. "And if you'll let me have
the old chintz, I'll make some more for the others, Mrs. Wallis. Oh, I'm
so glad."

"Did you make them," said Mrs. Wallis in a pleased tone. "Well, that's
first-rate. I'll send the chintz round to-night; and any other old
things I can find to help along."

So that night came a great bundle, which, on opening, revealed not only
the chintz, but a nice calico, some plaid ribbon, a large black alpaca
apron, and an old shirt of Mr. Wallis's. Such a busy time as Mary had in
planning how to make the most of these gifts. The chintz was long and
full. It had a cape, and made two beautiful frocks. The calico made
another frock and two nice pinafores, the black alpaca some small
aprons. Mary trimmed the two worst hats with the ribbon. Last of all,
she cut and stitched five narrow bands of the linen, which mother washed
and starched, and behold, the class had collars! I don't know which was
most pleased at this last decoration, Mary or the children.

"They are just as good as dolls to you, aren't they," said her father.

"O Papa! much better than _that_. Dolls can't laugh and talk, and they
don't really car