leaves
and bits of baked earth from her dress. She reached into her pocket,
produced her money and waved it before their wondering eyes.

"And that's the joy part!" she exulted. "Put it up in the clock till
morning, mother. That pays for the books and tuition and--" Elnora
hesitated, for she saw the nervous grasp with which her mother's fingers
closed on the bills. Then she continued, but more slowly and thinking
before she spoke.

"What I get to-morrow pays for more books and tuition, and maybe a few,
just a few, things to wear. These shoes are so dreadfully heavy and
hot, and they make such a noise on the floor. There isn't another calico
dress in the whole building, not among hundreds of us. Why, what is
that? Aunt Margaret, what are you hiding in your lap?"

She snatched the waist and shook it out, and her face was beaming. "Have
you taken to waists all fancy and buttoned in the back? I bet you this
is mine!"

"I bet you so too," said Margaret Sinton. "You undress right away and
try it on, and if it fits, it will be done for morning. There are some
low shoes, too!"

Elnora began to dance. "Oh, you dear people!" she cried. "I can pay for
them to-morrow night! Isn't it too splendid! I was just thinking on the
way home that I certainly would be compelled to have cooler shoes until
later, and I was wondering what I'd do when the fall rains begin."

"I meant to get you some heavy dress skirts and a coat then," said Mrs.
Comstock.

"I know you said so!" cried Elnora. "But you needn't, now! I can buy
every single stitch I need myself. Next summer I can gather up a lot
more stuff, and all winter on the way to school. I am sure I can sell
ferns, I know I can nuts, and the Bird Woman says the grade rooms want
leaves, grasses, birds' nests, and cocoons. Oh, isn't this world lovely!
I'll be helping with the tax, next, mother!"

Elnora waved the waist and started for the bedroom. When she opened the
door she gave a little cry.

"What have you people been doing?" she demanded. "I never saw so many
interesting bundles in all my life. I'm 'skeered' to death for fear I
can't pay for them, and will have to give up something."

"Wouldn't you take them, if you could not pay for them, Elnora?" asked
her mother instantly.

"Why, not unless you did," answered Elnora. "People have no right to
wear things they can't afford, have they?"

"But from such old friends as Maggie and Wesley!" Mrs. Comstock's voice
was oily with tr