icken
Little was feeling disturbingly sober; no Ernest, no Katy, no
Gertie--how could she ever stand it?

"Sherm, if I start to cry, just wink, will you--that funny way you do
sometimes. Ernest bet I would--and I won't, but I know I'm going to want
to dreadfully."

Chicken Little was as good as her word. She didn't--that is, as long as
Ernest could see her. She kissed him good-bye and gave him a playful box
on the ear. She threw kisses, smiling as the group at the car window
slid by, then the lump in her throat grew startlingly bigger.

"Race you to the horses, Chicken Little," said Sherm. "If it's all right
with you, Mrs. Morton, we'll go straight home."

Chicken Little raced with Sherm and with her tears. She beat Sherm but
the tears won out. She could hardly see to untie Calico's rein. Sherm
took the strap out of her hand, fastened it, and swung her up.

"Shut your eyes and open your mouth," he commanded, as soon as she was
securely seated.

Jane obeyed meekly and Sherm popped a big chocolate drop in.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, smiling through the trickling tears, "was that what
you stopped down town for? My, what a baby you must think me!"

Sherm reached over and patted her hand. "I think you are several
pumpkins and some squash, Chicken Little. Have another?"

CHAPTER XV

SCHOOL

The days crawled by during the next two weeks.

"I hate them so by night, I want to shove them off into to-morrow by
main force," Jane told Marian complainingly, the third day after Ernest
and the girls had gone.

"You'll be all right in a day or two. It's always hardest at first,"
Marian consoled her.

"I suppose it doesn't make any difference whether I'm all right or all
wrong--the folks have gone just the same."

"And you might as well make the best----"

"Oh, yes, I might as well! 'Count your blessings, my brethren, etc.'
I've done counted 'em till I'm sick of hearing about them! Marian, if
you don't find me something new to do I shall bust!"

Marian was particularly busy that morning and not so patient as usual.

She waved her hand around the room ironically. "I shall be charmed,
Chicken Little, will you finish these dishes or sweep the sitting room
or sew on that dress of Jilly's? I can furnish you an endless variety to
choose from."

"I said something new."

"Jilly's dress is brand spanking new."

"You know what I mean."

"Yes, I know, Jane, I have had the feeling myself, but I don't imagine
the heav