night, and when Mrs. Biggs's
house was reached Howard and Jack would gladly have lingered outside
talking to Eloise, if they could have disposed of the boys. But the boys
were not inclined to be disposed of. Tom had become somebody in his own
estimation, and intended to stay as long as the young men did, while
Tim, having found the key, this time instead of entering by the pantry
window, unlocked the door, deposited his goods, and then came back,
saying to Eloise with a good deal of dignity for him, "Shall I take you
in?"

"Yes, please. I think it's time," she said, and Howard and Jack knew
they were dismissed. "Thank you all so much for everything," she
continued, giving her hand to each of them in turn, and pressing Tom's a
little in token of the good feeling she felt sure was established
between them.

It was not long before Mrs. Biggs came home, rather crestfallen that her
spotted gown and brass kettle had not been more popular, but jubilant
over the sale, the proceeds of which, so far as known when she left,
were over two hundred and fifty dollars.

"Never was anything like it before in Crompton," she said, as she helped
Eloise to her bed lounge. "That apron sale beat all. Them young men
didn't care for the apron, of course, except that it was yours, and what
Mr. Harcourt will do with it I don't know. Said he was goin' to send it
to his sister. Maybe he is. He paid enough for it. Five dollars! I was
in hopes they'd run it up to ten! and I was sorry when 'twas over. Mr.
Bills kinder wilted after you all went out, and the whole thing flatted.
Well, good-night! You was the star! the synacure,--is that the word?--of
all eyes, and looked awful pretty in that white cape. I see you've got
Tom Walker, body and soul, but my land! you'd get anybody! Good-night,
again."

She was gone at last, and Eloise was glad to lay her tired head upon her
pillow, falling asleep nearly as soon as she touched it, but dreaming of
the Rummage Sale and that she was being auctioned off instead of her
apron. It was a kind of nightmare, and her heart beat fast as the bids
came rapidly,--sometimes on Howard's side and sometimes on Jack's. She
called him _Jack_ in her dreams, and finally awoke with a start, saying
aloud, "I am glad it was Jack who bought me!"

PART III

CHAPTER I

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

The Rummage Sale was a great success and netted fully two hundred and
fifty dollars, besides quantities of goods of dif