e could gainsay.

"That is the grand secret," cried Sylvie,--"making economy honorable.
You never see the nice old families flaunting their best silk and their
point-laces on ordinary occasions. Something is kept sacred. And I do
think there is more real economy among them, than among those who
absolutely have a need for it. If wastefulness could once come to be
considered a sin of ostentation and low-breeding, it would not have so
many followers. Some people do it because they are afraid of being
thought mean; but if they could be trained to that bravery of spirit
that makes a work of beauty out of the poorest and smallest things
because they are well done, and fitting to the place and season"--

"Bravo!" said a laughing voice as the door opened. "Mrs. Darcy, when the
committee of ways and means have worn out your carpet by their frequent
meetings in your charmed temple, you must insist upon their buying you a
new one. Good-morning, ladies! Miss Barry, I set out to find you; and
your aunt fancied you would be here, the place of all waifs and strays.
I want you and Miss Morgan to go and inspect a room, or rather two
rooms, to see if they will answer our purpose. Mrs. Lane had a school
there."

"Oh, I know the place!" began Sylvie eagerly, buttoning up her sack
again, and looking smilingly in Dr. Maverick's face, that had a
sparkling wholesomeness born of the fresh air and brisk walk. And
whenever he caught her eye with this light in it, so friendly and
earnest, a thrill sped through his veins.

Miss Morgan was soon ready, and the three started. The place was only a
few squares away, in a block of buildings where the stores on the lower
floor stood empty; indeed, some of them had never been rented. Up-stairs
there was one large room with three front windows, and a smaller room at
the back with a fireplace, sink and water, and a large closet.

"I have had the offer of this place rent free until spring," began the
doctor. "I have also collected fifty dollars in money and
provisions,--_imprimis_, one barrel of flour, one box of miscellaneous
packages, rice, barley, corn-starch, &c.,--and a second-hand range that
will be put up as soon as you decide. In return for my arduous exertion
and great benevolence, I shall call upon you now and then for meals or
delicacies for my sick and famishing."

"You are just magnificent!" declared Sylvie, in breathless pleasure.

"I am desirous of getting this experiment started; and, s