d as they expected many wealthy patrons,
the committees felt pretty sure of a grand success.

"Elise," said Azalea, as she appeared at the door of the cabin, "here's
my contribution to your department. I haven't had a chance to give it to
you before." She handed out a parcel, which Elise opened eagerly.

It proved to be a sampler,--old, but in fine condition. It was an
elaborate one, with many rows of letters, some lines of verse, and
several little pictured shapes. There was a beautiful border, and the
signature was _Isabel Cutler, 1636!_

"Oh!" exclaimed Elise, "what a gem! Where _did_ you get it? Why, Azalea,
this is a museum piece! 1636! It's worth hundreds of dollars!"

"Oh, no," said Azalea, "it can't be worth all that! But I thought you'd
like an old one."

"But I don't understand! Where did you get it?"

"It was my grandmother's."

"But your grandmother didn't live in 1636!"

"N--n--no,--I s'pose not. Well,--you see, she had it from _her_
grandmother and great-grandmother,--clear back,--you know."

"I see," said Elise, scrutinising the sampler. "It's a marvel, Azalea.
You mustn't sell it at this Fair. It ought to go to a museum. 1636!
That's one of the earliest sampler dates! I can't see how it's lain
unknown all these years. Who had it before you did?"

"Mother."

"Oh, yes,--of course. Well, I'm not going to take it from you--"

"Yes, you are, Elise. I want to give it to you. I've wanted all along
to give you something nice,--you've been so good to me--"

"Rubbish! don't talk like that, Zaly! If you want to make Patty a
present, now,--give it to her. That would be a worth-while return for
her kindness to you."

"Oh, I don't think so much of the old thing as you do. I don't even
think it's pretty."

"It isn't a question of prettiness, or even of a well worked piece. It's
the date. And this is genuine,--I can see that. But I can't understand
it! Why,--I think this border wasn't used until--I must look it up in my
book. That's home in New York. But, there's one thing sure and certain!
This doesn't get put in with my bunch of wares! Mr. Greatorex may come
this afternoon. He's an expert on these things. He'll know just what
it's worth."

"Oh, Elise," Azalea looked troubled, "don't take it so seriously. It's
just an old thing. You've others here that are far handsomer."

"As I told you, Zaly, it's the age that counts,--not the beauty. Run
along to your own booth. I'll lay this aside until I can f