A GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST By Gene Stratton Porter To All Girls Of The Limberlost In General And One Jeanette Helen Porter In Particular CHARACTERS: ELNORA, who collects moths to pay for her education, and lives the Golden Rule. PHILIP AMMON, who assists in moth hunting, and gains a new conception of love. MRS. COMSTOCK, who lost a delusion and found a treasure. WESLEY SINTON, who always did his best. MARGARET SINTON, who "mothers" Elnora. BILLY, a boy from real life. EDITH CARR, who discovers herself. HART HENDERSON, to whom love means all things. POLLY AMMON, who pays an old score. TOM LEVERING, engaged to Polly. TERENCE O'MORE, Freckles grown tall. MRS. O'MORE, who remained the Angel. TERENCE, ALICE and LITTLE BROTHER, the O'MORE children. A GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST CHAPTER I WHEREIN ELNORA GOES TO HIGH SCHOOL AND LEARNS MANY LESSONS NOT FOUND INHER BOOKS "Elnora Comstock, have you lost your senses?" demanded the angry voice ofKatharine Comstock while she glared at her daughter. "Why mother!" faltered the girl. "Don't you 'why mother' me!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "You know very wellwhat I mean. You've given me no peace until you've had your way aboutthis going to school business; I've fixed you good enough, and you'reready to start. But no child of mine walks the streets of Onabashalooking like a play-actress woman. You wet your hair and comb it downmodest and decent and then be off, or you'll have no time to find whereyou belong. " Elnora gave one despairing glance at the white face, framed in a mostbecoming riot of reddish-brown hair, which she saw in the little kitchenmirror. Then she untied the narrow black ribbon, wet the comb andplastered the waving curls close to her head, bound them fast, pinned onthe skimpy black hat and opened the back door. "You've gone so plumb daffy you are forgetting your dinner, " jeered hermother. "I don't want anything to eat, " replied Elnora. "You'll take your dinner or you'll not go one step. Are you crazy? Walkalmost three miles and no food from six in the morning until six atnight. A pretty figure you'd cut if you had your way! And after I'vegone and bought you this nice new pail and filled it especial to starton!" Elnora came back with a face still whiter and picked up the lunch. "Thank you, mother! Good-bye!" she said. Mrs. Comstock did not reply. She watched the girl follow the long walk to the gate and go from sighton the road, in the bright sunshine of the first Monday of September. "I bet a dollar she gets enough of it by night!" commented Mrs. Comstock. Elnora walked by instinct, for her eyes were blinded with tears. Sheleft the road where it turned south, at the corner of the Limberlost, climbed a snake fence and entered a path worn by her own feet. Dodgingunder willow and scrub oak branches she came at last to the faintoutline of an old trail made in the days when the precious timber of theswamp was guarded by armed men. This path she followed until she reacheda thick clump of bushes. From the debris in the end of a hollow log shetook a key that unlocked the padlock of a large weatherbeaten old box, inside of which lay several books, a butterfly apparatus, and a smallcracked mirror. The walls were lined thickly with gaudy butterflies, dragonflies, and moths. She set up the mirror and once more pullingthe ribbon from her hair, she shook the bright mass over her shoulders, tossing it dry in the sunshine. Then she straightened it, bound itloosely, and replaced her hat. She tugged vainly at the low brown calicocollar and gazed despairingly at the generous length of the narrowskirt. She lifted it as she would have cut it if possible. Thatdisclosed the heavy high leather shoes, at sight of which she seemedpositively ill, and hastily dropped the skirt. She opened the pail, removed the lunch, wrapped it in the napkin, and placed it in a smallpasteboard box. Locking the case again she hid the key and hurried downthe trail. She followed it around the north end of the swamp and then entered afootpath crossing a farm leading in the direction of the spires of thecity to the northeast. Again she climbed a fence and was on the openroad. For an instant she leaned against the fence staring before her, then turned and looked back. Behind her lay the land on which she hadbeen born to drudgery and a mother who made no pretence of loving her;before her lay the city through whose schools she hoped to find meansof escape and the way to reach the things for which she cared. When shethought of how she appeared she leaned more heavily against the fenceand groaned; when she thought of turning back and wearing such clothingin ignorance all the days of her life she set her teeth firmly and wenthastily toward Onabasha. On the bridge crossing a deep culvert at the suburbs she glanced around, and then kneeling she thrust the lunch box between the foundation andthe flooring. This left her empty-handed as she approached the big stonehigh school building. She entered bravely and inquired her way to theoffice of the superintendent. There she learned that she should havecome the previous week and arranged about her classes. There were manythings incident to the opening of school, and one man unable to copewith all of them. "Where have you been attending school?" he asked, while he advised theteacher of Domestic Science not to telephone for groceries untilshe knew how many she would have in her classes; wrote an order forchemicals for the students of science; and advised the leader of theorchestra to hire a professional to take the place of the bass violist, reported suddenly ill. "I finished last spring at Brushwood school, district number nine, " saidElnora. "I have been studying all summer. I am quite sure I can do thefirst year work, if I have a few days to get started. " "Of course, of course, " assented the superintendent. "Almost invariablycountry pupils do good work. You may enter first year, and if it is toodifficult, we will find it out speedily. Your teachers will tell you thelist of books you must have, and if you will come with me I will showyou the way to the auditorium. It is now time for opening exercises. Take any seat you find vacant. " Elnora stood before the entrance and stared into the largest room sheever had seen. The floor sloped to a yawning stage on which a band ofmusicians, grouped around a grand piano, were tuning their instruments. She had two fleeting impressions. That it was all a mistake; this wasno school, but a grand display of enormous ribbon bows; and the second, that she was sinking, and had forgotten how to walk. Then a burst fromthe orchestra nerved her while a bevy of daintily clad, sweet-smellingthings that might have been birds, or flowers, or possibly gailydressed, happy young girls, pushed her forward. She found herselfplodding across the back of the auditorium, praying for guidance, to anempty seat. As the girls passed her, vacancies seemed to open to meet them. Theirfriends were moving over, beckoning and whispering invitations. Everyone else was seated, but no one paid any attention to the white-facedgirl stumbling half-blindly down the aisle next the farthest wall. Soshe went on to the very end facing the stage. No one moved, and shecould not summon courage to crowd past others to several empty seats shesaw. At the end of the aisle she paused in desperation, while she staredback at the whole forest of faces most of which were now turned uponher. In a flash came the full realization of her scanty dress, her pitifullittle hat and ribbon, her big, heavy shoes, her ignorance of where togo or what to do; and from a sickening wave which crept over her, shefelt she was going to become very ill. Then out of the mass she sawa pair of big, brown boy eyes, three seats from her, and there was amessage in them. Without moving his body he reached forward and with apencil touched the back of the seat before him. Instantly Elnora tookanother step which brought her to a row of vacant front seats. She heard laughter behind her; the knowledge that she wore the only hatin the room burned her; every matter of moment, and some of none at all, cut and stung. She had no books. Where should she go when this was over?What would she give to be on the trail going home! She was shaking witha nervous chill when the music ceased, and the superintendent arose, andcoming down to the front of the flower-decked platform, opened a Bibleand began to read. Elnora did not know what he was reading, and shefelt that she did not care. Wildly she was racking her brain to decidewhether she should sit still when the others left the room or follow, and ask some one where the Freshmen went first. In the midst of the struggle one sentence fell on her ear. "Hide meunder the shadow of Thy wings. " Elnora began to pray frantically. "Hide me, O God, hide me, under theshadow of Thy wings. " Again and again she implored that prayer, and before she realized whatwas coming, every one had arisen and the room was emptying rapidly. Elnora hurried after the nearest girl and in the press at the doortouched her sleeve timidly. "Will you please tell me where the Freshmen go?" she asked huskily. The girl gave her one surprised glance, and drew away. "Same place as the fresh women, " she answered, and those nearest herlaughed. Elnora stopped praying suddenly and the colour crept into her face. "I'll wager you are the first person I meet when I find it, " she saidand stopped short. "Not that! Oh, I must not do that!" she thought indismay. "Make an enemy the first thing I do. Oh, not that!" She followed with her eyes as the young people separated in the hall, some climbing stairs, some disappearing down side halls, some enteringadjoining doors. She saw the girl overtake the brown-eyed boy and speakto him. He glanced back at Elnora with a scowl on his face. Then shestood alone in the hall. Presently a door opened and a young woman came out and entered anotherroom. Elnora waited until she returned, and hurried to her. "Would youtell me where the Freshmen are?" she panted. "Straight down the hall, three doors to your left, " was the answer, asthe girl passed. "One minute please, oh please, " begged Elnora: "Should I knock or justopen the door?" "Go in and take a seat, " replied the teacher. "What if there aren't any seats?" gasped Elnora. "Classrooms are never half-filled, there will be plenty, " was theanswer. Elnora removed her hat. There was no place to put it, so she carriedit in her hand. She looked infinitely better without it. After severalefforts she at last opened the door and stepping inside faced a smallerand more concentrated battery of eyes. "The superintendent sent me. He thinks I belong here, " she said to theprofessor in charge of the class, but she never before heard the voicewith which she spoke. As she stood waiting, the girl of the hall passedon her way to the blackboard, and suppressed laughter told Elnora thather thrust had been repeated. "Be seated, " said the professor, and then because he saw Elnora wasdesperately embarrassed he proceeded to lend her a book and to ask herif she had studied algebra. She said she had a little, but not the samebook they were using. He asked her if she felt that she could do thework they were beginning, and she said she did. That was how it happened, that three minutes after entering the roomshe was told to take her place beside the girl who had gone last to theboard, and whose flushed face and angry eyes avoided meeting Elnora's. Being compelled to concentrate on her proposition she forgot herself. When the professor asked that all pupils sign their work she firmlywrote "Elnora Comstock" under her demonstration. Then she took her seatand waited with white lips and trembling limbs, as one after anotherprofessor called the names on the board, while their owners arose andexplained their propositions, or "flunked" if they had not found acorrect solution. She was so eager to catch their forms of expressionand prepare herself for her recitation, that she never looked from thework on the board, until clearly and distinctly, "Elnora Comstock, "called the professor. The dazed girl stared at the board. One tiny curl added to the top ofthe first curve of the m in her name, had transformed it from a goodold English patronymic that any girl might bear proudly, to Cornstock. Elnora sat speechless. When and how did it happen? She could feel thewave of smothered laughter in the air around her. A rush of anger turnedher face scarlet and her soul sick. The voice of the professor addressedher directly. "This proposition seems to be beautifully demonstrated, Miss Cornstalk, "he said. "Surely, you can tell us how you did it. " That word of praise saved her. She could do good work. They might weartheir pretty clothes, have their friends and make life a greater miserythan it ever before had been for her, but not one of them shoulddo better work or be more womanly. That lay with her. She was tall, straight, and handsome as she arose. "Of course I can explain my work, " she said in natural tones. "What Ican't explain is how I happened to be so stupid as to make a mistake inwriting my own name. I must have been a little nervous. Please excuseme. " She went to the board, swept off the signature with one stroke, thenrewrote it plainly. "My name is Comstock, " she said distinctly. Shereturned to her seat and following the formula used by the others madeher first high school recitation. As Elnora resumed her seat Professor Henley looked at her steadily. "It puzzles me, " he said deliberately, "how you can write as beautiful ademonstration, and explain it as clearly as ever has been done in anyof my classes and still be so disturbed as to make a mistake in your ownname. Are you very sure you did that yourself, Miss Comstock?" "It is impossible that any one else should have done it, " answeredElnora. "I am very glad you think so, " said the professor. "Being Freshmen, allof you are strangers to me. I should dislike to begin the year with youfeeling there was one among you small enough to do a trick like that. The next proposition, please. " When the hour had gone the class filed back to the study room and Elnorafollowed in desperation, because she did not know where else to go. Shecould not study as she had no books, and when the class again left theroom to go to another professor for the next recitation, she went also. At least they could put her out if she did not belong there. Nooncame at last, and she kept with the others until they dispersed onthe sidewalk. She was so abnormally self-conscious she fancied all thehundreds of that laughing, throng saw and jested at her. When she passedthe brown-eyed boy walking with the girl of her encounter, she knew, forshe heard him say: "Did you really let that gawky piece of calico getahead of you?" The answer was indistinct. Elnora hurried from the city. She intended to get her lunch, eat it inthe shade of the first tree, and then decide whether she would go backor go home. She knelt on the bridge and reached for her box, but itwas so very light that she was prepared for the fact that it was empty, before opening it. There was one thing for which to be thankful. The boyor tramp who had seen her hide it, had left the napkin. She would nothave to face her mother and account for its loss. She put it in herpocket, and threw the box into the ditch. Then she sat on the bridge andtried to think, but her brain was confused. "Perhaps the worst is over, " she said at last. "I will go back. Whatwould mother say to me if I came home now?" So she returned to the high school, followed some other pupils to thecoat room, hung her hat, and found her way to the study where she hadbeen in the morning. Twice that afternoon, with aching head and emptystomach, she faced strange professors, in different branches. Once sheescaped notice; the second time the worst happened. She was asked aquestion she could not answer. "Have you not decided on your course, and secured your books?" inquiredthe professor. "I have decided on my course, " replied Elnora, "I do not know where toask for my books. " "Ask?" the professor was bewildered. "I understood the books were furnished, " faltered Elnora. "Only to those bringing an order from the township trustee, " replied theProfessor. "No! Oh no!" cried Elnora. "I will have them to-morrow, " and grippedher desk for support for she knew that was not true. Four books, rangingperhaps at a dollar and a half apiece; would her mother buy them? Ofcourse she would not--could not. Did not Elnora know the story of old. There was enough land, but no oneto do clearing and farm. Tax on all those acres, recently the new gravelroad tax added, the expense of living and only the work of two women tomeet all of it. She was insane to think she could come to the city toschool. Her mother had been right. The girl decided that if only shelived to reach home, she would stay there and lead any sort of life toavoid more of this torture. Bad as what she wished to escape had been, it was nothing like this. She never could live down the movement thatwent through the class when she inadvertently revealed the fact that shehad expected books to be furnished. Her mother would not secure them;that settled the question. But the end of misery is never in a hurry to come; before the day wasover the superintendent entered the room and explained that pupils fromthe country were charged a tuition of twenty dollars a year. Thatreally was the end. Previously Elnora had canvassed a dozen methods forsecuring the money for books, ranging all the way from offering to washthe superintendent's dishes to breaking into the bank. This additionalexpense made her plans so wildly impossible, there was nothing to do buthold up her head until she was from sight. Down the long corridor alone among hundreds, down the long street aloneamong thousands, out into the country she came at last. Across the fenceand field, along the old trail once trodden by a boy's bitter agony, nowstumbled a white-faced girl, sick at heart. She sat on a log and beganto sob in spite of her efforts at self-control. At first it was physicalbreakdown, later, thought came crowding. Oh the shame, the mortification! Why had she not known of the tuition?How did she happen to think that in the city books were furnished?Perhaps it was because she had read they were in several states. But whydid she not know? Why did not her mother go with her? Other mothers--butwhen had her mother ever been or done anything at all like othermothers? Because she never had been it was useless to blame her now. Elnora realized she should have gone to town the week before, calledon some one and learned all these things herself. She should haveremembered how her clothing would look, before she wore it in publicplaces. Now she knew, and her dreams were over. She must go home tofeed chickens, calves, and pigs, wear calico and coarse shoes, and withaverted head, pass a library all her life. She sobbed again. "For pity's sake, honey, what's the matter?" asked the voice of thenearest neighbour, Wesley Sinton, as he seated himself beside Elnora. "There, there, " he continued, smearing tears all over her face in aneffort to dry them. "Was it as bad as that, now? Maggie has been justwild over you all day. She's got nervouser every minute. She said wewere foolish to let you go. She said your clothes were not right, youought not to carry that tin pail, and that they would laugh at you. Bygum, I see they did!" "Oh, Uncle Wesley, " sobbed the girl, "why didn't she tell me?" "Well, you see, Elnora, she didn't like to. You got such a way ofholding up your head, and going through with things. She thought someway that you'd make it, till you got started, and then she begun to seea hundred things we should have done. I reckon you hadn't reached thatbuilding before she remembered that your skirt should have been pleatedinstead of gathered, your shoes been low, and lighter for hot Septemberweather, and a new hat. Were your clothes right, Elnora?" The girl broke into hysterical laughter. "Right!" she cried. "Right!Uncle Wesley, you should have seen me among them! I was a picture!They'll never forget me. No, they won't get the chance, for they'll seeme again to-morrow! "Now that is what I call spunk, Elnora! Downright grit, " said WesleySinton. "Don't you let them laugh you out. You've helped Margaret and mefor years at harvest and busy times, what you've earned must amount toquite a sum. You can get yourself a good many clothes with it. " "Don't mention clothes, Uncle Wesley, " sobbed Elnora, "I don't care nowhow I look. If I don't go back all of them will know it's because I amso poor I can't buy my books. " "Oh, I don't know as you are so dratted poor, " said Sinton meditatively. "There are three hundred acres of good land, with fine timber as evergrew on it. " "It takes all we can earn to pay the tax, and mother wouldn't cut a treefor her life. " "Well then, maybe, I'll be compelled to cut one for her, " suggestedSinton. "Anyway, stop tearing yourself to pieces and tell me. If itisn't clothes, what is it?" "It's books and tuition. Over twenty dollars in all. " "Humph! First time I ever knew you to be stumped by twenty dollars, Elnora, " said Sinton, patting her hand. "It's the first time you ever knew me to want money, " answered Elnora. "This is different from anything that ever happened to me. Oh, how can Iget it, Uncle Wesley?" "Drive to town with me in the morning and I'll draw it from the bank foryou. I owe you every cent of it. " "You know you don't owe me a penny, and I wouldn't touch one from you, unless I really could earn it. For anything that's past I owe you andAunt Margaret for all the home life and love I've ever known. I know howyou work, and I'll not take your money. " "Just a loan, Elnora, just a loan for a little while until you can earnit. You can be proud with all the rest of the world, but there are nosecrets between us, are there, Elnora?" "No, " said Elnora, "there are none. You and Aunt Margaret have given meall the love there has been in my life. That is the one reason above allothers why you shall not give me charity. Hand me money because you findme crying for it! This isn't the first time this old trail has knowntears and heartache. All of us know that story. Freckles stuck to whathe undertook and won out. I stick, too. When Duncan moved away he gaveme all Freckles left in the swamp, and as I have inherited his propertymaybe his luck will come with it. I won't touch your money, but I'llwin some way. First, I'm going home and try mother. It's just possibleI could find second-hand books, and perhaps all the tuition need notbe paid at once. Maybe they would accept it quarterly. But oh, UncleWesley, you and Aunt Margaret keep on loving me! I'm so lonely, and noone else cares!" Wesley Sinton's jaws met with a click. He swallowed hard on bitter wordsand changed what he would have liked to say three times before it becamearticulate. "Elnora, " he said at last, "if it hadn't been for one thing I'd havetried to take legal steps to make you ours when you were three yearsold. Maggie said then it wasn't any use, but I've always held on. Yousee, I was the first man there, honey, and there are things you see, that you can't ever make anybody else understand. She loved him Elnora, she just made an idol of him. There was that oozy green hole, with thethick scum broke, and two or three big bubbles slowly rising that werethe breath of his body. There she was in spasms of agony, and beside herthe great heavy log she'd tried to throw him. I can't ever forgive herfor turning against you, and spoiling your childhood as she has, but Icouldn't forgive anybody else for abusing her. Maggie has got no mercyon her, but Maggie didn't see what I did, and I've never tried to makeit very clear to her. It's been a little too plain for me ever since. Whenever I look at your mother's face, I see what she saw, so I hold mytongue and say, in my heart, 'Give her a mite more time. ' Some day itwill come. She does love you, Elnora. Everybody does, honey. It's justthat she's feeling so much, she can't express herself. You be a patientgirl and wait a little longer. After all, she's your mother, and you'reall she's got, but a memory, and it might do her good to let her knowthat she was fooled in that. " "It would kill her!" cried the girl swiftly. "Uncle Wesley, it wouldkill her! What do you mean?" "Nothing, " said Wesley Sinton soothingly. "Nothing, honey. That was justone of them fool things a man says, when he is trying his best to bewise. You see, she loved him mightily, and they'd been married only ayear, and what she was loving was what she thought he was. She hadn'treally got acquainted with the man yet. If it had been even one moreyear, she could have borne it, and you'd have got justice. Having been ateacher she was better educated and smarter than the rest of us, andso she was more sensitive like. She can't understand she was loving adream. So I say it might do her good if somebody that knew, could tellher, but I swear to gracious, I never could. I've heard her out at theedge of that quagmire calling in them wild spells of hers off and on forthe last sixteen years, and imploring the swamp to give him back to her, and I've got out of bed when I was pretty tired, and come down to seeshe didn't go in herself, or harm you. What she feels is too deep forme. I've got to respectin' her grief, and I can't get over it. Go homeand tell your ma, honey, and ask her nice and kind to help you. If shewon't, then you got to swallow that little lump of pride in your neck, and come to Aunt Maggie, like you been a-coming all your life. " "I'll ask mother, but I can't take your money, Uncle Wesley, indeed Ican't. I'll wait a year, and earn some, and enter next year. " "There's one thing you don't consider, Elnora, " said the man earnestly. "And that's what you are to Maggie. She's a little like your ma. Shehasn't given up to it, and she's struggling on brave, but when we buriedour second little girl the light went out of Maggie's eyes, and it'snot come back. The only time I ever see a hint of it is when she thinksshe's done something that makes you happy, Elnora. Now, you go easyabout refusing her anything she wants to do for you. There's times inthis world when it's our bounden duty to forget ourselves, and thinkwhat will help other people. Young woman, you owe me and Maggie all thecomfort we can get out of you. There's the two of our own we can't everdo anything for. Don't you get the idea into your head that a fool thingyou call pride is going to cut us out of all the pleasure we have inlife beside ourselves. " "Uncle Wesley, you are a dear, " said Elnora. "Just a dear! If I can'tpossibly get that money any way else on earth, I'll come and borrow itof you, and then I'll pay it back if I must dig ferns from the swamp andsell them from door to door in the city. I'll even plant them, so thatthey will be sure to come up in the spring. I have been sort of panicstricken all day and couldn't think. I can gather nuts and sell them. Freckles sold moths and butterflies, and I've a lot collected. Ofcourse, I am going back to-morrow! I can find a way to get the books. Don't you worry about me. I am all right! "Now, what do you think of that?" inquired Wesley Sinton of the swamp ingeneral. "Here's our Elnora come back to stay. Head high and right as atrivet! You've named three ways in three minutes that you could earnten dollars, which I figure would be enough, to start you. Let's go tosupper and stop worrying!" Elnora unlocked the case, took out the pail, put the napkin in it, pulled the ribbon from her hair, binding it down tightly again andfollowed to the road. From afar she could see her mother in the doorway. She blinked her eyes, and tried to smile as she answered Wesley Sinton, and indeed she did feel better. She knew now what she had to expect, where to go, and what to do. Get the books she must; when she had them, she would show those city girls and boys how to prepare and recitelessons, how to walk with a brave heart; and they could show her how towear pretty clothes and have good times. As she neared the door her mother reached for the pail. "I forgot totell you to bring home your scraps for the chickens, " she said. Elnora entered. "There weren't any scraps, and I'm hungry again as Iever was in my life. " "I thought likely you would be, " said Mrs. Comstock, "and so I gotsupper ready. We can eat first, and do the work afterward. What kept youso? I expected you an hour ago. " Elnora looked into her mother's face and smiled. It was a queer sortof a little smile, and would have reached the depths with any normalmother. "I see you've been bawling, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I thought you'd getyour fill in a hurry. That's why I wouldn't go to any expense. If wekeep out of the poor-house we have to cut the corners close. It's likelythis Brushwood road tax will eat up all we've saved in years. Where theland tax is to come from I don't know. It gets bigger every year. Ifthey are going to dredge the swamp ditch again they'll just have to takethe land to pay for it. I can't, that's all! We'll get up early in themorning and gather and hull the beans for winter, and put in the rest ofthe day hoeing the turnips. " Elnora again smiled that pitiful smile. "Do you think I didn't know that I was funny and would be laughed at?"she asked. "Funny?" cried Mrs. Comstock hotly. "Yes, funny! A regular caricature, " answered Elnora. "No one else worecalico, not even one other. No one else wore high heavy shoes, not evenone. No one else had such a funny little old hat; my hair was not right, my ribbon invisible compared with the others, I did not know whereto go, or what to do, and I had no books. What a spectacle I made forthem!" Elnora laughed nervously at her own picture. "But there arealways two sides! The professor said in the algebra class that he neverhad a better solution and explanation than mine of the proposition hegave me, which scored one for me in spite of my clothes. " "Well, I wouldn't brag on myself!" "That was poor taste, " admitted Elnora. "But, you see, it is a case ofwhistling to keep up my courage. I honestly could see that I would havelooked just as well as the rest of them if I had been dressed as theywere. We can't afford that, so I have to find something else to braceme. It was rather bad, mother!" "Well, I'm glad you got enough of it!" "Oh, but I haven't, " hurried in Elnora. "I just got a start. The hardestis over. To-morrow they won't be surprised. They will know whatto expect. I am sorry to hear about the dredge. Is it really goingthrough?" "Yes. I got my notification today. The tax will be something enormous. I don't know as I can spare you, even if you are willing to be alaughing-stock for the town. " With every bite Elnora's courage returned, for she was a healthy youngthing. "You've heard about doing evil that good might come from it, " she said. "Well, mother mine, it's something like that with me. I'm willing tobear the hard part to pay for what I'll learn. Already I have selectedthe ward building in which I shall teach in about four years. I am goingto ask for a room with a south exposure so that the flowers and moths Itake in from the swamp to show the children will do well. " "You little idiot!" said Mrs. Comstock. "How are you going to pay yourexpenses?" "Now that is just what I was going to ask you!" said Elnora. "You see, I have had two startling pieces of news to-day. I did not know I wouldneed any money. I thought the city furnished the books, and there is anout-of-town tuition, also. I need ten dollars in the morning. Will youplease let me have it?" "Ten dollars!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "Ten dollars! Why don't you say ahundred and be done with it! I could get one as easy as the other. Itold you! I told you I couldn't raise a cent. Every year expenses growbigger and bigger. I told you not to ask for money!" "I never meant to, " replied Elnora. "I thought clothes were all I neededand I could bear them. I never knew about buying books and tuition. " "Well, I did!" said Mrs. Comstock. "I knew what you would run into! Butyou are so bull-dog stubborn, and so set in your way, I thought I wouldjust let you try the world a little and see how you liked it!" Elnora pushed back her chair and looked at her mother. "Do you mean to say, " she demanded, "that you knew, when you let mego into a city classroom and reveal the fact before all of them that Iexpected to have my books handed out to me; do you mean to say that youknew I had to pay for them?" Mrs. Comstock evaded the direct question. "Anybody but an idiot mooning over a book or wasting time prowlingthe woods would have known you had to pay. Everybody has to pay foreverything. Life is made up of pay, pay, pay! It's always and foreverpay! If you don't pay one way you do another! Of course, I knew you hadto pay. Of course, I knew you would come home blubbering! But you don'tget a penny! I haven't one cent, and can't get one! Have your way if youare determined, but I think you will find the road somewhat rocky. " "Swampy, you mean, mother, " corrected Elnora. She arose white andtrembling. "Perhaps some day God will teach me how to understand you. Heknows I do not now. You can't possibly realize just what you let mego through to-day, or how you let me go, but I'll tell you this: Youunderstand enough that if you had the money, and would offer it to me, I wouldn't touch it now. And I'll tell you this much more. I'll getit myself. I'll raise it, and do it some honest way. I am going backto-morrow, the next day, and the next. You need not come out, I'll dothe night work, and hoe the turnips. " It was ten o'clock when the chickens, pigs, and cattle were fed, theturnips hoed, and a heap of bean vines was stacked beside the back door. CHAPTER II WHEREIN WESLEY AND MARGARET GO SHOPPING, AND ELNORA'S WARDROBE ISREPLENISHED Wesley Sinton walked down the road half a mile and turned at the laneleading to his home. His heart was hot and filled with indignation. Hehad told Elnora he did not blame her mother, but he did. His wife methim at the door. "Did you see anything of Elnora?" she questioned. "Most too much, Maggie, " he answered. "What do you say to going to town?There's a few things has to be got right away. " "Where did you see her, Wesley?" "Along the old Limberlost trail, my girl, torn to pieces sobbing. Hercourage always has been fine, but the thing she met to-day was too muchfor her. We ought to have known better than to let her go that way. Itwasn't only clothes; there were books, and entrance fees for out-of-townpeople, that she didn't know about; while there must have been jeers, whispers, and laughing. Maggie, I feel as if I'd been a traitor tothose girls of ours. I ought to have gone in and seen about this schoolbusiness. Don't cry, Maggie. Get me some supper, and I'll hitch up andsee what we can do now. " "What can we do, Wesley? "I don't just know. But we've got to do something. Kate Comstock will bea handful, while Elnora will be two, but between us we must see that thegirl is not too hard pressed about money, and that she is dressed so sheis not ridiculous. She's saved us the wages of a woman many a day, can'tyou make her some decent dresses?" "Well, I'm not just what you call expert, but I could beat Kate Comstockall to pieces. I know that skirts should be pleated to the band insteadof gathered, and full enough to sit in, and short enough to walk in. Icould try. There are patterns for sale. Let's go right away, Wesley. " "Set me a bit of supper, while I hitch up. " Margaret built a fire, made coffee, and fried ham and eggs. She set outpie and cake and had enough for a hungry man by the time the carriagewas at the door, but she had no appetite. She dressed while Wesley ate, put away the food while he dressed, and then they drove toward the citythrough the beautiful September evening, and as they went they plannedfor Elnora. The trouble was, not whether they were generous enough tobuy what she needed, but whether she would accept their purchases, andwhat her mother would say. They went to a drygoods store and when a clerk asked what they wantedto see neither of them knew, so they stepped aside and held a whisperedconsultation. "What had we better get, Wesley?" "Dresses, " said Wesley promptly, "But how many dresses, and what kind?" "Blest if I know!" exclaimed Wesley. "I thought you would manage that. Iknow about some things I'm going to get. " At that instant several high school girls came into the store andapproached them. "There!" exclaimed Wesley breathlessly. "There, Maggie! Like them!That's what she needs! Buy like they have!" Margaret stared. What did they wear? They were rapidly passing; theyseemed to have so much, and she could not decide so quickly. Before sheknew it she was among them. "I beg your pardon, but won't you wait one minute?" she asked. The girls stopped with wondering faces. "It's your clothes, " explained Mrs. Sinton. "You look just beautiful tome. You look exactly as I should have wanted to see my girls. They bothdied of diphtheria when they were little, but they had yellow hair, darkeyes and pink cheeks, and everybody thought they were lovely. If theyhad lived, they'd been near your age now, and I'd want them to look likeyou. " There was sympathy on every girl face. "Why thank you!" said one of them. "We are very sorry for you. " "Of course you are, " said Margaret. "Everybody always has been. Andbecause I can't ever have the joy of a mother in thinking for my girlsand buying pretty things for them, there is nothing left for me, but todo what I can for some one who has no mother to care for her. I know agirl, who would be just as pretty as any of you, if she had the clothes, but her mother does not think about her, so I mother her some myself. " "She must be a lucky girl, " said another. "Oh, she loves me, " said Margaret, "and I love her. I want her to lookjust like you do. Please tell me about your clothes. Are these thedresses and hats you wear to school? What kind of goods are they, andwhere do you buy them?" The girls began to laugh and cluster around Margaret. Wesley strode downthe store with his head high through pride in her, but his heartwas sore over the memory of two little faces under Brushwood sod. Heinquired his way to the shoe department. "Why, every one of us have on gingham or linen dresses, " they said, "andthey are our school clothes. " For a few moments there was a babel of laughing voices explaining to thedelighted Margaret that school dresses should be bright and pretty, butsimple and plain, and until cold weather they should wash. "I'll tell you, " said Ellen Brownlee, "my father owns this store, I knowall the clerks. I'll take you to Miss Hartley. You tell her just howmuch you want to spend, and what you want to buy, and she will know howto get the most for your money. I've heard papa say she was the bestclerk in the store for people who didn't know precisely what theywanted. " "That's the very thing, " agreed Margaret. "But before you go, tell meabout your hair. Elnora's hair is bright and wavy, but yours is silky ashackled flax. How do you do it?" "Elnora?" asked four girls in concert. "Yes, Elnora is the name of the girl I want these things for. " "Did she come to the high school to-day?" questioned one of them. "Was she in your classes?" demanded Margaret without reply. Four girls stood silent and thought fast. Had there been a strange girlamong them, and had she been overlooked and passed by with indifference, because she was so very shabby? If she had appeared as much better thanthey, as she had looked worse, would her reception have been the same? "There was a strange girl from the country in the Freshman classto-day, " said Ellen Brownlee, "and her name was Elnora. " "That was the girl, " said Margaret. "Are her people so very poor?" questioned Ellen. "No, not poor at all, come to think of it, " answered Margaret. "It's apeculiar case. Mrs. Comstock had a great trouble and she let it changeher whole life and make a different woman of her. She used to be lovely;now she is forever saving and scared to death for fear they will goto the poorhouse; but there is a big farm, covered with lots of goodtimber. The taxes are high for women who can't manage to clear and workthe land. There ought to be enough to keep two of them in good shape alltheir lives, if they only knew how to do it. But no one ever told KateComstock anything, and never will, for she won't listen. All she doesis droop all day, and walk the edge of the swamp half the night, andneglect Elnora. If you girls would make life just a little easier forher it would be the finest thing you ever did. " All of them promised they would. "Now tell me about your hair, " persisted Margaret Sinton. So they took her to a toilet counter, and she bought the proper hairsoap, also a nail file, and cold cream, for use after windy days. Thenthey left her with the experienced clerk, and when at last Wesley foundher she was loaded with bundles and the light of other days was in herbeautiful eyes. Wesley also carried some packages. "Did you get any stockings?" he whispered. "No, I didn't, " she said. "I was so interested in dresses and hairribbons and a--a hat----" she hesitated and glanced at Wesley. "Ofcourse, a hat!" prompted Wesley. "That I forgot all about those horribleshoes. She's got to have decent shoes, Wesley. " "Sure!" said Wesley. "She's got decent shoes. But the man said somebrown stockings ought to go with them. Take a peep, will you!" Wesley opened a box and displayed a pair of thick-soled, beautifullyshaped brown walking shoes of low cut. Margaret cried out with pleasure. "But do you suppose they are the right size, Wesley? What did you get?" "I just said for a girl of sixteen with a slender foot. " "Well, that's about as near as I could come. If they don't fit whenshe tries them, we will drive straight in and change them. Come on now, let's get home. " All the way they discussed how they should give Elnora their purchasesand what Mrs. Comstock would say. "I am afraid she will be awful mad, " said Margaret. "She'll just rip!" replied Wesley graphically. "But if she wantsto leave the raising of her girl to the neighbours, she needn't getfractious if they take some pride in doing a good job. From now on Icalculate Elnora shall go to school; and she shall have all the clothesand books she needs, if I go around on the back of Kate Comstock's landand cut a tree, or drive off a calf to pay for them. Why I know one treeshe owns that would put Elnora in heaven for a year. Just think of it, Margaret! It's not fair. One-third of what is there belongs to Elnoraby law, and if Kate Comstock raises a row I'll tell her so, and see thatthe girl gets it. You go to see Kate in the morning, and I'll go withyou. Tell her you want Elnora's pattern, that you are going to make hera dress, for helping us. And sort of hint at a few more things. If Katebalks, I'll take a hand and settle her. I'll go to law for Elnora'sshare of that land and sell enough to educate her. " "Why, Wesley Sinton, you're perfectly wild. " "I'm not! Did you ever stop to think that such cases are so frequentthere have been laws made to provide for them? I can bring it up incourt and force Kate to educate Elnora, and board and clothe her tillshe's of age, and then she can take her share. " "Wesley, Kate would go crazy!" "She's crazy now. The idea of any mother living with as sweet a girl asElnora and letting her suffer till I find her crying like a funeral. It makes me fighting mad. All uncalled for. Not a grain of sense in it. I've offered and offered to oversee clearing her land and working herfields. Let her sell a good tree, or a few acres. Something is going tobe done, right now. Elnora's been fairly happy up to this, but to spoilthe school life she's planned, is to ruin all her life. I won't have it!If Elnora won't take these things, so help me, I'll tell her what she isworth, and loan her the money and she can pay me back when she comes ofage. I am going to have it out with Kate Comstock in the morning. Herewe are! You open up what you got while I put away the horses, and thenI'll show you. " When Wesley came from the barn Margaret had four pieces of crispgingham, a pale blue, a pink, a gray with green stripes and a rich brownand blue plaid. On each of them lay a yard and a half of wide ribbon tomatch. There were handkerchiefs and a brown leather belt. In her handsshe held a wide-brimmed tan straw hat, having a high crown banded withvelvet strips each of which fastened with a tiny gold buckle. "It looks kind of bare now, " she explained. "It had three quills on ithere. " "Did you have them taken off?" asked Wesley. "Yes, I did. The price was two and a half for the hat, and those thingswere a dollar and a half apiece. I couldn't pay that. " "It does seem considerable, " admitted Wesley, "but will it look rightwithout them?" "No, it won't!" said Margaret. "It's going to have quills on it. Do youremember those beautiful peacock wing feathers that Phoebe Simms gaveme? Three of them go on just where those came off, and nobody will everknow the difference. They match the hat to a moral, and they are justa little longer and richer than the ones that I had taken off. I waswondering whether I better sew them on to-night while I remember howthey set, or wait till morning. " "Don't risk it!" exclaimed Wesley anxiously. "Don't you risk it! Sewthem on right now!" "Open your bundles, while I get the thread, " said Margaret. Wesley unwrapped the shoes. Margaret took them up and pinched theleather and stroked them. "My, but they are fine!" she cried. Wesley picked up one and slowly turned it in his big hands. He glancedat his foot and back to the shoe. "It's a little bit of a thing, Margaret, " he said softly. "Like as notI'll have to take it back. It seems as if it couldn't fit. " "It seems as if it didn't dare do anything else, " said Margaret. "That'sa happy little shoe to get the chance to carry as fine a girl as Elnorato high school. Now what's in the other box?" Wesley looked at Margaret doubtfully. "Why, " he said, "you know there's going to be rainy days, and thosethings she has now ain't fit for anything but to drive up the cows----" "Wesley, did you get high shoes, too?" "Well, she ought to have them! The man said he would make them cheaperif I took both pairs at once. " Margaret laughed aloud. "Those will do her past Christmas, " she exulted. "What else did you buy?" "Well sir, " said Wesley, "I saw something to-day. You told me about Kategetting that tin pail for Elnora to carry to high school and you saidyou told her it was a shame. I guess Elnora was ashamed all right, forto-night she stopped at the old case Duncan gave her, and took out thatpail, where it had been all day, and put a napkin inside it. Coming homeshe confessed she was half starved because she hid her dinner under aculvert, and a tramp took it. She hadn't had a bite to eat the wholeday. But she never complained at all, she was pleased that she hadn'tlost the napkin. So I just inquired around till I found this, and Ithink it's about the ticket. " Wesley opened the package and laid a brown leather lunch box on thetable. "Might be a couple of books, or drawing tools or most anythingthat's neat and genteel. You see, it opens this way. " It did open, and inside was a space for sandwiches, a little porcelainbox for cold meat or fried chicken, another for salad, a glass with alid which screwed on, held by a ring in a corner, for custard or jelly, a flask for tea or milk, a beautiful little knife, fork, and spoonfastened in holders, and a place for a napkin. Margaret was almost crying over it. "How I'd love to fill it!" she exclaimed. "Do it the first time, just to show Kate Comstock what love is!" saidWesley. "Get up early in the morning and make one of those dressesto-morrow. Can't you make a plain gingham dress in a day? I'll pick achicken, and you fry it and fix a little custard for the cup, and do itup brown. Go on, Maggie, you do it!" "I never can, " said Margaret. "I am slow as the itch about sewing, andthese are not going to be plain dresses when it comes to making them. There are going to be edgings of plain green, pink, and brown to thebias strips, and tucks and pleats around the hips, fancy belts andcollars, and all of it takes time. " "Then Kate Comstock's got to help, " said Wesley. "Can the two of youmake one, and get that lunch to-morrow?" "Easy, but she'll never do it!" "You see if she doesn't!" said Wesley. "You get up and cut it out, andsoon as Elnora is gone I'll go after Kate myself. She'll take what I'llsay better alone. But she'll come, and she'll help make the dress. Theseother things are our Christmas gifts to Elnora. She'll no doubt needthem more now than she will then, and we can give them just as well. That's yours, and this is mine, or whichever way you choose. " Wesley untied a good brown umbrella and shook out the folds of a long, brown raincoat. Margaret dropped the hat, arose and took the coat. Shetried it on, felt it, cooed over it and matched it with the umbrella. "Did it look anything like rain to-night?" she inquired so anxiouslythat Wesley laughed. "And this last bundle?" she said, dropping back in her chair, the coatstill over her shoulders. "I couldn't buy this much stuff for any other woman and nothing for myown, " said Wesley. "It's Christmas for you, too, Margaret!" He shook outfold after fold of soft gray satiny goods that would look lovely againstMargaret's pink cheeks and whitening hair. "Oh, you old darling!" she exclaimed, and fled sobbing into his arms. But she soon dried her eyes, raked together the coals in the cookingstove and boiled one of the dress patterns in salt water for half anhour. Wesley held the lamp while she hung the goods on the line to dry. Then she set the irons on the stove so they would be hot the first thingin the morning. CHAPTER III WHEREIN ELNORA VISITS THE BIRD WOMAN, AND OPENS A BANK ACCOUNT Four o'clock the following morning Elnora was shelling beans. At six shefed the chickens and pigs, swept two of the rooms of the cabin, built afire, and put on the kettle for breakfast. Then she climbed the narrowstairs to the attic she had occupied since a very small child, anddressed in the hated shoes and brown calico, plastered down her crispcurls, ate what breakfast she could, and pinning on her hat started fortown. "There is no sense in your going for an hour yet, " said her mother. "I must try to discover some way to earn those books, " replied Elnora. "I am perfectly positive I shall not find them lying beside the roadwrapped in tissue paper, and tagged with my name. " She went toward the city as on yesterday. Her perplexity as to wheretuition and books were to come from was worse but she did not feel quiteso badly. She never again would have to face all of it for the firsttime. There had been times yesterday when she had prayed to be hidden, or to drop dead, and neither had happened. "I believe the best way toget an answer to prayer is to work for it, " muttered Elnora grimly. Again she followed the trail to the swamp, rearranged her hair and leftthe tin pail. This time she folded a couple of sandwiches in the napkin, and tied them in a neat light paper parcel which she carried inher hand. Then she hurried along the road to Onabasha and found abook-store. There she asked the prices of the list of books that sheneeded, and learned that six dollars would not quite supply them. Sheanxiously inquired for second-hand books, but was told that the only wayto secure them was from the last year's Freshmen. Just then Elnora feltthat she positively could not approach any of those she supposed to beSophomores and ask to buy their old books. The only balm the girl couldsee for the humiliation of yesterday was to appear that day with a setof new books. "Do you wish these?" asked the clerk hurriedly, for the store wasrapidly filling with school children wanting anything from a dictionaryto a pen. "Yes, " gasped Elnora, "Oh, yes! But I cannot pay for them just now. Please let me take them, and I will pay for them on Friday, or returnthem as perfect as they are. Please trust me for them a few days. " "I'll ask the proprietor, " he said. When he came back Elnora knew theanswer before he spoke. "I'm sorry, " he said, "but Mr. Hann doesn't recognize your name. You arenot a customer of ours, and he feels that he can't take the risk. " Elnora clumped out of the store, the thump of her heavy, shoes beatingas a hammer on her brain. She tried two other dealers with the sameresult, and then in sick despair came into the street. What could shedo? She was too frightened to think. Should she stay from school thatday and canvass the homes appearing to belong to the wealthy, and tryto sell beds of wild ferns, as she had suggested to Wesley Sinton? Whatwould she dare ask for bringing in and planting a clump of ferns? Howcould she carry them? Would people buy them? She slowly moved past thehotel and then glanced around to see if there were a clock anywhere, forshe felt sure the young people passing her constantly were on their wayto school. There it stood in a bank window in big black letters staring straight ather: WANTED: CATERPILLARS, COCOONS, CHRYSALIDES, PUPAE CASES, BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS, INDIAN RELICS OF ALL KINDS. HIGHEST SCALE OF PRICES PAID IN CASH Elnora caught the wicket at the cashier's desk with both hands to braceherself against disappointment. "Who is it wants to buy cocoons, butterflies, and moths?" she panted. "The Bird Woman, " answered the cashier. "Have you some for sale?" "I have some, I do not know if they are what she would want. " "Well, you had better see her, " said the cashier. "Do you know where shelives?" "Yes, " said Elnora. "Would you tell me the time?" "Twenty-one after eight, " was the answer. She had nine minutes to reach the auditorium or be late. Should shego to school, or to the Bird Woman? Several girls passed her walkingswiftly and she remembered their faces. They were hurrying to school. Elnora caught the infection. She would see the Bird Woman at noon. Algebra came first, and that professor was kind. Perhaps she could slipto the superintendent and ask him for a book for the next lesson, and atnoon--"Oh, dear Lord make it come true, " prayed Elnora, at noon possiblyshe could sell some of those wonderful shining-winged things she hadbeen collecting all her life around the outskirts of the Limberlost. As she went down the long hall she noticed the professor of mathematicsstanding in the door of his recitation room. When she passed him hesmiled and spoke to her. "I have been watching for you, " he said, and Elnora stopped bewildered. "For me?" she questioned. "Yes, " said Professor Henley. "Step inside. " Elnora followed him into the room and closed the door behind them. "At teachers' meeting last evening, one of the professors mentionedthat a pupil had betrayed in class that she had expected her books to befurnished by the city. I thought possibly it was you. Was it?" "Yes, " breathed Elnora. "That being the case, " said Professor Henley, "it just occurred to me asyou had expected that, you might require a little time to securethem, and you are too fine a mathematician to fall behind for want ofsupplies. So I telephoned one of our Sophomores to bring her last year'sbooks this morning. I am sorry to say they are somewhat abused, but thetext is all here. You can have them for two dollars, and pay when youare ready. Would you care to take them?" Elnora sat suddenly, because she could not stand another instant. Shereached both hands for the books, and said never a word. The professorwas silent also. At last Eleanor arose, hugging those books to her heartas a mother clasps a baby. "One thing more, " said the professor. "You may pay your tuitionquarterly. You need not bother about the first instalment this month. Any time in October will do. " It seemed as if Elnora's gasp of relief must have reached the soles ofher brogans. "Did any one ever tell you how beautiful you are!" she cried. As the professor was lank, tow-haired and so near-sighted, that hepeered at his pupils through spectacles, no one ever had. "No, " said Professor Henley, "I've waited some time for that; for whichreason I shall appreciate it all the more. Come now, or we shall be latefor opening exercises. " So Elnora entered the auditorium a second time. Her face was like thebrightest dawn that ever broke over the Limberlost. No matter about thelumbering shoes and skimpy dress. No matter about anything, she had thebooks. She could take them home. In her garret she could commit them tomemory, if need be. She could prove that clothes were not all. If theBird Woman did not want any of the many different kinds of specimens shehad collected, she was quite sure now she could sell ferns, nuts, and agreat many things. Then, too, a girl made a place for her that morning, and several smiled and bowed. Elnora forgot everything save her books, and that she was where she could use them intelligently--everythingexcept one little thing away back in her head. Her mother had knownabout the books and the tuition, and had not told her when she agreed toher coming. At noon Elnora took her little parcel of lunch and started to the homeof the Bird Woman. She must know about the specimens first and then shewould walk to the suburbs somewhere and eat a few bites. She droppedthe heavy iron knocker on the door of a big red log cabin, and her heartthumped at the resounding stroke. "Is the Bird Woman at home?" she asked of the maid. "She is at lunch, " was the answer. "Please ask her if she will see a girl from the Limberlost about somemoths?" inquired Elnora. "I never need ask, if it's moths, " laughed the girl. "Orders are tobring any one with specimens right in. Come this way. " Elnora followed down the hall and entered a long room with high panelledwainscoting, old English fireplace with an overmantel and closets ofpeculiar china filling the corners. At a bare table of oak, yellow asgold, sat a woman Elnora often had watched and followed covertly aroundthe Limberlost. The Bird Woman was holding out a hand of welcome. "I heard!" she laughed. "A little pasteboard box, or just the mereword 'specimen, ' passes you at my door. If it is moths I hope you havehundreds. I've been very busy all summer and unable to collect, and Ineed so many. Sit down and lunch with me, while we talk it over. Fromthe Limberlost, did you say?" "I live near the swamp, " replied Elnora. "Since it's so cleared I darego around the edge in daytime, though we are all afraid at night. " "What have you collected?" asked the Bird Woman, as she helped Elnora tosandwiches unlike any she ever before had tasted, salad that seemed tobe made of many familiar things, and a cup of hot chocolate that wouldhave delighted any hungry schoolgirl. "I am afraid I am bothering you for nothing, and imposing on you, " shesaid. "That 'collected' frightens me. I've only gathered. I always lovedeverything outdoors, so I made friends and playmates of them. When Ilearned that the moths die so soon, I saved them especially, becausethere seemed no wickedness in it. " "I have thought the same thing, " said the Bird Woman encouragingly. Thenbecause the girl could not eat until she learned about the moths, theBird Woman asked Elnora if she knew what kinds she had. "Not all of them, " answered Elnora. "Before Mr. Duncan moved away heoften saw me near the edge of the swamp and he showed me the box hehad fixed for Freckles, and gave me the key. There were some books andthings, so from that time on I studied and tried to take moths right, but I am afraid they are not what you want. " "Are they the big ones that fly mostly in June nights?" asked the BirdWoman. "Yes, " said Elnora. "Big gray ones with reddish markings, paleblue-green, yellow with lavender, and red and yellow. " "What do you mean by 'red and yellow?'" asked the Bird Woman so quicklythat the girl almost jumped. "Not exactly red, " explained Elnora, with tremulous voice. "A reddish, yellowish brown, with canary-coloured spots and gray lines on theirwings. " "How many of them?" It was the same quick question. "I had over two hundred eggs, " said Elnora, "but some of them didn'thatch, and some of the caterpillars died, but there must be at least ahundred perfect ones. " "Perfect! How perfect?" cried the Bird Woman. "I mean whole wings, no down gone, and all their legs and antennae, "faltered Elnora. "Young woman, that's the rarest moth in America, " said the Bird Womansolemnly. "If you have a hundred of them, they are worth a hundreddollars according to my list. I can use all that are not damaged. " "What if they are not pinned right, " quavered Elnora. "If they are perfect, that does not make the slightest difference. Iknow how to soften them so that I can put them into any shape I choose. Where are they? When may I see them?" "They are in Freckles's old case in the Limberlost, " said Elnora. "Icouldn't carry many for fear of breaking them, but I could bring a fewafter school. " "You come here at four, " said the Bird Woman, "and we will drive outwith some specimen boxes, and a price list, and see what you have tosell. Are they your very own? Are you free to part with them?" "They are mine, " said Elnora. "No one but God knows I have them. Mr. Duncan gave me the books and the box. He told Freckles about me, andFreckles told him to give me all he left. He said for me to stick to theswamp and be brave, and my hour would come, and it has! I know most ofthem are all right, and oh, I do need the money!" "Could you tell me?" asked the Bird Woman softly. "You see the swamp and all the fields around it are so full, " explainedElnora. "Every day I felt smaller and smaller, and I wanted to know moreand more, and pretty soon I grew desperate, just as Freckles did. ButI am better off than he was, for I have his books, and I have a mother;even if she doesn't care for me as other girls' mothers do for them, it's better than no one. " The Bird Woman's glance fell, for the girl was not conscious of how muchshe was revealing. Her eyes were fixed on a black pitcher filledwith goldenrod in the centre of the table and she was saying what shethought. "As long as I could go to the Brushwood school I was happy, but Icouldn't go further just when things were the most interesting, so I wasdetermined I'd come to high school and mother wouldn't consent. You seethere's plenty of land, but father was drowned when I was a baby, andmother and I can't make money as men do. The taxes are higher everyyear, and she said it was too expensive. I wouldn't give her any rest, until at last she bought me this dress, and these shoes and I came. Itwas awful!" "Do you live in that beautiful cabin at the northwest end of the swamp?"asked the Bird Woman. "Yes, " said Elnora. "I remember the place and a story about it, now. You entered the highschool yesterday?" "Yes. " "It was rather bad?" "Rather bad!" echoed Elnora. The Bird Woman laughed. "You can't tell me anything about that, " she said. "I once entered acity school straight from the country. My dress was brown calico, and myshoes were heavy. " The tears began to roll down Elnora's cheeks. "Did they----?" she faltered. "They did!" said the Bird Woman. "All of it. I am sure they did not missone least little thing. " Then she wiped away some tears that began coursing her cheeks, andlaughed at the same time. "Where are they now?" asked Elnora suddenly. "They are widely scattered, but none of them have attained heights outof range. Some of the rich are poor, and some of the poor are rich. Someof the brightest died insane, and some of the dullest worked outhigh positions; some of the very worst to bear have gone out, and Ifrequently hear from others. Now I am here, able to remember it, andmingle laughter with what used to be all tears; for every day I have mybeautiful work, and almost every day God sends some one like you to helpme. What is your name, my girl?" "Elnora Comstock, " answered Elnora. "Yesterday on the board it changedto Cornstock, and for a minute I thought I'd die, but I can laugh overthat already. " The Bird Woman arose and kissed her. "Finish your lunch, " she said, "andI will bring my price lists, and make a memorandum of what you think youhave, so I will know how many boxes to prepare. And remember this: Whatyou are lies with you. If you are lazy, and accept your lot, you maylive in it. If you are willing to work, you can write your name anywhereyou choose, among the only ones who live beyond the grave in thisworld, the people who write books that help, make exquisite music, carvestatues, paint pictures, and work for others. Never mind the calicodress, and the coarse shoes. Work at your books, and before long youwill hear yesterday's tormentors boasting that they were once classmatesof yours. 'I could a tale unfold'----!" She laughingly left the room and Elnora sat thinking, until sheremembered how hungry she was, so she ate the food, drank the hotchocolate and began to feel better. Then the Bird Woman came back and showed Elnora a long printedslip giving a list of graduated prices for moths, butterflies, anddragonflies. "Oh, do you want them!" exulted Elnora. "I have a few and I can get moreby the thousand, with every colour in the world on their wings. " "Yes, " said the Bird Woman, "I will buy them, also the big mothcaterpillars that are creeping everywhere now, and the cocoons that theywill spin just about this time. I have a sneaking impression that themystery, wonder, and the urge of their pure beauty, are going to forceme to picture and paint our moths and put them into a book for all theworld to see and know. We Limberlost people must not be selfish withthe wonders God has given to us. We must share with those poor cooped-upcity people the best we can. To send them a beautiful book, that is theway, is it not, little new friend of mine?" "Yes, oh yes!" cried Elnora. "And please God they find a way to earn themoney to buy the books, as I have those I need so badly. " "I will pay good prices for all the moths you can find, " said the BirdWoman, "because you see I exchange them with foreign collectors. Iwant a complete series of the moths of America to trade with a Germanscientist, another with a man in India, and another in Brazil. Others Ican exchange with home collectors for those of California and Canada, soyou see I can use all you can raise, or find. The banker will buy stoneaxes, arrow points, and Indian pipes. There was a teacher from the citygrade schools here to-day for specimens. There is a fund to supply theward buildings. I'll help you get in touch with that. They want leavesof different trees, flowers, grasses, moths, insects, birds' nests andanything about birds. " Elnora's eyes were blazing. "Had I better go back to school or open abank account and begin being a millionaire? Uncle Wesley and I have abushel of arrow points gathered, a stack of axes, pipes, skin-dressingtools, tubes and mortars. I don't know how I ever shall wait threehours. " "You must go, or you will be late, " said the Bird Woman. "I will beready at four. " After school closed Elnora, seated beside the Bird Woman, drove toFreckles's room in the Limberlost. One at a time the beautiful big mothswere taken from the interior of the old black case. Not a fourth of themcould be moved that night and it was almost dark when the last box wasclosed, the list figured, and into Elnora's trembling fingers were paidfifty-nine dollars and sixteen cents. Elnora clasped the money closely. "Oh you beautiful stuff!" she cried. "You are going to buy the books, pay the tuition, and take me to high school. " Then because she was a woman, she sat on a log and looked at her shoes. Long after the Bird Woman drove away Elnora remained. She had herproblem, and it was a big one. If she told her mother, would she takethe money to pay the taxes? If she did not tell her, how could sheaccount for the books, and things for which she would spend it. At lastshe counted out what she needed for the next day, placed the remainderin the farthest corner of the case, and locked the door. She then filledthe front of her skirt from a heap of arrow points beneath the case andstarted home. CHAPTER IV WHEREIN THE SINTONS ARE DISAPPOINTED, AND MRS. COMSTOCK LEARNS THAT SHECAN LAUGH With the first streak of red above the Limberlost Margaret Sinton wasbusy with the gingham and the intricate paper pattern she had purchased. Wesley cooked the breakfast and worked until he thought Elnora would begone, then he started to bring her mother. "Now you be mighty careful, " cautioned Margaret. "I don't know how shewill take it. " "I don't either, " said Wesley philosophically, "but she's got to take itsome way. That dress has to be finished by school time in the morning. " Wesley had not slept well that night. He had been so busy framingdiplomatic speeches to make to Mrs. Comstock that sleep had littlechance with him. Every step nearer to her he approached his positionseemed less enviable. By the time he reached the front gate and starteddown the walk between the rows of asters and lady slippers he wasperspiring, and every plausible and convincing speech had fled hisbrain. Mrs. Comstock helped him. She met him at the door. "Good morning, " she said. "Did Margaret send you for something?" "Yes, " said Wesley. "She's got a job that's too big for her, and shewants you to help. " "Of course I will, " said Mrs. Comstock. It was no one's affair howlonely the previous day had been, or how the endless hours of thepresent would drag. "What is she doing in such a rush?" Now was his chance. "She's making a dress for Elnora, " answered, Wesley. He saw Mrs. Comstock's form straighten, and her face harden, so he continuedhastily. "You see Elnora has been helping us at harvest time, butchering, and with unexpected visitors for years. We've made out thatshe's saved us a considerable sum, and as she wouldn't ever touch anypay for anything, we just went to town and got a few clothes we thoughtwould fix her up a little for the high school. We want to get a dressdone to-day mighty bad, but Margaret is slow about sewing, and she nevercan finish alone, so I came after you. " "And it's such a simple little matter, so dead easy; and all so betweenold friends like, that you can't look above your boots while you explainit, " sneered Mrs. Comstock. "Wesley Sinton, what put the idea into yourhead that Elnora would take things bought with money, when she wouldn'ttake the money?" Then Sinton's eyes came up straightly. "Finding her on the trail last night sobbing as hard as I ever saw anyone at a funeral. She wasn't complaining at all, but she's come to meall her life with her little hurts, and she couldn't hide how she'd beenlaughed at, twitted, and run face to face against the fact that therewere books and tuition, unexpected, and nothing will ever make mebelieve you didn't know that, Kate Comstock. " "If any doubts are troubling you on that subject, sure I knew it! Shewas so anxious to try the world, I thought I'd just let her take a fewknocks and see how she liked them. " "As if she'd ever taken anything but knocks all her life!" cried WesleySinton. "Kate Comstock, you are a heartless, selfish woman. You've nevershown Elnora any real love in her life. If ever she finds out that thingyou'll lose her, and it will serve you right. " "She knows it now, " said Mrs. Comstock icily, "and she'll be hometo-night just as usual. " "Well, you are a brave woman if you dared put a girl of Elnora's makethrough what she suffered yesterday, and will suffer again to-day, and let her know you did it on purpose. I admire your nerve. But I'vewatched this since Elnora was born, and I got enough. Things have cometo a pass where they go better for her, or I interfere. " "As if you'd ever done anything but interfere all her life! Think Ihaven't watched you? Think I, with my heart raw in my breast, and toonumb to resent it openly, haven't seen you and Mag Sinton trying to turnElnora against me day after day? When did you ever tell her what herfather meant to me? When did you ever try to make her see the wreck ofmy life, and what I've suffered? No indeed! Always it's been poor littleabused Elnora, and cakes, kissing, extra clothes, and encouraging herto run to you with a pitiful mouth every time I tried to make a woman ofher. " "Kate Comstock, that's unjust, " cried Sinton. "Only last night I triedto show her the picture I saw the day she was born. I begged her to cometo you and tell you pleasant what she needed, and ask you for what Ihappen to know you can well afford to give her. " "I can't!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "You know I can't!" "Then get so you can!" said Wesley Sinton. "Any day you say the word youcan sell six thousand worth of rare timber off this place easy. I'llsee to clearing and working the fields cheap as dirt, for Elnora'ssake. I'll buy you more cattle to fatten. All you've got to do is signa lease, to pull thousands from the ground in oil, as the rest of us aredoing all around you!" "Cut down Robert's trees!" shrieked Mrs. Comstock. "Tear up his land!Cover everything with horrid, greasy oil! I'll die first. " "You mean you'll let Elnora go like a beggar, and hurt and mortify herpast bearing. I've got to the place where I tell you plain what I amgoing to do. Maggie and I went to town last night, and we bought whatthings Elnora needs most urgent to make her look a little like the restof the high school girls. Now here it is in plain English. You can helpget these things ready, and let us give them to her as we want----" "She won't touch them!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "Then you can pay us, and she can take them as her right----" "I won't!" "Then I will tell Elnora just what you are worth, what you can afford, and how much of this she owns. I'll loan her the money to buy books anddecent clothes, and when she is of age she can sell her share and payme. " Mrs. Comstock gripped a chair-back and opened her lips, but no wordscame. "And, " Sinton continued, "if she is so much like you that she won't dothat, I'll go to the county seat and lay complaint against you as herguardian before the judge. I'll swear to what you are worth, and how youare raising her, and have you discharged, or have the judge appoint someman who will see that she is comfortable, educated, and decent looking!" "You--you wouldn't!" gasped Kate Comstock. "I won't need to, Kate!" said Sinton, his heart softening the instantthe hard words were said. "You won't show it, but you do love Elnora!You can't help it! You must see how she needs things; come help us fixthem, and be friends. Maggie and I couldn't live without her, and youcouldn't either. You've got to love such a fine girl as she is; let itshow a little!" "You can hardly expect me to love her, " said Mrs. Comstock coldly. "Butfor her a man would stand back of me now, who would beat the breath outof your sneaking body for the cowardly thing with which you threaten me. After all I've suffered you'd drag me to court and compel me to tear upRobert's property. If I ever go they carry me. If they touch one tree, or put down one greasy old oil well, it will be over all I can shoot, before they begin. Now, see how quick you can clear out of here!" "You won't come and help Maggie with the dress?" For answer Mrs. Comstock looked around swiftly for some object on whichto lay her hands. Knowing her temper, Wesley Sinton left with all thehaste consistent with dignity. But he did not go home. He crossed afield, and in an hour brought another neighbour who was skilful with herneedle. With sinking heart Margaret saw them coming. "Kate is too busy to help to-day, she can't sew before to-morrow, " saidWesley cheerfully as they entered. That quieted Margaret's apprehension a little, though she had somedoubts. Wesley prepared the lunch, and by four o'clock the dress wasfinished as far as it possibly could be until it was fitted on Elnora. If that did not entail too much work, it could be completed in twohours. Then Margaret packed their purchases into the big market basket. Wesleytook the hat, umbrella, and raincoat, and they went to Mrs. Comstock's. As they reached the step, Margaret spoke pleasantly to Mrs. Comstock, who sat reading just inside the door, but she did not answer anddeliberately turned a leaf without looking up. Wesley Sinton opened the door and went in followed by Margaret. "Kate, " he said, "you needn't take out your mad over our little racketon Maggie. I ain't told her a word I said to you, or you said to me. She's not so very strong, and she's sewed since four o'clock thismorning to get this dress ready for to-morrow. It's done and we camedown to try it on Elnora. " "Is that the truth, Mag Sinton?" demanded Mrs. Comstock. "You heard Wesley say so, " proudly affirmed Mrs. Sinton. "I want to make you a proposition, " said Wesley. "Wait till Elnoracomes. Then we'll show her the things and see what she says. " "How would it do to see what she says without bribing her, " sneered Mrs. Comstock. "If she can stand what she did yesterday, and will to-day, she can bear'most anything, " said Wesley. "Put away the clothes if you want to, tillwe tell her. " "Well, you don't take this waist I'm working on, " said Margaret, "forI have to baste in the sleeves and set the collar. Put the rest out ofsight if you like. " Mrs. Comstock picked up the basket and bundles, placed them inside herroom and closed the door. Margaret threaded her needle and began to sew. Mrs. Comstock returnedto her book, while Wesley fidgeted and raged inwardly. He could seethat Margaret was nervous and almost in tears, but the lines in Mrs. Comstock's impassive face were set and cold. So they sat while theclock ticked off the time--one hour, two, dusk, and no Elnora. Just whenMargaret and Wesley were discussing whether he had not better go to townto meet Elnora, they heard her coming up the walk. Wesley dropped histilted chair and squared himself. Margaret gripped her sewing, andturned pleading eyes toward the door. Mrs. Comstock closed her book andgrimly smiled. "Mother, please open the door, " called Elnora. Mrs. Comstock arose, and swung back the screen. Elnora stepped in besideher, bent half double, the whole front of her dress gathered into a sortof bag filled with a heavy load, and one arm stacked high with books. Inthe dim light she did not see the Sintons. "Please hand me the empty bucket in the kitchen, mother, " she said. "Ijust had to bring these arrow points home, but I'm scared for fear I'vespoiled my dress and will have to wash it. I'm to clean them, and takethem to the banker in the morning, and oh, mother, I've sold enoughstuff to pay for my books, my tuition, and maybe a dress and somelighter shoes besides. Oh, mother I'm so happy! Take the books and bringthe bucket!" Then she saw Margaret and Wesley. "Oh, glory!" she exulted. "I was justwondering how I'd ever wait to tell you, and here you are! It's tooperfectly splendid to be true!" "Tell us, Elnora, " said Sinton. "Well sir, " said Elnora, doubling down on the floor and spreading outher skirt, "set the bucket here, mother. These points are brittle, andshould be put in one at a time. If they are chipped I can't sell them. Well sir! I've had a time! You know I just had to have books. I triedthree stores, and they wouldn't trust me, not even three days, I didn'tknow what in this world I could do quickly enough. Just when I wasalmost frantic I saw a sign in a bank window asking for caterpillars, cocoons, butterflies, arrow points, and everything. I went in, and itwas this Bird Woman who wants the insects, and the banker wants thestones. I had to go to school then, but, if you'll believe it"--Elnorabeamed on all of them in turn as she talked and slipped the arrowpoints from her dress to the pail--"if you'll believe it--but you won't, hardly, until you look at the books--there was the mathematics teacher, waiting at his door, and he had a set of books for me that he hadtelephoned a Sophomore to bring. " "How did he happen to do that, Elnora?" interrupted Sinton. Elnora blushed. "It was a fool mistake I made yesterday in thinking books were justhanded out to one. There was a teachers' meeting last night and thehistory teacher told about that. Professor Henley thought of me. Youknow I told you what he said about my algebra, mother. Ain't I glad Istudied out some of it myself this summer! So he telephoned and a girlbrought the books. Because they are marked and abused some I get thewhole outfit for two dollars. I can erase most of the marks, paste downthe covers, and fix them so they look better. But I must hurry to thejoy part. I didn't stop to eat, at noon, I just ran to the Bird Woman's, and I had lunch with her. It was salad, hot chocolate, and lovelythings, and she wants to buy most every old scrap I ever gathered. Shewants dragonflies, moths, butterflies, and he--the banker, I mean--wantseverything Indian. This very night she came to the swamp with me andtook away enough stuff to pay for the books and tuition, and to-morrowshe is going to buy some more. " Elnora laid the last arrow point in the pail and arose, shaking leavesand 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 tillmorning, mother. That pays for the books and tuition and--" Elnorahesitated, for she saw the nervous grasp with which her mother's fingersclosed on the bills. Then she continued, but more slowly and thinkingbefore 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 andhot, and they make such a noise on the floor. There isn't another calicodress in the whole building, not among hundreds of us. Why, what isthat? Aunt Margaret, what are you hiding in your lap?" She snatched the waist and shook it out, and her face was beaming. "Haveyou taken to waists all fancy and buttoned in the back? I bet you thisis mine!" "I bet you so too, " said Margaret Sinton. "You undress right away andtry it on, and if it fits, it will be done for morning. There are somelow shoes, too!" Elnora began to dance. "Oh, you dear people!" she cried. "I can pay forthem to-morrow night! Isn't it too splendid! I was just thinking on theway home that I certainly would be compelled to have cooler shoes untillater, 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 buyevery single stitch I need myself. Next summer I can gather up a lotmore stuff, and all winter on the way to school. I am sure I can sellferns, I know I can nuts, and the Bird Woman says the grade rooms wantleaves, 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 thedoor she gave a little cry. "What have you people been doing?" she demanded. "I never saw so manyinteresting bundles in all my life. I'm 'skeered' to death for fear Ican't pay for them, and will have to give up something. " "Wouldn't you take them, if you could not pay for them, Elnora?" askedher mother instantly. "Why, not unless you did, " answered Elnora. "People have no right towear things they can't afford, have they?" "But from such old friends as Maggie and Wesley!" Mrs. Comstock's voicewas oily with triumph. "From them least of all, " cried Elnora stoutly. "From a stranger soonerthan from them, to whom I owe so much more than I ever can pay now. " "Well, you don't have to, " said Mrs. Comstock. "Maggie just selectedthese things, because she is more in touch with the world, and has gotsuch good taste. You can pay as long as your money holds out, and ifthere's more necessary, maybe I can sell the butcher a calf, or ifthings are too costly for us, of course, they can take them back. Put onthe waist now, and then you can look over the rest and see if they aresuitable, and what you want. " Elnora stepped into the adjoining room and closed the door. Mrs. Comstock picked up the bucket and started for the well with it. At thebedroom she paused. "Elnora, were you going to wash these arrow points?" "Yes. The Bird Woman says they sell better if they are clean, so it canbe seen that there are no defects in them. " "Of course, " said Mrs. Comstock. "Some of them seem quite baked. Shall Iput them to soak? Do you want to take them in the morning?" "Yes, I do, " answered Elnora. "If you would just fill the pail withwater. " Mrs. Comstock left the room. Wesley Sinton sat with his back to thewindow in the west end of the cabin which overlooked the well. Asuppressed sound behind him caused him to turn quickly. Then he aroseand leaned over Margaret. "She's out there laughing like a blamed monkey!" he whisperedindignantly. "Well, she can't help it!" exclaimed Margaret. "I'm going home!" said Wesley. "Oh no, you are not!" retorted Margaret. "You are missing the point. The point is not how you look, or feel. It is to get these things inElnora's possession past dispute. You go now, and to-morrow Elnora willwear calico, and Kate Comstock will return these goods. Right here Istay until everything we bought is Elnora's. " "What are you going to do?" asked Wesley. "I don't know yet, myself, " said Margaret. Then she arose and peered from the window. At the well curb stoodKatharine Comstock. The strain of the day was finding reaction. Her chinwas in the air, she was heaving, shaking and strangling to suppressany sound. The word that slipped between Margaret Sinton's lips shockedWesley until he dropped on his chair, and recalled her to her senses. She was fairly composed as she turned to Elnora, and began the fitting. When she had pinched, pulled, and patted she called, "Come see if youthink this fits, Kate. " Mrs. Comstock had gone around to the back door and answered from thekitchen. "You know more about it than I do. Go ahead! I'm gettingsupper. Don't forget to allow for what it will shrink in washing!" "I set the colours and washed the goods last night; it can be made tofit right now, " answered Margaret. When she could find nothing more to alter she told Elnora to heat somewater. After she had done that the girl began opening packages. The hat came first. "Mother!" cried Elnora. "Mother, of course, you have seen this, but youhaven't seen it on me. I must try it on. " "Don't you dare put that on your head until your hair is washed andproperly combed, " said Margaret. "Oh!" cried Elnora. "Is that water to wash my hair? I thought it was toset the colour in another dress. " "Well, you thought wrong, " said Margaret simply. "Your hair is going tobe washed and brushed until it shines like copper. While it dries youcan eat your supper, and this dress will be finished. Then you can puton your new ribbon, and your hat. You can try your shoes now, and ifthey don't fit, you and Wesley can drive to town and change them. Thatlittle round bundle on the top of the basket is your stockings. " Margaret sat down and began sewing swiftly, and a little later openedthe machine, and ran several long seams. Elnora returned in a few minutes holding up her skirts and steppingdaintily in the new shoes. "Don't soil them, honey, else you're sure they fit, " cautioned Wesley. "They seem just a trifle large, maybe, " said Elnora dubiously, andWesley knelt to feel. He and Margaret thought them a fit, and thenElnora appealed to her mother. Mrs. Comstock appeared wiping her handson her apron. She examined the shoes critically. "They seem to fit, " she said, "but they are away too fine to walkcountry roads. " "I think so, too, " said Elnora instantly. "We had better take these backand get a cheaper pair. " "Oh, let them go for this time, " said Mrs. Comstock. "They are sopretty, I hate to part with them. You can get cheaper ones after this. " Wesley and Margaret scarcely breathed for a long time. When Wesley went to do the feeding. Elnora set the table. When thewater was hot, Margaret pinned a big towel around Elnora's shoulders andwashed and dried the lovely hair according to the instructions she hadbeen given the previous night. As the hair began to dry it billowed outin a sparkling sheen that caught the light and gleamed and flashed. "Now, the idea is to let it stand naturally, just as the curl will makeit. Don't you do any of that nasty, untidy snarling, Elnora, " cautionedMargaret. "Wash it this way every two weeks while you are in school, shake it out, and dry it. Then part it in the middle and turn a frontquarter on each side from your face. You tie the back at your neck witha string--so, and the ribbon goes in a big, loose bow. I'll show you. "One after another Margaret Sinton tied the ribbons, creasing each ofthem so they could not be returned, as she explained that she was tryingto find the colour most becoming. Then she produced the raincoat whichcarried Elnora into transports. Mrs. Comstock objected. "That won't be warm enough for cold weather, andyou can't afford it and a coat, too. " "I'll tell you what I thought, " said Elnora. "I was planning on the wayhome. These coats are fine because they keep you dry. I thought I wouldget one, and a warm sweater to wear under it cold days. Then I alwayswould be dry, and warm. The sweater only costs three dollars, so I couldget it and the raincoat both for half the price of a heavy cloth coat. " "You are right about that, " said Mrs. Comstock. "You can change morewith the weather, too. Keep the raincoat, Elnora. " "Wear it until you try the hat, " said Margaret. "It will have to dountil the dress is finished. " Elnora picked up the hat dubiously. "Mother, may I wear my hair as it isnow?" she asked. "Let me take a good look, " said Katharine Comstock. Heaven only knows what she saw. To Wesley and to Margaret the brightyoung face of Elnora, with its pink tints, its heavy dark brows, itsbright blue-gray eyes, and its frame of curling reddish-brown hair wasthe sweetest sight on earth, and at that instant Elnora was radiant. "So long as it's your own hair, and combed back as plain as it will go, I don't suppose it cuts much ice whether it's tied a little tighter orlooser, " conceded Mrs. Comstock. "If you stop right there, you may letit go at that. " Elnora set the hat on her head. It was only a wide tan straw with threeexquisite peacock quills at one side. Margaret Sinton cried out, Wesleyslapped his knee and sighed deeply while Mrs. Comstock stood speechlessfor a second. "I wish you had asked the price before you put that on, " she saidimpatiently. "We never can afford it. " "It's not so much as you think, " said Margaret. "Don't you see what Idid? I had them take off the quills, and put on some of those PhoebeSimms gave me from her peacocks. The hat will only cost you a dollar anda half. " She avoided Wesley's eyes, and looked straight at Mrs. Comstock. Elnoraremoved the hat to examine it. "Why, they are those reddish-tan quills of yours!" she cried. "Mother, look how beautifully they are set on! I'd much rather have them thanthose from the store. " "So would I, " said Mrs. Comstock. "If Margaret wants to spare them, thatwill make you a beautiful hat; dirt cheap, too! You must go past Mrs. Simms and show her. She would be pleased to see them. " Elnora sank into a chair and contemplated her toe. "Landy, ain't I aqueen?" she murmured. "What else have I got?" "Just a belt, some handkerchiefs, and a pair of top shoes for rainy daysand colder weather, " said Margaret. "About those high shoes, that was my idea, " said Wesley. "Soon as itrains, low shoes won't do, and by taking two pairs at once I could getthem some cheaper. The low ones are two and the high ones two fifty, together three seventy-five. Ain't that cheap?" "That's a real bargain, " said Mrs. Comstock, "if they are good shoes, and they look it. " "This, " said Wesley, producing the last package, "is your Christmaspresent from your Aunt Maggie. I got mine, too, but it's at the house. I'll bring it up in the morning. " He handed Margaret the umbrella, and she passed it over to Elnora whoopened it and sat laughing under its shelter. Then she kissed both ofthem. She brought a pencil and a slip of paper to set down the pricesthey gave her of everything they had brought except the umbrella, addedthe sum, and said laughingly: "Will you please wait till to-morrow forthe money? I will have it then, sure. " "Elnora, " said Wesley Sinton. "Wouldn't you----" "Elnora, hustle here a minute!" called Mrs. Comstock from the kitchen. "I need you!" "One second, mother, " answered Elnora, throwing off the coat and hat, and closing the umbrella as she ran. There were several errands to doin a hurry, and then supper. Elnora chattered incessantly, Wesley andMargaret talked all they could, while Mrs. Comstock said a word now andthen, which was all she ever did. But Wesley Sinton was watching her, and time and again he saw a peculiar little twist around her mouth. Heknew that for the first time in sixteen years she really was laughingover something. She had all she could do to preserve her usually soberface. Wesley knew what she was thinking. After supper the dress was finished, the pattern for the next onediscussed, and then the Sintons went home. Elnora gathered hertreasures. When she started upstairs she stopped. "May I kiss yougood-night, mother?" she asked lightly. "Never mind any slobbering, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I should think you'dlived with me long enough to know that I don't care for it. " "Well, I'd love to show you in some way how happy I am, and how I thankyou. " "I wonder what for?" said Mrs. Comstock. "Mag Sinton chose that stuffand brought it here and you pay for it. " "Yes, but you seemed willing for me to have it, and you said you wouldhelp me if I couldn't pay all. " "Maybe I did, " said Mrs. Comstock. "Maybe I did. I meant to get you someheavy dress skirts about Thanksgiving, and I still can get them. Go tobed, and for any sake don't begin mooning before a mirror, and make adunce of yourself. " Mrs. Comstock picked up several papers and blew out the kitchen light. She stood in the middle of the sitting-room floor for a time and thenwent into her room and closed the door. Sitting on the edge of the bedshe thought for a few minutes and then suddenly buried her face in thepillow and again heaved with laughter. Down the road plodded Margaret and Wesley Sinton. Neither of them hadwords to utter their united thought. "Done!" hissed Wesley at last. "Done brown! Did you ever feel like abloomin', confounded donkey? How did the woman do it?" "She didn't do it!" gulped Margaret through her tears. "She didn't doanything. She trusted to Elnora's great big soul to bring her out right, and really she was right, and so it had to bring her. She's a darling, Wesley! But she's got a time before her. Did you see Kate Comstock grabthat money? Before six months she'll be out combing the Limberlost forbugs and arrow points to help pay the tax. I know her. " "Well, I don't!" exclaimed Sinton, "she's too many for me. But there isa laugh left in her yet! I didn't s'pose there was. Bet you a dollar, if we could see her this minute, she'd be chuckling over the way we gotleft. " Both of them stopped in the road and looked back. "There's Elnora's light in her room, " said Margaret. "The poor childwill feel those clothes, and pore over her books till morning, butshe'll look decent to go to school, anyway. Nothing is too big a priceto pay for that. " "Yes, if Kate lets her wear them. Ten to one, she makes her finish theweek with that old stuff!" "No, she won't, " said Margaret. "She'll hardly dare. Kate made someconcessions, all right; big ones for her--if she did get her way inthe main. She bent some, and if Elnora proves that she can walk outbarehanded in the morning and come back with that much money in herpocket, an armful of books, and buy a turnout like that, she provesthat she is of some consideration, and Kate's smart enough. She'll thinktwice before she'll do that. Elnora won't wear a calico dress to highschool again. You watch and see if she does. She may have the bestclothes she'll get for a time, for the least money, but she won't knowit until she tries to buy goods herself at the same rates. Wesley, whatabout those prices? Didn't they shrink considerable?" "You began it, " said Wesley. "Those prices were all right. We didn't saywhat the goods cost us, we said what they would cost her. Surely, she'smistaken about being able to pay all that. Can she pick up stuff of thatvalue around the Limberlost? Didn't the Bird Woman see her trouble, andjust give her the money?" "I don't think so, " said Margaret. "Seems to me I've heard of herpaying, or offering to pay those who would take the money, for bugs andbutterflies, and I've known people who sold that banker Indian stuff. Once I heard that his pipe collection beat that of the Government at thePhiladelphia Centennial. Those things have come to have a value. " "Well, there's about a bushel of that kind of valuables piled up in thewoodshed, that belongs to Elnora. At least, I picked them up because shesaid she wanted them. Ain't it queer that she'd take to stones, bugs, and butterflies, and save them. Now they are going to bring her the verything she wants the worst. Lord, but this is a funny world when you getto studying! Looks like things didn't all come by accident. Looks as ifthere was a plan back of it, and somebody driving that knows the road, and how to handle the lines. Anyhow, Elnora's in the wagon, and when Iget out in the night and the dark closes around me, and I see the stars, I don't feel so cheap. Maggie, how the nation did Kate Comstock dothat?" "You will keep on harping, Wesley. I told you she didn't do it. Elnoradid it! She walked in and took things right out of our hands. All Katehad to do was to enjoy having it go her way, and she was cute enoughto put in a few questions that sort of guided Elnora. But I don't know, Wesley. This thing makes me think, too. S'pose we'd taken Elnora whenshe was a baby, and we'd heaped on her all the love we can't on ourown, and we'd coddled, petted, and shielded her, would she have made thewoman that living alone, learning to think for herself, and taking allthe knocks Kate Comstock could give, have made of her?" "You bet your life!" cried Wesley, warmly. "Loving anybody don't hurtthem. We wouldn't have done anything but love her. You can't hurt achild loving it. She'd have learned to work, to study, and grown into awoman with us, without suffering like a poor homeless dog. " "But you don't see the point, Wesley. She would have grown into a finewoman with us; but as we would have raised her, would her heart everhave known the world as it does now? Where's the anguish, Wesley, thatchild can't comprehend? Seeing what she's seen of her mother hasn'thardened her. She can understand any mother's sorrow. Living life fromthe rough side has only broadened her. Where's the girl or boy burningwith shame, or struggling to find a way, that will cross Elnora's pathand not get a lift from her? She's had the knocks, but there'll never beany of the thing you call 'false pride' in her. I guess we better keepout. Maybe Kate Comstock knows what she's doing. Sure as you live, Elnora has grown bigger on knocks than she would on love. " "I don't s'pose there ever was a very fine point to anything but Imissed it, " said Wesley, "because I am blunt, rough, and have no booklearning to speak of. Since you put it into words I see what you mean, but it's dinged hard on Elnora, just the same. And I don't keep out. I keep watching closer than ever. I got my slap in the face, but if Idon't miss my guess, Kate Comstock learned her lesson, same as I did. She learned that I was in earnest, that I would haul her to court if shedidn't loosen up a bit, and she'll loosen. You see if she doesn't. Itmay come hard, and the hinges creak, but she'll fix Elnora decent afterthis, if Elnora doesn't prove that she can fix herself. As for me, Ifound out that what I was doing was as much for myself as for Elnora. Iwanted her to take those things from us, and love us for giving them. Itdidn't work, and but for you, I'd messed the whole thing and stuck likea pig in crossing a bridge. But you helped me out; Elnora's got theclothes, and by morning, maybe I won't grudge Kate the only laugh she'shad in sixteen years. You been showing me the way quite a spell now, ain't you, Maggie?" In her attic Elnora lighted two candles, set them on her little table, stacked the books, and put away the precious clothes. How lovingly shehung the hat and umbrella, folded the raincoat, and spread the new dressover a chair. She fingered the ribbons, and tried to smooth thecreases from them. She put away the hose neatly folded, touched thehandkerchiefs, and tried the belt. Then she slipped into her whitenightdress, shook down her hair that it might become thoroughly dry, set a chair before the table, and reverently opened one of the books. Astiff draught swept the attic, for it stretched the length of the cabin, and had a window in each end. Elnora arose and going to the east windowclosed it. She stood for a minute looking at the stars, the sky, andthe dark outline of the straggling trees of the rapidly dismantlingLimberlost. In the region of her case a tiny point of light flashed anddisappeared. Elnora straightened and wondered. Was it wise to leaveher precious money there? The light flashed once more, wavered a fewseconds, and died out. The girl waited. She did not see it again, so sheturned to her books. In the Limberlost the hulking figure of a man sneaked down the trail. "The Bird Woman was at Freckles's room this evening, " he muttered. "Wonder what for?" He left the trail, entered the enclosure still distinctly outlined, and approached the case. The first point of light flashed from the tinyelectric lamp on his vest. He took a duplicate key from his pocket, feltfor the padlock and opened it. The door swung wide. The light flashedthe second time. Swiftly his glance swept the interior. "'Bout a fourth of her moths gone. Elnora must have been with theBird Woman and given them to her. " Then he stood tense. His keen eyesdiscovered the roll of bills hastily thrust back in the bottom of thecase. He snatched them up, shut off the light, relocked the case bytouch, and swiftly went down the trail. Every few seconds he pausedand listened intently. Just as he reached the road, a second figureapproached him. "Is it you, Pete?" came the whispered question. "Yes, " said the first man. "I was coming down to take a peep, when I saw your flash, " he said. "Iheard the Bird Woman had been at the case to-day. Anything doing?" "Not a thing, " said Pete. "She just took away about a fourth of themoths. Probably had the Comstock girl getting them for her. Heard theywere together. Likely she'll get the rest to-morrow. Ain't pickinggettin' bare these days?" "Well, I should say so, " said the second man, turning back in disgust. "Coming home, now?" "No, I am going down this way, " answered Pete, for his eyes caught thegleam from the window of the Comstock cabin, and he had a desire tolearn why Elnora's attic was lighted at that hour. He slouched down the road, occasionally feeling the size of the roll hehad not taken time to count. The attic was too long, the light too near the other end, and the cabinstood much too far back from the road. He could see nothing althoughhe climbed the fence and walked back opposite the window. He knew Mrs. Comstock was probably awake, and that she sometimes went to the swampbehind her home at night. At times a cry went up from that locality thatparalyzed any one near, or sent them fleeing as if for life. He did notcare to cross behind the cabin. He returned to the road, passed, andagain climbed the fence. Opposite the west window he could see Elnora. She sat before a small table reading from a book between two candles. Her hair fell in a bright sheen around her, and with one hand shelightly shook, and tossed it as she studied. The man stood out in thenight and watched. For a long time a leaf turned at intervals and the hair-drying went on. The man drew nearer. The picture grew more beautiful as he approached. He could not see so well as he desired, for the screen was of whitemosquito netting, and it angered him. He cautiously crept closer. Theelevation shut off his view. Then he remembered the large willow treeshading the well and branching across the window fit the west end ofthe cabin. From childhood Elnora had stepped from the sill to a limb andslid down the slanting trunk of the tree. He reached it and noiselesslyswung himself up. Three steps out on the big limb the man shuddered. Hewas within a few feet of the girl. He could see the throb of her breast under its thin covering and smellthe fragrance of the tossing hair. He could see the narrow bed with itspieced calico cover, the whitewashed walls with gay lithographs, andevery crevice stuck full of twigs with dangling cocoons. There were pegsfor the few clothes, the old chest, the little table, the two chairs, the uneven floor covered with rag rugs and braided corn husk. Butnothing was worth a glance except the perfect face and form within reachby one spring through the rotten mosquito bar. He gripped the limb abovethat on which he stood, licked his lips, and breathed through his throatto be sure he was making no sound. Elnora closed the book and laid itaside. She picked up a towel, and turning the gathered ends of her hairrubbed them across it, and dropping the towel on her lap, tossed thehair again. Then she sat in deep thought. By and by words began to comesoftly. Near as he was the man could not hear at first. He bent closerand listened intently. "--ever could be so happy, " murmured the soft voice. "The dress is sopretty, such shoes, the coat, and everything. I won't have to be ashamedagain, not ever again, for the Limberlost is full of precious moths, andI always can collect them. The Bird Woman will buy more to-morrow, andthe next day, and the next. When they are all gone, I can spend everyminute gathering cocoons, and hunting other things I can sell. Oh, thankGod, for my precious, precious money. Why, I didn't pray in vain afterall! I thought when I asked the Lord to hide me, there in that bighall, that He wasn't doing it, because I wasn't covered from sight thatinstant. But I'm hidden now, I feel that. " Elnora lifted her eyes tothe beams above her. "I don't know much about praying properly, " shemuttered, "but I do thank you, Lord, for hiding me in your own time andway. " Her face was so bright that it shone with a white radiance. Two bigtears welled from her eyes, and rolled down her smiling cheeks. "Oh, Ido feel that you have hidden me, " she breathed. Then she blew out thelights, and the little wooden bed creaked under her weight. Pete Corson dropped from the limb and found his way to the road. Hestood still a long time, then started back to the Limberlost. A tinypoint of light flashed in the region of the case. He stopped with anoath. "Another hound trying to steal from a girl, " he exclaimed. "But it'slikely he thinks if he gets anything it will be from a woman who canafford it, as I did. " He went on, but beside the fences, and very cautiously. "Swamp seems to be alive to-night, " he muttered. "That's three of usout. " He entered a deep place at the northwest corner, sat on the ground andtaking a pencil from his pocket, he tore a leaf from a little notebook, and laboriously wrote a few lines by the light he carried. Then he wentback to the region of the case and waited. Before his eyes swept thevision of the slender white creature with tossing hair. He smiled, andworshipped it, until a distant rooster faintly announced dawn. Then he unlocked the case again, and replaced the money, laid the noteupon it, and went back to concealment, where he remained until Elnoracame down the trail in the morning, appearing very lovely in her newdress and hat. CHAPTER V WHEREIN ELNORA RECEIVES A WARNING, AND BILLY APPEARS ON THE SCENE It would be difficult to describe how happy Elnora was that morning asshe hurried through her work, bathed and put on the neat, dainty ginghamdress, and the tan shoes. She had a struggle with her hair. It crinkled, billowed, and shone, and she could not avoid seeing the becoming frameit made around her face. But in deference to her mother's feelingsthe girl set her teeth, and bound her hair closely to her head with ashoe-string. "Not to be changed at the case, " she told herself. That her mother was watching she was unaware. Just as she picked up thebeautiful brown ribbon Mrs. Comstock spoke. "You had better let me tie that. You can't reach behind yourself and doit right. " Elnora gave a little gasp. Her mother never before had proposed to doanything for the girl that by any possibility she could do herself. Herheart quaked at the thought of how her mother would arrange that bow, but Elnora dared not refuse. The offer was too precious. It might neverbe made again. "Oh thank you!" said the girl, and sitting down she held out the ribbon. Her mother stood back and looked at her critically. "You haven't got that like Mag Sinton had it last night, " she announced. "You little idiot! You've tried to plaster it down to suit me, and youmissed it. I liked it away better as Mag fixed it, after I saw it. Youdidn't look so peeled. " "Oh mother, mother!" laughed Elnora, with a half sob in her voice. "Hold still, will you?" cried Mrs. Comstock. "You'll be late, and Ihaven't packed your dinner yet. " She untied the string and shook out the hair. It rose with electricityand clung to her fingers and hands. Mrs. Comstock jumped back as ifbitten. She knew that touch. Her face grew white, and her eyes angry. "Tie it yourself, " she said shortly, "and then I'll put on the ribbon. But roll it back loose like Mag did. It looked so pretty that way. " Almost fainting Elnora stood before the glass, divided off the frontparts of her hair, and rolled them as Mrs. Sinton had done; tied it atthe nape of her neck, then sat while her mother arranged the ribbon. "If I pull it down till it comes tight in these creases where she hadit, it will be just right, won't it?" queried Mrs. Comstock, and theamazed Elnora stammered, "Yes. " When she looked in the glass the bow was perfectly tied, and how thegold tone of the brown did match the lustre of the shining hair! "That'spretty, " commented Mrs. Comstock's soul, but her stiff lips had said allthat could be forced from them for once. Just then Wesley Sinton came tothe door. "Good morning, " he cried heartily. "Elnora, you look a picture! My, but you're sweet! If any of the city boys get sassy you tell your UncleWesley, and he'll horsewhip them. Here's your Christmas present fromme. " He handed Elnora the leather lunch box, with her name carved acrossthe strap in artistic lettering. "Oh Uncle Wesley!" was all Elnora could say. "Your Aunt Maggie filled it for me for a starter, " he said. "Now, if youare ready, I'm going to drive past your way and you can ride almost toOnabasha with me, and save the new shoes that much. " Elnora was staring at the box. "Oh I hope it isn't impolite to open itbefore you, " she said. "I just feel as if I must see inside. " "Don't you stand on formality with the neighbours, " laughed Sinton. "Look in your box if you want to!" Elnora slipped the strap and turned back the lid. This disclosed the knife, fork, napkin, and spoon, the milk flask, andthe interior packed with dainty sandwiches wrapped in tissue paper, andthe little compartments for meat, salad, and the custard cup. "Oh mother!" cried Elnora. "Oh mother, isn't it fine? What made youthink of it, Uncle Wesley? How will I ever thank you? No one will have afiner lunch box than I. Oh I do thank you! That's the nicest gift I everhad. How I love Christmas in September!" "It's a mighty handy thing, " assented Mrs. Comstock, taking in everydetail with sharp eyes. "I guess you are glad now you went and helpedMag and Wesley when you could, Elnora?" "Deedy, yes, " laughed Elnora, "and I'm going again first time they havea big day if I stay from school to do it. " "You'll do no such thing!" said the delighted Sinton. "Come now, ifyou're going!" "If I ride, can you spare me time to run into the swamp to my box aminute?" asked Elnora. The light she had seen the previous night troubled her. "Sure, " said Wesley largely. So they drove away and left a white-facedwoman watching them from the door, her heart a little sorer than usual. "I'd give a pretty to hear what he'll say to her!" she commentedbitterly. "Always sticking in, always doing things I can't ever afford. Where on earth did he get that thing and what did it cost?" Then she entered the cabin and began the day's work, but mingled withthe brooding bitterness of her soul was the vision of a sweet youngface, glad with a gladness never before seen on it, and over and overshe repeated: "I wonder what he'll say to her!" What he said was that she looked as fresh and sweet as a posy, and to becareful not to step in the mud or scratch her shoes when she went to thecase. Elnora found her key and opened the door. Not where she had placed it, but conspicuously in front lay her little heap of bills, and a crudescrawl of writing beside it. Elnora picked up the note in astonishment. DERE ELNORY, the lord amighty is hiding you all right done you ever dout it thismoney of yourn was took for some time las nite but it is returned withintres for god sake done ever come to the swamp at nite or late evnin ormornin or far in any time sompin worse an you know could git you A FREND. Elnora began to tremble. She hastily glanced around. The damp earthbefore the case had been trodden by large, roughly shod feet. She caughtup the money and the note, thrust them into her guimpe, locked the case, and ran to the road. She was so breathless and her face so white Sinton noticed it. "What in the world's the matter, Elnora?" he asked. "I am half afraid!" she panted. "Tut, tut, child!" said Wesley Sinton. "Nothing in the world to beafraid of. What happened?" "Uncle Wesley, " said Elnora, "I had more money than I brought home lastnight, and I put it in my case. Some one has been there. The ground isall trampled, and they left this note. " "And took your money, I'll wager, " said Sinton angrily. "No, " answered Elnora. "Read the note, and oh Uncle Wesley, tell me whatit means!" Sinton's face was a study. "I don't know what it means, " he said. "Onlyone thing is clear. It means some beast who doesn't really want to harmyou has got his eye on you, and he is telling you plain as he can, notto give him a chance. You got to keep along the roads, in the open, andnot let the biggest moth that ever flew toll you out of hearing of us, or your mother. It means that, plain and distinct. " "Just when I can sell them! Just when everything is so lovely on accountof them! I can't! I can't stay away from the swamp. The Limberlost isgoing to buy the books, the clothes, pay the tuition, and even start acollege fund. I just can't!" "You've got to, " said Sinton. "This is plain enough. You go far in theswamp at your own risk, even in daytime. " "Uncle Wesley, " said the girl, "last night before I went to bed, I wasso happy I tried to pray, and I thanked God for hiding me 'under theshadow of His wing. ' But how in the world could any one know it?" Wesley Sinton's heart leaped in his breast. His face was whiter than thegirl's now. "Were you praying out loud, honey?" he almost whispered. "I might have said words, " answered Elnora. "I know I do sometimes. I've never had any one to talk with, and I've played with and talked tomyself all my life. You've caught me at it often, but it always makesmother angry when she does. She says it's silly. I forget and do it, when I'm alone. But Uncle Wesley, if I said anything last night, youknow it was the merest whisper, because I'd have been so afraid ofwaking mother. Don't you see? I sat up late, and studied two lessons. " Sinton was steadying himself "I'll stop and examine the case as I comeback, " he said. "Maybe I can find some clue. That other--that was justaccidental. It's a common expression. All the preachers use it. If Itried to pray, that would be the very first thing I'd say. " The colour returned to Elnora's face. "Did you tell your mother about this money, Elnora?" he asked. "No, I didn't, " said Elnora. "It's dreadful not to, but I was afraid. You see they are clearing the swamp so fast. Every year it grows moredifficult to find things, and Indian stuff becomes scarcer. I want tograduate, and that's four years unless I can double on the course. Thatmeans twenty dollars tuition each year, and new books, and clothes. There won't ever be so much at one time again, that I know. I just gotto hang to my money. I was afraid to tell her, for fear she would wantit for taxes, and she really must sell a tree or some cattle for that, mustn't she, Uncle Wesley?" "On your life, she must!" said Wesley. "You put your little wad in thebank all safe, and never mention it to a living soul. It doesn't seemright, but your case is peculiar. Every word you say is a true word. Each year you will find less in the swamp, and things everywhere willbe scarcer. If you ever get a few dollars ahead, that can start yourcollege fund. You know you are going to college, Elnora!" "Of course I am, " said Elnora. "I settled that as soon as I knew what acollege was. I will put all my money in the bank, except what I owe you. I'll pay that now. " "If your arrows are heavy, " said Wesley, "I'll drive on to Onabasha withyou. " "But they are not. Half of them were nicked, and this little box heldall the good ones. It's so surprising how many are spoiled when you washthem. " "What does he pay?" "Ten cents for any common perfect one, fifty for revolvers, a dollar forobsidian, and whatever is right for enormous big ones. " "Well, that sounds fair, " said Sinton. "You can come down Saturday andwash the stuff at our house, and I'll take it in when we go marketing inthe afternoon. " Elnora jumped from the carriage. She soon found that with her books, herlunch box, and the points she had a heavy load. She had almost reachedthe bridge crossing the culvert when she heard distressed screams of achild. Across an orchard of the suburbs came a small boy, after him abig dog, urged by a man in the background. Elnora's heart was with thesmall fleeing figure in any event whatever. She dropped her load onthe bridge, and with practised hand flung a stone at the dog. The beastcurled double with a howl. The boy reached the fence, and Elnora wasthere to help him over. As he touched the top she swung him to theground, but he clung to her, clasping her tightly, sobbing with fear. Elnora helped him to the bridge, and sat with him in her arms. For atime his replies to her questions were indistinct, but at last he becamequieter and she could understand. He was a mite of a boy, nothing but skin-covered bones, his burned, freckled face in a mortar of tears and dust, his clothing unspeakablydirty, one great toe in a festering mass from a broken nail, and soresall over the visible portions of the small body. "You won't let the mean old thing make his dog get me!" he wailed. "Indeed no, " said Elnora, holding him closely. "You wouldn't set a dog on a boy for just taking a few old apples whenyou fed 'em to pigs with a shovel every day, would you?" "No, I would not, " said Elnora hotly. "You'd give a boy all the apples he wanted, if he hadn't any breakfast, and was so hungry he was all twisty inside, wouldn't you?" "Yes, I would, " said Elnora. "If you had anything to eat you would give me something right now, wouldn't you?" "Yes, " said Elnora. "There's nothing but just stones in the package. Butmy dinner is in that case. I'll gladly divide. " She opened the box. The famished child gave a little cry and reachedboth hands. Elnora caught them back. "Did you have any supper?" "No. " "Any dinner yesterday?" "An apple and some grapes I stole. " "Whose boy are you?" "Old Tom Billings's. " "Why doesn't your father get you something to eat?" "He does most days, but he's drunk now. " "Hush, you must not!" said Elnora. "He's your father!" "He's spent all the money to get drunk, too, " said the boy, "and Jimmyand Belle are both crying for breakfast. I'd a got out all right with anapple for myself, but I tried to get some for them and the dog got tooclose. Say, you can throw, can't you?" "Yes, " admitted Elnora. She poured half the milk into the cup. "Drinkthis, " she said, holding it to him. The boy gulped the milk and swore joyously, gripping the cup withshaking fingers. "Hush!" cried Elnora. "That's dreadful!" "What's dreadful?" "To say such awful words. " "Huh! pa says worser 'an that every breath he draws. " Elnora saw that the child was older than she had thought. He might havebeen forty judging by his hard, unchildish expression. "Do you want to be like your father?" "No, I want to be like you. Couldn't a angel be prettier 'an you. Can Ihave more milk?" Elnora emptied the flask. The boy drained the cup. He drew a breath ofsatisfaction as he gazed into her face. "You wouldn't go off and leave your little boy, would you?" he asked. "Did some one go away and leave you?" "Yes, my mother went off and left me, and left Jimmy and Belle, too, "said the boy. "You wouldn't leave your little boy, would you?" "No. " The boy looked eagerly at the box. Elnora lifted a sandwich anduncovered the fried chicken. The boy gasped with delight. "Say, I could eat the stuff in the glass and the other box and carry thebread and the chicken to Jimmy and Belle, " he offered. Elnora silently uncovered the custard with preserved cherries on top andhanded it and the spoon to the child. Never did food disappear faster. The salad went next, and a sandwich and half a chicken breast followed. "I better leave the rest for Jimmy and Belle, " he said, "they're 'istfightin' hungry. " Elnora gave him the remainder of the carefully prepared lunch. The boyclutched it and ran with a sidewise hop like a wild thing. She coveredthe dishes and cup, polished the spoon, replaced it, and closed thecase. She caught her breath in a tremulous laugh. "If Aunt Margaret knew that, she'd never forgive me, " she said. "Itseems as if secrecy is literally forced upon me, and I hate it. Whatshall I do for lunch? I'll have to sell my arrows and keep enough moneyfor a restaurant sandwich. " So she walked hurriedly into town, sold her points at a good price, deposited her funds, and went away with a neat little bank book and thenote from the Limberlost carefully folded inside. Elnora passed down thehall that morning, and no one paid the slightest attention to her. The truth was she looked so like every one else that she was perfectlyinconspicuous. But in the coat room there were members of her class. Surely no one intended it, but the whisper was too loud. "Look at the girl from the Limberlost in the clothes that woman gaveher!" Elnora turned on them. "I beg your pardon, " she said unsteadily, "Icouldn't help hearing that! No one gave me these clothes. I paid forthem myself. " Some one muttered, "Pardon me, " but incredulous faces greeted her. Elnora felt driven. "Aunt Margaret selected them, and she meant to givethem to me, " she explained, "but I wouldn't take them. I paid for themmyself. " There was silence. "Don't you believe me?" panted Elnora. "Really, it is none of our affair, " said another girl. "Come on, let'sgo. " Elnora stepped before the girl who had spoken. "You have made this youraffair, " she said, "because you told a thing which was not true. No onegave me what I am wearing. I paid for my clothes myself with money Iearned selling moths to the Bird Woman. I just came from the bank whereI deposited what I did not use. Here is my credit. " Elnora drew out andoffered the little red book. "Surely you will believe that, " she said. "Why of course, " said the girl who first had spoken. "We met such alovely woman in Brownlee's store, and she said she wanted our help tobuy some things for a girl, and that's how we came to know. " "Dear Aunt Margaret, " said Elnora, "it was like her to ask you. Isn'tshe splendid?" "She is indeed, " chorused the girls. Elnora set down her lunch box andbooks, unpinned her hat, hanging it beside the others, and taking upthe books she reached to set the box in its place and dropped it. Witha little cry she snatched at it and caught the strap on top. That pulledfrom the fastening, the cover unrolled, the box fell away as far as itcould, two porcelain lids rattled on the floor, and the one sandwichrolled like a cartwheel across the room. Elnora lifted a ghastly face. For once no one laughed. She stood an instant staring. "It seems to be my luck to be crucified at every point of the compass, "she said at last. "First two days you thought I was a pauper, now youwill think I'm a fraud. All of you will believe I bought an expensivebox, and then was too poor to put anything but a restaurant sandwich init. You must stop till I prove to you that I'm not. " Elnora gathered up the lids, and kicked the sandwich into a corner. "I had milk in that bottle, see! And custard in the cup. There was saladin the little box, fried chicken in the large one, and nut sandwichesin the tray. You can see the crumbs of all of them. A man set a dog on achild who was so starved he was stealing apples. I talked with him, andI thought I could bear hunger better, he was such a little boy, so Igave him my lunch, and got the sandwich at the restaurant. " Elnora held out the box. The girls were laughing by that time. "Yougoose, " said one, "why didn't you give him the money, and save yourlunch?" "He was such a little fellow, and he really was hungry, " said Elnora. "I often go without anything to eat at noon in the fields and woods, andnever think of it. " She closed the box and set it beside the lunches of other countrypupils. While her back was turned, into the room came the girl of herencounter on the first day, walked to the rack, and with an exclamationof approval took down Elnora's hat. "Just the thing I have been wanting!" she said. "I never saw suchbeautiful quills in all my life. They match my new broadcloth toperfection. I've got to have that kind of quills for my hat. I never sawthe like! Whose is it, and where did it come from?" No one said a word, for Elnora's question, the reply, and her answer, had been repeated. Every one knew that the Limberlost girl had come outahead and Sadie Reed had not been amiable, when the little flourish hadbeen added to Elnora's name in the algebra class. Elnora's swift glancewas pathetic, but no one helped her. Sadie Reed glanced from the hat tothe faces around her and wondered. "Why, this is the Freshman section, whose hat is it?" she asked again, this time impatiently. "That's the tassel of the cornstock, " said Elnora with a forced laugh. The response was genuine. Every one shouted. Sadie Reed blushed, but shelaughed also. "Well, it's beautiful, " she said, "especially the quills. They areexactly what I want. I know I don't deserve any kindness from you, but Ido wish you would tell me at whose store you found those quills. " "Gladly!" said Elnora. "You can't buy quills like those at a store. Theyare from a living bird. Phoebe Simms gathers them in her orchard as herpeacocks shed them. They are wing quills from the males. " Then there was perfect silence. How was Elnora to know that not a girlthere would have told that? "I haven't a doubt but I can get you some, " she offered. "She gave AuntMargaret a large bunch, and those are part of them. I am quite sure shehas more, and would spare some. " Sadie Reed laughed shortly. "You needn't trouble, " she said, "I wasfooled. I thought they were expensive quills. I wanted them for atwenty-dollar velvet toque to match my new suit. If they are gatheredfrom the ground, really, I couldn't use them. " "Only in spots!" said Elnora. "They don't just cover the earth. PhoebeSimms's peacocks are the only ones within miles of Onabasha, and theymoult but once a year. If your hat cost only twenty dollars, it'sscarcely good enough for those quills. You see, the Almighty made andcoloured those Himself; and He puts the same kind on Phoebe Simms'speacocks that He put on the head of the family in the forests of Ceylon, away back in the beginning. Any old manufactured quill from New Yorkor Chicago will do for your little twenty-dollar hat. You should havesomething infinitely better than that to be worthy of quills that aremade by the Creator. " How those girls did laugh! One of them walked with Elnora to theauditorium, sat beside her during exercises, and tried to talk whenevershe dared, to keep Elnora from seeing the curious and admiring looksbent upon her. For the brown-eyed boy whistled, and there was pantomime of all sortsgoing on behind Elnora's back that day. Happy with her books, no oneknew how much she saw, and from her absorption in her studies it wasevident she cared too little to notice. After school she went again to the home of the Bird Woman, and togetherthey visited the swamp and carried away more specimens. This time Elnoraasked the Bird Woman to keep the money until noon of the next day, whenshe would call for it and have it added to her bank account. She slowlywalked home, for the visit to the swamp had brought back full force theexperience of the morning. Again and again she examined the crude littlenote, for she did not know what it meant, yet it bred vague fear. Theonly thing of which Elnora knew herself afraid was her mother; when withwild eyes and ears deaf to childish pleading, she sometimes lost controlof herself in the night and visited the pool where her husband had sunkbefore her, calling his name in unearthly tones and begging of the swampto give back its dead. CHAPTER VI WHEREIN MRS. COMSTOCK INDULGES IN "FRILLS, " AND BILLY REAPPEARS It was Wesley Sinton who really wrestled with Elnora's problem whilehe drove about his business. He was not forced to ask himself what itmeant; he knew. The old Corson gang was still holding together. Eldermembers who had escaped the law had been joined by a younger brother ofJack's, and they met in the thickest of the few remaining fast placesof the swamp to drink, gamble, and loaf. Then suddenly, there would be arobbery in some country house where a farmer that day had sold hiswheat or corn and not paid a visit to the bank; or in some neighbouringvillage. The home of Mrs. Comstock and Elnora adjoined the swamp. Sinton's landlay next, and not another residence or man easy to reach in case oftrouble. Whoever wrote that note had some human kindness in his breast, but the fact stood revealed that he feared his strength if Elnora weredelivered into his hands. Where had he been the previous night whenhe heard that prayer? Was that the first time he had been in suchproximity? Sinton drove fast, for he wished to reach the swamp beforeElnora and the Bird Woman would go there. At almost four he came to the case, and dropping on his knees studiedthe ground, every sense alert. He found two or three little heel prints. Those were made by Elnora or the Bird Woman. What Sinton wanted to learnwas whether all the remainder were the footprints of one man. It waseasily seen, they were not. There were deep, even tracks made by fairlynew shoes, and others where a well-worn heel cut deeper on the inside ofthe print than at the outer edge. Undoubtedly some of Corson's old gangwere watching the case, and the visits of the women to it. There was nodanger that any one would attack the Bird Woman. She never went to theswamp at night, and on her trips in the daytime, every one knew that shecarried a revolver, understood how to use it, and pursued her work in afearless manner. Elnora, prowling around the swamp and lured into the interior by theflight of moths and butterflies; Elnora, without father, money, orfriends save himself, to defend her--Elnora was a different proposition. For this to happen just when the Limberlost was bringing the very desireof her heart to the girl, it was too bad. Sinton was afraid for her, yet he did not want to add the burden of fearto Katharine Comstock's trouble, or to disturb the joy of Elnora in herwork. He stopped at the cabin and slowly went up the walk. Mrs. Comstockwas sitting on the front steps with some sewing. The work seemed toSinton as if she might be engaged in putting a tuck in a petticoat. Hethought of how Margaret had shortened Elnora's dress to the acceptedlength for girls of her age, and made a mental note of Mrs. Comstock'soccupation. She dropped her work on her lap, laid her hands on it and looked intohis face with a sneer. "You didn't let any grass grow under your feet, " she said. Sinton saw her white, drawn face and comprehended. "I went to pay a debt and see about this opening of the ditch, Kate. " "You said you were going to prosecute me. " "Good gracious, Kate!" cried Sinton. "Is that what you have beenthinking all day? I told you before I left yesterday that I would notneed do that. And I won't! We can't afford to quarrel over Elnora. She'sall we've got. Now that she has proved that if you don't do just whatI think you ought by way of clothes and schooling, she can take care ofherself, I put that out of my head. What I came to see you about isa kind of scare I've had to-day. I want to ask you if you ever seeanything about the swamp that makes you think the old Corson gang isstill at work?" "Can't say that I do, " said Mrs. Comstock. "There's kind of dancinglights there sometimes, but I supposed it was just people passing alongthe road with lanterns. Folks hereabout are none too fond of the swamp. I hate it like death. I've never stayed here a night in my life withoutRobert's revolver, clean and loaded, under my pillow, and the shotgun, same condition, by the bed. I can't say that I'm afraid here at home. I'm not. I can take care of myself. But none of the swamp for me!" "Well, I'm glad you are not afraid, Kate, because I must tell yousomething. Elnora stopped at the case this morning, and somebody hadbeen into it in the night. " "Broke the lock?" "No. Used a duplicate key. To-day I heard there was a man here lastnight. I want to nose around a little. " Sinton went to the east end of the cabin and looked up at the window. There was no way any one could have reached it without a ladder, for thelogs were hewed and mortar filled the cracks even. Then he went to thewest end, the willow faced him as he turned the corner. He examined thetrunk carefully. There was no mistake about small particles of blackswamp muck adhering to the sides of the tree. He reached the lowbranches and climbed the willow. There was earth on the large limbcrossing Elnora's window. He stood on it, holding the branch as hadbeen done the night before, and looked into the room. He could see verylittle, but he knew that if it had been dark outside and sufficientlylight for Elnora to study inside he could have seen vividly. He broughthis face close to the netting, and he could see the bed with its headto the east, at its foot the table with the candles and the chair beforeit, and then he knew where the man had been who had heard Elnora'sprayer. Mrs. Comstock had followed around the corner and stood watching him. "Do you think some slinking hulk was up there peekin' in at Elnora?" shedemanded indignantly. "There is muck on the trunk, and plenty on the limb, " said Sinton. "Hadn't you better get a saw and let me take this branch off?" "No, I hadn't, " said Mrs. Comstock. "First place, Elnora's climbed fromthat window on that limb all her life, and it's hers. Second place, noone gets ahead of me after I've had warning. Any crow that perches onthat roost again will get its feathers somewhat scattered. Look alongthe fence, there, and see if you can find where he came in. " The place was easy to find as was a trail leading for some distance westof the cabin. "You just go home, and don't fret yourself, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I'lltake care of this. If you should hear the dinner bell at any time in thenight you come down. But I wouldn't say anything to Elnora. She betterkeep her mind on her studies, if she's going to school. " When the work was finished that night Elnora took her books and wentto her room to prepare some lessons, but every few minutes she lookedtoward the swamp to see if there were lights near the case. Mrs. Comstock raked together the coals in the cooking stove, got out thelunch box, and sitting down she studied it grimly. At last she arose. "Wonder how it would do to show Mag Sinton a frill or two, " shemurmured. She went to her room, knelt before a big black-walnut chest and huntedthrough its contents until she found an old-fashioned cook book. Shetended the fire as she read and presently was in action. She first sawedan end from a fragrant, juicy, sugar-cured ham and put it to cook. Then she set a couple of eggs boiling, and after long hesitation begancreaming butter and sugar in a crock. An hour later the odour of theham, mingled with some of the richest spices of "happy Araby, " in acombination that could mean nothing save spice cake, crept up to Elnoraso strongly that she lifted her head and sniffed amazedly. She wouldhave given all her precious money to have gone down and thrown her armsaround her mother's neck, but she did not dare move. Mrs. Comstock was up early, and without a word handed Elnora the case asshe left the next morning. "Thank you, mother, " said Elnora, and went on her way. She walked down the road looking straight ahead until she came to thecorner, where she usually entered the swamp. She paused, glanced thatway and smiled. Then she turned and looked back. There was no one comingin any direction. She followed the road until well around the corner, then she stopped and sat on a grassy spot, laid her books beside her andopened the lunch box. Last night's odours had in a measure prepared herfor what she would see, but not quite. She scarcely could believe hersenses. Half the bread compartment was filled with dainty sandwiches ofbread and butter sprinkled with the yolk of egg and the remainder withthree large slices of the most fragrant spice cake imaginable. The meatdish contained shaved cold ham, of which she knew the quality, thesalad was tomatoes and celery, and the cup held preserved pear, clear asamber. There was milk in the bottle, two tissue-wrapped cucumber picklesin the folding drinking-cup, and a fresh napkin in the ring. No lunchwas ever daintier or more palatable; of that Elnora was perfectly sure. And her mother had prepared it for her! "She does love me!" cried thehappy girl. "Sure as you're born she loves me; only she hasn't found itout yet!" She touched the papers daintily, and smiled at the box as if it were aliving thing. As she began closing it a breath of air swept by, liftingthe covering of the cake. It was like an invitation, and breakfastwas several hours away. Elnora picked up a piece and ate it. That caketasted even better than it looked. Then she tried a sandwich. How didher mother come to think of making them that way. They never had any athome. She slipped out the fork, sampled the salad, and one-quarter ofpear. Then she closed the box and started down the road nibbling oneof the pickles and trying to decide exactly how happy she was, but shecould find no standard high enough for a measure. She was to go to the Bird Woman's after school for the last load fromthe case. Saturday she would take the arrow points and specimens to thebank. That would exhaust her present supplies and give her enough moneyahead to pay for books, tuition, and clothes for at least two years. Shewould work early and late gathering nuts. In October she would sell allthe ferns she could find. She must collect specimens of all tree leavesbefore they fell, gather nests and cocoons later, and keep her eyes wideopen for anything the grades could use. She would see the superintendentthat night about selling specimens to the ward buildings. She must beahead of any one else if she wanted to furnish these things. So sheapproached the bridge. That it was occupied could be seen from a distance. As she came up shefound the small boy of yesterday awaiting her with a confident smile. "We brought you something!" he announced without greeting. "This isJimmy and Belle--and we brought you a present. " He offered a parcel wrapped in brown paper. "Why, how lovely of you!" said Elnora. "I supposed you had forgotten mewhen you ran away so fast yesterday. " "Naw, I didn't forget you, " said the boy. "I wouldn't forget you, notever! Why, I was ist a-hurrying to take them things to Jimmy and Belle. My they was glad!" Elnora glanced at the children. They sat on the edge of the bridge, obviously clad in a garment each, very dirty and unkept, a little boyand a girl of about seven and nine. Elnora's heart began to ache. "Say, " said the boy. "Ain't you going to look what we have gave you?" "I thought it wasn't polite to look before people, " answered Elnora. "Ofcourse, I will, if you would like to have me. " Elnora opened the package. She had been presented with a quarter of astale loaf of baker's bread, and a big piece of ancient bologna. "But don't you want this yourselves?" she asked in surprise. "Gosh, no! I mean ist no, " said the boy. "We always have it. We gotstacks this morning. Pa's come out of it now, and he's so sorry he gotmore 'an ever we can eat. Have you had any before?" "No, " said Elnora, "I never did!" The boy's eyes brightened and the girl moved restlessly. "We thought maybe you hadn't, " said the boy. "First you ever have, youlike it real well; but when you don't have anything else for a longtime, years an' years, you git so tired. " He hitched at the string whichheld his trousers and watched Elnora speculatively. "I don't s'pose you'd trade what you got in that box for ist old breadand bologna now, would you? Mebby you'd like it! And I know, I ist know, what you got would taste like heaven to Jimmy and Belle. They never hadnothing like that! Not even Belle, and she's most ten! No, sir-ee, theynever tasted things like you got!" It was in Elnora's heart to be thankful for even a taste in time, asshe knelt on the bridge, opened the box and divided her lunch into threeequal parts, the smaller boy getting most of the milk. Then she toldthem it was school time and she must go. "Why don't you put your bread and bologna in the nice box?" asked theboy. "Of course, " said Elnora. "I didn't think. " When the box was arranged to the children's satisfaction all of themaccompanied Elnora to the corner where she turned toward the highschool. "Billy, " said Elnora, "I would like you much better if you were cleaner. Surely, you have water! Can't you children get some soap and washyourselves? Gentlemen are never dirty. You want to be a gentleman, don'tyou?" "Is being clean all you have to do to be a gentleman?" "No, " said Elnora. "You must not say bad words, and you must be kind andpolite to your sister. " "Must Belle be kind and polite to me, else she ain't a lady?" "Yes. " "Then Belle's no lady!" said Billy succinctly. Elnora could say nothing more just then, and she bade them good-bye andstarted them home. "The poor little souls!" she mused. "I think the Almighty put them inmy way to show me real trouble. I won't be likely to spend much timepitying myself while I can see them. " She glanced at the lunchbox. "Whaton earth do I carry this for? I never had anything that was so strictlyornamental! One sure thing! I can't take this stuff to the high school. You never seem to know exactly what is going to happen to you while youare there. " As if to provide a way out of her difficulty a big dog arose from alawn, and came toward the gate wagging his tail. "If those children atethe stuff, it can't possibly kill him!" thought Elnora, so she offeredthe bologna. The dog accepted it graciously, and being a beast ofpedigree he trotted around to a side porch and laid the bologna beforehis mistress. The woman snatched it, screaming: "Come, quick! Some oneis trying to poison Pedro!" Her daughter came running from the house. "Go see who is on the street. Hurry!" cried the excited mother. Ellen Brownlee ran and looked. Elnora was half a block away, and noone nearer. Ellen called loudly, and Elnora stopped. Ellen came runningtoward her. "Did you see any one give our dog something?" she cried as sheapproached. Elnora saw no escape. "I gave it a piece of bologna myself, " she said. "It was fit to eat. Itwouldn't hurt the dog. " Ellen stood and looked at her. "Of course, I didn't know it was yourdog, " explained Elnora. "I had something I wanted to throw to some dog, and that one looked big enough to manage it. " Ellen had arrived at her conclusions. "Pass over that lunch box, " shedemanded. "I will not!" said Elnora. "Then I will have you arrested for trying to poison our dog, " laughedthe girl as she took the box. "One chunk of stale bread, one half mile of antique bologna contributedfor dog feed; the remains of cake, salad and preserves in an otherwiseempty lunch box. One ham sandwich yesterday. I think it's lovely youhave the box. Who ate your lunch to-day?" "Same, " confessed Elnora, "but there were three of them this time. " "Wait, until I run back and tell mother about the dog, and get mybooks. " Elnora waited. That morning she walked down the hall and into theauditorium beside one of the very nicest girls in Onabasha, and it wasthe fourth day. But the surprise came at noon when Ellen insisted uponElnora lunching at the Brownlee home, and convulsed her parents andfamily, and overwhelmed Elnora with a greatly magnified, but moderatelyaccurate history of her lunch box. "Gee! but it's a box, daddy!" cried the laughing girl. "It's carvedleather and fastens with a strap that has her name on it. Inside aretrays for things all complete, and it bears evidence of having encloseddelicious food, but Elnora never gets any. She's carried it two daysnow, and both times it has been empty before she reached school. Isn'tthat killing?" "It is, Ellen, in more ways than one. No girl is going to eat breakfastat six o'clock, walk three miles, and do good work without her lunch. You can't tell me anything about that box. I sold it last Monday nightto Wesley Sinton, one of my good country customers. He told me it was apresent for a girl who was worthy of it, and I see he was right. " "He's so good to me, " said Elnora. "Sometimes I look at him and wonderif a neighbour can be so kind to one, what a real father would be like. I envy a girl with a father unspeakably. " "You have cause, " said Ellen Brownlee. "A father is the very dearestperson in the whole round world, except a mother, who is just a dear. "The girl, starting to pay tribute to her father, saw that she mustinclude her mother, and said the thing before she remembered what Mrs. Sinton had told the girls in the store. She stopped in dismay. Elnora'sface paled a trifle, but she smiled bravely. "Then I'm fortunate in having a mother, " she said. Mr. Brownlee lingered at the table after the girls had excusedthemselves and returned to school. "There's a girl Ellen can't see too much of, in my opinion, " he said. "She is every inch a lady, and not a foolish notion or action about her. I can't understand just what combination of circumstances produced herin this day. " "It has been an unusual case of repression, for one thing. She waits onher elders and thinks before she speaks, " said Mrs. Brownlee. "She's mighty pretty. She looks so sound and wholesome, and she's neatlydressed. " "Ellen says she was a fright the first two days. Long brown calico dressalmost touching the floor, and big, lumbering shoes. Those Sinton peoplebought her clothes. Ellen was in the store, and the woman stopped hercrowd and asked them about their dresses. She said the girl was notpoor, but her mother was selfish and didn't care for her. But Elnorashowed a bank book the next day, and declared that she paid for thethings herself, so the Sinton people must just have selected them. There's something peculiar about it, but nothing wrong I am sure. I'llencourage Ellen to ask her again. " "I should say so, especially if she is going to keep on giving away herlunch. " "She lunched with the Bird Woman one day this week. " "She did!" "Yes, she lives out by the Limberlost. You know the Bird Woman worksthere a great deal, and probably knows her that way. I think the girlgathers specimens for her. Ellen says she knows more than the teachersabout any nature question that comes up, and she is going to lead all ofthem in mathematics, and make them work in any branch. " When Elnora entered the coat room after having had luncheon with EllenBrownlee there was such a difference in the atmosphere that she couldfeel it. "I am almost sorry I have these clothes, " she said to Ellen. "In the name of sense, why?" cried the astonished girl. "Every one is so nice to me in them, it sets me to wondering if in timeI could have made them be equally friendly in the others. " Ellen looked at her introspectively. "I believe you could, " sheannounced at last. "But it would have taken time and heartache, and yourmind would have been less free to work on your studies. No one is happywithout friends, and I just simply can't study when I am unhappy. " That night the Bird Woman made the last trip to the swamp. Everyspecimen she possibly could use had been purchased at a fair price, andthree additions had been made to the bank book, carrying the total alittle past two hundred dollars. There remained the Indian relics tosell on Saturday, and Elnora had secured the order to furnish materialfor nature work for the grades. Life suddenly grew very full. There wasthe most excitingly interesting work for every hour, and that work wasto pay high school expenses and start the college fund. There was onelittle rift in her joy. All of it would have been so much better if shecould have told her mother, and given the money into her keeping; butthe struggle to get a start had been so terrible, Elnora was afraid totake the risk. When she reached home, she only told her mother that thelast of the things had been sold that evening. "I think, " said Mrs. Comstock, "that we will ask Wesley to move that boxover here back of the garden for you. There you are apt to get tolledfarther into the swamp than you intend to go, and you might mire orsomething. There ought to be just the same things in our woods, andalong our swampy places, as there are in the Limberlost. Can't you huntyour stuff here?" "I can try, " said Elnora. "I don't know what I can find until I do. Ourwoods are undisturbed, and there is a possibility they might be evenbetter hunting than the swamp. But I wouldn't have Freckles's case movedfor the world. He might come back some day, and not like it. I've triedto keep his room the best I could, and taking out the box would makea big hole in one side of it. Store boxes don't cost much. I will haveUncle Wesley buy me one, and set it up wherever hunting looks the best, early in the spring. I would feel safer at home. " "Shall we do the work or have supper first?" "Let's do the work, " said Elnora. "I can't say that I'm hungry now. Doesn't seem as if I ever could be hungry again with such a lunch. I amquite sure no one carried more delicious things to eat than I. " Mrs. Comstock was pleased. "I put in a pretty good hunk of cake. Did youdivide it with any one?" "Why, yes, I did, " admitted Elnora. "Who?" This was becoming uncomfortable. "I ate the biggest piece myself, " saidElnora, "and gave the rest to a couple of boys named Jimmy and Billy anda girl named Belle. They said it was the very best cake they ever tastedin all their lives. " Mrs. Comstock sat straight. "I used to be a master hand at spice cake, "she boasted. "But I'm a little out of practice. I must get to workagain. With the very weeds growing higher than our heads, we shouldraise plenty of good stuff to eat on this land, if we can't affordanything else but taxes. " Elnora laughed and hurried up stairs to change her dress. MargaretSinton came that night bringing a beautiful blue one in its place, andcarried away the other to launder. "Do you mean to say those dresses are to be washed every two days?"questioned Mrs. Comstock. "They have to be, to look fresh, " replied Margaret. "We want our girlsweet as a rose. " "Well, of all things!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "Every two days! Any girlwho can't keep a dress clean longer than that is a dirty girl. You'llwear the goods out and fade the colours with so much washing. " "We'll have a clean girl, anyway. " "Well, if you like the job you can have it, " said Mrs. Comstock. "Idon't mind the washing, but I'm so inconvenient with an iron. " Elnora sat late that night working over her lessons. The next morningshe put on her blue dress and ribbon and in those she was a picture. Mrs. Comstock caught her breath with a queer stirring around her heart, and looked twice to be sure of what she saw. As Elnora gathered herbooks her mother silently gave her the lunch box. "Feels heavy, " said Elnora gaily. "And smelly! Like as not I'll becalled upon to divide again. " "Then you divide!" said Mrs. Comstock. "Eating is the one thing we don'thave to economize on, Elnora. Spite of all I can do food goes to wastein this soil every day. If you can give some of those city children ataste of the real thing, why, don't be selfish. " Elnora went down the road thinking of the city children with whom sheprobably would divide. Of course, the bridge would be occupied again. Soshe stopped and opened the box. "I don't want to be selfish, " murmured Elnora, "but it really seems asif I can't give away this lunch. If mother did not put love into it, she's substituted something that's likely to fool me. " She almost felt her steps lagging as she approached the bridge. A veryhungry dog had been added to the trio of children. Elnora loved alldogs, and as usual, this one came to her in friendliness. Thechildren said "Good morning!" with alacrity, and another paper parcellay conspicuous. "How are you this morning?" inquired Elnora. "All right!" cried the three, while the dog sniffed ravenously at thelunch box, and beat a perfect tattoo with his tail. "How did you like the bologna?" questioned Billy eagerly. "One of the girls took me to lunch at her home yesterday, " answeredElnora. Dawn broke beautifully over Billy's streaked face. He caught the packageand thrust it toward Elnora. "Then maybe you'd like to try the bologna to-day!" The dog leaped in glad apprehension of something, and Belle scrambled toher feet and took a step forward. The look of famished greed in her eyeswas more than Elnora could endure. It was not that she cared for thefood so much. Good things to eat had been in abundance all her life. She wanted with this lunch to try to absorb what she felt must bean expression of some sort from her mother, and if it were not amanifestation of love, she did not know what to think it. But it was hermother who had said "be generous. " She knelt on the bridge. "Keep backthe dog!" she warned the elder boy. She opened the box and divided the milk between Billy and the girl. She gave each a piece of cake leaving one and a sandwich. Billy pressedforward eagerly, bitter disappointment on his face, and the elder boyforgot his charge. "Aw, I thought they'd be meat!" lamented Billy. Elnora could not endure that. "There is!" she said gladly. "There is a little pigeon bird. I want ateeny piece of the breast, for a sort of keepsake, just one bite, andyou can have the rest among you. " Elnora drew the knife from its holder and cut off the wishbone. Then sheheld the bird toward the girl. "You can divide it, " she said. The dog made a bound and seizing thesquab sprang from the bridge and ran for life. The girl and boy hurriedafter him. With awful eyes Billy stared and swore tempestuously. Elnoracaught him and clapped her hand over the little mouth. A delivery wagoncame tearing down the street, the horse running full speed, passed thefleeing dog with the girl and boy in pursuit, and stopped at the bridge. High school girls began to roll from all sides of it. "A rescue! A rescue!" they shouted. It was Ellen Brownlee and her crowd, and every girl of them carried abig parcel. They took in the scene as they approached. The fleeing dogwith something in its mouth, the half-naked girl and boy chasing ittold the story. Those girls screamed with laughter as they watched thepursuit. "Thank goodness, I saved the wishbone!" said Elnora. "As usual, I canprove that there was a bird. " She turned toward the box. Billy hadimproved the time. He had the last piece of cake in one hand, and thelast bite of salad disappeared in one great gulp. Then the girls shoutedagain. "Let's have a sample ourselves, " suggested one. She caught up the boxand handed out the remaining sandwich. Another girl divided it intobites each little over an inch square, and then she lifted the cup lidand deposited a preserved strawberry on each bite. "One, two, three, altogether now!" she cried. "You old mean things!" screamed Billy. In an instant he was down in the road and handfuls of dust began to flyamong them. The girls scattered before him. "Billy!" cried Elnora. "Billy! I'll never give you another bite, if youthrow dust on any one!" Then Billy dropped the dust, bored both fists into his eyes, and fledsobbing into Elnora's new blue skirt. She stooped to meet him andconsolation began. Those girls laughed on. They screamed and shouteduntil the little bridge shook. "To-morrow might as well be a clear day, " said Ellen, passing aroundand feeding the remaining berries to the girls as they could composethemselves enough to take them. "Billy, I admire your taste more thanyour temper. " Elnora looked up. "The little soul is nothing but skin and bones, " shesaid. "I never was really hungry myself; were any of you?" "Well, I should say so, " cried a plump, rosy girl. "I'm famished rightnow. Let's have breakfast immediate!" "We got to refill this box first!" said Ellen Brownlee. "Who's got thebutter?" A girl advanced with a wooden tray. "Put it in the preserve cup, a little strawberry flavour won't hurt it. Next!" called Ellen. A loaf of bread was produced and Ellen cut off a piece which filled thesandwich box. "Next!" A bottle of olives was unwrapped. The grocer's boy who waswaiting opened that, and Ellen filled the salad dish. "Next!" A bag of macaroons was produced and the cake compartment filled. "Next!" "I don't suppose this will make quite as good dog feed as a bird, "laughed a girl holding open a bag of sliced ham while Ellen filled themeat dish. "Next!" A box of candy was handed her and she stuffed every corner of thelunch box with chocolates and nougat. Then it was closed and formallypresented to Elnora. The girls each helped themselves to candy andolives, and gave Billy the remainder of the food. Billy took one biteof ham, and approved. Belle and Jimmy had given up chasing the dog, andangry and ashamed, stood waiting half a block away. "Come back!" cried Billy. "You great big dunces, come back! They's a newkind of meat, and cake and candy. " The boy delayed, but the girl joined Billy. Ellen wiped her fingers, stepped to the cement abutment and began reciting "Horatio at theBridge!" substituting Elnora wherever the hero appeared in the lines. Elnora gathered up the sacks, and gave them to Belle, telling her totake the food home, cut and spread the bread, set things on the table, and eat nicely. Then Elnora was taken into the wagon with the girls, and driven on therun to the high school. They sang a song beginning-- "Elnora, please give me a sandwich. I'm ashamed to ask for cake!" as they went. Elnora did not know it, but that was her initiation. Shebelonged to "the crowd. " She only knew that she was happy, and vaguelywondered what her mother and Aunt Margaret would have said about theproceedings. CHAPTER VII WHEREIN MRS. COMSTOCK MANIPULATES MARGARET AND BILLY ACQUIRES ARESIDENCE Saturday morning Elnora helped her mother with the work. When she hadfinished Mrs. Comstock told her to go to Sintons' and wash her Indianrelics, so that she would be ready to accompany Wesley to town in theafternoon. Elnora hurried down the road and was soon at the cisternwith a tub busily washing arrow points, stone axes, tubes, pipes, andskin-cleaning implements. Then she went home, dressed and was waiting when the carriage reachedthe gate. She stopped at the bank with the box, and Sinton went to dohis marketing and some shopping for his wife. At the dry goods store Mr. Brownlee called to him, "Hello, Sinton! Howdo you like the fate of your lunch box?" Then he began to laugh-- "I always hate to see a man laughing alone, " said Sinton. "It looks soselfish! Tell me the fun, and let me help you. " Mr. Brownlee wiped his eyes. "I supposed you knew, but I see she hasn't told. " Then the three days' history of the lunch box was repeated withparticulars which included the dog. "Now laugh!" concluded Mr. Brownlee. "Blest if I see anything funny!" replied Wesley Sinton. "And if youhad bought that box and furnished one of those lunches yourself, youwouldn't either. I call such a work a shame! I'll have it stopped. " "Some one must see to that, all right. They are little leeches. Theirfather earns enough to support them, but they have no mother, and theyrun wild. I suppose they are crazy for cooked food. But it is funny, andwhen you think it over you will see it, if you don't now. " "About where would a body find that father?" inquired Wesley Sintongrimly. Mr. Brownlee told him and he started, locating the house withlittle difficulty. House was the proper word, for of home there was nosign. Just a small empty house with three unkept little children racingthrough and around it. The girl and the elder boy hung back, but dirtylittle Billy greeted Sinton with: "What you want here?" "I want to see your father, " said Sinton. "Well, he's asleep, " said Billy. "Where?" asked Sinton. "In the house, " answered Billy, "and you can't wake him. " "Well, I'll try, " said Wesley. Billy led the way. "There he is!" he said. "He is drunk again. " On a dirty mattress in a corner lay a man who appeared to be strong andwell. Billy was right. You could not awake him. He had gone the limit, and a little beyond. He was now facing eternity. Sinton went out and closed the door. "Your father is sick and needs help, " he said. "You stay here, and Iwill send a man to see him. " "If you just let him 'lone, he'll sleep it off, " volunteered Billy. "He's that way all the time, but he wakes up and gets us something toeat after awhile. Only waitin' twists you up inside pretty bad. " The boy wore no air of complaint. He was merely stating facts. Wesley Sinton looked intently at Billy. "Are you twisted up inside now?"he asked. Billy laid a grimy hand on the region of his stomach and the filthylittle waist sank close to the backbone. "Bet yer life, boss, " he saidcheerfully. "How long have you been twisted?" asked Sinton. Billy appealed to the others. "When was it we had the stuff on thebridge?" "Yesterday morning, " said the girl. "Is that all gone?" asked Sinton. "She went and told us to take it home, " said Billy ruefully, "and 'cosshe said to, we took it. Pa had come back, he was drinking some more, and he ate a lot of it--almost the whole thing, and it made him sick asa dog, and he went and wasted all of it. Then he got drunk some more, and now he's asleep again. We didn't get hardly none. " "You children sit on the steps until the man comes, " said Sinton. "I'llsend you some things to eat with him. What's your name, sonny?" "Billy, " said the boy. "Well, Billy, I guess you better come with me. I'll take care of him, "Sinton promised the others. He reached a hand to Billy. "I ain't no baby, I'm a boy!" said Billy, as he shuffled along besideSinton, taking a kick at every movable object without regard to hisbattered toes. Once they passed a Great Dane dog lolling after its master, and Billyascended Sinton as if he were a tree, and clung to him with tremblinghot hands. "I ain't afraid of that dog, " scoffed Billy, as he was again placed onthe walk, "but onc't he took me for a rat or somepin' and his teeth cutinto my back. If I'd a done right, I'd a took the law on him. " Sinton looked down into the indignant little face. The child was brightenough, he had a good head, but oh, such a body! "I 'bout got enough of dogs, " said Billy. "I used to like 'em, but I'mgetting pretty tired. You ought to seen the lickin' Jimmy and Belle andme give our dog when we caught him, for taking a little bird she gaveus. We waited 'till he was asleep 'nen laid a board on him and all ofus jumped on it to onc't. You could a heard him yell a mile. Belle saidmebbe we could squeeze the bird out of him. But, squeeze nothing! He washoller as us, and that bird was lost long 'fore it got to his stummick. It was ist a little one, anyway. Belle said it wouldn't 'a' made abite apiece for three of us nohow, and the dog got one good swaller. Wedidn't get much of the meat, either. Pa took most of that. Seems likepas and dogs gets everything. " Billy laughed dolefully. Involuntarily Wesley Sinton reached his hand. They were coming into the business part of Onabasha and the streets werecrowded. Billy understood it to mean that he might lose his companionand took a grip. That little hot hand clinging tight to his, the sorefeet recklessly scouring the walk, the hungry child panting for breathas he tried to keep even, the brave soul jesting in the face of hardluck, caught Sinton in a tender, empty spot. "Say, son, " he said. "How would you like to be washed clean, and haveall the supper your skin could hold, and sleep in a good bed?" "Aw, gee!" said Billy. "I ain't dead yet! Them things is in heaven! Poorfolks can't have them. Pa said so. " "Well, you can have them if you want to go with me and get them, "promised Sinton. "Honest?" "Yes, honest. " "Crost yer heart?" "Yes, " said Sinton. "Kin I take some to Jimmy and Belle?" "If you'll come with me and be my boy, I'll see that they have plenty. " "What will pa say?" "Your pa is in that kind of sleep now where he won't wake up, Billy, "said Sinton. "I am pretty sure the law will give you to me, if you wantto come. " "When people don't ever wake up they're dead, " announced Billy. "Is mypa dead?" "Yes, he is, " answered Sinton. "And you'll take care of Jimmy and Belle, too?" "I can't adopt all three of you, " said Sinton. "I'll take you, and seethat they are well provided for. Will you come?" "Yep, I'll come, " said Billy. "Let's eat, first thing we do. " "All right, " agreed Sinton. "Come into this restaurant. " He lifted Billyto the lunch counter and ordered the clerk to give him as many glassesof milk as he wanted, and a biscuit. "I think there's going to be friedchicken when we get home, Billy, " he said, "so you just take the edgeoff now, and fill up later. " While Billy lunched Sinton called up the different departmentsand notified the proper authorities ending with the Women's ReliefAssociation. He sent a basket of food to Belle and Jimmy, bought Billy apair of trousers, and a shirt, and went to bring Elnora. "Why, Uncle Wesley!" cried the girl. "Where did you find Billy?" "I've adopted him for the time being, if not longer, " replied WesleySinton. "Where did you get him?" "Well, young woman, " said Wesley Sinton, "Mr. Brownlee told me thehistory of your lunch box. It didn't seem so funny to me as it does tothe rest of them; so I went to look up the father of Billy's family, andmake him take care of them, or allow the law to do it for him. It willhave to be the law. " "He's deader than anything!" broke in Billy. "He can't ever take all themeat any more. " "Billy!" gasped Elnora. "Never you mind!" said Sinton. "A child doesn't say such things about afather who loved and raised him right. When it happens, the father aloneis to blame. You won't hear Billy talk like that about me when I crossover. " "You don't mean you are going to take him to keep!" "I'll soon need help, " said Wesley. "Billy will come in just about rightten years from now, and if I raise him I'll have him the way I wanthim. " "But Aunt Margaret doesn't like boys, " objected Elnora. "Well, she likes me, and I used to be a boy. Anyway, as I remembershe has had her way about everything at our house ever since we weremarried. I am going to please myself about Billy. Hasn't she always donejust as she chose so far as you know? Honest, Elnora!" "Honest!" replied Elnora. "You are beautiful to all of us, Uncle Wesley;but Aunt Margaret won't like Billy. She won't want him in her home. " "In our home, " corrected Wesley. "What makes you want him?" marvelled Elnora. "God only knows, " said Sinton. "Billy ain't so beautiful, and he ain'tso smart, I guess it's because he's so human. My heart goes out to him. " "So did mine, " said Elnora. "I love him. I'd rather see him eat my lunchthan have it myself any time. " "What makes you like him?" asked Wesley. "Why, I don't know, " pondered Elnora. "He's so little, he needs somuch, he's got such splendid grit, and he's perfectly unselfish with hisbrother and sister. But we must wash him before Aunt Margaret sees him. I wonder if mother----" "You needn't bother. I'm going to take him home the way he is, " saidSinton. "I want Maggie to see the worst of it. " "I'm afraid----" began Elnora. "So am I, " said Wesley, "but I won't give him up. He's taken a sort ofgrip on my heart. I've always been crazy for a boy. Don't let him hearus. " "Don't let him be killed!" cried Elnora. During their talk Billy hadwandered to the edge of the walk and barely escaped the wheels of apassing automobile in an effort to catch a stray kitten that seemed indanger. Wesley drew Billy back to the walk, and held his hand closely. "Are youready, Elnora?" "Yes; you were gone a long time, " she said. Wesley glanced at a package she carried. "Have to have another book?" heasked. "No, I bought this for mother. I've had such splendid luck selling myspecimens, I didn't feel right about keeping all the money for myself, so I saved enough from the Indian relics to get a few things I wanted. I would have liked to have gotten her a dress, but I didn't dare, so Icompromised on a book. " "What did you select, Elnora?" asked Wesley wonderingly. "Well, " said she, "I have noticed mother always seemed interested inanything Mark Twain wrote in the newspapers, and I thought it wouldcheer her up a little, so I just got his 'Innocents Abroad. ' I haven'tread it myself, but I've seen mention made of it all my life, and thecritics say it's genuine fun. " "Good!" cried Sinton. "Good! You've made a splendid choice. It will takeher mind off herself a lot. But she will scold you. " "Of course, " assented Elnora. "But, possibly she will read it, and feelbetter. I'm going to serve her a trick. I am going to hide it untilMonday, and set it on her little shelf of books the last thing beforeI go away. She must have all of them by heart. When, she sees a new oneshe can't help being glad, for she loves to read, and if she has all dayto become interested, maybe she'll like it so she won't scold so much. " "We are both in for it, but I guess we are prepared. I don't know whatMargaret will say, but I'm going to take Billy home and see. Maybe hecan win with her, as he did with us. " Elnora had doubts, but she did not say anything more. When they startedhome Billy sat on the front seat. He drove with the hitching strap tiedto the railing of the dash-board, flourished the whip, and yelled withdelight. At first Sinton laughed with him, but by the time he leftElnora with several packages at her gate, he was looking serious enough. Margaret was at the door as they drove up the lane. Wesley left Billy inthe carriage, hitched the horses and went to explain to her. He had notreached her before she cried, "Look, Wesley, that child! You'll have arunaway!" Wesley looked and ran. Billy was standing in the carriage slashing themettlesome horses with the whip. "See me make 'em go!" he shouted as the whip fell a second time. He did make them go. They took the hitching post and a few fencepalings, which scraped the paint from a wheel. Sinton missed the linesat the first effort, but the dragging post impeded the horses, and hesoon caught them. He led them to the barn, and ordered Billy to remainin the carriage while he unhitched. Then leading Billy and carrying hispackages he entered the yard. "You run play a few minutes, Billy, " he said. "I want to talk to thenice lady. " The nice lady was looking rather stupefied as Wesley approached her. "Where in the name of sense did you get that awful child?" she demanded. "He is a young gentleman who has been stopping Elnora and eating herlunch every day, part of the time with the assistance of his brotherand sister, while our girl went hungry. Brownlee told me about it at thestore. It's happened three days running. The first time she went withoutanything, the second time Brownlee's girl took her to lunch, and thethird a crowd of high school girls bought a lot of stuff and met them atthe bridge. The youngsters seemed to think they could rob her every day, so I went to see their father about having it stopped. " "Well, I should think so!" cried Margaret. "There were three of them, Margaret, " said Wesley, "that littlefellow----" "Hyena, you mean, " interpolated Margaret. "Hyena, " corrected Wesley gravely, "and another boy and a girl, allequally dirty and hungry. The man was dead. They thought he was in adrunken sleep, but he was stone dead. I brought the little boy with me, and sent the officers and other help to the house. He's half starved. I want to wash him, and put clean clothes on him, and give him somesupper. " "Have you got anything to put on him?" "Yes. " "Where did you get it?" "Bought it. It ain't much. All I got didn't cost a dollar. " "A dollar is a good deal when you work and save for it the way we do. " "Well, I don't know a better place to put it. Have you got any hotwater? I'll use this tub at the cistern. Please give me some soap andtowels. " Instead Margaret pushed by him with a shriek. Billy had playedby producing a cord from his pocket, and having tied the tails ofMargaret's white kittens together, he had climbed on a box and hung themacross the clothes line. Wild with fright the kittens were clawing eachother to death, and the air was white with fur. The string had twistedand the frightened creatures could not recognize friends. Margaretstepped back with bleeding hands. Sinton cut the cord with his knifeand the poor little cats raced under the house bleeding and disfigured. Margaret white with wrath faced Wesley. "If you don't hitch up and take that animal back to town, " she said, "Iwill. " Billy threw himself on the grass and began to scream. "You said I could have fried chicken for supper, " he wailed. "You saidshe was a nice lady!" Wesley lifted him and something in his manner of handling the childinfuriated Margaret. His touch was so gentle. She reached for Billy andgripped his shirt collar in the back. Wesley's hand closed over hers. "Gently, girl!" he said. "This little body is covered with sores. " "Sores!" she ejaculated. "Sores? What kind of sores?" "Oh, they might be from bruises made by fists or boot toes, or theymight be bad blood, from wrong eating, or they might be pure filth. Willyou hand me some towels?" "No, I won't!" said Margaret. "Well, give me some rags, then. " Margaret compromised on pieces of old tablecloth. Wesley led Billy tothe cistern, pumped cold water into the tub, poured in a kettle of hot, and beginning at the head scoured him. The boy shut his little teeth, and said never a word though he twisted occasionally when the soapstruck a raw spot. Margaret watched the process from the window inamazed and ever-increasing anger. Where did Wesley learn it? How couldhis big hands be so gentle? He came to the door. "Have you got any peroxide?" he asked. "A little, " she answered stiffly. "Well, I need about a pint, but I'll begin on what you have. " Margaret handed him the bottle. Wesley took a cup, weakened the drug andsaid to Billy: "Man, these sores on you must be healed. Then you musteat the kind of food that's fit for little men. I am going to put somemedicine on you, and it is going to sting like fire. If it just runsoff, I won't use any more. If it boils, there is poison in these places, and they must be tied up, dosed every day, and you must be washed, andkept mighty clean. Now, hold still, because I am going to put it on. " "I think the one on my leg is the worst, " said the undaunted Billy, holding out a raw place. Sinton poured on the drug. Billy's body twistedand writhed, but he did not run. "Gee, look at it boil!" he cried. "I guess they's poison. You'll have todo it to all of them. " Wesley's teeth were set, as he watched the boy's face. He poured thedrug, strong enough to do effective work, on a dozen places over thatlittle body and bandaged all he could. Billy's lips quivered at times, and his chin jumped, but he did not shed a tear or utter a sound otherthan to take a deep interest in the boiling. As Wesley put the smallshirt on the boy, and fastened the trousers, he was ready to reset thehitching post and mend the fence without a word. "Now am I clean?" asked Billy. "Yes, you are clean outside, " said Wesley. "There is some dirty bloodin your body, and some bad words in your mouth, that we have to get out, but that takes time. If we put right things to eat into your stomachthat will do away with the sores, and if you know that I don't like badwords you won't say them any oftener than you can help, will you Billy?" Billy leaned against Wesley in apparent indifference. "I want to see me!" he demanded. Wesley led the boy into the house, and lifted him to a mirror. "My, I'm purty good-looking, ain't I?" bragged Billy. Then as Wesleystooped to set him on the floor Billy's lips passed close to the bigman's ear and hastily whispered a vehement "No!" as he ran for the door. "How long until supper, Margaret?" asked Wesley as he followed. "You are going to keep him for supper?" she asked "Sure!" said Wesley. "That's what I brought him for. It's likely henever had a good square meal of decent food in his life. He's starved tothe bone. " Margaret arose deliberately, removed the white cloth from the suppertable and substituted an old red one she used to wrap the bread. Sheput away the pretty dishes they commonly used and set the table with oldplates for pies and kitchen utensils. But she fried the chicken, and wasgenerous with milk and honey, snowy bread, gravy, potatoes, and fruit. Wesley repainted the scratched wheel. He mended the fence, with Billyholding the nails and handing the pickets. Then he filled the old hole, digged a new one and set the hitching post. Billy hopped on one foot at his task of holding the post steady as theearth was packed around it. There was not the shadow of a trouble on hislittle freckled face. Sinton threw in stones and pounded the earth solid around the post. Thesound of a gulping sob attracted him to Billy. The tears were rollingdown his cheeks. "If I'd a knowed you'd have to get down in a hole, andwork so hard I wouldn't 'a' hit the horses, " he said. "Never you mind, Billy, " said Wesley. "You will know next time, so youcan think over it, and make up your mind whether you really want tobefore you strike. " Wesley went to the barn to put away the tools. He thought Billy was athis heels, but the boy lagged on the way. A big snowy turkey gobblerresented the small intruder in his especial preserves, and with spreadtail and dragging wings came toward him threateningly. If that turkeygobbler had known the sort of things with which Billy was accustomedto holding his own, he never would have issued the challenge. Billyaccepted instantly. He danced around with stiff arms at his sides andimitated the gobbler. Then came his opportunity, and he jumped on thebig turkey's back. Wesley heard Margaret's scream in time to see theflying leap and admire its dexterity. The turkey tucked its tail andscampered. Billy slid from its back and as he fell he clutched wildly, caught the folded tail, and instinctively clung to it. The turkey gaveone scream and relaxed its muscles. Then it fled in disfigured defeatto the haystack. Billy scrambled to his feet holding the tail, while hiseyes were bulging. "Why, the blasted old thing came off!" he said to Wesley, holding outthe tail in amazed wonder. The man, caught suddenly, forgot everything and roared. Seeing which, Billy thought a turkey tail of no account and flung that one high abovehim shouting in wild childish laughter, when the feathers scattered andfell. Margaret, watching, began to cry. Wesley had gone mad. For the firsttime in her married life she wanted to tell her mother. When Wesley hadwaited until he was so hungry he could wait no longer he invaded thekitchen to find a cooked supper baking on the back of the stove, whileMargaret with red eyes nursed a pair of demoralized white kittens. "Is supper ready?" he asked. "It has been for an hour, " answered Margaret. "Why didn't you call us?" That "us" had too much comradeship in it. It irritated Margaret. "I supposed it would take you even longer than this to fix things decentagain. As for my turkey, and my poor little kittens, they don't matter. " "I am mighty sorry about them, Margaret, you know that. Billy is verybright, and he will soon learn----" "Soon learn!" cried Margaret. "Wesley Sinton, you don't mean to say thatyou think of keeping that creature here for some time?" "No, I think of keeping a well-behaved little boy. " Margaret set the supper on the table. Seeing the old red cloth Wesleystared in amazement. Then he understood. Billy capered around indelight. "Ain't that pretty?" he exulted. "I wish Jimmy and Belle could see. We, why we ist eat out of our hands or off a old dry goods box, and when wefix up a lot, we have newspaper. We ain't ever had a nice red cloth likethis. " Wesley looked straight at Margaret, so intently that she turned away, her face flushing. He stacked the dictionary and the geography ofthe world on a chair, and lifted Billy beside him. He heaped a plategenerously, cut the food, put a fork into Billy's little fist, and madehim eat slowly and properly. Billy did his best. Occasionally greedovercame him, and he used his left hand to pop a bite into his mouthwith his fingers. These lapses Wesley patiently overlooked, and went onwith his general instructions. Luckily Billy did not spill anythingon his clothing or the cloth. After supper Wesley took him to the barnwhile he finished the night work. Then he went and sat beside Margareton the front porch. Billy appropriated the hammock, and swung by pullinga rope tied around a tree. The very energy with which he went at thework of swinging himself appealed to Wesley. "Mercy, but he's an active little body, " he said. "There isn't a lazybone in him. See how he works to pay for his fun. " "There goes his foot through it!" cried Margaret. "Wesley, he shall notruin my hammock. " "Of course he shan't!" said Wesley. "Wait, Billy, let me show you. " Thereupon he explained to Billy that ladies wearing beautiful whitedresses sat in hammocks, so little boys must not put their dusty feet inthem. Billy immediately sat, and allowed his feet to swing. "Margaret, " said Wesley after a long silence on the porch, "isn't ittrue that if Billy had been a half-starved sore cat, dog, or animal ofany sort, that you would have pitied, and helped care for it, and beenglad to see me get any pleasure out of it I could?" "Yes, " said Margaret coldly. "But because I brought a child with an immortal soul, there is nowelcome. " "That isn't a child, it's an animal. " "You just said you would have welcomed an animal. " "Not a wild one. I meant a tame beast. " "Billy is not a beast!" said Wesley hotly. "He is a very dear littleboy. Margaret, you've always done the church-going and Bible reading forthis family. How do you reconcile that 'Suffer little children to comeunto Me' with the way you are treating Billy?" Margaret arose. "I haven't treated that child. I have only let himalone. I can barely hold myself. He needs the hide tanned about offhim!" "If you'd cared to look at his body, you'd know that you couldn't find aplace to strike without cutting into a raw spot, " said Wesley. "Besides, Billy has not done a thing for which a child should be punished. He isonly full of life, no training, and with a boy's love of mischief. Hedid abuse your kittens, but an hour before I saw him risk his life tosave one from being run over. He minds what you tell him, and doesn'tdo anything he is told not to. He thinks of his brother and sister rightaway when anything pleases him. He took that stinging medicine with thegrit of a bulldog. He is just a bully little chap, and I love him. " "Oh good heavens!" cried Margaret, going into the house as she spoke. Sinton sat still. At last Billy tired of the swing, came to him andleaned his slight body against the big knee. "Am I going to sleep here?" he asked. "Sure you are!" said Sinton. Billy swung his feet as he laid across Wesley's knee. "Come on, " saidWesley, "I must clean you up for bed. " "You have to be just awful clean here, " announced Billy. "I like to beclean, you feel so good, after the hurt is over. " Sinton registered that remark, and worked with especial tenderness ashe redressed the ailing places and washed the dust from Billy's feet andhands. "Where can he sleep?" he asked Margaret. "I'm sure I don't know, " she answered. "Oh, I can sleep ist any place, " said Billy. "On the floor or anywhere. Home, I sleep on pa's coat on a store-box, and Jimmy and Belle theysleep on the storebox, too. I sleep between them, so's I don't roll offand crack my head. Ain't you got a storebox and a old coat?" Wesley arose and opened a folding lounge. Then he brought an armload ofclean horse blankets from a closet. "These don't look like the nice white bed a little boy should have, Billy, " he said, "but we'll make them do. This will beat a storebox allhollow. " Billy took a long leap for the lounge. When he found it bounced, heproceeded to bounce, until he was tired. By that time the blankets hadto be refolded. Wesley had Billy take one end and help, while both ofthem seemed to enjoy the job. Then Billy lay down and curled up in hisclothes like a small dog. But sleep would not come. Finally he sat up. He stared around restlessly. Then he arose, went toWesley, and leaned against his knee. He picked up the boy and folded hisarms around him. Billy sighed in rapturous content. "That bed feels so lost like, " he said. "Jimmy always jabbed me on oneside, and Belle on the other, and so I knew I was there. Do you knowwhere they are?" "They are with kind people who gave them a fine supper, a clean bed, andwill always take good care of them. " "I wisht I was--" Billy hesitated and looked earnestly at Wesley. "Imean I wish they was here. " "You are about all I can manage, Billy, " said Wesley. Billy sat up. "Can't she manage anything?" he asked, waving towardMargaret. "Indeed, yes, " said Wesley. "She has managed me for twenty years. " "My, but she made you nice!" said Billy. "I just love you. I wisht she'dtake Jimmy and Belle and make them nice as you. " "She isn't strong enough to do that, Billy. They will grow into a goodboy and girl where they are. " Billy slid from Wesley's arms and walked toward Margaret until hereached the middle of the room. Then he stopped, and at last sat on thefloor. Finally he lay down and closed his eyes. "This feels more like mybed; if only Jimmy and Belle was here to crowd up a little, so it wasn'tso alone like. " "Won't I do, Billy?" asked Wesley in a husky voice. Billy moved restlessly. "Seems like--seems like toward night as if abody got kind o' lonesome for a woman person--like her. " Billy indicated Margaret and then closed his eyes so tight his smallface wrinkled. Soon he was up again. "Wisht I had Snap, " he said. "Oh, I ist wisht Ihad Snap!" "I thought you laid a board on Snap and jumped on it, " said Wesley. "We did!" cried Billy--"oh, you ought to heard him squeal!" Billylaughed loudly, then his face clouded. "But I want Snap to lay beside me so bad now--that if he was here I'dgive him a piece of my chicken, 'for, I ate any. Do you like dogs?" "Yes, I do, " said Wesley. Billy was up instantly. "Would you like Snap?" "I am sure I would, " said Wesley. "Would she?" Billy indicated Margaret. And then he answered his ownquestion. "But of course, she wouldn't, cos she likes cats, and dogschases cats. Oh, dear, I thought for a minute maybe Snap could comehere. " Billy lay down and closed his eyes resolutely. Suddenly they flew open. "Does it hurt to be dead?" he demanded. "Nothing hurts you after you are dead, Billy, " said Wesley. "Yes, but I mean does it hurt getting to be dead?" "Sometimes it does. It did not hurt your father, Billy. It came softlywhile he was asleep. " "It ist came softly?" "Yes. " "I kind o' wisht he wasn't dead!" said Billy. "'Course I like tostay with you, and the fried chicken, and the nice soft bed, and--andeverything, and I like to be clean, but he took us to the show, and hegot us gum, and he never hurt us when he wasn't drunk. " Billy drew a deep breath, and tightly closed his eyes. But very soonthey opened. Then he sat up. He looked at Wesley pitifully, and then heglanced at Margaret. "You don't like boys, do you?" he questioned. "I like good boys, " said Margaret. Billy was at her knee instantly. "Well say, I'm a good boy!" heannounced joyously. "I do not think boys who hurt helpless kittens and pull out turkeys'tails are good boys. " "Yes, but I didn't hurt the kittens, " explained Billy. "They got mad'bout ist a little fun and scratched each other. I didn't s'pose they'dact like that. And I didn't pull the turkey's tail. I ist held on to thefirst thing I grabbed, and the turkey pulled. Honest, it was the turkeypulled. " He turned to Wesley. "You tell her! Didn't the turkey pull? Ididn't know its tail was loose, did I?" "I don't think you did, Billy, " said Wesley. Billy stared into Margaret's cold face. "Sometimes at night, Belle sitson the floor, and I lay my head in her lap. I could pull up a chair andlay my head in your lap. Like this, I mean. " Billy pulled up a chair, climbed on it and laid his head on Margaret's lap. Then he shut his eyesagain. Margaret could have looked little more repulsed if he had been asnake. Billy was soon up. "My, but your lap is hard, " he said. "And you are a good deal fatter 'anBelle, too!" He slid from the chair and came back to the middle of theroom. "Oh but I wisht he wasn't dead!" he cried. The flood broke and Billyscreamed in desperation. Out of the night a soft, warm young figure flashed through the door andwith a swoop caught him in her arms. She dropped into a chair, nestledhim closely, drooped her fragrant brown head over his little bullet-eyedred one, and rocked softly while she crooned over him-- "Billy, boy, where have you been? Oh, I have been to seek a wife, She's the joy of my life, But then she's a young thing and she can't leave her mammy!" Billy clung to her frantically. Elnora wiped his eyes, kissed his face, swayed and sang. "Why aren't you asleep?" she asked at last. "I don't know, " said Billy. "I tried. I tried awful hard cos I thoughthe wanted me to, but it ist wouldn't come. Please tell her I tried. " Heappealed to Margaret. "He did try to go to sleep, " admitted Margaret. "Maybe he can't sleep in his clothes, " suggested Elnora. "Haven't you anold dressing sacque? I could roll the sleeves. " Margaret got an old sacque, and Elnora put it on Billy. Then she broughta basin of water and bathed his face and head. She gathered him up andbegan to rock again. "Have you got a pa?" asked Billy. "No, " said Elnora. "Is he dead like mine?" "Yes. " "Did it hurt him to die?" "I don't know. " Billy was wide awake again. "It didn't hurt my pa, " he boasted; "he istdied while he was asleep. He didn't even know it was coming. " "I am glad of that, " said Elnora, pressing the small head against herbreast again. Billy escaped her hand and sat up. "I guess I won't go to sleep, " hesaid. "It might 'come softly' and get me. " "It won't get you, Billy, " said Elnora, rocking and singing betweensentences. "It doesn't get little boys. It just takes big people who aresick. " "Was my pa sick?" "Yes, " said Elnora. "He had a dreadful sickness inside him that burned, and made him drink things. That was why he would forget his little boysand girl. If he had been well, he would have gotten you good things toeat, clean clothes, and had the most fun with you. " Billy leaned against her and closed his eyes, and Elnora rockedhopefully. "If I was dead would you cry?" he was up again. "Yes, I would, " said Elnora, gripping him closer until Billy almostsquealed with the embrace. "Do you love me tight as that?" he questioned blissfully. "Yes, bushels and bushels, " said Elnora. "Better than any little boy inthe whole world. " Billy looked at Margaret. "She don't!" he said. "She'd be glad if itwould get me 'softly, ' right now. She don't want me here 't all. " Elnora smothered his face against her breast and rocked. "You love me, don't you?" "I will, if you will go to sleep. " "Every single day you will give me your dinner for the bologna, won'tyou, " said Billy. "Yes, I will, " replied Elnora. "But you will have as good lunch as I doafter this. You will have milk, eggs, chicken, all kinds of good things, little pies, and cakes, maybe. " Billy shook his head. "I am going back home soon as it is light, " hesaid, "she don't want me. She thinks I'm a bad boy. She's going to whipme--if he lets her. She said so. I heard her. Oh, I wish he hadn't died!I want to go home. " Billy shrieked again. Mrs. Comstock had started to walk slowly to meet Elnora. The girl hadbeen so late that her mother reached the Sinton gate and followed thepath until the picture inside became visible. Elnora had told her aboutWesley taking Billy home. Mrs. Comstock had some curiosity to see howMargaret bore the unexpected addition to her family. Billy's voice, raised with excitement, was plainly audible. She could see Elnoraholding him, and hear his excited wail. Wesley's face was drawn andhaggard, and Margaret's set and defiant. A very imp of perversityentered the breast of Mrs. Comstock. "Hoity, toity!" she said as she suddenly appeared in the door. "Blest ifI ever heard a man making sounds like that before!" Billy ceased suddenly. Mrs. Comstock was tall, angular, and her hair wasprematurely white. She was only thirty-six, although she appeared fifty. But there was an expression on her usually cold face that was attractivejust then, and Billy was in search of attractions. "Have I stayed too late, mother?" asked Elnora anxiously. "I trulyintended to come straight back, but I thought I could rock Billy tosleep first. Everything is strange, and he's so nervous. " "Is that your ma?" demanded Billy. "Yes. " "Does she love you?" "Of course!" "My mother didn't love me, " said Billy. "She went away and left me, andnever came back. She don't care what happens to me. You wouldn't go awayand leave your little girl, would you?" questioned Billy. "No, " said Katharine Comstock, "and I wouldn't leave a little boy, either. " Billy began sliding from Elnora's knees. "Do you like boys?" he questioned. "If there is anything I love it is a boy, " said Mrs. Comstockassuringly. Billy was on the floor. "Do you like dogs?" "Yes. Almost as well as boys. I am going to buy a dog as soon as I canfind a good one. " Billy swept toward her with a whoop. "Do you want a boy?" he shouted. Katharine Comstock stretched out her arms, and gathered him in. "Of course, I want a boy!" she rejoiced. "Maybe you'd like to have me?" offered Billy. "Sure I would, " triumphed Mrs. Comstock. "Any one would like to haveyou. You are just a real boy, Billy. " "Will you take Snap?" "I'd like to have Snap almost as well as you. " "Mother!" breathed Elnora imploringly. "Don't! Oh, don't! He thinks youmean it!" "And so I do mean it, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I'll take him in a jiffy. Ithrow away enough to feed a little tyke like him every day. His chatterwould be great company while you are gone. Blood soon can be purifiedwith right food and baths, and as for Snap, I meant to buy a bulldog, but possibly Snap will serve just as well. All I ask of a dog is to barkat the right time. I'll do the rest. Would you like to come and be myboy, Billy?" Billy leaned against Mrs. Comstock, reached his arms around her neck andgripped her with all his puny might. "You can whip me all you want to, "he said. "I won't make a sound. " Mrs. Comstock held him closely and her hard face was softening; of thatthere could be no doubt. "Now, why would any one whip a nice little boy like you?" she askedwonderingly. "She"--Billy from his refuge waved toward Margaret--"she was going towhip me 'cause her cats fought, when I tied their tails together andhung them over the line to dry. How did I know her old cats wouldfight?" Mrs. Comstock began to laugh suddenly, and try as she would she couldnot stop so soon as she desired. Billy studied her. "Have you got turkeys?" he demanded. "Yes, flocks of them, " said Mrs. Comstock, vainly struggling to suppressher mirth, and settle her face in its accustomed lines. "Are their tails fast?" demanded Billy. "Why, I think so, " marvelled Mrs. Comstock. "Hers ain't!" said Billy with the wave toward Margaret that was becomingfamiliar. "Her turkey pulled, and its tail comed right off. She's goingto whip me if he lets her. I didn't know the turkey would pull. I didn'tknow its tail would come off. I won't ever touch one again, will I?" "Of course, you won't, " said Mrs. Comstock. "And what's more, I don'tcare if you do! I'd rather have a fine little man like you than all theturkeys in the country. Let them lose their old tails if they want to, and let the cats fight. Cats and turkeys don't compare with boys, whoare going to be fine big men some of these days. " Then Billy and Mrs. Comstock hugged each other rapturously, while theiraudience stared in silent amazement. "You like boys!" exulted Billy, and his head dropped against Mrs. Comstock in unspeakable content. "Yes, and if I don't have to carry you the whole way home, we must startright now, " said Mrs. Comstock. "You are going to be asleep before youknow it. " Billy opened his eyes and braced himself. "I can walk, " he said proudly. "All right, we must start. Come, Elnora! Good-night, folks!" Mrs. Comstock set Billy on the floor, and arose gripping his hand. "You takethe other side, Elnora, and we will help him as much as we can, " shesaid. Elnora stared piteously at Margaret, then at Wesley, and arose inwhite-faced bewilderment. "Billy, are you going to leave without even saying good-bye to me?"asked Wesley, with a gulp. Billy held tight to Mrs. Comstock and Elnora. "Good-bye!" he said casually. "I'll come and see you some time. " Wesley Sinton gave a smothered sob, and strode from the room. Mrs. Comstock started toward the door, dragging at Billy while Elnorapulled back, but Mrs. Sinton was before them, her eyes flashing. "Kate Comstock, you think you are mighty smart, don't you?" she cried. "I ain't in the lunatic asylum, where you belong, anyway, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I am smart enough to tell a dandy boy when I see him, and I'mgood and glad to get him. I'll love to have him!" "Well, you won't have him!" exclaimed Margaret Sinton. "That boy isWesley's! He found him, and brought him here. You can't come in and takehim like that! Let go of him!" "Not much, I won't!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "Leave the poor sick littlesoul here for you to beat, because he didn't know just how to handlethings! Of course, he'll make mistakes. He must have a lot of teaching, but not the kind he'll get from you! Clear out of my way!" "You let go of our boy, " ordered Margaret. "Why? Do you want to whip him, before he can go to sleep?" jeered Mrs. Comstock. "No, I don't!" said Margaret. "He's Wesley's, and nobody shall touchhim. Wesley!" Wesley Sinton appeared behind Margaret in the doorway, and she turned tohim. "Make Kate Comstock let go of our boy!" she demanded. "Billy, she wants you now, " said Wesley Sinton. "She won't whip you, andshe won't let any one else. You can have stacks of good things to eat, ride in the carriage, and have a great time. Won't you stay with us?" Billy drew away from Mrs. Comstock and Elnora. He faced Margaret, his eyes shrewd with unchildish wisdom. Necessity hadtaught him to strike the hot iron, to drive the hard bargain. "Can I have Snap to live here always?" he demanded. "Yes, you can have all the dogs you want, " said Margaret Sinton. "Can I sleep close enough so's I can touch you?" "Yes, you can move your lounge up so that you can hold my hand, " saidMargaret. "Do you love me now?" questioned Billy. "I'll try to love you, if you are a good boy, " said Margaret. "Then I guess I'll stay, " said Billy, walking over to her. Out in the night Elnora and her mother went down the road in themoonlight; every few rods Mrs. Comstock laughed aloud. "Mother, I don't understand you, " sobbed Elnora. "Well, maybe when you have gone to high school longer you will, " saidMrs. Comstock. "Anyway, you saw me bring Mag Sinton to her senses, didn't you?" "Yes, I did, " answered Elnora, "but I thought you were in earnest. Sodid Billy, and Uncle Wesley, and Aunt Margaret. " "Well, wasn't I?" inquired Mrs. Comstock. "But you just said you brought Aunt Margaret to!" "Well, didn't I?" "I don't understand you. " "That's the reason I am recommending more schooling!" Elnora took her candle and went to bed. Mrs. Comstock was feeling toogood to sleep. Twice of late she really had enjoyed herself for thefirst in sixteen years, and greediness for more of the same feelingcrept into her blood like intoxication. As she sat brooding alone sheknew the truth. She would have loved to have taken Billy. She would nothave minded his mischief, his chatter, or his dog. He would have meanta distraction from herself that she greatly needed; she was even sincereabout the dog. She had intended to tell Wesley to buy her one at thevery first opportunity. Her last thought was of Billy. She chuckledsoftly, for she was not saintly, and now she knew how she could even along score with Margaret and Wesley in a manner that would fill her soulwith grim satisfaction. CHAPTER VIII WHEREIN THE LIMBERLOST TEMPTS ELNORA, AND BILLY BURIES HIS FATHER Immediately after dinner on Sunday Wesley Sinton stopped at the Comstockgate to ask if Elnora wanted to go to town with them. Billy sat besidehim and he did not appear as if he were on his way to a funeral. Elnorasaid she had to study and could not go, but she suggested that hermother take her place. Mrs. Comstock put on her hat and went at once, which surprised Elnora. She did not know that her mother was anxiousfor an opportunity to speak with Sinton alone. Elnora knew why shewas repeatedly cautioned not to leave their land, if she went specimenhunting. She studied two hours and was several lessons ahead of her classes. There was no use to go further. She would take a walk and see if shecould gather any caterpillars or find any freshly spun cocoons. Shesearched the bushes and low trees behind the garden and all around theedge of the woods on their land, and having little success, at lastcame to the road. Almost the first thorn bush she examined yielded aPolyphemus cocoon. Elnora lifted her head with the instinct of a hunteron the chase, and began work. She reached the swamp before she knewit, carrying five fine cocoons of different species as her reward. Shepushed back her hair and gazed around longingly. A few rods inside shethought she saw cocoons on a bush, to which she went, and found several. Sense of caution was rapidly vanishing; she was in a fair way toforget everything and plunge into the swamp when she thought she heardfootsteps coming down the trail. She went back, and came out almostfacing Pete Corson. That ended her difficulty. She had known him since childhood. When shesat on the front bench of the Brushwood schoolhouse, Pete had been oneof the big boys at the back of the room. He had been rough and wild, but she never had been afraid of him, and often he had given her prettythings from the swamp. "What luck!" she cried. "I promised mother I would not go inside theswamp alone, and will you look at the cocoons I've found! There are morejust screaming for me to come get them, because the leaves will fallwith the first frost, and then the jays and crows will begin to tearthem open. I haven't much time, since I'm going to school. You will gowith me, Pete! Please say yes! Just a little way!" "What are those things?" asked the man, his keen black eyes staring ather. "They are the cases these big caterpillars spin for winter, and in thespring they come out great night moths, and I can sell them. Oh, Pete, Ican sell them for enough to take me through high school and dress meso like the others that I don't look different, and if I have very goodluck I can save some for college. Pete, please go with me?" "Why don't you go like you always have?" "Well, the truth is, I had a little scare, " said Elnora. "I never didmean to go alone; sometimes I sort of wandered inside farther than Iintended, chasing things. You know Duncan gave me Freckles's books, andI have been gathering moths like he did. Lately I found I could sellthem. If I can make a complete collection, I can get three hundreddollars for it. Three such collections would take me almost throughcollege, and I've four years in the high school yet. That's a long time. I might collect them. " "Can every kind there is be found here?" "No, not all of them, but when I get more than I need of one kind, Ican trade them with collectors farther north and west, so I can completesets. It's the only way I see to earn the money. Look what I havealready. Big gray Cecropias come from this kind; brown Polyphemus fromthat, and green Lunas from these. You aren't working on Sunday. Go withme only an hour, Pete!" The man looked at her narrowly. She was young, wholesome, and beautiful. She was innocent, intensely in earnest, and she needed the money, heknew that. "You didn't tell me what scared you, " he said. "Oh, I thought I did! Why you know I had Freckles's box packed full ofmoths and specimens, and one evening I sold some to the Bird Woman. Nextmorning I found a note telling me it wasn't safe to go inside the swamp. That sort of scared me. I think I'll go alone, rather than miss thechance, but I'd be so happy if you would take care of me. Then I couldgo anywhere I chose, because if I mired you could pull me out. You willtake care of me, Pete?" "Yes, I'll take care of you, " promised Pete Corson. "Goody!" said Elnora. "Let's start quick! And Pete, you look at theseclosely, and when you are hunting or going along the road, if onedangles under your nose, you cut off the little twig and save it for me, will you?" "Yes, I'll save you all I see, " promised Pete. He pushed back hishat and followed Elnora. She plunged fearlessly among bushes, overunderbrush, and across dead logs. One minute she was crying wildly, thathere was a big one, the next she was reaching for a limb above her heador on her knees overturning dead leaves under a hickory or oak tree, orworking aside black muck with her bare hands as she searched for buriedpupae cases. For the first hour Pete bent back bushes and followed, carrying what Elnora discovered. Then he found one. "Is this the kind of thing you are looking for?" he asked bashfully, ashe presented a wild cherry twig. "Oh Pete, that's a Promethea! I didn't even hope to find one. " "What's the bird like?" asked Pete. "Almost black wings, " said Elnora, "with clay-coloured edges, and themost wonderful wine-coloured flush over the under side if it's a male, and stronger wine above and below if it's a female. Oh, aren't I happy!" "How would it do to make what you have into a bunch that we could leavehere, and come back for them?" "That would be all right. " Relieved of his load Pete began work. First, he narrowly examined thecocoons Elnora had found. He questioned her as to what other kinds wouldbe like. He began to use the eyes of a trained woodman and hunter inher behalf. He saw several so easily, and moved through the forest sosoftly, that Elnora forgot the moths in watching him. Presently she wascarrying the specimens, and he was making the trips of investigation tosee which was a cocoon and which a curled leaf, or he was on his kneesdigging around stumps. As he worked he kept asking questions. Whatkind of logs were best to look beside, what trees were pupae casesmost likely to be under; on what bushes did caterpillars spin mostfrequently? Time passed, as it always does when one's occupation isabsorbing. When the Sintons took Mrs. Comstock home, they stopped to see Elnora. She was not there. Mrs. Comstock called at the edge of her woods andreceived no reply. Then Wesley turned and drove back to the Limberlost. He left Margaret and Mrs. Comstock holding the team and entertainingBilly, while he entered the swamp. Elnora and Pete had made a wide trail behind them. Before Sinton hadthought of calling, he heard voices and approached with some caution. Soon he saw Elnora, her flushed face beaming as she bent with an armloadof twigs and branches and talked to a kneeling man. "Now go cautiously!" she was saying. "I am just sure we will find anImperialis here. It's their very kind of a place. There! What did I tellyou! Isn't that splendid? Oh, I am so glad you came with me!" Wesley stood staring in speechless astonishment, for the man had arisen, brushed the dirt from his hands, and held out to Elnora a small shiningdark pupa case. As his face came into view Sinton almost cried out, forhe was the one man of all others Wesley knew with whom he most fearedfor Elnora's safety. She had him on his knees digging pupae cases forher from the swamp. "Elnora!" called Sinton. "Elnora!" "Oh, Uncle Wesley!" cried the girl. "See what luck we've had! I know wehave a dozen and a half cocoons and we have three pupae cases. It's muchharder to get the cases because you have to dig for them, and you can'tsee where to look. But Pete is fine at it! He's found three, and hesays he will keep watch beside the roads, and through the woods while hehunts. Isn't that splendid of him? Uncle Wesley, there is a college overthere on the western edge of the swamp. Look closely, and you can seethe great dome up among the clouds. " "I should say you have had luck, " said Wesley, striving to make hisvoice natural. "But I thought you were not coming to the swamp?" "Well, I wasn't, " said Elnora, "but I couldn't find many anywhere else, honest, I couldn't, and just as soon as I came to the edge I began tosee them here. I kept my promise. I didn't come in alone. Pete camewith me. He's so strong, he isn't afraid of anything, and he's perfectlysplendid to locate cocoons! He's found half of these. Come on, Pete, it's getting dark now, and we must go. " They started toward the trail, Pete carrying the cocoons. He left themat the case, while Elnora and Wesley went on to the carriage together. "Elnora Comstock, what does this mean?" demanded her mother. "It's all right, one of the neighbours was with her, and she got severaldollars' worth of stuff, " interposed Wesley. "You oughter seen my pa, " shouted Billy. "He was ist all whited out, andhe laid as still as anything. They put him away deep in the ground. " "Billy!" breathed Margaret in a prolonged groan. "Jimmy and Belle are going to be together in a nice place. They arecoming to see me, and Snap is right down here by the wheel. Here, Snap!My, but he'll be tickled to get something to eat! He's 'most twistedas me. They get new clothes, and all they want to eat, too, but they'llmiss me. They couldn't have got along without me. I took care of them. I had a lot of things give to me 'cause I was the littlest, and I alwaysdivided with them. But they won't need me now. " When she left the carriage Mrs. Comstock gravely shook hands with Billy. "Remember, " she said to him, "I love boys, and I love dogs. Whenever youdon't have a good time up there, take your dog and come right down andbe my little boy. We will just have loads of fun. You should hear thewhistles I can make. If you aren't treated right you come straight tome. " Billy wagged his head sagely. "You ist bet I will!" he said. "Mother, how could you?" asked Elnora as they walked up the path. "How could I, missy? You better ask how couldn't I? I just couldn't! Notfor enough to pay, my road tax! Not for enough to pay the road tax, andthe dredge tax, too!" "Aunt Margaret always has been lovely to me, and I don't think it's fairto worry her. " "I choose to be lovely to Billy, and let her sweat out her own worriesjust as she has me, these sixteen years. There is nothing in all thisworld so good for people as taking a dose of their own medicine. Thedifference is that I am honest. I just say in plain English, 'if theydon't treat you right, come to me. ' They have only said it in actionsand inferences. I want to teach Mag Sinton how her own doses taste, butshe begins to sputter before I fairly get the spoon to her lips. Justyou wait!" "When I think what I owe her----" began Elnora. "Well, thank goodness, I don't owe her anything, and so I'm perfectlyfree to do what I choose. Come on, and help me get supper. I'm hungry asBilly!" Margaret Sinton rocked slowly back and forth in her chair. On her breastlay Billy's red head, one hand clutched her dress front with spasmodicgrip, even after he was unconscious. "You mustn't begin that, Margaret, " said Sinton. "He's too heavy. Andit's bad for him. He's better off to lie down and go to sleep alone. " "He's very light, Wesley. He jumps and quivers so. He has to be strongerthan he is now, before he will sleep soundly. " CHAPTER IX WHEREIN ELNORA DISCOVERS A VIOLIN, AND BILLY DISCIPLINES MARGARET Elnora missed the little figure at the bridge the following morning. Sheslowly walked up the street and turned in at the wide entrance to theschool grounds. She scarcely could comprehend that only a week ago shehad gone there friendless, alone, and so sick at heart that she wasphysically ill. To-day she had decent clothing, books, friends, and hermind was at ease to work on her studies. As she approached home that night the girl paused in amazement. Hermother had company, and she was laughing. Elnora entered the kitchensoftly and peeped into the sitting-room. Mrs. Comstock sat in her chairholding a book and every few seconds a soft chuckle broke into a reallaugh. Mark Twain was doing his work; while Mrs. Comstock was notlacking in a sense of humour. Elnora entered the room before her mothersaw her. Mrs. Comstock looked up with flushed face. "Where did you get this?" she demanded. "I bought it, " said Elnora. "Bought it! With all the taxes due!" "I paid for it out of my Indian money, mother, " said Elnora. "I couldn'tbear to spend so much on myself and nothing at all on you. I was afraidto buy the dress I should have liked to, and I thought the book would becompany, while I was gone. I haven't read it, but I do hope it's good. " "Good! It's the biggest piece of foolishness I have read in all my life. I've laughed all day, ever since I found it. I had a notion to go outand read some of it to the cows and see if they wouldn't laugh. " "If it made you laugh, it's a wise book, " said Elnora. "Wise!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "You can stake your life it's a wise book. It takes the smartest man there is to do this kind of fooling, " and shebegan laughing again. Elnora, highly satisfied with her purchase, went to her room and put onher working clothes. Thereafter she made a point of bringing a book thatshe thought would interest her mother, from the library every week, andleaving it on the sitting-room table. Each night she carried home atleast two school books and studied until she had mastered the pointsof her lessons. She did her share of the work faithfully, and everyavailable minute she was in the fields searching for cocoons, for themoths promised to become her largest source of income. She gathered baskets of nests, flowers, mosses, insects, and all sortsof natural history specimens and sold them to the grade teachers. Atfirst she tried to tell these instructors what to teach their pupilsabout the specimens; but recognizing how much more she knew than they, one after another begged her to study at home, and use her spare hoursin school to exhibit and explain nature subjects to their pupils. Elnoraloved the work, and she needed the money, for every few days some matterof expense arose that she had not expected. From the first week she had been received and invited with the crowdof girls in her class, and it was their custom in passing through thebusiness part of the city to stop at the confectioners' and take turnsin treating to expensive candies, ice cream sodas, hot chocolate, orwhatever they fancied. When first Elnora was asked she accepted withoutunderstanding. The second time she went because she seldom had tastedthese things, and they were so delicious she could not resist. Afterthat she went because she knew all about it, and had decided to go. She had spent half an hour on the log beside the trail in deep thoughtand had arrived at her conclusions. She worked harder than usual for thenext week, but she seemed to thrive on work. It was October and thered leaves were falling when her first time came to treat. As the crowdflocked down the broad walk that night Elnora called, "Girls, it's mytreat to-night! Come on!" She led the way through the city to the grocery they patronized whenthey had a small spread, and entering came out with a basket, which shecarried to the bridge on her home road. There she arranged the girlsin two rows on the cement abutments and opening her basket she gravelyoffered each girl an exquisite little basket of bark, lined with redleaves, in one end of which nestled a juicy big red apple and in theother a spicy doughnut not an hour from Margaret Sinton's frying basket. Another time she offered big balls of popped corn stuck together withmaple sugar, and liberally sprinkled with beechnut kernels. Again itwas hickory-nut kernels glazed with sugar, another time maple candy, and once a basket of warm pumpkin pies. She never made any apology, or offered any excuse. She simply gave what she could afford, and thechange was as welcome to those city girls accustomed to sodas and Frenchcandy, as were these same things to Elnora surfeited on popcorn and pie. In her room was a little slip containing a record of the number of weeksin the school year, the times it would be her turn to treat and thedates on which such occasions would fall, with a number of suggestionsbeside each. Once the girls almost fought over a basket lined withyellow leaves, and filled with fat, very ripe red haws. In late Octoberthere was a riot over one which was lined with red leaves and containedbig fragrant pawpaws frost-bitten to a perfect degree. Then hazelnuts were ripe, and once they served. One day Elnora at her wits' end, explained to her mother that the girls had given her things and shewanted to treat them. Mrs. Comstock, with characteristic stubbornness, had said she would leave a basket at the grocery for her, but firmlydeclined to say what would be in it. All day Elnora struggled to keepher mind on her books. For hours she wavered in tense uncertainty. Whatwould her mother do? Should she take the girls to the confectioner'sthat night or risk the basket? Mrs. Comstock could make delicious thingsto eat, but would she? As they left the building Elnora made a final rapid mental calculation. She could not see her way clear to a decent treat for ten people forless than two dollars and if the basket proved to be nice, then themoney would be wasted. She decided to risk it. As they went to thebridge the girls were betting on what the treat would be, and crowdingnear Elnora like spoiled small children. Elnora set down the basket. "Girls, " she said, "I don't know what this is myself, so all of us aregoing to be surprised. Here goes!" She lifted the cover and perfumes from the land of spices rolled up. Inone end of the basket lay ten enormous sugar cakes the tops of which hadbeen liberally dotted with circles cut from stick candy. The candy hadmelted in baking and made small transparent wells of waxy sweetnessand in the centre of each cake was a fat turtle made from a raisin withcloves for head and feet. The remainder of the basket was filled withbig spiced pears that could be held by their stems while they wereeaten. The girls shrieked and attacked the cookies, and of all thetreats Elnora offered perhaps none was quite so long remembered as that. When Elnora took her basket, placed her books in it, and started home, all the girls went with her as far as the fence where she crossed thefield to the swamp. At parting they kissed her good-bye. Elnora was ahappy girl as she hurried home to thank her mother. She was happy overher books that night, and happy all the way to school the followingmorning. When the music swelled from the orchestra her heart almost broke withthrobbing joy. For music always had affected her strangely, and sinceshe had been comfortable enough in her surroundings to notice things, she had listened to every note to find what it was that literally hurther heart, and at last she knew. It was the talking of the violins. They were human voices, and they spoke a language Elnora understood. Itseemed to her that she must climb up on the stage, take the instrumentsfrom the fingers of the players and make them speak what was in herheart. That night she said to her mother, "I am perfectly crazy for a violin. Iam sure I could play one, sure as I live. Did any one----" Elnora nevercompleted that sentence. "Hush!" thundered Mrs. Comstock. "Be quiet! Never mention those thingsbefore me again--never as long as you live! I loathe them! They are asnare of the very devil himself! They were made to lure men and womenfrom their homes and their honour. If ever I see you with one in yourfingers I will smash it in pieces. " Naturally Elnora hushed, but she thought of nothing else after she hadfinished her lessons. At last there came a day when for some reason theleader of the orchestra left his violin on the grand piano. That morningElnora made her first mistake in algebra. At noon, as soon as thebuilding was empty, she slipped into the auditorium, found the side doorwhich led to the stage, and going through the musicians' entrance shetook the violin. She carried it back into the little side room where theorchestra assembled, closed all the doors, opened the case and liftedout the instrument. She laid it on her breast, dropped her chin on it and drew the bowsoftly across the strings. One after another she tested the open notes. Gradually her stroke ceased to tremble and she drew the bow firmly. Thenher fingers began to fall and softly, slowly she searched up and downthose strings for sounds she knew. Standing in the middle of the floor, she tried over and over. It seemed scarcely a minute before the hall wasfilled with the sound of hurrying feet, and she was forced to put awaythe violin and go to her classes. The next day she prayed that theviolin would be left again, but her petition was not answered. Thatnight when she returned from the school she made an excuse to go downto see Billy. He was engaged in hulling walnuts by driving them throughholes in a board. His hands were protected by a pair of Margaret's oldgloves, but he had speckled his face generously. He appeared well, andgreeted Elnora hilariously. "Me an' the squirrels are laying up our winter stores, " he shouted. "Costhe cold is coming, an' the snow an' if we have any nuts we have to fix'em now. But I'm ahead, cos Uncle Wesley made me this board, and Ican hull a big pile while the old squirrel does only ist one with histeeth. " Elnora picked him up and kissed him. "Billy, are you happy?" she asked. "Yes, and so's Snap, " answered Billy. "You ought to see him make thedirt fly when he gets after a chipmunk. I bet you he could dig up pa, ifanybody wanted him to. " "Billy!" gasped Margaret as she came out to them. "Well, me and Snap don't want him up, and I bet you Jimmy and Belledon't, either. I ain't been twisty inside once since I been here, and Idon't want to go away, and Snap don't, either. He told me so. " "Billy! That is not true. Dogs can't talk, " cautioned Margaret. "Then what makes you open the door when he asks you to?" demanded Billy. "Scratching and whining isn't talking. " "Anyway, it's the best Snap can talk, and you get up and do things hewants done. Chipmunks can talk too. You ought to hear them damn thingsholler when Snap gets them!" "Billy! When you want a cooky for supper and I don't give it to you itis because you said a wrong word. " "Well, for----" Billy clapped his hand over his mouth and stained hisface in swipes. "Well, for--anything! Did I go an' forget again! Thecookies will get all hard, won't they? I bet you ten dollars I don't saythat any more. " He espied Wesley and ran to show him a walnut too big to go through theholes, and Elnora and Margaret entered the house. They talked of many things for a time and then Elnora said suddenly:"Aunt Margaret, I like music. " "I've noticed that in you all your life, " answered Margaret. "If dogs can't talk, I can make a violin talk, " announced Elnora, andthen in amazement watched the face of Margaret Sinton grow pale. "A violin!" she wavered. "Where did you get a violin?" "They fairly seemed to speak to me in the orchestra. One day theconductor left his in the auditorium, and I took it, and Aunt Margaret, I can make it do the wind in the swamp, the birds, and the animals. Ican make any sound I ever heard on it. If I had a chance to practise alittle, I could make it do the orchestra music, too. I don't know how Iknow, but I do. " "Did--did you ever mention it to your mother?" faltered Margaret. "Yes, and she seems prejudiced against them. But oh, Aunt Margaret, Inever felt so about anything, not even going to school. I just feel asif I'd die if I didn't have one. I could keep it at school, and practiseat noon a whole hour. Soon they'd ask me to play in the orchestra. Icould keep it in the case and practise in the woods in summer. You'd letme play over here Sunday. Oh, Aunt Margaret, what does one cost? Wouldit be wicked for me to take of my money, and buy a very cheap one? Icould play on the least expensive one made. " "Oh, no you couldn't! A cheap machine makes cheap music. You got to havea fine fiddle to make it sing. But there's no sense in your buying one. There isn't a decent reason on earth why you shouldn't have your fa----" "My father's!" cried Elnora. She caught Margaret Sinton by the arm. "Myfather had a violin! He played it. That's why I can! Where is it! Is itin our house? Is it in mother's room?" "Elnora!" panted Margaret. "Your mother will kill me! She always hatedit. " "Mother dearly loves music, " said Elnora. "Not when it took the man she loved away from her to make it!" "Where is my father's violin?" "Elnora!" "I've never seen a picture of my father. I've never heard his namementioned. I've never had a scrap that belonged to him. Was he myfather, or am I a charity child like Billy, and so she hates me?" "She has good pictures of him. Seems she just can't bear to hear himtalked about. Of course, he was your father. They lived right there whenyou were born. She doesn't dislike you; she merely tries to make herselfthink she does. There's no sense in the world in you not having hisviolin. I've a great notion----" "Has mother got it?" "No. I've never heard her mention it. It was not at home when he--whenhe died. " "Do you know where it is?" "Yes. I'm the only person on earth who does, except the one who has it. " "Who is that?" "I can't tell you, but I will see if they have it yet, and get it if Ican. But if your mother finds it out she will never forgive me. " "I can't help it, " said Elnora. "I want that violin. " "I'll go to-morrow, and see if it has been destroyed. " "Destroyed! Oh, Aunt Margaret! Would any one dare?" "I hardly think so. It was a good instrument. He played it like amaster. " "Tell me!" breathed Elnora. "His hair was red and curled more than yours, and his eyes were blue. He was tall, slim, and the very imp of mischief. He joked and teased allday until he picked up that violin. Then his head bent over it, and hiseyes got big and earnest. He seemed to listen as if he first heard thenotes, and then copied them. Sometimes he drew the bow trembly, likehe wasn't sure it was right, and he might have to try again. He couldalmost drive you crazy when he wanted to, and no man that ever livedcould make you dance as he could. He made it all up as he went. Heseemed to listen for his dancing music, too. It appeared to come to him;he'd begin to play and you had to keep time. You couldn't be still; heloved to sweep a crowd around with that bow of his. I think it was thething you call inspiration. I can see him now, his handsome headbent, his cheeks red, his eyes snapping, and that bow going across thestrings, and driving us like sheep. He always kept his body swinging, and he loved to play. He often slighted his work shamefully, andsometimes her a little; that is why she hated it--Elnora, what are youmaking me do?" The tears were rolling down Elnora's cheeks. "Oh, Aunt Margaret, " shesobbed. "Why haven't you told me about him sooner? I feel as if you hadgiven my father to me living, so that I could touch him. I can see him, too! Why didn't you ever tell me before? Go on! Go on!" "I can't, Elnora! I'm scared silly. I never meant to say anything. If Ihadn't promised her not to talk of him to you she wouldn't have let youcome here. She made me swear it. " "But why? Why? Was he a shame? Was he disgraced?" "Maybe it was that unjust feeling that took possession of her whenshe couldn't help him from the swamp. She had to blame some one, or gocrazy, so she took it out on you. At times, those first ten years, if Ihad talked to you, and you had repeated anything to her, she might havestruck you too hard. She was not master of herself. You must be patientwith her, Elnora. God only knows what she has gone through, but I thinkshe is a little better, lately. " "So do I, " said Elnora. "She seems more interested in my clothes, andshe fixes me such delicious lunches that the girls bring fine candiesand cake and beg to trade. I gave half my lunch for a box of candy oneday, brought it home to her, and told her. Since, she has wanted me tocarry a market basket and treat the crowd every day, she was so pleased. Life has been too monotonous for her. I think she enjoys even the littlechange made by my going and coming. She sits up half the night to readthe library books I bring, but she is so stubborn she won't even admitthat she touches them. Tell me more about my father. " "Wait until I see if I can find the violin. " So Elnora went home in suspense, and that night she added to herprayers: "Dear Lord, be merciful to my father, and oh, do help AuntMargaret to get his violin. " Wesley and Billy came in to supper tired and hungry. Billy ate heartily, but his eyes often rested on a plate of tempting cookies, and whenWesley offered them to the boy he reached for one. Margaret wascompelled to explain that cookies were forbidden that night. "What!" said Wesley. "Wrong words been coming again. Oh Billy, I do wishyou could remember! I can't sit and eat cookies before a little boywho has none. I'll have to put mine back, too. " Billy's face twisted indespair. "Aw go on!" he said gruffly, but his chin was jumping, for Wesley washis idol. "Can't do it, " said Wesley. "It would choke me. " Billy turned to Margaret. "You make him, " he appealed. "He can't, Billy, " said Margaret. "I know how he feels. You see, I can'tmyself. " Then Billy slid from his chair, ran to the couch, buried his face inthe pillow and cried heart-brokenly. Wesley hurried to the barn, andMargaret to the kitchen. When the dishes were washed Billy slipped fromthe back door. Wesley piling hay into the mangers heard a sound behind him andinquired, "That you, Billy?" "Yes, " answered Billy, "and it's all so dark you can't see me now, isn'tit?" "Well, mighty near, " answered Wesley. "Then you stoop down and open your mouth. " Sinton had shared bites of apple and nuts for weeks, for Billy had notlearned how to eat anything without dividing with Jimmy and Belle. Sincehe had been separated from them, he shared with Wesley and Margaret. So he bent over the boy and received an instalment of cooky that almostchoked him. "Now you can eat it!" shouted Billy in delight. "It's all dark! I can'tsee what you're doing at all!" Wesley picked up the small figure and set the boy on the back of a horseto bring his face level so that they could talk as men. He never toweredfrom his height above Billy, but always lifted the little soul whenimportant matters were to be discussed. "Now what a dandy scheme, " he commented. "Did you and Aunt Margaret fixit up?" "No. She ain't had hers yet. But I got one for her. Ist as soon as youeat yours, I am going to take hers, and feed her first time I find herin the dark. " "But Billy, where did you get the cookies? You know Aunt Margaret saidyou were not to have any. " "I ist took them, " said Billy, "I didn't take them for me. I ist tookthem for you and her. " Wesley thought fast. In the warm darkness of the barn the horsescrunched their corn, a rat gnawed at a corner of the granary, and amongthe rafters the white pigeon cooed a soft sleepy note to his dusky mate. "Did--did--I steal?" wavered Billy. Wesley's big hands closed until he almost hurt the boy. "No!" he said vehemently. "That is too big a word. You made a mistake. You were trying to be a fine little man, but you went at it the wrongway. You only made a mistake. All of us do that, Billy. The world growsthat way. When we make mistakes we can see them; that teaches us to bemore careful the next time, and so we learn. " "How wouldn't it be a mistake?" "If you had told Aunt Margaret what you wanted to do, and asked her forthe cookies she would have given them to you. " "But I was 'fraid she wouldn't, and you ist had to have it. " "Not if it was wrong for me to have it, Billy. I don't want it thatmuch. " "Must I take it back?" "You think hard, and decide yourself. " "Lift me down, " said Billy, after a silence, "I got to put this in thejar, and tell her. " Wesley set the boy on the floor, but as he did so he paused one secondand strained him close to his breast. Margaret sat in her chair sewing; Billy slipped in and crept beside her. The little face was lined with tragedy. "Why Billy, whatever is the matter?" she cried as she dropped her sewingand held out her arms. Billy stood back. He gripped his little fiststight and squared his shoulders. "I got to be shut up in the closet, " hesaid. "Oh Billy! What an unlucky day! What have you done now?" "I stold!" gulped Billy. "He said it was ist a mistake, but it wasworser 'an that. I took something you told me I wasn't to have. " "Stole!" Margaret was in despair. "What, Billy?" "Cookies!" answered Billy in equal trouble. "Billy!" wailed Margaret. "How could you?" "It was for him and you, " sobbed Billy. "He said he couldn't eat it'fore me, but out in the barn it's all dark and I couldn't see. Ithought maybe he could there. Then we might put out the light and youcould have yours. He said I only made it worse, cos I mustn't takethings, so I got to go in the closet. Will you hold me tight a littlebit first? He did. " Margaret opened her arms and Billy rushed in and clung to her a fewseconds, with all the force of his being, then he slipped to the floorand marched to the closet. Margaret opened the door. Billy gave oneglance at the light, clinched his fists and, walking inside, climbed ona box. Margaret closed the door. Then she sat and listened. Was the air pure enough? Possibly he mightsmother. She had read something once. Was it very dark? What if thereshould be a mouse in the closet and it should run across his foot andfrighten him into spasms. Somewhere she had heard--Margaret leanedforward with tense face and listened. Something dreadful might happen. She could bear it no longer. She arose hurriedly and opened thedoor. Billy was drawn up on the box in a little heap, and he lifted adisapproving face to her. "Shut that door!" he said. "I ain't been in here near long enough yet!" CHAPTER X WHEREIN ELNORA HAS MORE FINANCIAL TROUBLES, AND MRS. COMSTOCK AGAINHEARS THE SONG OF THE LIMBERLOST The following night Elnora hurried to Sintons'. She threw open the backdoor and with anxious eyes searched Margaret's face. "You got it!" panted Elnora. "You got it! I can see by your face thatyou did. Oh, give it to me!" "Yes, I got it, honey, I got it all right, but don't be so fast. Ithad been kept in such a damp place it needed glueing, it had to havestrings, and a key was gone. I knew how much you wanted it, so I sentWesley right to town with it. They said they could fix it good as new, but it should be varnished, and that it would take several days for theglue to set. You can have it Saturday. " "You found it where you thought it was? You know it's his?" "Yes, it was just where I thought, and it's the same violin I've seenhim play hundreds of times. It's all right, only laying so long it needsfixing. " "Oh Aunt Margaret! Can I ever wait?" "It does seem a long time, but how could I help it? You couldn't doanything with it as it was. You see, it had been hidden away in agarret, and it needed cleaning and drying to make it fit to play again. You can have it Saturday sure. But Elnora, you've got to promise me thatyou will leave it here, or in town, and not let your mother get a hintof it. I don't know what she'd do. " "Uncle Wesley can bring it here until Monday. Then I will take it toschool so that I can practise at noon. Oh, I don't know how to thankyou. And there's more than the violin for which to be thankful. You'vegiven me my father. Last night I saw him plainly as life. " "Elnora you were dreaming!" "I know I was dreaming, but I saw him. I saw him so closely that a tinywhite scar at the corner of his eyebrow showed. I was just reaching outto touch him when he disappeared. " "Who told you there was a scar on his forehead?" "No one ever did in all my life. I saw it last night as he went down. And oh, Aunt Margaret! I saw what she did, and I heard his cries! Nomatter what she does, I don't believe I ever can be angry with heragain. Her heart is broken, and she can't help it. Oh, it was terrible, but I am glad I saw it. Now, I will always understand. " "I don't know what to make of that, " said Margaret. "I don't believe insuch stuff at all, but you couldn't make it up, for you didn't know. " "I only know that I played the violin last night, as he played it, andwhile I played he came through the woods from the direction of Carneys'. It was summer and all the flowers were in bloom. He wore gray trousersand a blue shirt, his head was bare, and his face was beautiful. I couldalmost touch him when he sank. " Margaret stood perplexed. "I don't know what to think of that!" sheejaculated. "I was next to the last person who saw him before he wasdrowned. It was late on a June afternoon, and he was dressed as youdescribe. He was bareheaded because he had found a quail's nest beforethe bird began to brood, and he gathered the eggs in his hat and left itin a fence corner to get on his way home; they found it afterward. " "Was he coming from Carneys'?" "He was on that side of the quagmire. Why he ever skirted it so closeas to get caught is a mystery you will have to dream out. I never couldunderstand it. " "Was he doing something he didn't want my mother to know?" "Why?" "Because if he had been, he might have cut close the swamp so hecouldn't be seen from the garden. You know, the whole path straight tothe pool where he sank can be seen from our back door. It's firm on ourside. The danger is on the north and east. If he didn't want mother toknow, he might have tried to pass on either of those sides and gone tooclose. Was he in a hurry?" "Yes, he was, " said Margaret. "He had been away longer than he expected, and he almost ran when he started home. " "And he'd left his violin somewhere that you knew, and you went and gotit. I'll wager he was going to play, and didn't want mother to find itout!" "It wouldn't make any difference to you if you knew every little thing, so quit thinking about it, and just be glad you are to have what heloved best of anything. " "That's true. Now I must hurry home. I am dreadfully late. " Elnora sprang up and ran down the road, but when she approached thecabin she climbed the fence, crossed the open woods pasture diagonallyand entered at the back garden gate. As she often came that way when shehad been looking for cocoons her mother asked no questions. Elnora lived by the minute until Saturday, when, contrary to his usualcustom, Wesley went to town in the forenoon, taking her along to buysome groceries. Wesley drove straight to the music store, and asked forthe violin he had left to be mended. In its new coat of varnish, with new keys and strings, it seemed muchlike any other violin to Sinton, but to Elnora it was the most beautifulinstrument ever made, and a priceless treasure. She held it in her arms, touched the strings softly and then she drew the bow across them inwhispering measure. She had no time to think what a remarkably goodbow it was for sixteen years' disuse. The tan leather case might haveimpressed her as being in fine condition also, had she been in a stateto question anything. She did remember to ask for the bill and she wasgravely presented with a slip calling for four strings, one key, and acoat of varnish, total, one dollar fifty. It seemed to Elnora she nevercould put the precious instrument in the case and start home. Wesleyleft her in the music store where the proprietor showed her all hecould about tuning, and gave her several beginners' sheets of notes andscales. She carried the violin in her arms as far as the crossroads atthe corner of their land, then reluctantly put it under the carriageseat. As soon as her work was done she ran down to Sintons' and began to play, and on Monday the violin went to school with her. She made arrangementswith the superintendent to leave it in his office and scarcely took timefor her food at noon, she was so eager to practise. Often one ofthe girls asked her to stay in town all night for some lecture orentertainment. She could take the violin with her, practise, and securehelp. Her skill was so great that the leader of the orchestra offered togive her lessons if she would play to pay for them, so her progress wasrapid in technical work. But from the first day the instrument becamehers, with perfect faith that she could play as her father did, shespent half her practice time in imitating the sounds of all outdoors andimprovising the songs her happy heart sang in those days. So the first year went, and the second and third were a repetition; butthe fourth was different, for that was the close of the course, endingwith graduation and all its attendant ceremonies and expenses. To Elnorathese appeared mountain high. She had hoarded every cent, thinking twicebefore she parted with a penny, but teaching natural history in thegrades had taken time from her studies in school which must be made upoutside. She was a conscientious student, ranking first in most of herclasses, and standing high in all branches. Her interest in her violinhad grown with the years. She went to school early and practised halfan hour in the little room adjoining the stage, while the orchestragathered. She put in a full hour at noon, and remained another half hourat night. She carried the violin to Sintons' on Saturday and practisedall the time she could there, while Margaret watched the road to seethat Mrs. Comstock was not coming. She had become so skilful that it wasa delight to hear her play music of any composer, but when she playedher own, that was joy inexpressible, for then the wind blew, the waterrippled, the Limberlost sang her songs of sunshine, shadow, black storm, and white night. Since her dream Elnora had regarded her mother with peculiar tenderness. The girl realized, in a measure, what had happened. She avoided anythingthat possibly could stir bitter memories or draw deeper a line on thehard, white face. This cost many sacrifices, much work, and sometimesdelayed progress, but the horror of that awful dream remained withElnora. She worked her way cheerfully, doing all she could to interesther mother in things that happened in school, in the city, and bycarrying books that were entertaining from the public library. Three years had changed Elnora from the girl of sixteen to the veryverge of womanhood. She had grown tall, round, and her face had theloveliness of perfect complexion, beautiful eyes and hair and an addedtouch from within that might have been called comprehension. It was acompound of self-reliance, hard knocks, heart hunger, unceasing work, and generosity. There was no form of suffering with which the girl couldnot sympathize, no work she was afraid to attempt, no subject she hadinvestigated she did not understand. These things combined to produce abreadth and depth of character altogether unusual. She was so absorbedin her classes and her music that she had not been able to gather manyspecimens. When she realized this and hunted assiduously, she soon foundthat changing natural conditions had affected such work. Men all aroundwere clearing available land. The trees fell wherever corn would grow. The swamp was broken by several gravel roads, dotted in places aroundthe edge with little frame houses, and the machinery of oil wells; oneespecially low place around the region of Freckles's room was nearlyall that remained of the original. Wherever the trees fell the moisturedried, the creeks ceased to flow, the river ran low, and at times thebed was dry. With unbroken sweep the winds of the west came, gatheringforce with every mile and howled and raved; threatening to tear theshingles from the roof, blowing the surface from the soil in clouds offine dust and rapidly changing everything. From coming in with two orthree dozen rare moths in a day, in three years' time Elnora had grownto be delighted with finding two or three. Big pursy caterpillars couldnot be picked from their favourite bushes, when there were no bushes. Dragonflies would not hover over dry places, and butterflies becamescarce in proportion to the flowers, while no land yields over threecrops of Indian relics. All the time the expense of books, clothing and incidentals hadcontinued. Elnora added to her bank account whenever she could, and drewout when she was compelled, but she omitted the important feature ofcalling for a balance. So, one early spring morning in the last quarterof the fourth year, she almost fainted when she learned that her fundswere gone. Commencement with its extra expense was coming, she had nomoney, and very few cocoons to open in June, which would be toolate. She had one collection for the Bird Woman complete to a pair ofImperialis moths, and that was her only asset. On the day she addedthese big Yellow Emperors she had been promised a check for threehundred dollars, but she would not get it until these specimens weresecured. She remembered that she never had found an Emperor before June. Moreover, that sum was for her first year in college. Then she would beof age, and she meant to sell enough of her share of her father's landto finish. She knew her mother would oppose her bitterly in that, forMrs. Comstock had clung to every acre and tree that belonged to herhusband. Her land was almost complete forest where her neighbours ownedcleared farms, dotted with wells that every hour sucked oil from beneathher holdings, but she was too absorbed in the grief she nursed to knowor care. The Brushwood road and the redredging of the big Limberlostditch had been more than she could pay from her income, and she hadtrembled before the wicket as she asked the banker if she had funds topay it, and wondered why he laughed when he assured her she had. ForMrs. Comstock had spent no time on compounding interest, and never addedthe sums she had been depositing through nearly twenty years. Now shethought her funds were almost gone, and every day she worried overexpenses. She could see no reason in going through the forms ofgraduation when pupils had all in their heads that was required tograduate. Elnora knew she had to have her diploma in order to enter thecollege she wanted to attend, but she did not dare utter the word, untilhigh school was finished, for, instead of softening as she hoped hermother had begun to do, she seemed to remain very much the same. When the girl reached the swamp she sat on a log and thought over theexpense she was compelled to meet. Every member of her particular setwas having a large photograph taken to exchange with the others. Elnoraloved these girls and boys, and to say she could not have their picturesto keep was more than she could endure. Each one would give to all theothers a handsome graduation present. She knew they would prepare giftsfor her whether she could make a present in return or not. Then it wasthe custom for each graduating class to give a great entertainment anduse the funds to present the school with a statue for the entrance hall. Elnora had been cast for and was practising a part in that performance. She was expected to furnish her dress and personal necessities. She hadbeen told that she must have a green gauze dress, and where was it tocome from? Every girl of the class would have three beautiful new frocks forCommencement: one for the baccalaureate sermon, another, which could beplain, for graduation exercises, and a handsome one for the banquet andball. Elnora faced the past three years and wondered how she could havespent so much money and not kept account of it. She did not realizewhere it had gone. She did not know what she could do now. Shethought over the photographs, and at last settled that question to hersatisfaction. She studied longer over the gifts, ten handsome ones theremust be, and at last decided she could arrange for them. The green dresscame first. The lights would be dim in the scene, and the setting deepwoods. She could manage that. She simply could not have three dresses. She would have to get a very simple one for the sermon and do the bestshe could for graduation. Whatever she got for that must be made with aguimpe that could be taken out to make it a little more festive for theball. But where could she get even two pretty dresses? The only hope she could see was to break into the collection of the manfrom India, sell some moths, and try to replace them in June. But in hersoul she knew that never would do. No June ever brought just the thingsshe hoped it would. If she spent the college money she knew she couldnot replace it. If she did not, the only way was to secure a room inthe grades and teach a year. Her work there had been so appreciatedthat Elnora felt with the recommendation she knew she could get from thesuperintendent and teachers she could secure a position. She was sureshe could pass the examinations easily. She had once gone on Saturday, taken them and secured a license for a year before she left theBrushwood school. She wanted to start to college when the other girls were going. If shecould make the first year alone, she could manage the remainder. Butmake that first year herself, she must. Instead of selling any of hercollection, she must hunt as she never before had hunted and find aYellow Emperor. She had to have it, that was all. Also, she had to havethose dresses. She thought of Wesley and dismissed it. She thought ofthe Bird Woman, and knew she could not tell her. She thought of everyway in which she ever had hoped to earn money and realized that withthe play, committee meetings, practising, and final examinations shescarcely had time to live, much less to do more than the work requiredfor her pictures and gifts. Again Elnora was in trouble, and this timeit seemed the worst of all. It was dark when she arose and went home. "Mother, " she said, "I have a piece of news that is decidedly notcheerful. " "Then keep it to yourself!" said Mrs. Comstock. "I think I have enoughto bear without a great girl like you piling trouble on me. " "My money is all gone!" said Elnora. "Well, did you think it would last forever? It's been a marvel to methat it's held out as well as it has, the way you've dressed and gone. " "I don't think I've spent any that I was not compelled to, " said Elnora. "I've dressed on just as little as I possibly could to keep going. Iam heartsick. I thought I had over fifty dollars to put me throughCommencement, but they tell me it is all gone. " "Fifty dollars! To put you through Commencement! What on earth are youproposing to do?" "The same as the rest of them, in the very cheapest way possible. " "And what might that be?" Elnora omitted the photographs, the gifts and the play. She told only ofthe sermon, graduation exercises, and the ball. "Well, I wouldn't trouble myself over that, " sniffed Mrs. Comstock. "Ifyou want to go to a sermon, put on the dress you always use for meeting. If you need white for the exercises wear the new dress you got lastspring. As for the ball, the best thing for you to do is to stay a mileaway from such folly. In my opinion you'd best bring home your books, and quit right now. You can't be fixed like the rest of them, don't beso foolish as to run into it. Just stay here and let these last few daysgo. You can't learn enough more to be of any account. " "But, mother, " gasped Elnora. "You don't understand!" "Oh, yes, I do!" said Mrs. Comstock. "I understand perfectly. So long asthe money lasted, you held up your head, and went sailing without evenexplaining how you got it from the stuff you gathered. Goodness knowsI couldn't see. But now it's gone, you come whining to me. What have Igot? Have you forgot that the ditch and the road completely strapped me?I haven't any money. There's nothing for you to do but get out of it. " "I can't!" said Elnora desperately. "I've gone on too long. It wouldmake a break in everything. They wouldn't let me have my diploma!" "What's the difference? You've got the stuff in your head. I wouldn'tgive a rap for a scrap of paper. That don't mean anything!" "But I've worked four years for it, and I can't enter--I ought to haveit to help me get a school, when I want to teach. If I don't have mygrades to show, people will think I quit because I couldn't pass myexaminations. I must have my diploma!" "Then get it!" said Mrs. Comstock. "The only way is to graduate with the others. " "Well, graduate if you are bound to!" "But I can't, unless I have things enough like the class, that I don'tlook as I did that first day. " "Well, please remember I didn't get you into this, and I can't get youout. You are set on having your own way. Go on, and have it, and see howyou like it!" Elnora went upstairs and did not come down again that night, which hermother called pouting. "I've thought all night, " said the girl at breakfast, "and I can't seeany way but to borrow the money of Uncle Wesley and pay it back fromsome that the Bird Woman will owe me, when I get one more specimen. Butthat means that I can't go to--that I will have to teach this winter, ifI can get a city grade or a country school. " "Just you dare go dinging after Wesley Sinton for money, " cried Mrs. Comstock. "You won't do any such a thing!" "I can't see any other way. I've got to have the money!" "Quit, I tell you!" "I can't quit!--I've gone too far!" "Well then, let me get your clothes, and you can pay me back. " "But you said you had no money!" "Maybe I can borrow some at the bank. Then you can return it when theBird Woman pays you. " "All right, " said Elnora. "I don't need expensive things. Just some kindof a pretty cheap white dress for the sermon, and a white one a littlebetter than I had last summer, for Commencement and the ball. I can usethe white gloves and shoes I got myself for last year, and you canget my dress made at the same place you did that one. They have mymeasurements, and do perfect work. Don't get expensive things. It willbe warm so I can go bareheaded. " Then she started to school, but was so tired and discouraged shescarcely could walk. Four years' plans going in one day! For she feltthat if she did not start to college that fall she never would. Insteadof feeling relieved at her mother's offer, she was almost too ill to goon. For the thousandth time she groaned: "Oh, why didn't I keep accountof my money?" After that the days passed so swiftly she scarcely had time to think, but several trips her mother made to town, and the assurance thateverything was all right, satisfied Elnora. She worked very hard to passgood final examinations and perfect herself for the play. For two daysshe had remained in town with the Bird Woman in order to spend more timepractising and at her work. Often Margaret had asked about her dresses for graduation, and Elnorahad replied that they were with a woman in the city who had made her awhite dress for last year's Commencement when she was a junior usher, and they would be all right. So Margaret, Wesley, and Billy concernedthemselves over what they would give her for a present. Margaretsuggested a beautiful dress. Wesley said that would look to every one asif she needed dresses. The thing was to get a handsome gift like all theothers would have. Billy wanted to present her a five-dollar gold pieceto buy music for her violin. He was positive Elnora would like that bestof anything. It was toward the close of the term when they drove to town one eveningto try to settle this important question. They knew Mrs. Comstock hadbeen alone several days, so they asked her to accompany them. Shehad been more lonely than she would admit, filled with unusual unrestbesides, and so she was glad to go. But before they had driven a mileBilly had told that they were going to buy Elnora a graduation present, and Mrs. Comstock devoutly wished that she had remained at home. She wasprepared when Billy asked: "Aunt Kate, what are you going to give Elnorawhen she graduates?" "Plenty to eat, a good bed to sleep in, and do all the work while shetrollops, " answered Mrs. Comstock dryly. Billy reflected. "I guess all of them have that, " he said. "I mean apresent you buy at the store, like Christmas?" "It is only rich folks who buy presents at stores, " repliedMrs. Comstock. "I can't afford it. " "Well, we ain't rich, " he said, "but we are going to buy Elnorasomething as fine as the rest of them have if we sell a corner of thefarm. Uncle Wesley said so. " "A fool and his land are soon parted, " said Mrs. Comstock tersely. Wesley and Billy laughed, but Margaret did not enjoy the remark. While they were searching the stores for something on which all of themcould decide, and Margaret was holding Billy to keep him fromsaying anything before Mrs. Comstock about the music on which he wasdetermined, Mr. Brownlee met Wesley and stopped to shake hands. "I see your boy came out finely, " he said. "I don't allow any boy anywhere to be finer than Billy, " said Wesley. "I guess you don't allow any girl to surpass Elnora, " said Mr. Brownlee. "She comes home with Ellen often, and my wife and I love her. Ellensays she is great in her part to-night. Best thing in the whole play!Of course, you are in to see it! If you haven't reserved seats, you'dbetter start pretty soon, for the high school auditorium only seats athousand. It's always jammed at these home-talent plays. All of us wantto see how our children perform. " "Why yes, of course, " said the bewildered Wesley. Then he hurried toMargaret. "Say, " he said, "there is going to be a play at the highschool to-night; and Elnora is in it. Why hasn't she told us?" "I don't know, " said Margaret, "but I'm going. " "So am I, " said Billy. "Me too!" said Wesley, "unless you think for some reason she doesn'twant us. Looks like she would have told us if she had. I'm going to askher mother. " "Yes, that's what's she's been staying in town for, " said Mrs. Comstock. "It's some sort of a swindle to raise money for her class to buy somesilly thing to stick up in the school house hall to remember them by. Idon't know whether it's now or next week, but there's something of thekind to be done. " "Well, it's to-night, " said Wesley, "and we are going. It's my treat, and we've got to hurry or we won't get in. There are reserved seats, andwe have none, so it's the gallery for us, but I don't care so I get totake one good peep at Elnora. " "S'pose she plays?" whispered Margaret in his ear. "Aw, tush! She couldn't!" said Wesley. "Well, she's been doing it three years in the orchestra, and workinglike a slave at it. " "Oh, well that's different. She's in the play to-night. Brownlee told meso. Come on, quick! We'll drive and hitch closest place we can find tothe building. " Margaret went in the excitement of the moment, but she was troubled. When they reached the building Wesley tied the team to a railing andBilly sprang out to help Margaret. Mrs. Comstock sat still. "Come on, Kate, " said Wesley, reaching his hand. "I'm not going anywhere, " said Mrs. Comstock, settling comfortably backagainst the cushions. All of them begged and pleaded, but it was no use. Not an inch wouldMrs. Comstock budge. The night was warm and the carriage comfortable, the horses were securely hitched. She did not care to see what idioticthing a pack of school children were doing, she would wait until theSintons returned. Wesley told her it might be two hours, and she saidshe did not care if it were four, so they left her. "Did you ever see such----?" "Cookies!" cried Billy. "Such blamed stubbornness in all your life?" demanded Wesley. "Won'tcome to see as fine a girl as Elnora in a stage performance. Why, Iwouldn't miss it for fifty dollars! "I think it's a blessing she didn't, " said Margaret placidly. "I beggedunusually hard so she wouldn't. I'm scared of my life for fear Elnorawill play. " They found seats near the door where they could see fairly well. Billystood at the back of the hall and had a good view. By and by, a greatvolume of sound welled from the orchestra, but Elnora was not playing. "Told you so!" said Sinton. "Got a notion to go out and see if Katewon't come now. She can take my seat, and I'll stand with Billy. " "You sit still!" said Margaret emphatically. "This is not over yet. " So Wesley remained in his seat. The play opened and progressed very muchas all high school plays have gone for the past fifty years. But Elnoradid not appear in any of the scenes. Out in the warm summer night a sour, grim woman nursed an aching heartand tried to justify herself. The effort irritated her intensely. Shefelt that she could not afford the things that were being done. The oldfear of losing the land that she and Robert Comstock had purchased andstarted clearing was strong upon her. She was thinking of him, how sheneeded him, when the orchestra music poured from the open windows nearher. Mrs. Comstock endured it as long as she could, and then slippedfrom the carriage and fled down the street. She did not know how far she went or how long she stayed, but everythingwas still, save an occasional raised voice when she wandered back. Shestood looking at the building. Slowly she entered the wide gates andfollowed up the walk. Elnora had been coming here for almost four years. When Mrs. Comstock reached the door she looked inside. The wide hall waslighted with electricity, and the statuary and the decorations of thewalls did not seem like pieces of foolishness. The marble appeared pure, white, and the big pictures most interesting. She walked the length ofthe hall and slowly read the titles of the statues and the names of thepupils who had donated them. She speculated on where the piece Elnora'sclass would buy could be placed to advantage. Then she wondered if they were having a large enough audience to buymarble. She liked it better than the bronze, but it looked as if it costmore. How white the broad stairway was! Elnora had been climbing thosestairs for years and never told her they were marble. Of course, shethought they were wood. Probably the upper hall was even grander thanthis. She went over to the fountain, took a drink, climbed to the firstlanding and looked around her, and then without thought to the second. There she came opposite the wide-open doors and the entrance to theauditorium packed with people and a crowd standing outside. When theynoticed a tall woman with white face and hair and black dress, one byone they stepped a little aside, so that Mrs. Comstock could see thestage. It was covered with curtains, and no one was doing anything. Justas she turned to go a sound so faint that every one leaned forward andlistened, drifted down the auditorium. It was difficult to tell justwhat it was; after one instant half the audience looked toward thewindows, for it seemed only a breath of wind rustling freshly openedleaves; merely a hint of stirring air. Then the curtains were swept aside swiftly. The stage had beentransformed into a lovely little corner of creation, where trees andflowers grew and moss carpeted the earth. A soft wind blew and it wasthe gray of dawn. Suddenly a robin began to sing, then a song sparrowjoined him, and then several orioles began talking at once. The lightgrew stronger, the dew drops trembled, flower perfume began to creep outto the audience; the air moved the branches gently and a rooster crowed. Then all the scene was shaken with a babel of bird notes in which youcould hear a cardinal whistling, and a blue finch piping. Back somewhereamong the high branches a dove cooed and then a horse neighed shrilly. That set a blackbird crying, "T'check, " and a whole flock answered it. The crows began to caw and a lamb bleated. Then the grosbeaks, chats, and vireos had something to say, and the sun rose higher, the light grewstronger and the breeze rustled the treetops loudly; a cow bawled andthe whole barnyard answered. The guineas were clucking, the turkeygobbler strutting, the hens calling, the chickens cheeping, the lightstreamed down straight overhead and the bees began to hum. The airstirred strongly, and away in an unseen field a reaper clacked andrattled through ripening wheat while the driver whistled. An uneasymare whickered to her colt, the colt answered, and the light began todecline. Miles away a rooster crowed for twilight, and dusk was comingdown. Then a catbird and a brown thrush sang against a grosbeak and ahermit thrush. The air was tremulous with heavenly notes, the lightswent out in the hall, dusk swept across the stage, a cricket sang anda katydid answered, and a wood pewee wrung the heart with its lonesomecry. Then a night hawk screamed, a whip-poor-will complained, a belatedkilldeer swept the sky, and the night wind sang a louder song. A littlescreech owl tuned up in the distance, a barn owl replied, and a greathorned owl drowned both their voices. The moon shone and the scene waswarm with mellow light. The bird voices died and soft exquisite melodybegan to swell and roll. In the centre of the stage, piece by piecethe grasses, mosses and leaves dropped from an embankment, the foliagesoftly blew away, while plainer and plainer came the outlines of alovely girl figure draped in soft clinging green. In her shower ofbright hair a few green leaves and white blossoms clung, and they fellover her robe down to her feet. Her white throat and arms were bare, sheleaned forward a little and swayed with the melody, her eyes fast onthe clouds above her, her lips parted, a pink tinge of exercise inher cheeks as she drew her bow. She played as only a peculiar chain ofcircumstances puts it in the power of a very few to play. All nature hadgrown still, the violin sobbed, sang, danced and quavered on alone, novoice in particular; the soul of the melody of all nature combined inone great outpouring. At the doorway, a white-faced woman endured it as long as she could andthen fell senseless. The men nearest carried her down the hall to thefountain, revived her, and then placed her in the carriage to which shedirected them. The girl played on and never knew. When she finished, the uproar of applause sounded a block down the street, but thehalf-senseless woman scarcely realized what it meant. Then the girl cameto the front of the stage, bowed, and lifting the violin she played herconception of an invitation to dance. Every living soul within sound ofher notes strained their nerves to sit still and let only their heartsdance with her. When that began the woman ran toward the country. Shenever stopped until the carriage overtook her half-way to her cabin. Shesaid she had grown tired of sitting, and walked on ahead. That nightshe asked Billy to remain with her and sleep on Elnora's bed. Then shepitched headlong upon her own, and suffered agony of soul such as shenever before had known. The swamp had sent back the soul of her loveddead and put it into the body of the daughter she resented, and it wasalmost more than she could endure and live. CHAPTER XI WHEREIN ELNORA GRADUATES, AND FRECKLES AND THE ANGEL SEND GIFTS That was Friday night. Elnora came home Saturday morning and began work. Mrs. Comstock asked no questions, and the girl only told her thatthe audience had been large enough to more than pay for the piece ofstatuary the class had selected for the hall. Then she inquired abouther dresses and was told they would be ready for her. She had beeninvited to go to the Bird Woman's to prepare for both the sermon andCommencement exercises. Since there was so much practising to do, it hadbeen arranged that she should remain there from the night of the sermonuntil after she was graduated. If Mrs. Comstock decided to attend shewas to drive in with the Sintons. When Elnora begged her to come shesaid she cared nothing about such silliness. It was almost time for Wesley to come to take Elnora to the city, whenfresh from her bath, and dressed to her outer garment, she stood withexpectant face before her mother and cried: "Now my dress, mother!" Mrs. Comstock was pale as she replied: "It's on my bed. Help yourself. " Elnora opened the door and stepped into her mother's room with never amisgiving. Since the night Margaret and Wesley had brought her clothing, when she first started to school, her mother had selected all of herdresses, with Mrs. Sinton's help made most of them, and Elnora had paidthe bills. The white dress of the previous spring was the first made ata dressmaker's. She had worn that as junior usher at Commencement; buther mother had selected the material, had it made, and it had fittedperfectly and had been suitable in every way. So with her heart at reston that point, Elnora hurried to the bed to find only her last summer'swhite dress, freshly washed and ironed. For an instant she stared at it, then she picked up the garment, looked at the bed beneath it, and hergaze slowly swept the room. It was unfamiliar. Perhaps this was the third time she had been in itsince she was a very small child. Her eyes ranged over the beautifulwalnut dresser, the tall bureau, the big chest, inside which she neverhad seen, and the row of masculine attire hanging above it. Somewhere adainty lawn or mull dress simply must be hanging: but it was not. Elnoradropped on the chest because she felt too weak to stand. In less thantwo hours she must be in the church, at Onabasha. She could not wear alast year's washed dress. She had nothing else. She leaned against thewall and her father's overcoat brushed her face. She caught the foldsand clung to it with all her might. "Oh father! Father!" she moaned. "I need you! I don't believe you wouldhave done this!" At last she opened the door. "I can't find my dress, " she said. "Well, as it's the only one there I shouldn't think it would be muchtrouble. " "You mean for me to wear an old washed dress to-night?" "It's a good dress. There isn't a hole in it! There's no reason on earthwhy you shouldn't wear it. " "Except that I will not, " said Elnora. "Didn't you provide any dress forCommencement, either?" "If you soil that to-night, I've plenty of time to wash it again. " Wesley's voice called from the gate. "In a minute, " answered Elnora. She ran upstairs and in an incredibly short time came down wearing oneof her gingham school dresses. Her face cold and hard, she passed hermother and went into the night. Half an hour later Margaret and Billystopped for Mrs. Comstock with the carriage. She had determined fullythat she would not go before they called. With the sound of their voicesa sort of horror of being left seized her, so she put on her hat, lockedthe door and went out to them. "How did Elnora look?" inquired Margaret anxiously. "Like she always does, " answered Mrs. Comstock curtly. "I do hope her dresses are as pretty as the others, " said Margaret. "None of them will have prettier faces or nicer ways. " Wesley was waiting before the big church to take care of the team. Asthey stood watching the people enter the building, Mrs. Comstock feltherself growing ill. When they went inside among the lights, saw theflower-decked stage, and the masses of finely dressed people, she grewno better. She could hear Margaret and Billy softly commenting on whatwas being done. "That first chair in the very front row is Elnora's, " exulted Billy, "cos she's got the highest grades, and so she gets to lead theprocession to the platform. " "The first chair!" "Lead the procession!" Mrs. Comstock was dumbfounded. The notes of the pipe organ began to fill the building in a slow rollingmarch. Would Elnora lead the procession in a gingham dress? Or wouldshe be absent and her chair vacant on this great occasion? For now, Mrs. Comstock could see that it was a great occasion. Every one wouldremember how Elnora had played a few nights before, and they would missher and pity her. Pity? Because she had no one to care for her. Becauseshe was worse off than if she had no mother. For the first time inher life, Mrs. Comstock began to study herself as she would appear toothers. Every time a junior girl came fluttering down the aisle, leadingsome one to a seat, and Mrs. Comstock saw a beautiful white dress pass, a wave of positive illness swept over her. What had she done? What wouldbecome of Elnora? As Elnora rode to the city, she answered Wesley's questions inmonosyllables so that he thought she was nervous or rehearsing herspeech and did not care to talk. Several times the girl tried totell him and realized that if she said the first word it would bringuncontrollable tears. The Bird Woman opened the screen and staredunbelievingly. "Why, I thought you would be ready; you are so late!" she said. "Ifyou have waited to dress here, we must hurry. " "I have nothing to put on, " said Elnora. In bewilderment the Bird Woman drew her inside. "Did--did--" she faltered. "Did you think you would wear that?" "No. I thought I would telephone Ellen that there had been an accidentand I could not come. I don't know yet how to explain. I'm too sick tothink. Oh, do you suppose I can get something made by Tuesday, so that Ican graduate?" "Yes; and you'll get something on you to-night, so that you can leadyour class, as you have done for four years. Go to my room and take offthat gingham, quickly. Anna, drop everything, and come help me. " The Bird Woman ran to the telephone and called Ellen Brownlee. "Elnora has had an accident. She will be a little late, " she said. "You have got to make them wait. Have them play extra music before themarch. " Then she turned to the maid. "Tell Benson to have the carriage at thegate, just as soon as he can get it there. Then come to my room. Bringthe thread box from the sewing-room, that roll of wide white ribbon onthe cutting table, and gather all the white pins from every dresser inthe house. But first come with me a minute. " "I want that trunk with the Swamp Angel's stuff in it, from the cedarcloset, " she panted as they reached the top of the stairs. They hurried down the hall together and dragged the big trunk to theBird Woman's room. She opened it and began tossing out white stuff. "How lucky that she left these things!" she cried. "Here are whiteshoes, gloves, stockings, fans, everything!" "I am all ready but a dress, " said Elnora. The Bird Woman began opening closets and pulling out drawers and boxes. "I think I can make it this way, " she said. She snatched up a creamy lace yoke with long sleeves that recently hadbeen made for her and held it out. Elnora slipped into it, and the BirdWoman began smoothing out wrinkles and sewing in pins. It fitted verywell with a little lapping in the back. Next, from among the Angel'sclothing she caught up a white silk waist with low neck and elbowsleeves, and Elnora put it on. It was large enough, but distressinglyshort in the waist, for the Angel had worn it at a party when she wassixteen. The Bird Woman loosened the sleeves and pushed them to a puffon the shoulders, catching them in places with pins. She began on thewide draping of the yoke, fastening it front, back and at each shoulder. She pulled down the waist and pinned it. Next came a soft white dressskirt of her own. By pinning her waist band quite four inches aboveElnora's, the Bird Woman could secure a perfect Empire sweep, with theclinging silk. Then she began with the wide white ribbon that was totrim a new frock for herself, bound it three times around the high waisteffect she had managed, tied the ends in a knot and let them fall to thefloor in a beautiful sash. "I want four white roses, each with two or three leaves, " she cried. Anna ran to bring them, while the Bird Woman added pins. "Elnora, " she said, "forgive me, but tell me truly. Is your mother sopoor as to make this necessary?" "No, " answered Elnora. "Next year I am heir to my share of over threehundred acres of land covered with almost as valuable timber as was inthe Limberlost. We adjoin it. There could be thirty oil wells drilledthat would yield to us the thousands our neighbours are draining fromunder us, and the bare land is worth over one hundred dollars an acrefor farming. She is not poor, she is--I don't know what she is. A greattrouble soured and warped her. It made her peculiar. She does not inthe least understand, but it is because she doesn't care to, instead ofignorance. She does not----" Elnora stopped. "She is--is different, " finished the girl. Anna came with the roses. The Bird Woman set one on the front of thedraped yoke, one on each shoulder and the last among the bright massesof brown hair. Then she turned the girl facing the tall mirror. "Oh!" panted Elnora. "You are a genius! Why, I will look as well as anyof them. " "Thank goodness for that!" cried the Bird Woman. "If it wouldn't do, Ishould have been ill. You are lovely; altogether lovely! Ordinarily Ishouldn't say that; but when I think of how you are carpentered, I'madmiring the result. " The organ began rolling out the march as they came in sight. Elnoratook her place at the head of the procession, while every one wondered. Secretly they had hoped that she would be dressed well enough, that shewould not appear poor and neglected. What this radiant young creature, gowned in the most recent style, her smooth skin flushed withexcitement, and a rose-set coronet of red gold on her head, had to dowith the girl they knew was difficult to decide. The signal was givenand Elnora began the slow march across the vestry and down the aisle. The music welled softly, and Margaret began to sob without knowing why. Mrs. Comstock gripped her hands together and shut her eyes. It seemedan eternity to the suffering woman before Margaret caught her arm andwhispered, "Oh, Kate! For any sake look at her! Here! The aisle across!" Mrs. Comstock opened her eyes and directing them where she was told, gazed intently, and slid down in her seat close to collapse. She wassaved by Margaret's tense clasp and her command: "Here! Idiot! Stopthat!" In the blaze of light Elnora climbed the steps to the palm-emboweredplatform, crossed it and took her place. Sixty young men and women, each of them dressed the best possible, followed her. There were manly, fine-looking men in that class which Elnora led. There were girls ofbeauty and grace, but not one of them was handsomer or clothed in bettertaste than she. Billy thought the time never would come when Elnora would see him, butat last she met his eye, then Margaret and Wesley had faint signs ofrecognition in turn, but there was no softening of the girl's face andno hint of a smile when she saw her mother. Heartsick, Katharine Comstock tried to prove to herself that she wasjustified in what she had done, but she could not. She tried to blameElnora for not saying that she was to lead a procession and sit on aplatform in the sight of hundreds of people; but that was impossible, for she realized that she would have scoffed and not understood if shehad been told. Her heart pained until she suffered with every breath. When at last the exercises were over she climbed into the carriage androde home without a word. She did not hear what Margaret and Billy weresaying. She scarcely heard Wesley, who drove behind, when he told herthat Elnora would not be home until Wednesday. Early the next morningMrs. Comstock was on her way to Onabasha. She was waiting when theBrownlee store opened. She examined ready-made white dresses, but theyhad only one of the right size, and it was marked forty dollars. Mrs. Comstock did not hesitate over the price, but whether the dress would besuitable. She would have to ask Elnora. She inquired her way to the homeof the Bird Woman and knocked. "Is Elnora Comstock here?" she asked the maid. "Yes, but she is still in bed. I was told to let her sleep as long asshe would. " "Maybe I could sit here and wait, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I want to seeabout getting her a dress for to-morrow. I am her mother. " "Then you don't need wait or worry, " said the girl cheerfully. "Thereare two women up in the sewing-room at work on a dress for her rightnow. It will be done in time, and it will be a beauty. " Mrs. Comstock turned and trudged back to the Limberlost. The bitternessin her soul became a physical actuality, which water would not washfrom her lips. She was too late! She was not needed. Another woman wasmothering her girl. Another woman would prepare a beautiful dress suchas Elnora had worn the previous night. The girl's love and gratitudewould go to her. Mrs. Comstock tried the old process of blaming some oneelse, but she felt no better. She nursed her grief as closely as everin the long days of the girl's absence. She brooded over Elnora'spossession of the forbidden violin and her ability to play it until theperformance could not have been told from her father's. She tried everyrefuge her mind could conjure, to quiet her heart and remove the fearthat the girl never would come home again, but it persisted. Mrs. Comstock could neither eat nor sleep. She wandered around the cabin andgarden. She kept far from the pool where Robert Comstock had sunk fromsight for she felt that it would entomb her also if Elnora did not comehome Wednesday morning. The mother told herself that she would wait, butthe waiting was as bitter as anything she ever had known. When Elnora awoke Monday another dress was in the hands of a seamstressand was soon fitted. It had belonged to the Angel, and was a softwhite thing that with a little alteration would serve admirably forCommencement and the ball. All that day Elnora worked, helping preparethe auditorium for the exercises, rehearsing the march and the speechshe was to make in behalf of the class. The following day was evenbusier. But her mind was at rest, for the dress was a soft delicate laceeasy to change, and the marks of alteration impossible to detect. The Bird Woman had telephoned to Grand Rapids, explained the situationand asked the Angel if she might use it. The reply had been to give thegirl the contents of the chest. When the Bird Woman told Elnora, tearsfilled her eyes. "I will write at once and thank her, " she said. "With all her beautifulgowns she does not need them, and I do. They will serve for me often, and be much finer than anything I could afford. It is lovely of herto give me the dress and of you to have it altered for me, as I nevercould. " The Bird Woman laughed. "I feel religious to-day, " she said. "You knowthe first and greatest rock of my salvation is 'Do unto others. ' I'monly doing to you what there was no one to do for me when I was a girlvery like you. Anna tells me your mother was here early this morning andthat she came to see about getting you a dress. " "She is too late!" said Elnora coldly. "She had over a month to preparemy dresses, and I was to pay for them, so there is no excuse. " "Nevertheless, she is your mother, " said the Bird Woman, softly. "Ithink almost any kind of a mother must be better than none at all, andyou say she has had great trouble. " "She loved my father and he died, " said Elnora. "The same thing, inquite as tragic a manner, has happened to thousands of other women, andthey have gone on with calm faces and found happiness in life by lovingothers. There was something else I am afraid I never shall forget;this I know I shall not, but talking does not help. I must deliver mypresents and photographs to the crowd. I have a picture and I made apresent for you, too, if you would care for them. " "I shall love anything you give me, " said the Bird Woman. "I know youwell enough to know that whatever you do will be beautiful. " Elnora was pleased over that, and as she tried on her dress for thelast fitting she was really happy. She was lovely in the dainty gown:it would serve finely for the ball and many other like occasions, and itwas her very own. The Bird Woman's driver took Elnora in the carriage and she calledon all the girls with whom she was especially intimate, and left herpicture and the package containing her gift to them. By the time shereturned parcels for her were arriving. Friends seemed to spring fromeverywhere. Almost every one she knew had some gift for her, whilebecause they so loved her the members of her crowd had madeher beautiful presents. There were books, vases, silver pieces, handkerchiefs, fans, boxes of flowers and candy. One big package settledthe trouble at Sinton's, for it contained a dainty dress from Margaret, a five-dollar gold piece, conspicuously labelled, "I earned thismyself, " from Billy, with which to buy music; and a gorgeous cut-glassperfume bottle, it would have cost five dollars to fill with even amoderate-priced scent, from Wesley. In an expressed crate was a fine curly-maple dressing table, sent byFreckles. The drawers were filled with wonderful toilet articles fromthe Angel. The Bird Woman added an embroidered linen cover and a smallsilver vase for a few flowers, so no girl of the class had finer gifts. Elnora laid her head on the table sobbing happily, and the Bird Womanwas almost crying herself. Professor Henley sent a butterfly book, the grade rooms in which Elnora had taught gave her a set of volumescovering every phase of life afield, in the woods, and water. Elnorahad no time to read so she carried one of these books around with herhugging it as she went. After she had gone to dress a queer-lookingpackage was brought by a small boy who hopped on one foot as he handedit in and said: "Tell Elnora that is from her ma. " "Who are you?" asked the Bird Woman as she took the bundle. "I'm Billy!" announced the boy. "I gave her the five dollars. I earnedit myself dropping corn, sticking onions, and pulling weeds. My, but yougot to drop, and stick, and pull a lot before it's five dollars' worth. " "Would you like to come in and see Elnora's gifts?" "Yes, ma'am!" said Billy, trying to stand quietly. "Gee-mentley!" he gasped. "Does Elnora get all this?" "Yes. " "I bet you a thousand dollars I be first in my class when I graduate. Say, have the others got a lot more than Elnora?" "I think not. " "Well, Uncle Wesley said to find out if I could, and if she didn'thave as much as the rest, he'd buy till she did, if it took a hundreddollars. Say, you ought to know him! He's just scrumptious! There ain'tanybody any where finer 'an he is. My, he's grand!" "I'm very sure of it!" said the Bird Woman. "I've often heard Elnora sayso. " "I bet you nobody can beat this!" he boasted. Then he stopped, thinkingdeeply. "I don't know, though, " he began reflectively. "Some of them areawful rich; they got big families to give them things and wagon loads offriends, and I haven't seen what they have. Now, maybe Elnora is gettingleft, after all!" "Don't worry, Billy, " she said. "I will watch, and if I find Elnora is'getting left' I'll buy her some more things myself. But I'm sure sheis not. She has more beautiful gifts now than she will know what todo with, and others will come. Tell your Uncle Wesley his girl isbountifully remembered, very happy, and she sends her dearest love toall of you. Now you must go, so I can help her dress. You will be thereto-night of course?" "Yes, sir-ee! She got me a seat, third row from the front, middlesection, so I can see, and she's going to wink at me, after she gets herspeech off her mind. She kissed me, too! She's a perfect lady, Elnorais. I'm going to marry her when I am big enough. " "Why isn't that splendid!" laughed the Bird Woman as she hurriedupstairs. "Dear!" she called. "Here is another gift for you. " Elnora was half disrobed as she took the package and, sitting on acouch, opened it. The Bird Woman bent over her and tested the fabricwith her fingers. "Why, bless my soul!" she cried. "Hand-woven, hand-embroidered linen, fine as silk. It's priceless' I haven't seen such things in years. Mymother had garments like those when I was a child, but my sisters hadthem cut up for collars, belts, and fancy waists while I was small. Lookat the exquisite work!" "Where could it have come from?" cried Elnora. She shook out a petticoat, with a hand-wrought ruffle a foot deep, thenan old-fashioned chemise the neck and sleeve work of which was elaborateand perfectly wrought. On the breast was pinned a note that she hastilyopened. "I was married in these, " it read, "and I had intended to be buried inthem, but perhaps it would be more sensible for you to graduate and getmarried in them yourself, if you like. Your mother. " "From my mother!" Wide-eyed, Elnora looked at the Bird Woman. "I neverin my life saw the like. Mother does things I think I never can forgive, and when I feel hardest, she turns around and does something that makesme think she just must love me a little bit, after all. Any of the girlswould give almost anything to graduate in hand-embroidered linen likethat. Money can't buy such things. And they came when I was thinking shedidn't care what became of me. Do you suppose she can be insane?" "Yes, " said the Bird Woman. "Wildly insane, if she does not love you andcare what becomes of you. " Elnora arose and held the petticoat to her. "Will you look at it?" shecried. "Only imagine her not getting my dress ready, and then sending mesuch a petticoat as this! Ellen would pay fifty dollars for it andnever blink. I suppose mother has had it all my life, and I never saw itbefore. " "Go take your bath and put on those things, " said the Bird Woman. "Forget everything and be happy. She is not insane. She is embittered. She did not understand how things would be. When she saw, she came atonce to provide you a dress. This is her way of saying she is sorryshe did not get the other. You notice she has not spent any money, soperhaps she is quite honest in saying she has none. " "Oh, she is honest!" said Elnora. "She wouldn't care enough to tell anuntruth. She'd say just how things were, no matter what happened. " Soon Elnora was ready for her dress. She never had looked so well aswhen she again headed the processional across the flower and palm deckedstage of the high school auditorium. As she sat there she could havereached over and dropped a rose she carried into the seat she hadoccupied that September morning when she entered the high school. Shespoke the few words she had to say in behalf of the class beautifully, had the tiny wink ready for Billy, and the smile and nod of recognitionfor Wesley and Margaret. When at last she looked into the eyes of awhite-faced woman next them, she slipped a hand to her side and raisedher skirt the fraction of an inch, just enough to let the embroiderededge of a petticoat show a trifle. When she saw the look of reliefwhich flooded her mother's face, Elnora knew that forgiveness was in herheart, and that she would go home in the morning. It was late afternoon before she arrived, and a dray followed with aload of packages. Mrs. Comstock was overwhelmed. She sat half dazedand made Elnora show her each costly and beautiful or simple and usefulgift, tell her carefully what it was and from where it came. She studiedthe faces of Elnora's particular friends. The gifts from them had to beset in a group. Several times she started to speak and then stopped. Atlast, between her dry lips, came a harsh whisper. "Elnora, what did you give back for these things?" "I'll show you, " said Elnora cheerfully. "I made the same gifts for theBird Woman, Aunt Margaret and you if you care for it. But I have to runupstairs to get it. " When she returned she handed her mother an oblong frame, hand carved, enclosing Elnora's picture, taken by a schoolmate's camera. She woreher storm-coat and carried a dripping umbrella. From under it lookedher bright face; her books and lunchbox were on her arm, and across thebottom of the frame was carved, "Your Country Classmate. " Then she offered another frame. "I am strong on frames, " she said. "They seemed to be the best I coulddo without money. I located the maple and the black walnut myself, in alittle corner that had been overlooked between the river and the ditch. They didn't seem to belong to any one so I just took them. Uncle Wesleysaid it was all right, and he cut and hauled them for me. I gave themill half of each tree for sawing and curing the remainder. Then I gavethe wood-carver half of that for making my frames. A photographer gaveme a lot of spoiled plates, and I boiled off the emulsion, and took thespecimens I framed from my stuff. The man said the white frames wereworth three and a half, and the black ones five. I exchanged thoselittle framed pictures for the photographs of the others. For presents, I gave each one of my crowd one like this, only a different moth. TheBird Woman gave me the birch bark. She got it up north last summer. " Elnora handed her mother a handsome black-walnut frame a foot and ahalf wide by two long. It finished a small, shallow glass-covered box ofbirch bark, to the bottom of which clung a big night moth with delicatepale green wings and long exquisite trailers. "So you see I did not have to be ashamed of my gifts, " said Elnora. "Imade them myself and raised and mounted the moths. " "Moth, you call it, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I've seen a few of the thingsbefore. " "They are numerous around us every June night, or at least they usedto be, " said Elnora. "I've sold hundreds of them, with butterflies, dragonflies, and other specimens. Now, I must put away these and get towork, for it is almost June and there are a few more I want dreadfully. If I find them I will be paid some money for which I have been working. " She was afraid to say college at that time. She thought it would bebetter to wait a few days and see if an opportunity would not come whenit would work in more naturally. Besides, unless she could secure theYellow Emperor she needed to complete her collection, she could not talkcollege until she was of age, for she would have no money. CHAPTER XII WHEREIN MARGARET SINTON REVEALS A SECRET, AND MRS. COMSTOCK POSSESSESTHE LIMBERLOST "Elnora, bring me the towel, quick!" cried Mrs Comstock. "In a minute, mother, " mumbled Elnora. She was standing before the kitchen mirror, tying the back part of herhair, while the front turned over her face. "Hurry! There's a varmint of some kind!" Elnora ran into the sitting-room and thrust the heavy kitchen towel intoher mother's hand. Mrs. Comstock swung open the screen door and struckat some object, Elnora tossed the hair from her face so that she couldsee past her mother. The girl screamed wildly. "Don't! Mother, don't!" Mrs. Comstock struck again. Elnora caught her arm. "It's the one I want!It's worth a lot of money! Don't! Oh, you shall not!" "Shan't, missy?" blazed Mrs. Comstock. "When did you get to bossing me?" The hand that held the screen swept a half-circle and stopped atElnora's cheek. She staggered with the blow, and across her face, paledwith excitement, a red mark arose rapidly. The screen slammed shut, throwing the creature on the floor before them. Instantly Mrs. Comstockcrushed it with her foot. Elnora stepped back. Excepting the red mark, her face was very white. "That was the last moth I needed, " she said, "to complete a collectionworth three hundred dollars. You've ruined it before my eyes!" "Moth!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "You say that because you are mad. Mothshave big wings. I know a moth!" "I've kept things from you, " said Elnora, "because I didn't dare confidein you. You had no sympathy with me. But you know I never told youuntruths in all my life. " "It's no moth!" reiterated Mrs. Comstock. "It is!" cried Elnora. "It's from a case in the ground. Its wings taketwo or three hours to expand and harden. " "If I had known it was a moth----" Mrs. Comstock wavered. "You did know! I told you! I begged you to stop! It meant just threehundred dollars to me. " "Bah! Three hundred fiddlesticks!" "They are what have paid for books, tuition, and clothes for the pastfour years. They are what I could have started on to college. You'veruined the very one I needed. You never made any pretence of loving me. At last I'll be equally frank with you. I hate you! You are a selfish, wicked woman! I hate you!" Elnora turned, went through the kitchen and from the back door. Shefollowed the garden path to the gate and walked toward the swamp ashort distance when reaction overtook her. She dropped on the ground andleaned against a big log. When a little child, desperate as now, she hadtried to die by holding her breath. She had thought in that way to makeher mother sorry, but she had learned that life was a thing thrust uponher and she could not leave it at her wish. She was so stunned over the loss of that moth, which she had childishlynamed the Yellow Emperor, that she scarcely remembered the blow. Shehad thought no luck in all the world would be so rare as to completeher collection; now she had been forced to see a splendid Imperialisdestroyed before her. There was a possibility that she could findanother, but she was facing the certainty that the one she might havehad and with which she undoubtedly could have attracted others, wasspoiled by her mother. How long she sat there Elnora did not know orcare. She simply suffered in dumb, abject misery, an occasional dry sobshaking her. Aunt Margaret was right. Elnora felt that morning thather mother never would be any different. The girl had reached the placewhere she realized that she could endure it no longer. As Elnora left the room, Mrs. Comstock took one step after her. "You little huzzy!" she gasped. But Elnora was gone. Her mother stood staring. "She never did lie to me, " she muttered. "I guess it was a moth. Andthe only one she needed to get three hundred dollars, she said. I wish Ihadn't been so fast! I never saw anything like it. I thought it was somedeadly, stinging, biting thing. A body does have to be mighty carefulhere. But likely I've spilt the milk now. Pshaw! She can find another!There's no use to be foolish. Maybe moths are like snakes, where there'sone, there are two. " Mrs. Comstock took the broom and swept the moth out of the door. Thenshe got down on her knees and carefully examined the steps, logs andthe earth of the flower beds at each side. She found the place wherethe creature had emerged from the ground, and the hard, dark-brown casewhich had enclosed it, still wet inside. Then she knew Elnora had beenright. It was a moth. Its wings had been damp and not expanded. Mrs. Comstock never before had seen one in that state, and she did not knowhow they originated. She had thought all of them came from cases spun ontrees or against walls or boards. She had seen only enough to know thatthere were such things; as a flash of white told her that an ermine wason her premises, or a sharp "buzzzzz" warned her of a rattler. So it was from creatures like that Elnora had secured her school money. In one sickening sweep there rushed into the heart of the woman a fullrealization of the width of the gulf that separated her from her child. Lately many things had pointed toward it, none more plainly than whenElnora, like a reincarnation of her father, had stood fearlessly beforea large city audience and played with even greater skill than he, onwhat Mrs. Comstock felt very certain was his violin. But that littlecrawling creature of earth, crushed by her before its splendid yellowand lavender wings could spread and carry it into the mystery of night, had performed a miracle. "We are nearer strangers to each other than we are with any of theneighbours, " she muttered. So one of the Almighty's most delicate and beautiful creations wassacrificed without fulfilling the law, yet none of its species everserved so glorious a cause, for at last Mrs. Comstock's inner vision hadcleared. She went through the cabin mechanically. Every few minutesshe glanced toward the back walk to see if Elnora were coming. She knewarrangements had been made with Margaret to go to the city some timethat day, so she grew more nervous and uneasy every moment. She washaunted by the fear that the blow might discolour Elnora's cheek; thatshe would tell Margaret. She went down the back walk, looking intentlyin all directions, left the garden and followed the swamp path. Her stepwas noiseless on the soft, black earth, and soon she came close enoughto see Elnora. Mrs. Comstock stood looking at the girl in troubleduncertainty. Not knowing what to say, at last she turned and went backto the cabin. Noon came and she prepared dinner, calling, as she always did, whenElnora was in the garden, but she got no response, and the girl did notcome. A little after one o'clock Margaret stopped at the gate. "Elnora has changed her mind. She is not going, " called Mrs. Comstock. She felt that she hated Margaret as she hitched her horse and came upthe walk instead of driving on. "You must be mistaken, " said Margaret. "I was going on purpose for her. She asked me to take her. I had no errand. Where is she?" "I will call her, " said Mrs. Comstock. She followed the path again, and this time found Elnora sitting on thelog. Her face was swollen and discoloured, and her eyes red with crying. She paid no attention to her mother. "Mag Sinton is here, " said Mrs. Comstock harshly. "I told her you hadchanged your mind, but she said you asked her to go with you, and shehad nothing to go for herself. " Elnora arose, recklessly waded through the deep swamp grasses and soreached the path ahead of her mother. Mrs. Comstock followed as far asthe garden, but she could not enter the cabin. She busied herself amongthe vegetables, barely looking up when the back-door screen slammednoisily. Margaret Sinton approached colourless, her eyes so angry thatMrs. Comstock shrank back. "What's the matter with Elnora's face?" demanded Margaret. Mrs. Comstock made no reply. "You struck her, did you?" "I thought you wasn't blind!" "I have been, for twenty long years now, Kate Comstock, " said MargaretSinton, "but my eyes are open at last. What I see is that I've done youno good and Elnora a big wrong. I had an idea that it would kill you toknow, but I guess you are tough enough to stand anything. Kill or cure, you get it now!" "What are you frothing about?" coolly asked Mrs. Comstock. "You!" cried Margaret. "You! The woman who doesn't pretend to love heronly child. Who lets her grow to a woman, as you have let Elnora, andcan't be satisfied with every sort of neglect, but must add abuse yet;and all for a fool idea about a man who wasn't worth his salt!" Mrs. Comstock picked up a hoe. "Go right on!" she said. "Empty yourself. It's the last thing you'llever do!" "Then I'll make a tidy job of it, " said Margaret. "You'll not touch me. You'll stand there and hear the truth at last, and because I dare faceyou and tell it, you will know in your soul it is truth. When RobertComstock shaved that quagmire out there so close he went in, he wantedto keep you from knowing where he was coming from. He'd been to seeElvira Carney. They had plans to go to a dance that night----" "Close your lips!" said Mrs. Comstock in a voice of deadly quiet. "You know I wouldn't dare open them if I wasn't telling you the truth. I can prove what I say. I was coming from Reeds. It was hot in the woodsand I stopped at Carney's as I passed for a drink. Elvira's bedriddenold mother heard me, and she was so crazy for some one to talk with, Istepped in a minute. I saw Robert come down the path. Elvira saw him, too, so she ran out of the house to head him off. It looked funny, andI just deliberately moved where I could see and hear. He brought her hisviolin, and told her to get ready and meet him in the woods with it thatnight, and they would go to a dance. She took it and hid it in the loftto the well-house and promised she'd go. " "Are you done?" demanded Mrs. Comstock. "No. I am going to tell you the whole story. You don't spare Elnoraanything. I shan't spare you. I hadn't been here that day, but I cantell you just how he was dressed, which way he went and every word theysaid, though they thought I was busy with her mother and wouldn't noticethem. Put down your hoe, Kate. I went to Elvira, told her what I knewand made her give me Comstock's violin for Elnora over three years ago. She's been playing it ever since. I won't see her slighted and abusedanother day on account of a man who would have broken your heart if hehad lived. Six months more would have showed you what everybody elseknew. He was one of those men who couldn't trust himself, and so nowoman was safe with him. Now, will you drop grieving over him, and doElnora justice?" Mrs. Comstock grasped the hoe tighter and turning she went down thewalk, and started across the woods to the home of Elvira Carney. Withaverted head she passed the pool, steadily pursuing her way. ElviraCarney, hanging towels across the back fence, saw her coming and wenttoward the gate to meet her. Twenty years she had dreaded that visit. Since Margaret Sinton had compelled her to produce the violin she hadhidden so long, because she was afraid to destroy it, she had comecloser expectation than dread. The wages of sin are the hardest debtson earth to pay, and they are always collected at inconvenient times andunexpected places. Mrs. Comstock's face and hair were so white, that herdark eyes seemed burned into their setting. Silently she stared at thewoman before her a long time. "I might have saved myself the trouble of coming, " she said at last, "Isee you are guilty as sin!" "What has Mag Sinton been telling you?" panted the miserable woman, gripping the fence. "The truth!" answered Mrs. Comstock succinctly. "Guilt is in every lineof your face, in your eyes, all over your wretched body. If I'd taken agood look at you any time in all these past years, no doubt I could haveseen it just as plain as I can now. No woman or man can do what you'vedone, and not get a mark set on them for every one to read. " "Mercy!" gasped weak little Elvira Carney. "Have mercy!" "Mercy?" scoffed Mrs. Comstock. "Mercy! That's a nice word from you! Howmuch mercy did you have on me? Where's the mercy that sent Comstock tothe slime of the bottomless quagmire, and left me to see it, and thenstruggle on in agony all these years? How about the mercy of letting meneglect my baby all the days of her life? Mercy! Do you really dare usethe word to me?" "If you knew what I've suffered!" "Suffered?" jeered Mrs. Comstock. "That's interesting. And pray, whathave you suffered?" "All the neighbours have suspected and been down on me. I ain't had afriend. I've always felt guilty of his death! I've seen him go down athousand times, plain as ever you did. Many's the night I've stood onthe other bank of that pool and listened to you, and I tried to throwmyself in to keep from hearing you, but I didn't dare. I knew God wouldsend me to burn forever, but I'd better done it; for now, He has set theburning on my body, and every hour it is slowly eating the life out ofme. The doctor says it's a cancer----" Mrs. Comstock exhaled a long breath. Her grip on the hoe relaxed and herstature lifted to towering height. "I didn't know, or care, when I came here, just what I did, " she said. "But my way is beginning to clear. If the guilt of your soul has cometo a head, in a cancer on your body, it looks as if the Almighty didn'tneed any of my help in meting out His punishments. I really couldn't fixup anything to come anywhere near that. If you are going to burn untilyour life goes out with that sort of fire, you don't owe me anything!" "Oh, Katharine Comstock!" groaned Elvira Carney, clinging to the fencefor support. "Looks as if the Bible is right when it says, 'The wages of sin isdeath, ' doesn't it?" asked Mrs. Comstock. "Instead of doing a woman'swork in life, you chose the smile of invitation, and the dress ofunearned cloth. Now you tell me you are marked to burn to death with theunquenchable fire. And him! It was shorter with him, but let me tell youhe got his share! He left me with an untruth on his lips, for he toldme he was going to take his violin to Onabasha for a new key, when hecarried it to you. Every vow of love and constancy he ever made me was alie, after he touched your lips, so when he tried the wrong side ofthe quagmire, to hide from me the direction in which he was coming, itreached out for him, and it got him. It didn't hurry, either! It suckedhim down, slow and deliberate. " "Mercy!" groaned Elvira Carney. "Mercy!" "I don't know the word, " said Mrs. Comstock. "You took all that out ofme long ago. The past twenty years haven't been of the sort that taughtmercy. I've never had any on myself and none on my child. Why in thename of justice, should I have mercy on you, or on him? You were botholder than I, both strong, sane people, you deliberately chose yourcourse when you lured him, and he, when he was unfaithful to me. When aLoose Man and a Light Woman face the end the Almighty ordained for them, why should they shout at me for mercy? What did I have to do with it?" Elvira Carney sobbed in panting gasps. "You've got tears, have you?" marvelled Mrs. Comstock. "Mine all driedlong ago. I've none left to shed over my wasted life, my disfigured faceand hair, my years of struggle with a man's work, my wreck of land amongthe tilled fields of my neighbours, or the final knowledge that the manI so gladly would have died to save, wasn't worth the sacrifice of arattlesnake. If anything yet could wring a tear from me, it would be thethought of the awful injustice I always have done my girl. If I'd layhand on you for anything, it would be for that. " "Kill me if you want to, " sobbed Elvira Carney. "I know that I deserveit, and I don't care. " "You are getting your killing fast enough to suit me, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I wouldn't touch you, any more than I would him, if I could. Once is all any man or woman deceives me about the holiest things oflife. I wouldn't touch you any more than I would the black plague. I amgoing back to my girl. " Mrs. Comstock turned and started swiftly through the woods, but she hadgone only a few rods when she stopped, and leaning on the hoe, she stoodthinking deeply. Then she turned back. Elvira still clung to the fence, sobbing bitterly. "I don't know, " said Mrs. Comstock, "but I left a wrong impression withyou. I don't want you to think that I believe the Almighty set a cancerto burning you as a punishment for your sins. I don't! I think a lotmore of the Almighty. With a whole sky-full of worlds on His hands tomanage, I'm not believing that He has time to look down on ours, andpick you out of all the millions of us sinners, and set a special kindof torture to eating you. It wouldn't be a gentlemanly thing to do, andfirst of all, the Almighty is bound to be a gentleman. I think likelya bruise and bad blood is what caused your trouble. Anyway, I've gotto tell you that the cleanest housekeeper I ever knew, and one of thenoblest Christian women, was slowly eaten up by a cancer. She got hersfrom the careless work of a poor doctor. The Almighty is to forgive sinand heal disease, not to invent and spread it. " She had gone only a few steps when she again turned back. "If you will gather a lot of red clover bloom, make a tea strong as lyeof it, and drink quarts, I think likely it will help you, if you arenot too far gone. Anyway, it will cool your blood and make the burningeasier to bear. " Then she swiftly went home. Enter the lonely cabin she could not, neither could she sit outside and think. She attacked a bed of beets andhoed until the perspiration ran from her face and body, then she beganon the potatoes. When she was too tired to take another stroke shebathed and put on dry clothing. In securing her dress she noticed herhusband's carefully preserved clothing lining one wall. She gathered itin an armload and carried it to the swamp. Piece by piece she pitchedinto the green maw of the quagmire all those articles she had dustedcarefully and fought moths from for years, and stood watching as itslowly sucked them down. She went back to her room and gathered everyscrap that had in any way belonged to Robert Comstock, excepting his gunand revolver, and threw it into the swamp. Then for the first time sheset her door wide open. She was too weary now to do more, but an urging unrest drove her. Shewanted Elnora. It seemed to her she never could wait until the girl cameand delivered her judgment. At last in an effort to get nearer to her, Mrs. Comstock climbed the stairs and stood looking around Elnora's room. It was very unfamiliar. The pictures were strange to her. Commencementhad filled it with packages and bundles. The walls were covered withcocoons; moths and dragonflies were pinned everywhere. Under the bed shecould see half a dozen large white boxes. She pulled out one and liftedthe lid. The bottom was covered with a sheet of thin cork, and onlong pins sticking in it were large, velvet-winged moths. Each one waslabelled, always there were two of a kind, in many cases four, showingunder and upper wings of both male and female. They were of every colourand shape. Mrs. Comstock caught her breath sharply. When and where had Elnora foundthem? They were the most exquisite sight the woman ever had seen, so sheopened all the boxes to feast on their beautiful contents. As she did sothere came more fully a sense of the distance between her and her child. She could not understand how Elnora had gone to school, and performedso much work secretly. When it was finished, to the last moth, she, themother who should have been the first confidant and helper, had been theone to bring disappointment. Small wonder Elnora had come to hate her. Mrs. Comstock carefully closed and replaced the boxes; and again stoodlooking around the room. This time her eyes rested on some books she didnot remember having seen before, so she picked up one and found that itwas a moth book. She glanced over the first pages and was soon eagerlyreading. When the text reached the classification of species, she laidit down, took up another and read the introductory chapters. By thattime her brain was in a confused jumble of ideas about capturing mothswith differing baits and bright lights. She went down stairs thinking deeply. Being unable to sit still andhaving nothing else to do she glanced at the clock and began preparingsupper. The work dragged. A chicken was snatched up and dressedhurriedly. A spice cake sprang into being. Strawberries that had beenintended for preserves went into shortcake. Delicious odours crept fromthe cabin. She put many extra touches on the table and then commencedwatching the road. Everything was ready, but Elnora did not come. Thenbegan the anxious process of trying to keep cooked food warm and notspoil it. The birds went to bed and dusk came. Mrs. Comstock gave up thefire and set the supper on the table. Then she went out and sat on thefront-door step watching night creep around her. She started eagerly asthe gate creaked, but it was only Wesley Sinton coming. "Katharine, Margaret and Elnora passed where I was working thisafternoon, and Margaret got out of the carriage and called me to thefence. She told me what she had done. I've come to say to you that I amsorry. She has heard me threaten to do it a good many times, but I neverwould have got it done. I'd give a good deal if I could undo it, but Ican't, so I've come to tell you how sorry I am. " "You've got something to be sorry for, " said Mrs. Comstock, "but likelywe ain't thinking of the same thing. It hurts me less to know the truth, than to live in ignorance. If Mag had the sense of a pewee, she'd toldme long ago. That's what hurts me, to think that both of you knew Robertwas not worth an hour of honest grief, yet you'd let me mourn him allthese years and neglect Elnora while I did it. If I have anything toforgive you, that is what it is. " Wesley removed his hat and sat on a bench. "Katharine, " he said solemnly, "nobody ever knows how to take you. " "Would it be asking too much to take me for having a few grains of plaincommon sense?" she inquired. "You've known all this time that Comstockgot what he deserved, when he undertook to sneak in an unused way acrossa swamp, with which he was none too familiar. Now I should have thoughtthat you'd figure that knowing the same thing would be the best methodto cure me of pining for him, and slighting my child. " "Heaven only knows we have thought of that, and talked of it often, butwe were both too big cowards. We didn't dare tell you. " "So you have gone on year after year, watching me show indifference toElnora, and yet a little horse-sense would have pointed out to you thatshe was my salvation. Why look at it! Not married quite a year. All hisvows of love and fidelity made to me before the Almighty forgotten in afew months, and a dance and a Light Woman so alluring he had to lie andsneak for them. What kind of a prospect is that for a life? I know menand women. An honourable man is an honourable man, and a liar is a liar;both are born and not made. One cannot change to the other any more thanthat same old leopard can change its spots. After a man tells a womanthe first untruth of that sort, the others come piling thick, fast, and mountain high. The desolation they bring in their wake overshadowsanything I have suffered completely. If he had lived six months more Ishould have known him for what he was born to be. It was in the bloodof him. His father and grandfather before him were fiddling, dancingpeople; but I was certain of him. I thought we could leave Ohio and comeout here alone, and I could so love him and interest him in his work, that he would be a man. Of all the fool, fruitless jobs, making anythingof a creature that begins by deceiving her, is the foolest a sane womanever undertook. I am more than sorry you and Margaret didn't see yourway clear to tell me long ago. I'd have found it out in a few moremonths if he had lived, and I wouldn't have borne it a day. The man whobreaks his vows to me once, doesn't get the second chance. I give truthand honour. I have a right to ask it in return. I am glad I understandat last. Now, if Elnora will forgive me, we will take a new start andsee what we can make out of what is left of life. If she won't, then itwill be my time to learn what suffering really means. " "But she will, " said Wesley. "She must! She can't help it when thingsare explained. " "I notice she isn't hurrying any about coming home. Do you know whereshe is or what she is doing?" "I do not. But likely she will be along soon. I must go help Billy withthe night work. Good-bye, Katharine. Thank the Lord you have come toyourself at last!" They shook hands and Wesley went down the road while Mrs. Comstockentered the cabin. She could not swallow food. She stood in the backdoor watching the sky for moths, but they did not seem to be verynumerous. Her spirits sank and she breathed unevenly. Then she heard thefront screen. She reached the middle door as Elnora touched the foot ofthe stairs. "Hurry, and get ready, Elnora, " she said. "Your supper is almost spoilednow. " Elnora closed the stair door behind her, and for the first time in herlife, threw the heavy lever which barred out anyone from down stairs. Mrs. Comstock heard the thud, and knew what it meant. She reeledslightly and caught the doorpost for support. For a few minutes sheclung there, then sank to the nearest chair. After a long time she aroseand stumbling half blindly, she put the food in the cupboard and coveredthe table. She took the lamp in one hand, the butter in the other, andstarted to the spring house. Something brushed close by her face, andshe looked just in time to see a winged creature rise above the cabinand sail away. "That was a night bird, " she muttered. As she stopped to set the butterin the water, came another thought. "Perhaps it was a moth!" Mrs. Comstock dropped the butter and hurried out with the lamp; she held ithigh above her head and waited until her arms ached. Small insects ofnight gathered, and at last a little dusty miller, but nothing came ofany size. "I must go where they are, if I get them, " muttered Mrs. Comstock. She went to the barn after the stout pair of high boots she used infeeding stock in deep snow. Throwing these beside the back door sheclimbed to the loft over the spring house, and hunted an old lard oillantern and one of first manufacture for oil. Both these she cleaned andfilled. She listened until everything up stairs had been still for overhalf an hour. By that time it was past eleven o'clock. Then she took thelantern from the kitchen, the two old ones, a handful of matches, a ballof twine, and went from the cabin, softly closing the door. Sitting on the back steps, she put on the boots, and then stood gazinginto the perfumed June night, first in the direction of the woods on herland, then toward the Limberlost. Its outline was so dark and forbiddingshe shuddered and went down the garden, following the path toward thewoods, but as she neared the pool her knees wavered and her couragefled. The knowledge that in her soul she was now glad Robert Comstockwas at the bottom of it made a coward of her, who fearlessly had mournedhim there, nights untold. She could not go on. She skirted the back ofthe garden, crossed a field, and came out on the road. Soon she reachedthe Limberlost. She hunted until she found the old trail, then followedit stumbling over logs and through clinging vines and grasses. The heavyboots clumped on her feet, overhanging branches whipped her face andpulled her hair. But her eyes were on the sky as she went straining intothe night, hoping to find signs of a living creature on wing. By and by she began to see the wavering flight of something she thoughtnear the right size. She had no idea where she was, but she stopped, lighted a lantern and hung it as high as she could reach. A littledistance away she placed the second and then the third. The objectscame nearer and sick with disappointment she saw that they were bats. Crouching in the damp swamp grasses, without a thought of snakes orvenomous insects, she waited, her eyes roving from lantern to lantern. Once she thought a creature of high flight dropped near the lard oillight, so she arose breathlessly waiting, but either it passed or it wasan illusion. She glanced at the old lantern, then at the new, and was onher feet in an instant creeping close. Something large as a small birdwas fluttering around. Mrs. Comstock began to perspire, while her handshook wildly. Closer she crept and just as she reached for it, somethingsimilar swept past and both flew away together. Mrs. Comstock set her teeth and stood shivering. For a long time thelocusts rasped, the whip-poor-wills cried and a steady hum of night lifethrobbed in her ears. Away in the sky she saw something coming when itwas no larger than a falling leaf. Straight toward the light it flew. Mrs. Comstock began to pray aloud. "This way, O Lord! Make it come this way! Please! O Lord, send itlower!" The moth hesitated at the first light, then slowly, easily it cametoward the second, as if following a path of air. It touched a leaf nearthe lantern and settled. As Mrs. Comstock reached for it a thin yellowspray wet her hand and the surrounding leaves. When its wings raisedabove its back, her fingers came together. She held the moth to thelight. It was nearer brown than yellow, and she remembered having seensome like it in the boxes that afternoon. It was not the one needed tocomplete the collection, but Elnora might want it, so Mrs. Comstock heldon. Then the Almighty was kind, or nature was sufficient, as you lookat it, for following the law of its being when disturbed, the mothagain threw the spray by which some suppose it attracts its kind, andliberally sprinkled Mrs. Comstock's dress front and arms. From thatinstant, she became the best moth bait ever invented. Every Polyphemusin range hastened to her, and other fluttering creatures of nightfollowed. The influx came her way. She snatched wildly here and thereuntil she had one in each hand and no place to put them. She couldsee more coming, and her aching heart, swollen with the strain of longexcitement, hurt pitifully. She prayed in broken exclamations that didnot always sound reverent, but never was human soul in more intenseearnest. Moths were coming. She had one in each hand. They were not yellow, andshe did not know what to do. She glanced around to try to discover someway to keep what she had, and her throbbing heart stopped and everymuscle stiffened. There was the dim outline of a crouching figure nottwo yards away, and a pair of eyes their owner thought hidden, caughtthe light in a cold stream. Her first impulse was to scream and fly forlife. Before her lips could open a big moth alighted on her breast whileshe felt another walking over her hair. All sense of caution desertedher. She did not care to live if she could not replace the yellow mothshe had killed. She turned her eyes to those among the leaves. "Here, you!" she cried hoarsely. "I need you! Get yourself out here, andhelp me. These critters are going to get away from me. Hustle!" Pete Corson parted the bushes and stepped into the light. "Oh, it's you!" said Mrs. Comstock. "I might have known! But you gaveme a start. Here, hold these until I make some sort of bag for them. Goeasy! If you break them I don't guarantee what will happen to you!" "Pretty fierce, ain't you!" laughed Pete, but he advanced and held outhis hands. "For Elnora, I s'pose?" "Yes, " said Mrs. Comstock. "In a mad fit, I trampled one this morning, and by the luck of the old boy himself it was the last moth she neededto complete a collection. I got to get another one or die. " "Then I guess it's your funeral, " said Pete. "There ain't a chance in adozen the right one will come. What colour was it?" "Yellow, and big as a bird. " "The Emperor, likely, " said Pete. "You dig for that kind, and they arenot numerous, so's 'at you can smash 'em for fun. " "Well, I can try to get one, anyway, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I forgot allabout bringing anything to put them in. You take a pinch on their wingsuntil I make a poke. " Mrs. Comstock removed her apron, tearing off the strings. She unfastenedand stepped from the skirt of her calico dress. With one apron stringshe tied shut the band and placket. She pulled a wire pin from herhair, stuck it through the other string, and using it as a bodkin ranit around the hem of her skirt, so shortly she had a large bag. She putseveral branches inside to which the moths could cling, closed the mouthpartially and held it toward Pete. "Put your hand well down and let the things go!" she ordered. "But becareful, man! Don't run into the twigs! Easy! That's one. Now the other. Is the one on my head gone? There was one on my dress, but I guess itflew. Here comes a kind of a gray-looking one. " Pete slipped several more moths into the bag. "Now, that's five, Mrs. Comstock, " he said. "I'm sorry, but you'll haveto make that do. You must get out of here lively. Your lights will betaken for hurry calls, and inside the next hour a couple of men willride here like fury. They won't be nice Sunday-school men, and theywon't hold bags and catch moths for you. You must go quick!" Mrs. Comstock laid down the bag and pulled one of the lanterns lower. "I won't budge a step, " she said. "This land doesn't belong to you. You have no right to order me off it. Here I stay until I get a YellowEmperor, and no little petering thieves of this neighbourhood can scareme away. " "You don't understand, " said Pete. "I'm willing to help Elnora, and I'dtake care of you, if I could, but there will be too many for me, andthey will be mad at being called out for nothing. " "Well, who's calling them out?" demanded Mrs. Comstock. "I'm catchingmoths. If a lot of good-for-nothings get fooled into losing some sleep, why let them, they can't hurt me, or stop my work. " "They can, and they'll do both. " "Well, I'll see them do it!" said Mrs. Comstock. "I've got Robert'srevolver in my dress, and I can shoot as straight as any man, if I'mmad enough. Any one who interferes with me to-night will find me mada-plenty. There goes another!" She stepped into the light and waited until a big brown moth settledon her and was easily taken. Then in light, airy flight came a delicatepale green thing, and Mrs. Comstock started in pursuit. But the scentwas not right. The moth fluttered high, then dropped lower, still lower, and sailed away. With outstretched hands Mrs. Comstock pursued it. Shehurried one way and another, then ran over an object which tripped herand she fell. She regained her feet in an instant, but she had lostsight of the moth. With livid face she turned to the crouching man. "You nasty, sneaking son of Satan!" she cried. "Why are you hidingthere? You made me lose the one I wanted most of any I've had a chanceat yet. Get out of here! Go this minute, or I'll fill your worthlesscarcass so full of holes you'll do to sift cornmeal. Go, I say! I'musing the Limberlost to-night, and I won't be stopped by the devilhimself! Cut like fury, and tell the rest of them they can just go home. Pete is going to help me, and he is all of you I need. Now go!" The man turned and went. Pete leaned against a tree, held his mouth shutand shook inwardly. Mrs. Comstock came back panting. "The old scoundrel made me lose that!" she said. "If any one else comessnooping around here I'll just blow them up to start with. I haven'ttime to talk. Suppose that had been yellow! I'd have killed that man, sure! The Limberlost isn't safe to-night, and the sooner those whelpsfind it out, the better it will be for them. " Pete stopped laughing to look at her. He saw that she was speaking thetruth. She was quite past reason, sense, or fear. The soft night airstirred the wet hair around her temples, the flickering lanterns madeher face a ghastly green. She would stop at nothing, that was evident. Pete suddenly began catching moths with exemplary industry. In puttingone into the bag, another escaped. "We must not try that again, " said Mrs. Comstock. "Now, what will wedo?" "We are close to the old case, " said Pete. "I think I can get into it. Maybe we could slip the rest in there. " "That's a fine idea!" said Mrs. Comstock. "They'll have so much roomthere they won't be likely to hurt themselves, and the books say theydon't fly in daytime unless they are disturbed, so they will settle whenit's light, and I can come with Elnora to get them. " They captured two more, and then Pete carried them to the case. "Here comes a big one!" he cried as he returned. Mrs. Comstock looked up and stepped out with a prayer on her lips. She could not tell the colour at that distance, but the moth appeareddifferent from the others. On it came, dropping lower and darting fromlight to light. As it swept near her, "O Heavenly Father!" exulted Mrs. Comstock, "it's yellow! Careful Pete! Your hat, maybe!" Pete made a long sweep. The moth wavered above the hat and sailedaway. Mrs. Comstock leaned against a tree and covered her face with hershaking hands. "That is my punishment!" she cried. "Oh, Lord, if you will give a mothlike that into my possession, I'll always be a better woman!" The Emperor again came in sight. Pete stood tense and ready. Mrs. Comstock stepped into the light and watched the moth's course. Then asecond appeared in pursuit of the first. The larger one wavered into theradius of light once more. The perspiration rolled down the man's face. He half lifted the hat. "Pray, woman! Pray now!" he panted. "I guess I best get over by that lard oil light and go to work, "breathed Mrs. Comstock. "The Lord knows this is all in prayer, but it'sno time for words just now. Ready, Pete! You are going to get a chancefirst!" Pete made another long, steady sweep, but the moth darted beneath thehat. In its flight it came straight toward Mrs. Comstock. She snatchedoff the remnant of apron she had tucked into her petticoat band and heldthe calico before her. The moth struck full against it and clung to thegoods. Pete crept up stealthily. The second moth followed the first, andthe spray showered the apron. "Wait!" gasped Mrs. Comstock. "I think they have settled. The books saythey won't leave now. " The big pale yellow creature clung firmly, lowering and raising itswings. The other came nearer. Mrs. Comstock held the cloth with rigidhands, while Pete could hear her breathing in short gusts. "Shall I try now?" he implored. "Wait!" whispered the woman. "Something seems to say wait!" The night breeze stiffened and gently waved the apron. Locusts rasped, mosquitoes hummed and frogs sang uninterruptedly. A musky odour slowlyfilled the air. "Now shall I?" questioned Pete. "No. Leave them alone. They are safe now. They are mine. They are mysalvation. God and the Limberlost gave them to me! They won't move forhours. The books all say so. O Heavenly Father, I am thankful to You, and you, too, Pete Corson! You are a good man to help me. Now, I can gohome and face my girl. " Instead, Mrs. Comstock dropped suddenly. She spread the apron acrossher knees. The moths remained undisturbed. Then her tired white headdropped, the tears she had thought forever dried gushed forth, and shesobbed for pure joy. "Oh, I wouldn't do that now, you know!" comforted Pete. "Think ofgetting two! That's more than you ever could have expected. A body wouldthink you would cry, if you hadn't got any. Come on, now. It's almostmorning. Let me help you home. " Pete took the bag and the two old lanterns. Mrs. Comstock carried hermoths and the best lantern and went ahead to light the way. Elnora had sat beside her window far into the night. At last sheundressed and went to bed, but sleep would not come. She had gone tothe city to talk with members of the School Board about a room in thegrades. There was a possibility that she might secure the moth, andso be able to start to college that fall, but if she did not, then shewanted the school. She had been given some encouragement, but she wasso unhappy that nothing mattered. She could not see the way open toanything in life, save a long series of disappointments, while sheremained with her mother. Yet Margaret Sinton had advised her to go homeand try once more. Margaret had seemed so sure there would be a changefor the better, that Elnora had consented, although she had no hopeherself. So strong is the bond of blood, she could not make up her mindto seek a home elsewhere, even after the day that had passed. Unable tosleep she arose at last, and the room being warm, she sat on the floorclose the window. The lights in the swamp caught her eye. She was veryuneasy, for quite a hundred of her best moths were in the case. However, there was no money, and no one ever had touched a book or any of herapparatus. Watching the lights set her thinking, and before she realizedit, she was in a panic of fear. She hurried down the stairway softly calling her mother. There was noanswer. She lightly stepped across the sitting-room and looked in at theopen door. There was no one, and the bed had not been used. Her firstthought was that her mother had gone to the pool; and the Limberlost wasalive with signals. Pity and fear mingled in the heart of the girl. Sheopened the kitchen door, crossed the garden and ran back to the swamp. As she neared it she listened, but she could hear only the usual voicesof night. "Mother!" she called softly. Then louder, "Mother!" There was not a sound. Chilled with fright she hurried back to thecabin. She did not know what to do. She understood what the lights inthe Limberlost meant. Where was her mother? She was afraid to enter, while she was growing very cold and still more fearful about remainingoutside. At last she went to her mother's room, picked up the gun, carried it into the kitchen, and crowding in a little corner behind thestove, she waited in trembling anxiety. The time was dreadfully longbefore she heard her mother's voice. Then she decided some one had beenill and sent for her, so she took courage, and stepping swiftly acrossthe kitchen she unbarred the door and drew back from sight beside thetable. Mrs. Comstock entered dragging her heavy feet. Her dress skirt was gone, her petticoat wet and drabbled, and the waist of her dress was almosttorn from her body. Her hair hung in damp strings; her eyes were redwith crying. In one hand she held the lantern, and in the other stifflyextended before her, on a wad of calico reposed a magnificent pair ofYellow Emperors. Elnora stared, her lips parted. "Shall I put these others in the kitchen?" inquired a man's voice. The girl shrank back to the shadows. "Yes, anywhere inside the door, " replied Mrs. Comstock as she moved afew steps to make way for him. Pete's head appeared. He set down themoths and was gone. "Thank you, Pete, more than ever woman thanked you before!" said Mrs. Comstock. She placed the lantern on the table and barred the door. As she turnedElnora came into view. Mrs. Comstock leaned toward her, and held outthe moths. In a voice vibrant with tones never before heard she said:"Elnora, my girl, mother's found you another moth!" CHAPTER XIII WHEREIN MOTHER LOVE IS BESTOWED ON ELNORA, AND SHE FINDS AN ASSISTANT INMOTH HUNTING Elnora awoke at dawn and lay gazing around the unfamiliar room. Shenoticed that every vestige of masculine attire and belongings was gone, and knew, without any explanation, what that meant. For some reasonevery tangible evidence of her father was banished, and she was at lastto be allowed to take his place. She turned to look at her mother. Mrs. Comstock's face was white and haggard, but on it rested an expression ofprofound peace Elnora never before had seen. As she studied the featureson the pillow beside her, the heart of the girl throbbed in tenderness. She realized as fully as any one else could what her mother hadsuffered. Thoughts of the night brought shuddering fear. She softlyslipped from the bed, went to her room, dressed and entered the kitchento attend the Emperors and prepare breakfast. The pair had been leftclinging to the piece of calico. The calico was there and a few piecesof beautiful wing. A mouse had eaten the moths! "Well, of all the horrible luck!" gasped Elnora. With the first thought of her mother, she caught up the remnants of themoths, burying them in the ashes of the stove. She took the bag to herroom, hurriedly releasing its contents, but there was not another yellowone. Her mother had said some had been confined in the case in theLimberlost. There was still a hope that an Emperor might be among them. She peeped at her mother, who still slept soundly. Elnora took a large piece of mosquito netting, and ran to the swamp. Throwing it over the top of the case, she unlocked the door. She reeled, faint with distress. The living moths that had been confined there intheir fluttering to escape to night and the mates they sought not onlyhad wrecked the other specimens of the case, but torn themselves tofringes on the pins. A third of the rarest moths of the collectionfor the man of India were antennaless, legless, wingless, and oftenheadless. Elnora sobbed aloud. "This is overwhelming, " she said at last. "It is making a fatalist ofme. I am beginning to think things happen as they are ordained from thebeginning, this plainly indicating that there is to be no college, atleast, this year, for me. My life is all mountain-top or canon. I wishsome one would lead me into a few days of 'green pastures. ' Last night Iwent to sleep on mother's arm, the moths all secured, love and college, certainties. This morning I wake to find all my hopes wrecked. I simplydon't dare let mother know that instead of helping me, she has ruinedmy collection. Everything is gone--unless the love lasts. That actuallyseemed true. I believe I will go see. " The love remained. Indeed, in the overflow of the long-hardened, pent-upheart, the girl was almost suffocated with tempestuous caresses andgenerous offerings. Before the day was over, Elnora realized that shenever had known her mother. The woman who now busily went throughthe cabin, her eyes bright, eager, alert, constantly planning, was astranger. Her very face was different, while it did not seem possiblethat during one night the acid of twenty years could disappear from avoice and leave it sweet and pleasant. For the next few days Elnora worked at mounting the moths her mother hadtaken. She had to go to the Bird Woman and tell about the disaster, butMrs. Comstock was allowed to think that Elnora delivered the mothswhen she made the trip. If she had told her what actually happened, thechances were that Mrs. Comstock again would have taken possession of theLimberlost, hunting there until she replaced all the moths that had beendestroyed. But Elnora knew from experience what it meant to collect sucha list in pairs. It would require steady work for at least two summersto replace the lost moths. When she left the Bird Woman she went to thepresident of the Onabasha schools and asked him to do all in his powerto secure her a room in one of the ward buildings. The next morning the last moth was mounted, and the housework finished. Elnora said to her mother, "If you don't mind, I believe I will go intothe woods pasture beside Sleepy Snake Creek and see if I can catch somedragonflies or moths. " "Wait until I get a knife and a pail and I will go along, " answered Mrs. Comstock. "The dandelions are plenty tender for greens among the deepgrasses, and I might just happen to see something myself. My eyes arepretty sharp. " "I wish you could realize how young you are, " said Elnora. "I know womenin Onabasha who are ten years older than you, yet they look twenty yearsyounger. So could you, if you would dress your hair becomingly, and wearappropriate clothes. " "I think my hair puts me in the old woman class permanently, " said Mrs. Comstock. "Well, it doesn't!" cried Elnora. "There is a woman of twenty-eight whohas hair as white as yours from sick headaches, but her face is youngand beautiful. If your face would grow a little fuller and those lineswould go away, you'd be lovely!" "You little pig!" laughed Mrs. Comstock. "Any one would think you wouldbe satisfied with having a splinter new mother, without setting up akick on her looks, first thing. Greedy!" "That is a good word, " said Elnora. "I admit the charge. I am greedyover every wasted year. I want you young, lovely, suitably dressed andenjoying life like the other girls' mothers. " Mrs. Comstock laughed softly as she pushed back her sunbonnet so thatshrubs and bushes beside the way could be scanned closely. Elnora walkedahead with a case over her shoulder, a net in her hand. Her head wasbare, the rolling collar of her lavender gingham dress was cut in a Vat the throat, the sleeves only reached the elbows. Every few steps shepaused and examined the shrubbery carefully, while Mrs. Comstock waswatching until her eyes ached, but there were no dandelions in the pailshe carried. Early June was rioting in fresh grasses, bright flowers, bird songs, andgay-winged creatures of air. Down the footpath the two went through theperfect morning, the love of God and all nature in their hearts. Atlast they reached the creek, following it toward the bridge. Here Mrs. Comstock found a large bed of tender dandelions and stopped to fillher pail. Then she sat on the bank, picking over the greens, while shelistened to the creek softly singing its June song. Elnora remained within calling distance, and was having good success. Atlast she crossed the creek, following it up to a bridge. There she begana careful examination of the under sides of the sleepers and flooringfor cocoons. Mrs. Comstock could see her and the creek for several rodsabove. The mother sat beating the long green leaves across her hand, carefully picking out the white buds, because Elnora liked them, when asplash up the creek attracted her attention. Around the bend came a man. He was bareheaded, dressed in a whitesweater, and waders which reached his waist. He walked on the bank, onlyentering the water when forced. He had a queer basket strapped on hiship, and with a small rod he sent a long line spinning before him downthe creek, deftly manipulating with it a little floating object. He wascloser Elnora than her mother, but Mrs. Comstock thought possibly byhurrying she could remain unseen and yet warn the girl that a strangerwas coming. As she approached the bridge, she caught a sapling andleaned over the water to call Elnora. With her lips parted to speak shehesitated a second to watch a sort of insect that flashed past on thewater, when a splash from the man attracted the girl. She was under the bridge, one knee planted in the embankment and a footbraced to support her. Her hair was tousled by wind and bushes, her faceflushed, and she lifted her arms above her head, working to loosen acocoon she had found. The call Mrs. Comstock had intended to utter neverfound voice, for as Elnora looked down at the sound, "Possibly I couldget that for you, " suggested the man. Mrs. Comstock drew back. He was a young man with a wonderfullyattractive face, although it was too white for robust health, broadshoulders, and slender, upright frame. "Oh, I do hope you can!" answered Elnora. "It's quite a find! It's oneof those lovely pale red cocoons described in the books. I suspect itcomes from having been in a dark place and screened from the weather. " "Is that so?" cried the man. "Wait a minute. I've never seen one. Isuppose it's a Cecropia, from the location. " "Of course, " said Elnora. "It's so cool here the moth hasn't emerged. The cocoon is a big, baggy one, and it is as red as fox tail. " "What luck!" he cried. "Are you making a collection?" He reeled in his line, laid his rod across a bush and climbed theembankment to Elnora's side, produced a knife and began the work ofwhittling a deep groove around the cocoon. "Yes. I paid my way through the high school in Onabasha with them. Now Iam starting a collection which means college. " "Onabasha!" said the man. "That is where I am visiting. Possibly youknow my people--Dr. Ammon's? The doctor is my uncle. My home is inChicago. I've been having typhoid fever, something fierce. In thehospital six weeks. Didn't gain strength right, so Uncle Doc sent forme. I am to live out of doors all summer, and exercise until I get incondition again. Do you know my uncle?" "Yes. He is Aunt Margaret's doctor, and he would be ours, only we arenever ill. " "Well, you look it!" said the man, appraising Elnora at a glance. "Strangers always mention it, " sighed Elnora. "I wonder how it wouldseem to be a pale, languid lady and ride in a carriage. " "Ask me!" laughed the man. "It feels like the--dickens! I'm so proud ofmy feet. It's quite a trick to stand on them now. I have to keep outof the water all I can and stop to baby every half-mile. But withinteresting outdoor work I'll be myself in a week. " "Do you call that work?" Elnora indicated the creek. "I do, indeed! Nearly three miles, banks too soft to brag on and never astrike. Wouldn't you call that hard labour?" "Yes, " laughed Elnora. "Work at which you might kill yourself andnever get a fish. Did any one tell you there were trout in Sleepy SnakeCreek?" "Uncle said I could try. " "Oh, you can, " said Elnora. "You can try no end, but you'll never geta trout. This is too far south and too warm for them. If you sit on thebank and use worms you might catch some perch or catfish. " "But that isn't exercise. " "Well, if you only want exercise, go right on fishing. You will have acreel full of invisible results every night. " "I object, " said the man emphatically. He stopped work again and studiedElnora. Even the watching mother could not blame him. In the shade ofthe bridge Elnora's bright head and her lavender dress made a pictureworthy of much contemplation. "I object!" repeated the man. "When I work I want to see results. I'drather exercise sawing wood, making one pile grow little and the otherbig than to cast all day and catch nothing because there is not a fishto take. Work for work's sake doesn't appeal to me. " He digged the groove around the cocoon with skilled hand. "Now there issome fun in this!" he said. "It's going to be a fair job to cut it out, but when it comes, it is not only beautiful, but worth a price; it willhelp you on your way. I think I'll put up my rod and hunt moths. Thatwould be something like! Don't you want help?" Elnora parried the question. "Have you ever hunted moths, Mr. Ammon?" "Enough to know the ropes in taking them and to distinguish thecommonest ones. I go wild on Catocalae. There's too many of them, alltoo much alike for Philip, but I know all these fellows. One flew intomy room when I was about ten years old, and we thought it a miracle. None of us ever had seen one so we took it over to the museum to Dr. Dorsey. He said they were common enough, but we didn't see them becausethey flew at night. He showed me the museum collection, and I was sointerested I took mine back home and started to hunt them. Every yearafter that we went to our cottage a month earlier, so I could find them, and all my family helped. I stuck to it until I went to college. Then, keeping the little moths out of the big ones was too much for the mater, so father advised that I donate mine to the museum. He bought a finecase for them with my name on it, which constitutes my sole contributionto science. I know enough to help you all right. " "Aren't you going north this year?" "All depends on how this fever leaves me. Uncle says the nights are toocold and the days too hot there for me. He thinks I had better stay inan even temperature until I am strong again. I am going to stick prettyclose to him until I know I am. I wouldn't admit it to any one at home, but I was almost gone. I don't believe anything can eat up nerve muchfaster than the burning of a slow fever. No, thanks, I have enough. Istay with Uncle Doc, so if I feel it coming again he can do somethingquickly. " "I don't blame you, " said Elnora. "I never have been sick, but it mustbe dreadful. I am afraid you are tiring yourself over that. Let me takethe knife awhile. " "Oh, it isn't so bad as that! I wouldn't be wading creeks if it were. Ionly need a few more days to get steady on my feet again. I'll soon havethis out. " "It is kind of you to get it, " said Elnora. "I should have had to peelit, which would spoil the cocoon for a' specimen and ruin the moth. " "You haven't said yet whether I may help you while I am here. " Elnora hesitated. "You better say 'yes, '" he persisted. "It would be a real kindness. Itwould keep me outdoors all day and give an incentive to work. I'mgood at it. I'll show you if I am not in a week or so. I can 'sugar, 'manipulate lights, and mirrors, and all the expert methods. I'll wager, moths are numerous in the old swamp over there. " "They are, " said Elnora. "Most I have I took there. A few nights ago mymother caught a number, but we don't dare go alone. " "All the more reason why you need me. Where do you live? I can't get ananswer from you, I'll go tell your mother who I am and ask her if Imay help you. I warn you, young lady, I have a very effective way withmothers. They almost never turn me down. " "Then it's probable you will have a new experience when you meet mine, "said Elnora. "She never was known to do what any one expected she surelywould. " The cocoon came loose. Philip Ammon stepped down the embankment turningto offer his hand to Elnora. She ran down as she would have done alone, and taking the cocoon turned it end for end to learn if the imago itcontained were alive. Then Ammon took back the cocoon to smooth theedges. Mrs. Comstock gave them one long look as they stood there, andreturned to her dandelions. While she worked she paused occasionally, listening intently. Presently they came down the creek, the man carryingthe cocoon as if it were a jewel, while Elnora made her way along thebank, taking a lesson in casting. Her face was flushed with excitement, her eyes shining, the bushes taking liberties with her hair. For apicture of perfect loveliness she scarcely could have been surpassed, and the eyes of Philip Ammon seemed to be in working order. "Moth-er!" called Elnora. There was an undulant, caressing sweetness in the girl's voice, as shesung out the call in perfect confidence that it would bring a lovinganswer, that struck deep in Mrs. Comstock's heart. She never had heardthat word so pronounced before and a lump arose in her throat. "Here!" she answered, still cleaning dandelions. "Mother, this is Mr. Philip Ammon, of Chicago, " said Elnora. "He hasbeen ill and he is staying with Dr. Ammon in Onabasha. He came down thecreek fishing and cut this cocoon from under the bridge for me. He feelsthat it would be better to hunt moths than to fish, until he is well. What do you think about it?" Philip Ammon extended his hand. "I am glad to know you, " he said. "You may take the hand-shaking for granted, " replied Mrs. Comstock. "Dandelions have a way of making fingers sticky, and I like to knowa man before I take his hand, anyway. That introduction seems mightycomprehensive on your part, but it still leaves me unclassified. My nameis Comstock. " Philip Ammon bowed. "I am sorry to hear you have been sick, " said Mrs. Comstock. "But ifpeople will live where they have such vile water as they do in Chicago, I don't see what else they are to expect. " Philip studied her intently. "I am sure I didn't have a fever on purpose, " he said. "You do seem a little wobbly on your legs, " she observed. "Maybe youhad better sit and rest while I finish these greens. It's late forthe genuine article, but in the shade, among long grass they are stilltender. " "May I have a leaf?" he asked, reaching for one as he sat on the bank, looking from the little creek at his feet, away through the dim coolspaces of the June forest on the opposite side. He drew a deep breath. "Glory, but this is good after almost two months inside hospital walls!" He stretched on the grass and lay gazing up at the leaves, occasionallyasking the interpretation of a bird note or the origin of an unfamiliarforest voice. Elnora began helping with the dandelions. "Another, please, " said the young man, holding out his hand. "Do you suppose this is the kind of grass Nebuchadnezzar ate?" Elnoraasked, giving the leaf. "He knew a good thing if it is. " "Oh, you should taste dandelions boiled with bacon and served withmother's cornbread. " "Don't! My appetite is twice my size now. While it is--how far is it toOnabasha, shortest cut?" "Three miles. " The man lay in perfect content, nibbling leaves. "This surely is a treat, " he said. "No wonder you find good huntinghere. There seems to be foliage for almost every kind of caterpillar. But I suppose you have to exchange for northern species and PacificCoast kinds?" "Yes. And every one wants Regalis in trade. I never saw the like. Theyconsider a Cecropia or a Polyphemus an insult, and a Luna is barelyacceptable. " "What authorities have you?" Elnora began to name text-books which started a discussion. Mrs. Comstock listened. She cleaned dandelions with greater deliberation thanthey ever before were examined. In reality she was taking stock of theyoung man's long, well-proportioned frame, his strong hands, his smooth, fine-textured skin, his thick shock of dark hair, and making mentalnotes of his simple manly speech and the fact that he evidently didknow much about moths. It pleased her to think that if he had been aneighbour boy who had lain beside her every day of his life while sheworked, he could have been no more at home. She liked the things hesaid, but she was proud that Elnora had a ready answer which alwaysseemed appropriate. At last Mrs. Comstock finished the greens. "You are three miles from the city and less than a mile from where welive, " she said. "If you will tell me what you dare eat, I suspect youhad best go home with us and rest until the cool of the day before youstart back. Probably some one that you can ride in with will be passingbefore evening. " "That is mighty kind of you, " said Philip. "I think I will. It doesn'tmatter so much what I eat, the point is that I must be moderate. I amhungry all the time. " "Then we will go, " said Mrs. Comstock, "and we will not allow you tomake yourself sick with us. " Philip Ammon arose: picking up the pail of greens and his fishing rod, he stood waiting. Elnora led the way. Mrs. Comstock motioned Philip tofollow and she walked in the rear. The girl carried the cocoon and thebox of moths she had taken, searching every step for more. The young manfrequently set down his load to join in the pursuit of a dragonfly ormoth, while Mrs. Comstock watched the proceedings with sharp eyes. Everytime Philip picked up the pail of greens she struggled to suppress asmile. Elnora proceeded slowly, chattering about everything beside the trail. Philip was interested in all the objects she pointed out, noticingseveral things which escaped her. He carried the greens as casuallywhen they took a short cut down the roadway as on the trail. When Elnoraturned toward the gate of her home Philip Ammon stopped, took a longlook at the big hewed log cabin, the vines which clambered over it, the flower garden ablaze with beds of bright bloom interspersed withstrawberries and tomatoes, the trees of the forest rising north and westlike a green wall and exclaimed: "How beautiful!" Mrs. Comstock was pleased. "If you think that, " she said, "perhaps youwill understand how, in all this present-day rush to be modern, I havepreferred to remain as I began. My husband and I took up this land, andenough trees to build the cabin, stable, and outbuildings are nearly allwe ever cut. Of course, if he had lived, I suppose we should have keptup with our neighbours. I hear considerable about the value of the land, the trees which are on it, and the oil which is supposed to be under it, but as yet I haven't brought myself to change anything. So we stand forone of the few remaining homes of first settlers in this region. Comein. You are very welcome to what we have. " Mrs. Comstock stepped forward and took the lead. She had a bowl ofsoft water and a pair of boots to offer for the heavy waders, for outercomfort, a glass of cold buttermilk and a bench on which to rest, inthe circular arbour until dinner was ready. Philip Ammon splashed inthe water. He followed to the stable and exchanged boots there. He wasravenous for the buttermilk, and when he stretched on the bench in thearbour the flickering patches of sunlight so tantalized his tired eyes, while the bees made such splendid music, he was soon sound asleep. WhenElnora and her mother came out with a table they stood a short timelooking at him. It is probable Mrs. Comstock voiced a united thoughtwhen she said: "What a refined, decent looking young man! How proud hismother must be of him! We must be careful what we let him eat. " Then they returned to the kitchen where Mrs. Comstock proceeded to becareful. She broiled ham of her own sugar-curing, creamed potatoes, served asparagus on toast, and made a delicious strawberry shortcake. As she cooked dandelions with bacon, she feared to serve them to him, soshe made an excuse that it took too long to prepare them, blanched someand made a salad. When everything was ready she touched Philip's sleeve. "Best have something to eat, lad, before you get too hungry, " she said. "Please hurry!" he begged laughingly as he held a plate toward her to befilled. "I thought I had enough self-restraint to start out alone, butI see I was mistaken. If you would allow me, just now, I am afraid Ishould start a fever again. I never did smell food so good as this. It'smighty kind of you to take me in. I hope I will be man enough in a fewdays to do something worth while in return. " Spots of sunshine fell on the white cloth and blue china, the bees andan occasional stray butterfly came searching for food. A rose-breastedgrosbeak, released from a three hours' siege of brooding, while hisindependent mate took her bath and recreation, mounted the top branch ofa maple in the west woods from which he serenaded the dinner party witha joyful chorus in celebration of his freedom. Philip's eyes strayed tothe beautiful cabin, to the mixture of flowers and vegetables stretchingdown to the road, and to the singing bird with his red-splotched breastof white and he said: "I can't realize now that I ever lay in ice packsin a hospital. How I wish all the sick folks could come here to growstrong!" The grosbeak sang on, a big Turnus butterfly sailed through the arbourand poised over the table. Elnora held up a lump of sugar and thebutterfly, clinging to her fingers, tasted daintily. With eager eyes andparted lips, the girl held steadily. When at last it wavered away, "Thatmade a picture!" said Philip. "Ask me some other time how I lost myillusions concerning butterflies. I always thought of them in connectionwith sunshine, flower pollen, and fruit nectar, until one sad day. " "I know!" laughed Elnora. "I've seen that, too, but it didn't destroyany illusion for me. I think quite as much of the butterflies as ever. " Then they talked of flowers, moths, dragonflies, Indian relics, and allthe natural wonders the swamp afforded, straying from those subjectsto books and school work. When they cleared the table Philip assisted, carrying several tray loads to the kitchen. He and Elnora mountedspecimens while Mrs Comstock washed the dishes. Then she came out with aruffle she was embroidering. "I wonder if I did not see a picture of you in Onabasha last night, "Philip said to Elnora. "Aunt Anna took me to call on Miss Brownlee. Shewas showing me her crowd--of course, it was you! But it didn't halfdo you justice, although it was the nearest human of any of them. MissBrownlee is very fond of you. She said the finest things. " Then they talked of Commencement, and at last Philip said he must go orhis friends would become anxious about him. Mrs. Comstock brought him a blue bowl of creamy milk and a plate ofbread. She stopped a passing team and secured a ride to the city forhim, as his exercise of the morning had been too violent, and he wasforced to admit he was tired. "May I come to-morrow afternoon and hunt moths awhile?" he asked Mrs. Comstock as he arose. "We will 'sugar' a tree and put a light beside it, if I can get stuff to make the preparation. Possibly we can take somethat way. I always enjoy moth hunting, I'd like to help Miss Elnora, andit would be a charity to me. I've got to remain outdoors some place, andI'm quite sure I'd get well faster here than anywhere else. Please say Imay come. " "I have no objections, if Elnora really would like help, " said Mrs. Comstock. In her heart she wished he would not come. She wanted her newly foundtreasure all to herself, for a time, at least. But Elnora's were eager, shining eyes. She thought it would be splendid to have help, and greatfun to try book methods for taking moths, so it was arranged. As Philiprode away, Mrs. Comstock's eyes followed him. "What a nice young man!"she said. "He seems fine, " agreed Elnora. "He comes of a good family, too. I've often heard of his father. He is agreat lawyer. " "I am glad he likes it here. I need help. Possibly----" "Possibly what?" "We can find many moths. " "What did he mean about the butterflies?" "That he always had connected them with sunshine, flowers, and fruits, and thought of them as the most exquisite of creations; then one day hefound some clustering thickly over carrion. " "Come to think of it, I have seen butterflies----" "So had he, " laughed Elnora. "And that is what he meant. " CHAPTER XIV WHEREIN A NEW POSITION IS TENDERED ELNORA, AND PHILIP AMMON IS SHOWNLIMBERLOST VIOLETS The next morning Mrs. Comstock called to Elnora, "The mail carrierstopped at our box. " Elnora ran down the walk and came back carrying an official letter. Shetore it open and read: MY DEAR MISS COMSTOCK: At the weekly meeting of the Onabasha School Board last night, it wasdecided to add the position of Lecturer on Natural History to our corpsof city teachers. It will be the duty of this person to spend two hoursa week in each of the grade schools exhibiting and explaining specimensof the most prominent objects in nature: animals, birds, insects, flowers, vines, shrubs, bushes, and trees. These specimens and lecturesshould be appropriate to the seasons and the comprehension of thegrades. This position was unanimously voted to you. I think you willfind the work delightful and much easier than the routine grind of theother teachers. It is my advice that you accept and begin to prepareyourself at once. Your salary will be $750 a year, and you will beallowed $200 for expenses in procuring specimens and books. Let us knowat once if you want the position, as it is going to be difficult to fillsatisfactorily if you do not. Very truly yours, DAVID THOMPSON, President, Onabasha Schools. "I hardly understand, " marvelled Mrs. Comstock. "It is a new position. They never have had anything like it before. Isuspect it arose from the help I've been giving the grade teachers intheir nature work. They are trying to teach the children something, andhalf the instructors don't know a blue jay from a king-fisher, a beechleaf from an elm, or a wasp from a hornet. " "Well, do you?" anxiously inquired Mrs. Comstock. "Indeed, I do!" laughed Elnora, "and several other things beside. WhenFreckles bequeathed me the swamp, he gave me a bigger inheritance thanhe knew. While you have thought I was wandering aimlessly, I have beenfollowing a definite plan, studying hard, and storing up the stuff thatwill earn these seven hundred and fifty dollars. Mother dear, I am goingto accept this, of course. The work will be a delight. I'd love it mostof anything in teaching. You must help me. We must find nests, eggs, leaves, queer formations in plants and rare flowers. I must have flowerboxes made for each of the rooms and filled with wild things. I shouldbegin to gather specimens this very day. " Elnora's face was flushed and her eyes bright. "Oh, what great work that will be!" she cried. "You must go with me soyou can see the little faces when I tell them how the goldfinch buildsits nest, and how the bees make honey. " So Elnora and her mother went into the woods behind the cabin to studynature. "I think, " said Elnora, "the idea is to begin with fall things in thefall, keeping to the seasons throughout the year. " "What are fall things?" inquired Mrs. Comstock. "Oh, fringed gentians, asters, ironwort, every fall flower, leavesfrom every tree and vine, what makes them change colour, abandoned birdnests, winter quarters of caterpillars and insects, what becomes of thebutterflies and grasshoppers--myriads of stuff. I shall have to be verywise to select the things it will be most beneficial for the children tolearn. " "Can I really help you?" Mrs. Comstock's strong face was pathetic. "Indeed, yes!" cried Elnora. "I never can get through it alone. Therewill be an immense amount of work connected with securing and preparingspecimens. " Mrs. Comstock lifted her head proudly and began doing business at once. Her sharp eyes ranged from earth to heaven. She investigated everything, asking innumerable questions. At noon Mrs. Comstock took the specimensthey had collected, and went to prepare dinner, while Elnora followedthe woods down to the Sintons' to show her letter. She had to explain what became of her moths, and why college would haveto be abandoned for that year, but Margaret and Wesley vowed not totell. Wesley waved the letter excitedly, explaining it to Margaret asif it were a personal possession. Margaret was deeply impressed, whileBilly volunteered first aid in gathering material. "Now anything you want in the ground, Snap can dig it out, " he said. "Uncle Wesley and I found a hole three times as big as Snap, that he dugat the roots of a tree. " "We will train him to hunt pupae cases, " said Elnora. "Are you going to the woods this afternoon?" asked Billy. "Yes, " answered Elnora. "Dr. Ammon's nephew from Chicago is visiting inOnabasha. He is going to show me how men put some sort of compound ona tree, hang a light beside it, and take moths that way. It will beinteresting to watch and learn. " "May I come?" asked Billy. "Of course you may come!" answered Elnora. "Is this nephew of Dr. Ammon a young man?" inquired Margaret. "About twenty-six, I should think, " said Elnora. "He said he had beenout of college and at work in his father's law office three years. " "Does he seem nice?" asked Margaret, and Wesley smiled. "Finest kind of a person, " said Elnora. "He can teach me so much. Itis very interesting to hear him talk. He knows considerable about mothsthat will be a help to me. He had a fever and he has to stay outdoorsuntil he grows strong again. " "Billy, I guess you better help me this afternoon, " said Margaret. "Maybe Elnora had rather not bother with you. " "There's no reason on earth why Billy should not come!" cried Elnora, and Wesley smiled again. "I must hurry home or I won't be ready, " she added. Hastening down the road she entered the cabin, her face glowing. "I thought you never would come, " said Mrs. Comstock. "If you don'thurry Mr. Ammon will be here before you are dressed. " "I forgot about him until just now, " said Elnora. "I am not going todress. He's not coming to visit. We are only going to the woods for morespecimens. I can't wear anything that requires care. The limbs take themost dreadful liberties with hair and clothing. " Mrs. Comstock opened her lips, looked at Elnora and closed them. In herheart she was pleased that the girl was so interested in her work thatshe had forgotten Philip Ammon's coming. But it did seem to her thatsuch a pleasant young man should have been greeted by a girl in a freshdress. "If she isn't disposed to primp at the coming of a man, heavenforbid that I should be the one to start her, " thought Mrs. Comstock. Philip came whistling down the walk between the cinnamon pinks, pansies, and strawberries. He carried several packages, while his face flushedwith more colour than on the previous day. "Only see what has happened to me!" cried Elnora, offering her letter. "I'll wager I know!" answered Philip. "Isn't it great! Every one inOnabasha is talking about it. At last there is something new under thesun. All of them are pleased. They think you'll make a big success. Thiswill give an incentive to work. In a few days more I'll be myself again, and we'll overturn the fields and woods around here. " He went on to congratulate Mrs. Comstock. "Aren't you proud of her, though?" he asked. "You should hear what folksare saying! They say she created the necessity for the position, andevery one seems to feel that it is a necessity. Now, if she succeeds, and she will, all of the other city schools will have such departments, and first thing you know she will have made the whole world a littlebetter. Let me rest a few seconds; my feet are acting up again. Then wewill cook the moth compound and put it to cool. " He laughed as he sat breathing shortly. "It doesn't seem possible that a fellow could lose his strength likethis. My knees are actually trembling, but I'll be all right in aminute. Uncle Doc said I could come. I told him how you took care of me, and he said I would be safe here. " Then he began unwrapping packages and explaining to Mrs. Comstock howto cook the compound to attract the moths. He followed her into thekitchen, kindled the fire, and stirred the preparation as he talked. While the mixture cooled, he and Elnora walked through the vegetablegarden behind the cabin and strayed from there into the woods. "What about college?" he asked. "Miss Brownlee said you were going. " "I had hoped to, " replied Elnora, "but I had a streak of dreadful luck, so I'll have to wait until next year. If you won't speak of it, I'lltell you. " Philip promised, so Elnora recited the history of the Yellow Emperor. She was so interested in doing the Emperor justice she did not noticehow many personalities went into the story. A few pertinent questionstold him the remainder. He looked at the girl in wonder. In face andform she was as lovely as any one of her age and type he ever had seen. Her school work far surpassed that of most girls of her age he knew. She differed in other ways. This vast store of learning she hadgathered from field and forest was a wealth of attraction no other girlpossessed. Her frank, matter-of-fact manner was an inheritance from hermother, but there was something more. Once, as they talked he thought"sympathy" was the word to describe it and again "comprehension. " Sheseemed to possess a large sense of brotherhood for all human and animatecreatures. She spoke to him as if she had known him all her life. She talked to the grosbeak in exactly the same manner, as she laidstrawberries and potato bugs on the fence for his family. She didnot swerve an inch from her way when a snake slid past her, while thesquirrels came down from the trees and took corn from her fingers. She might as well have been a boy, so lacking was she in any touch offeminine coquetry toward him. He studied her wonderingly. As they wentalong the path they reached a large slime-covered pool surrounded bydecaying stumps and logs thickly covered with water hyacinths and blueflags. Philip stopped. "Is that the place?" he asked. Elnora assented. "The doctor told you?" "Yes. It was tragic. Is that pool really bottomless?" "So far as we ever have been able to discover. " Philip stood looking at the water, while the long, sweet grasses, thickly sprinkled with blue flag bloom, over which wild bees clambered, swayed around his feet. Then he turned to the girl. She had worked hard. The same lavender dress she had worn the previous day clung to her inlimp condition. But she was as evenly coloured and of as fine grain asa wild rose petal, her hair was really brown, but never was such hairtouched with a redder glory, while her heavy arching brows added a lookof strength to her big gray-blue eyes. "And you were born here?" He had not intended to voice that thought. "Yes, " she said, looking into his eyes. "Just in time to prevent mymother from saving the life of my father. She came near never forgivingme. " "Ah, cruel!" cried Philip. "I find much in life that is cruel, from our standpoints, " said Elnora. "It takes the large wisdom of the Unfathomable, the philosophy of theAlmighty, to endure some of it. But there is always right somewhere, andat last it seems to come. " "Will it come to you?" asked Philip, who found himself deeply affected. "It has come, " said the girl serenely. "It came a week ago. It came infullest measure when my mother ceased to regret that I had been born. Now, work that I love has come--that should constitute happiness. Alittle farther along is my violet bed. I want you to see it. " As Philip Ammon followed he definitely settled upon the name of theunusual feature of Elnora's face. It should be called "experience. "She had known bitter experiences early in life. Suffering had beenher familiar more than joy. He watched her earnestly, his heart deeplymoved. She led him into a swampy half-open space in the woods, stoppedand stepped aside. He uttered a cry of surprised delight. A few decaying logs were scattered around, the grass grew in tufts longand fine. Blue flags waved, clusters of cowslips nodded gold heads, butthe whole earth was purple with a thick blanket of violets nodding fromstems a foot in length. Elnora knelt and slipping her fingers betweenthe leaves and grasses to the roots, gathered a few violets and gavethem to Philip. "Can your city greenhouses surpass them?" she asked. He sat on a log to examine the blooms. "They are superb!" he said. "I never saw such length of stem or suchrank leaves, while the flowers are the deepest blue, the truest violetI ever saw growing wild. They are coloured exactly like the eyes of thegirl I am going to marry. " Elnora handed him several others to add to those he held. "She must havewonderful eyes, " she commented. "No other blue eyes are quite so beautiful, " he said. "In fact, she isaltogether lovely. " "Is it customary for a man to think the girl he is going to marrylovely? I wonder if I should find her so. " "You would, " said Philip. "No one ever fails to. She is tall as you, very slender, but perfectly rounded; you know about her eyes; her hairis black and wavy--while her complexion is clear and flushed with red. " "Why, she must be the most beautiful girl in the whole world!" shecried. "No, indeed!" he said. "She is not a particle better looking in her waythan you are in yours. She is a type of dark beauty, but you are equallyas perfect. She is unusual in her combination of black hair and violeteyes, although every one thinks them black at a little distance. Youare quite as unusual with your fair face, black brows, and brown hair;indeed, I know many people who would prefer your bright head to her darkone. It's all a question of taste--and being engaged to the girl, " headded. "That would be likely to prejudice one, " laughed Elnora. "Edith has a birthday soon; if these last will you let me have a box ofthem to send her?" "I will help gather and pack them for you, so they will carry nicely. Does she hunt moths with you?" Back went Philip Ammon's head in a gale of laughter. "No!" he cried. "She says they are 'creepy. ' She would go into a spasmif she were compelled to touch those caterpillars I saw you handlingyesterday. " "Why would she?" marvelled Elnora. "Haven't you told her that they areperfectly clean, helpless, and harmless as so much animate velvet?" "No, I have not told her. She wouldn't care enough about caterpillars tolisten. " "In what is she interested?" "What interests Edith Carr? Let me think! First, I believe she takespride in being a little handsomer and better dressed than any girlof her set. She is interested in having a beautiful home, fineappointments, in being petted, praised, and the acknowledged leader ofsociety. "She likes to find new things which amuse her, and to always and in allcircumstances have her own way about everything. " "Good gracious!" cried Elnora, staring at him. "But what does she do?How does she spend her time?" "Spend her time!" repeated Philip. "Well, she would call that a joke. Her days are never long enough. There is endless shopping, to findthe pretty things; regular visits to the dressmakers, calls, parties, theatres, entertainments. She is always rushed. I never am able to bewith her half as much as I would like. " "But I mean work, " persisted Elnora. "In what is she interested that isuseful to the world?" "Me!" cried Philip promptly. "I can understand that, " laughed Elnora. "What I can't understand ishow you can be in----" She stopped in confusion, but she saw that hehad finished the sentence as she had intended. "I beg your pardon!"she cried. "I didn't intend to say that. But I cannot understand thesepeople I hear about who live only for their own amusement. Perhaps it isvery great; I'll never have a chance to know. To me, it seems the onlypleasure in this world worth having is the joy we derive from living forthose we love, and those we can help. I hope you are not angry with me. " Philip sat silently looking far away, with deep thought in his eyes. "You are angry, " faltered Elnora. His look came back to her as she knelt before him among the flowers andhe gazed at her steadily. "No doubt I should be, " he said, "but the fact is I am not. I cannotunderstand a life purely for personal pleasure myself. But she is onlya girl, and this is her playtime. When she is a woman in her own home, then she will be different, will she not?" Elnora never resembled her mother so closely as when she answered thatquestion. "I would have to be well acquainted with her to know, but I should hopeso. To make a real home for a tired business man is a very differentkind of work from that required to be a leader of society. It demandsdifferent talent and education. Of course, she means to change, or shewould not have promised to make a home for you. I suspect our dope iscool now, let's go try for some butterflies. " As they went along the path together Elnora talked of many things butPhilip answered absently. Evidently he was thinking of something else. But the moth bait recalled him and he was ready for work as they madetheir way back to the woods. He wanted to try the Limberlost, but Elnorawas firm about remaining on home ground. She did not tell him thatlights hung in the swamp would be a signal to call up a band of menwhose presence she dreaded. So they started, Ammon carrying the dope, Elnora the net, Billy and Mrs. Comstock following with cyanide boxes andlanterns. First they tried for butterflies and captured several fine ones withouttrouble. They also called swarms of ants, bees, beetles, and flies. Whenit grew dusk, Mrs. Comstock and Philip went to prepare supper. Elnoraand Billy remained until the butterflies disappeared. Then they lightedthe lanterns, repainted the trees and followed the home trail. "Do you 'spec you'll get just a lot of moths?" asked Billy, as he walkedbeside Elnora. "I am sure I hardly know, " said the girl. "This is a new way for me. Perhaps they will come to the lights, but few moths eat; and I have somedoubt about those which the lights attract settling on the right trees. Maybe the smell of that dope will draw them. Between us, Billy, I thinkI like my old way best. If I can find a hidden moth, slip up and catchit unawares, or take it in full flight, it's my captive, and I can keepit until it dies naturally. But this way you seem to get it underfalse pretences, it has no chance, and it will probably ruin its wingsstruggling for freedom before morning. " "Well, any moth ought to be proud to be taken anyway, by you, " saidBilly. "Just look what you do! You can make everybody love them. Peopleeven quit hating caterpillars when they see you handle them and hearyou tell all about them. You must have some to show people how they are. It's not like killing things to see if you can, or because you want toeat them, the way most men kill birds. I think it is right for you totake enough for collections, to show city people, and to illustratethe Bird Woman's books. You go on and take them! The moths don't care. They're glad to have you. They like it!" "Billy, I see your future, " said Elnora. "We will educate you and sendyou up to Mr. Ammon to make a great lawyer. You'd beat the world as aspecial pleader. You actually make me feel that I am doing the moths akindness to take them. " "And so you are!" cried Billy. "Why, just from what you have taughtthem Uncle Wesley and Aunt Margaret never think of killing a caterpillaruntil they look whether it's the beautiful June moth kind, or the horridtent ones. That's what you can do. You go straight ahead!" "Billy, you are a jewel!" cried Elnora, throwing her arm across hisshoulders as they came down the path. "My, I was scared!" said Billy with a deep breath. "Scared?" questioned Elnora. "Yes sir-ee! Aunt Margaret scared me. May I ask you a question?" "Of course, you may!" "Is that man going to be your beau?" "Billy! No! What made you think such a thing?" "Aunt Margaret said likely he would fall in love with you, and youwouldn't want me around any more. Oh, but I was scared! It isn't so, isit?" "Indeed, no!" "I am your beau, ain't I?" "Surely you are!" said Elnora, tightening her arm. "I do hope Aunt Kate has ginger cookies, " said Billy with a little skipof delight. CHAPTER XV WHEREIN MRS. COMSTOCK FACES THE ALMIGHTY, AND PHILIP AMMON WRITES ALETTER Mrs. Comstock and Elnora were finishing breakfast the following morningwhen they heard a cheery whistle down the road. Elnora with surprisedeyes looked at her mother. "Could that be Mr. Ammon?" she questioned. "I did not expect him so soon, " commented Mrs. Comstock. It was sunrise, but the musician was Philip Ammon. He appeared strongerthan on yesterday. "I hope I am not too early, " he said. "I am consumed with anxiety tolearn if we have made a catch. If we have, we should beat the birds toit. I promised Uncle Doc to put on my waders and keep dry for a few daysyet, when I go to the woods. Let's hurry! I am afraid of crows. Theremight be a rare moth. " The sun was topping the Limberlost when they started. As they neared theplace Philip stopped. "Now we must use great caution, " he said. "The lights and the odoursalways attract numbers that don't settle on the baited trees. Everybush, shrub, and limb may hide a specimen we want. " So they approached with much care. "There is something, anyway!" cried Philip. "There are moths! I can see them!" exulted Elnora. "Those you see are fast enough. It's the ones for which you must searchthat will escape. The grasses are dripping, and I have boots, so youlook beside the path while I take the outside, " suggested Ammon. Mrs. Comstock wanted to hunt moths, but she was timid about making awrong movement, so she wisely sat on a log and watched Philip and Elnorato learn how they proceeded. Back in the deep woods a hermit thrush wassinging his chant to the rising sun. Orioles were sowing the pure, sweetair with notes of gold, poured out while on wing. The robins were onlychirping now, for their morning songs had awakened all the other birdsan hour ago. Scolding red-wings tilted on half the bushes. Exceptinglate species of haws, tree bloom was almost gone, but wild flowers madethe path border and all the wood floor a riot of colour. Elnora, bornamong such scenes, worked eagerly, but to the city man, recently from ahospital, they seemed too good to miss. He frequently stooped to examinea flower face, paused to listen intently to the thrush or lifted hishead to see the gold flash which accompanied the oriole's trailingnotes. So Elnora uttered the first cry, as she softly lifted branchesand peered among the grasses. "My find!" she called. "Bring the box, mother!" Philip came hurrying also. When they reached her she stood on the pathholding a pair of moths. Her eyes were wide with excitement, her cheekspink, her red lips parted, and on the hand she held out to them clunga pair of delicate blue-green moths, with white bodies, and touches oflavender and straw colour. All around her lay flower-brocaded grasses, behind the deep green background of the forest, while the sun slowlysifted gold from heaven to burnish her hair. Mrs. Comstock heard a sharpbreath behind her. "Oh, what a picture!" exulted Philip at her shoulder. "She is absolutelyand altogether lovely! I'd give a small fortune for that faithfully seton canvas!" He picked the box from Mrs. Comstock's fingers and slowly advanced withit. Elnora held down her hand and transferred the moths. Philip closedthe box carefully, but the watching mother saw that his eyes werefollowing the girl's face. He was not making the slightest attempt toconceal his admiration. "I wonder if a woman ever did anything lovelier than to find a pair ofLuna moths on a forest path, early on a perfect June morning, " he saidto Mrs. Comstock, when he returned the box. She glanced at Elnora who was intently searching the bushes. "Look here, young man, " said Mrs. Comstock. "You seem to find that girlof mine about right. " "I could suggest no improvement, " said Philip. "I never saw a moreattractive girl anywhere. She seems absolutely perfect to me. " "Then suppose you don't start any scheme calculated to spoil her!"proposed Mrs. Comstock dryly. "I don't think you can, or that any mancould, but I'm not taking any risks. You asked to come here to helpin this work. We are both glad to have you, if you confine yourself towork; but it's the least you can do to leave us as you find us. " "I beg your pardon!" said Philip. "I intended no offence. I admire heras I admire any perfect creation. " "And nothing in all this world spoils the average girl so quickly andso surely, " said Mrs. Comstock. She raised her voice. "Elnora, fasten upthat tag of hair over your left ear. These bushes muss you so you remindme of a sheep poking its nose through a hedge fence. " Mrs. Comstock started down the path toward the log again, when shereached it she called sharply: "Elnora, come here! I believe I havefound something myself. " The "something" was a Citheronia Regalis which had emerged from its caseon the soft earth under the log. It climbed up the wood, its stout legsdragging a big pursy body, while it wildly flapped tiny wings the sizeof a man's thumb-nail. Elnora gave one look and a cry which broughtPhilip. "That's the rarest moth in America!" he announced. "Mrs. Comstock, you've gone up head. You can put that in a box with a screen coverto-night, and attract half a dozen, possibly. " "Is it rare, Elnora?" inquired Mrs. Comstock, as if no one else knew. "It surely is, " answered Elnora. "If we can find it a mate to-night, it will lay from two hundred and fifty to three hundred eggs to-morrow. With any luck at all I can raise two hundred caterpillars from them. Idid once before. And they are worth a dollar apiece. " "Was the one I killed like that?" "No. That was a different moth, but its life processes were the same asthis. The Bird Woman calls this the King of the Poets. " "Why does she?" "Because it is named for Citheron who was a poet, and regalis refersto a king. You mustn't touch it or you may stunt wing development. Youwatch and don't let that moth out of sight, or anything touch it. Whenthe wings are expanded and hardened we will put it in a box. " "I am afraid it will race itself to death, " objected Mrs. Comstock. "That's a part of the game, " said Philip. "It is starting circulationnow. When the right moment comes, it will stop and expand its wings. Ifyou watch closely you can see them expand. " Presently the moth found a rough projection of bark and clung with itsfeet, back down, its wings hanging. The body was an unusual orange red, the tiny wings were gray, striped with the red and splotched hereand there with markings of canary yellow. Mrs. Comstock watchedbreathlessly. Presently she slipped from the log and knelt to secure abetter view. "Are its wings developing?" called Elnora. "They are growing larger and the markings coming stronger every minute. " "Let's watch, too, " said Elnora to Philip. They came and looked over Mrs. Comstock's shoulder. Lower drooped thegay wings, wider they spread, brighter grew the markings as if laid offin geometrical patterns. They could hear Mrs. Comstock's tense breathand see her absorbed expression. "Young people, " she said solemnly, "if your studying science and theelements has ever led you to feel that things just happen, kind ofevolve by chance, as it were, this sight will be good for you. Maybeearth and air accumulate, but it takes the wisdom of the Almighty Godto devise the wing of a moth. If there ever was a miracle, this wholeprocess is one. Now, as I understand it, this creature is going to keepon spreading those wings, until they grow to size and harden to strengthsufficient to bear its body. Then it flies away, mates with its kind, lays its eggs on the leaves of a certain tree, and the eggs hatch tinycaterpillars which eat just that kind of leaves, and the worms grow andgrow, and take on different forms and colours until at last they are bigcaterpillars six inches long, with large horns. Then they burrow intothe earth, build a water-proof house around themselves from materialwhich is inside them, and lie through rain and freezing cold for months. A year from egg laying they come out like this, and begin the processall over again. They don't eat, they don't see distinctly, they livebut a few days, and fly only at night; then they drop off easy, but theprocess goes on. " A shivering movement went over the moth. The wings drooped and spreadwider. Mrs. Comstock sank into soft awed tones. "There never was a moment in my life, " she said, "when I felt so in thePresence, as I do now. I feel as if the Almighty were so real, and sonear, that I could reach out and touch Him, as I could this wonderfulwork of His, if I dared. I feel like saying to Him: 'To the extent of mybrain power I realize Your presence, and all it is in me to comprehendof Your power. Help me to learn, even this late, the lessons of Yourwonderful creations. Help me to unshackle and expand my soul to thefullest realization of Your wonders. Almighty God, make me bigger, makeme broader!'" The moth climbed to the end of the projection, up it a little way, thensuddenly reversed its wings, turned the hidden sides out and droppedthem beside its abdomen, like a large fly. The upper side of the wings, thus exposed, was far richer colour, more exquisite texture than theunder, and they slowly half lifted and drooped again. Mrs. Comstockturned her face to Philip. "Am I an old fool, or do you feel it, too?" she half whispered. "You are wiser than you ever have been before, " answered he. "I feel it, also. " "And I, " breathed Elnora. The moth spread its wings, shivered them tremulously, opening andclosing them rapidly. Philip handed the box to Elnora. She shook her head. "I can't take that one, " she said. "Give her freedom. " "But, Elnora, " protested Mrs. Comstock, "I don't want to let her go. She's mine. She's the first one I ever found this way. Can't you put herin a big box, and let her live, without hurting her? I can't bear to lether go. I want to learn all about her. " "Then watch while we gather these on the trees, " said Elnora. "We willtake her home until night and then decide what to do. She won't fly fora long time yet. " Mrs. Comstock settled on the ground, gazing at the moth. Elnora andPhilip went to the baited trees, placing several large moths and anumber of smaller ones in the cyanide jar, and searching the bushesbeyond where they found several paired specimens of differing families. When they returned Elnora showed her mother how to hold her hand beforethe moth so that it would climb upon her fingers. Then they started backto the cabin, Elnora and Philip leading the way; Mrs. Comstock followedslowly, stepping with great care lest she stumble and injure the moth. Her face wore a look of comprehension, in her eyes was an exalted light. On she came to the blue-bordered pool lying beside her path. A turtle scrambled from a log and splashed into the water, while ared-wing shouted, "O-ka-lee!" to her. Mrs. Comstock paused and lookedintently at the slime-covered quagmire, framed in a flower riot andhomed over by sweet-voiced birds. Then she gazed at the thing ofincomparable beauty clinging to her fingers and said softly: "If youhad known about wonders like these in the days of your youth, RobertComstock, could you ever have done what you did?" Elnora missed her mother, and turning to look for her, saw her standingbeside the pool. Would the old fascination return? A panic of fearseized the girl. She went back swiftly. "Are you afraid she is going?" Elnora asked. "If you are, cup your otherhand over her for shelter. Carrying her through this air and in the hotsunshine will dry her wings and make them ready for flight very quickly. You can't trust her in such air and light as you can in the cool darkwoods. " While she talked she took hold of her mother's sleeve, anxiously smilinga pitiful little smile that Mrs. Comstock understood. Philip set hisload at the back door, returning to hold open the garden gate for Elnoraand Mrs. Comstock. He reached it in time to see them standing togetherbeside the pool. The mother bent swiftly and kissed the girl on thelips. Philip turned and was busily hunting moths on the raspberrybushes when they reached the gate. And so excellent are the rewards ofattending your own business, that he found a Promethea on a lilac in acorner; a moth of such rare wine-coloured, velvety shades that it almostsent Mrs. Comstock to her knees again. But this one was fully developed, able to fly, and had to be taken into the cabin hurriedly. Mrs. Comstockstood in the middle of the room holding up her Regalis. "Now what must I do?" she asked. Elnora glanced at Philip Ammon. Their eyes met and both of them smiled;he with amusement at the tall, spare figure, with dark eyes and whitecrown, asking the childish question so confidingly; and Elnora withpride. She was beginning to appreciate the character of her mother. "How would you like to sit and see her finish development? I'll getdinner, " proposed the girl. After they had dined, Philip and Elnora carried the dishes to thekitchen, brought out boxes, sheets of cork, pins, ink, paper slips andeverything necessary for mounting and classifying the moths they hadtaken. When the housework was finished Mrs. Comstock with her rufflesat near, watching and listening. She remembered all they said that sheunderstood, and when uncertain she asked questions. Occasionally shelaid down her work to straighten some flower which needed attentionor to search the garden for a bug for the grosbeak. In one of theseabsences Elnora said to Philip: "These replace quite a number of themoths I lost for the man of India. With a week of such luck, I couldalmost begin to talk college again. " "There is no reason why you should not have the week and the luck, " saidhe. "I have taken moths until the middle of August, though I suspect oneis more likely to find late ones in the north where it is colderthan here. The next week is hay-time, but we can count on a fewdouble-brooders and strays, and by working the exchange method for allit is worth, I think we can complete the collection again. " "You almost make me hope, " said Elnora, "but I must not allow myself. Idon't truly think I can replace all I lost, not even with your help. IfI could, I scarcely see my way clear to leave mother this winter. I havefound her so recently, and she is so precious, I can't risk losing heragain. I am going to take the nature position in the Onabasha schools, and I shall be most happy doing the work. Only, these are a temptation. " "I wish you might go to college this fall with the other girls, " saidPhilip. "I feel that if you don't you never will. Isn't there some way?" "I can't see it if there is, and I really don't want to leave mother. " "Well, mother is mighty glad to hear it, " said Mrs. Comstock, enteringthe arbour. Philip noticed that her face was pale, her lips quivering, her voicecold. "I was telling your daughter that she should go to college this winter, "he explained, "but she says she doesn't want to leave you. " "If she wants to go, I wish she could, " said Mrs. Comstock, a look ofrelief spreading over her face. "Oh, all girls want to go to college, " said Philip. "It's the onlyproper place to learn bridge and embroidery; not to mention midnightlunches of mixed pickles and fruit cake, and all the delights of thesororities. " "I have thought for years of going to college, " said Elnora, "but Inever thought of any of those things. " "That is because your education in fudge and bridge has been sadlyneglected, " said Philip. "You should hear my sister Polly! This was herfinal year! Lunches and sororities were all I heard her mention, untilTom Levering came on deck; now he is the leading subject. I can't seefrom her daily conversation that she knows half as much really worthknowing as you do, but she's ahead of you miles on fun. " "Oh, we had some good times in the high school, " said Elnora. "Lifehasn't been all work and study. Is Edith Carr a college girl?" "No. She is the very selectest kind of a private boarding-school girl. " "Who is she?" asked Mrs. Comstock. Philip opened his lips. "She is a girl in Chicago, that Mr. Ammon knows very well, " said Elnora. "She is beautiful and rich, and a friend of his sister's. Or, didn't yousay that?" "I don't remember, but she is, " said Philip. "This moth needs an alcoholbath to remove the dope. " "Won't the down come, too?" asked Elnora anxiously. "No. You watch and you will see it come out, as Polly would say, 'aperfectly good' moth. " "Is your sister younger than you?" inquired Elnora. "Yes, " said Philip, "but she is three years older than you. She is thedearest sister in all the world. I'd love to see her now. " "Why don't you send for her, " suggested Elnora. "Perhaps she'd like tohelp us catch moths. " "Yes, I think Polly in a Virot hat, Picot embroidered frock andthree-inch heels would take more moths than any one who ever tried theLimberlost, " laughed Philip. "Well, you find many of them, and you are her brother. " "Yes, but that is different. Father was reared in Onabasha, and he lovedthe country. He trained me his way and mother took charge of Polly. Idon't quite understand it. Mother is a great home body herself, but shedid succeed in making Polly strictly ornamental. " "Does Tom Levering need a 'strictly ornamental' girl?" "You are too matter of fact! Too 'strictly' material. He needs a darlinggirl who will love him plenty, and Polly is that. " "Well, then, does the Limberlost need a 'strictly ornamental' girl?" "No!" cried Philip. "You are ornament enough for the Limberlost. I havechanged my mind. I don't want Polly here. She would not enjoy catchingmoths, or anything we do. " "She might, " persisted Elnora. "You are her brother, and surely you carefor these things. " "The argument does not hold, " said Philip. "Polly and I do not like thesame things when we are at home, but we are very fond of each other. Themember of my family who would go crazy about this is my father. I wishhe could come, if only for a week. I'd send for him, but he is tied upin preparing some papers for a great corporation case this summer. Helikes the country. It was his vote that brought me here. " Philip leaned back against the arbour, watching the grosbeak as ithunted food between a tomato vine and a day lily. Elnora set him tomaking labels, and when he finished them he asked permission to writea letter. He took no pains to conceal his page, and from where she satopposite him, Elnora could not look his way without reading: "My dearestEdith. " He wrote busily for a time and then sat staring across thegarden. "Have you run out of material so quickly?" asked Elnora. "That's about it, " said Philip. "I have said that I am getting well asrapidly as possible, that the air is fine, the folks at Uncle Doc's allwell, and entirely too good to me; that I am spending most of my timein the country helping catch moths for a collection, which is splendidexercise; now I can't think of another thing that will be interesting. " There was a burst of exquisite notes in the maple. "Put in the grosbeak, " suggested Elnora. "Tell her you are so friendlywith him you feed him potato bugs. " Philip lowered the pen to the sheet, bent forward, then hesitated. "Blest if I do!" he cried. "She'd think a grosbeak was a depraved personwith a large nose. She'd never dream that it was a black-robed lover, with a breast of snow and a crimson heart. She doesn't care for hungrybabies and potato bugs. I shall write that to father. He will find itdelightful. " Elnora deftly picked up a moth, pinned it and placed its wings. Shestraightened the antennae, drew each leg into position and set it inperfectly lifelike manner. As she lifted her work to see if she had itright, she glanced at Philip. He was still frowning and hesitating overthe paper. "I dare you to let me dictate a couple of paragraphs. " "Done!" cried Philip. "Go slowly enough that I can write it. " Elnora laughed gleefully. "I am writing this, " she began, "in an old grape arbour in the country, near a log cabin where I had my dinner. From where I sit I can seedirectly into the home of the next-door neighbour on the west. His nameis R. B. Grosbeak. From all I have seen of him, he is a gentleman ofthe old school; the oldest school there is, no doubt. He always wears ablack suit and cap and a white vest, decorated with one large red heart, which I think must be the emblem of some ancient order. I have been herea number of times, and I never have seen him wear anything else, or hiswife appear in other than a brown dress with touches of white. "It has appealed to me at times that she was a shade neglectful of herhome duties, but he does not seem to feel that way. He cheerfully staysin the sitting-room, while she is away having a good time, and singswhile he cares for the four small children. I must tell you about hismusic. I am sure he never saw inside a conservatory. I think he merelypicked up what he knows by ear and without vocal training, but thereis a tenderness in his tones, a depth of pure melody, that I never haveheard surpassed. It may be that I think more of his music than thatof some other good vocalists hereabout, because I see more of him andappreciate his devotion to his home life. "I just had an encounter with him at the west fence, and induced him tocarry a small gift to his children. When I see the perfect harmony inwhich he lives, and the depth of content he and the brown lady find inlife, I am almost persuaded to-- Now this is going to be poetry, " saidElnora. "Move your pen over here and begin with a quote and a cap. " Philip's face had been an interesting study while he wrote hersentences. Now he gravely set the pen where she indicated, and Elnoradictated-- "Buy a nice little home in the country, And settle down there for life. " "That's the truth!" cried Philip. "It's as big a temptation as I everhad. Go on!" "That's all, " said Elnora. "You can finish. The moths are done. I amgoing hunting for whatever I can find for the grades. " "Wait a minute, " begged Philip. "I am going, too. " "No. You stay with mother and finish your letter. " "It is done. I couldn't add anything to that. " "Very well! Sign your name and come on. But I forgot to tell you allthe bargain. Maybe you won't send the letter when you hear that. Theremainder is that you show me the reply to my part of it. " "Oh, that's easy! I wouldn't have the slightest objection to showing youthe whole letter. " He signed his name, folded the sheets and slipped them into his pocket. "Where are we going and what do we take?" "Will you go, mother?" asked Elnora. "I have a little work that should be done, " said Mrs. Comstock. "Couldyou spare me? Where do you want to go?" "We will go down to Aunt Margaret's and see her a few minutes and getBilly. We will be back in time for supper. " Mrs. Comstock smiled as she watched them down the road. What asplendid-looking pair of young creatures they were! How finelyproportioned, how full of vitality! Then her face grew troubled as shesaw them in earnest conversation. Just as she was wishing she had nottrusted her precious girl with so much of a stranger, she saw Elnorastoop to lift a branch and peer under. The mother grew content. Elnorawas thinking only of her work. She was to be trusted utterly. CHAPTER XVI WHEREIN THE LIMBERLOST SINGS FOR PHILIP, AND THE TALKING TREES TELLGREAT SECRETS A few days later Philip handed Elnora a sheet of paper and she read: "Inyour condition I should think the moth hunting and life at that cabinwould be very good for you, but for any sake keep away from thatGrosbeak person, and don't come home with your head full of grangerideas. No doubt he has a remarkable voice, but I can't bear untrainedsingers, and don't you get the idea that a June song is perennial. Youare not hearing the music he will make when the four babies have thescarlet fever and the measles, and the gadding wife leaves him at hometo care for them then. Poor soul, I pity her! How she exists whererampant cows bellow at you, frogs croak, mosquitoes consume you, thebutter goes to oil in summer and bricks in winter, while the pumpfreezes every day, and there is no earthly amusement, and no society!Poor things! Can't you influence him to move? No wonder she gads whenshe has a chance! I should die. If you are thinking of settling in thecountry, think also of a woman who is satisfied with white and brown toaccompany you! Brown! Of all deadly colours! I should go mad in brown. " Elnora laughed while she read. Her face was dimpling, as she returnedthe sheet. "Who's ahead?" she asked. "Who do you think?" he parried. "She is, " said Elnora. "Are you going to tell her in your next that R. B. Grosbeak is a bird, and that he probably will spend the winter in awild plum thicket in Tennessee?" "No, " said Philip. "I shall tell her that I understand her ideas oflife perfectly, and, of course, I never shall ask her to deal with oilybutter and frozen pumps--" "--and measley babies, " interpolated Elnora. "Exactly!" said Philip. "At the same time I find so much tocounterbalance those things, that I should not object to bearing themmyself, in view of the recompense. Where do we go and what do we doto-day?" "We will have to hunt beside the roads and around the edge of theLimberlost to-day, " said Elnora. "Mother is making strawberry preserves, and she can't come until she finishes. Suppose we go down to the swampand I'll show you what is left of the flower-room that Terence O'More, the big lumber man of Great Rapids, made when he was a homeless boyhere. Of course, you have heard the story?" "Yes, and I've met the O'Mores who are frequently in Chicago society. They have friends there. I think them one ideal couple. " "That sounds as if they might be the only one, " said Elnora, "and, indeed, they are not. I know dozens. Aunt Margaret and Uncle Wesley areanother, the Brownlees another, and my mathematics professor and hiswife. The world is full of happy people, but no one ever hears of them. You must fight and make a scandal to get into the papers. No one knowsabout all the happy people. I am happy myself, and look how perfectlyinconspicuous I am. " "You only need go where you will be seen, " began Philip, when heremembered and finished. "What do we take to-day?" "Ourselves, " said Elnora. "I have a vagabond streak in my blood and it'sin evidence. I am going to show you where real flowers grow, real birdssing, and if I feel quite right about it, perhaps I shall raise a noteor two myself. " "Oh, do you sing?" asked Philip politely. "At times, " answered Elnora. "'As do the birds; because I must, ' butdon't be scared. The mood does not possess me often. Perhaps I shan'traise a note. " They went down the road to the swamp, climbed the snake fence, followedthe path to the old trail and then turned south upon it. Elnoraindicated to Philip the trail with remnants of sagging barbed wire. "It was ten years ago, " she said. "I was a little school girl, but Iwandered widely even then, and no one cared. I saw him often. He hadbeen in a city institution all his life, when he took the job of keepingtimber thieves out of this swamp, before many trees had been cut. It wasa strong man's work, and he was a frail boy, but he grew hardier ashe lived out of doors. This trail we are on is the path his feet firstwore, in those days when he was insane with fear and eaten up withloneliness, but he stuck to his work and won out. I used to come downto the road and creep among the bushes as far as I dared, to watch himpass. He walked mostly, at times he rode a wheel. "Some days his face was dreadfully sad, others it was so determined alittle child could see the force in it, and once he was radiant. Thatday the Swamp Angel was with him. I can't tell you what she was like. Inever saw any one who resembled her. He stopped close here to show her abird's nest. Then they went on to a sort of flower-room he had made, andhe sang for her. By the time he left, I had gotten bold enough to comeout on the trail, and I met the big Scotchman Freckles lived with. Hesaw me catching moths and butterflies, so he took me to the flower-roomand gave me everything there. I don't dare come alone often, so I can'tkeep it up as he did, but you can see something of how it was. " Elnora led the way and Philip followed. The outlines of the room werenot distinct, because many of the trees were gone, but Elnora showed howit had been as nearly as she could. "The swamp is almost ruined now, " she said. "The maples, walnuts, andcherries are all gone. The talking trees are the only things left worthwhile. " "The 'talking trees!' I don't understand, " commented Philip. "No wonder!" laughed Elnora. "They are my discovery. You know all treeswhisper and talk during the summer, but there are two that have so muchto say they keep on the whole winter, when the others are silent. Thebeeches and oaks so love to talk, they cling to their dead, dry leaves. In the winter the winds are stiffest and blow most, so these treeswhisper, chatter, sob, laugh, and at times roar until the sound isdeafening. They never cease until new leaves come out in the spring topush off the old ones. I love to stand beneath them with my ear to thetrunks, interpreting what they say to fit my moods. The beeches branchlow, and their leaves are small so they only know common earthly things;but the oaks run straight above almost all other trees before theybranch, their arms are mighty, their leaves large. They meet the windsthat travel around the globe, and from them learn the big things. " Philip studied the girls face. "What do the beeches tell you, Elnora?"he asked gently. "To be patient, to be unselfish, to do unto others as I would have themdo to me. " "And the oaks?" "They say 'be true, ' 'live a clean life, ' 'send your soul up here andthe winds of the world will teach it what honour achieves. '" "Wonderful secrets, those!" marvelled Philip. "Are they telling themnow? Could I hear?" "No. They are only gossiping now. This is play-time. They tell the bigsecrets to a white world, when the music inspires them. " "The music?" "All other trees are harps in the winter. Their trunks are the frames, their branches the strings, the winds the musicians. When the air iscold and clear, the world very white, and the harp music swelling, thenthe talking trees tell the strengthening, uplifting things. " "You wonderful girl!" cried Philip. "What a woman you will be!" "If I am a woman at all worth while, it will be because I have had suchwonderful opportunities, " said Elnora. "Not every girl is driven tothe forest to learn what God has to say there. Here are the remainsof Freckles's room. The time the Angel came here he sang to her, and Ilistened. I never heard music like that. No wonder she loved him. Everyone who knew him did, and they do yet. Try that log, it makes a fairlygood seat. This old store box was his treasure house, just as it's nowmine. I will show you my dearest possession. I do not dare take it homebecause mother can't overcome her dislike for it. It was my father's, and in some ways I am like him. This is the strongest. " Elnora lifted the violin and began to play. She wore a school dress ofgreen gingham, with the sleeves rolled to the elbows. She seemed a partof the setting all around her. Her head shone like a small dark sun, andher face never had seemed so rose-flushed and fair. From the instant shedrew the bow, her lips parted and her eyes turned toward something faraway in the swamp, and never did she give more of that impression offeeling for her notes and repeating something audible only to her. Philip was too close to get the best effect. He arose and stepped backseveral yards, leaning against a large tree, looking and listeningintently. As he changed positions he saw that Mrs. Comstock had followed them, and was standing on the trail, where she could not have helped hearingeverything Elnora had said. So to Philip before her and the mother watching on the trail, Elnoraplayed the Song of the Limberlost. It seemed as if the swamp hushed allits other voices and spoke only through her dancing bow. The mother outon the trail had heard it all, once before from the girl, many timesfrom her father. To the man it was a revelation. He stood so stunned heforgot Mrs. Comstock. He tried to realize what a city audience wouldsay to that music, from such a player, with a similar background, and hecould not imagine. He was wondering what he dared say, how much he might express, whenthe last note fell and the girl laid the violin in the case, closed thedoor, locked it and hid the key in the rotting wood at the end of a log. Then she came to him. Philip stood looking at her curiously. "I wonder, " he said, "what people would say to that?" "I played that in public once, " said Elnora. "I think they liked it, fairly well. I had a note yesterday offering me the leadership of thehigh school orchestra in Onabasha. I can take it as well as not. None ofmy talks to the grades come the first thing in the morning. I can playa few minutes in the orchestra and reach the rooms in plenty of time. It will be more work that I love, and like finding the money. I wouldgladly play for nothing, merely to be able to express myself. " "With some people it makes a regular battlefield of the humanheart--this struggle for self-expression, " said Philip. "You are goingto do beautiful work in the world, and do it well. When I realize thatyour violin belonged to your father, that he played it before you wereborn, and it no doubt affected your mother strongly, and then couplewith that the years you have roamed these fields and swamps finding innature all you had to lavish your heart upon, I can see how you evolved. I understand what you mean by self-expression. I know something of whatyou have to express. The world never so wanted your message as it doesnow. It is hungry for the things you know. I can see easily how yourposition came to you. What you have to give is taught in no college, andI am not sure but you would spoil yourself if you tried to run your mindthrough a set groove with hundreds of others. I never thought I shouldsay such a thing to any one, but I do say to you, and I honestly believeit; give up the college idea. Your mind does not need that sort ofdevelopment. Stick close to your work in the woods. You are becoming soinfinitely greater on it, than the best college girl I ever knew, thatthere is no comparison. When you have money to spend, take that violinand go to one of the world's great masters and let the Limberlost singto him; if he thinks he can improve it, very well. I have my doubts. " "Do you really mean that you would give up all idea of going to college, in my place?" "I really mean it, " said Philip. "If I now held the money in my hands tosend you, and could give it to you in some way you would accept Iwould not. I do not know why it is the fate of the world always to wantsomething different from what life gives them. If you only could realizeit, my girl, you are in college, and have been always. You are in theschool of experience, and it has taught you to think, and given youa heart. God knows I envy the man who wins it! You have been in thecollege of the Limberlost all your life, and I never met a graduate fromany other institution who could begin to compare with you in sanity, clarity, and interesting knowledge. I wouldn't even advise you to readtoo many books on your lines. You acquire your material first hand, andyou know that you are right. What you should do is to begin early topractise self-expression. Don't wait too long to tell us about the woodsas you know them. " "Follow the course of the Bird Woman, you mean?" asked Elnora. "In your own way; with your own light. She won't live forever. You areyounger, and you will be ready to begin where she ends. The swamp hasgiven you all you need so far; now you give it to the world in payment. College be confounded! Go to work and show people what there is in you!" Not until then did he remember Mrs. Comstock. "Should we go out to the trail and see if your mother is coming?" heasked. "Here she is now, " said Elnora. "Gracious, it's a mercy I got thatviolin put away in time! I didn't expect her so soon, " whisperedthe girl as she turned and went toward her mother. Mrs. Comstock'sexpression was peculiar as she looked at Elnora. "I forgot that you were making sun-preserves and they didn't requiremuch cooking, " she said. "We should have waited for you. " "Not at all!" answered Mrs. Comstock. "Have you found anything yet?" "Nothing that I can show you, " said Elnora. "I am almost sure I havefound an idea that will revolutionize the whole course of my work, thought, and ambitions. " "'Ambitions!' My, what a hefty word!" laughed Mrs. Comstock. "Now whowould suspect a little red-haired country girl of harbouring such adeadly germ in her body? Can you tell mother about it?" "Not if you talk to me that way, I can't, " said Elnora. "Well, I guess we better let ambition lie. I've always heard it wassafest asleep. If you ever get a bona fide attack, it will be time toattend it. Let's hunt specimens. It is June. Philip and I are in thegrades. You have an hour to put an idea into our heads that will stickfor a lifetime, and grow for good. That's the way I look at your job. Now, what are you going to give us? We don't want any old silly stuffthat has been hashed over and over, we want a big new idea to plantin our hearts. Come on, Miss Teacher, what is the boiled-down, double-distilled essence of June? Give it to us strong. We are largeenough to furnish it developing ground. Hurry up! Time is short and weare waiting. What is the miracle of June? What one thing epitomizes thewhole month, and makes it just a little different from any other?" "The birth of these big night moths, " said Elnora promptly. Philip clapped his hands. The tears started to Mrs. Comstock's eyes. Shetook Elnora in her arms, and kissed her forehead. "You'll do!" she said. "June is June, not because it has bloom, bird, fruit, or flower, exclusive to it alone. "It's half May and half July in all of them. But to me, it's just June, when it comes to these great, velvet-winged night moths which sweep itsmoonlit skies, consummating their scheme of creation, and dropping likea bloomed-out flower. Give them moths for June. Then make that the basisof your year's work. Find the distinctive feature of each month, theone thing which marks it a time apart, and hit them squarely between theeyes with it. Even the babies of the lowest grades can comprehend mothswhen they see a few emerge, and learn their history, as it can be livedbefore them. You should show your specimens in pairs, then their eggs, the growing caterpillars, and then the cocoons. You want to dig out thered heart of every month in the year, and hold it pulsing before them. "I can't name all of them off-hand, but I think of one more right now. February belongs to our winter birds. It is then the great horned owl ofthe swamp courts his mate, the big hawks pair, and even the crows beginto take notice. These are truly our birds. Like the poor we have themalways with us. You should hear the musicians of this swamp in February, Philip, on a mellow night. Oh, but they are in earnest! For twenty-oneyears I've listened by night to the great owls, all the smaller sizes, the foxes, coons, and every resident left in these woods, and by day tothe hawks, yellow-hammers, sap-suckers, titmice, crows, and other winterbirds. Only just now it's come to me that the distinctive feature ofFebruary is not linen bleaching, nor sugar making; it's the love monthof our very own birds. Give them hawks and owls for February, Elnora. " With flashing eyes the girl looked at Philip. "How's that?" she said. "Don't you think I will succeed, with such help? You should hear theconcert she is talking about! It is simply indescribable when the groundis covered with snow, and the moonlight white. " "It's about the best music we have, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I wonder ifyou couldn't copy that and make a strong, original piece out of it foryour violin, Elnora?" There was one tense breath, then---- "I could try, " said Elnora simply. Philip rushed to the rescue. "We must go to work, " he said, and beganexamining a walnut branch for Luna moth eggs. Elnora joined him whileMrs. Comstock drew her embroidery from her pocket and sat on a log. Shesaid she was tired, they could come for her when they were ready to go. She could hear their voices around her until she called them at suppertime. When they came to her she stood waiting on the trail, the sewingin one hand, the violin in the other. Elnora became very white, butfollowed the trail without a word. Philip, unable to see a woman carrya heavier load than he, reached for the instrument. Mrs. Comstock shookher head. She carried the violin home, took it into her room and closedthe door. Elnora turned to Philip. "If she destroys that, I shall die!" cried the girl. "She won't!" said Philip. "You misunderstand her. She wouldn't have saidwhat she did about the owls, if she had meant to. She is your mother. No one loves you as she does. Trust her! Myself--I think she's simplygreat!" Mrs. Comstock returned with serene face, and all of them helped withthe supper. When it was over Philip and Elnora sorted and classified theafternoon's specimens, and made a trip to the woods to paint and lightseveral trees for moths. When they came back Mrs. Comstock sat in thearbour, and they joined her. The moonlight was so intense, print couldhave been read by it. The damp night air held odours near to earth, making flower and tree perfume strong. A thousand insects wereserenading, and in the maple the grosbeak occasionally said a reassuringword to his wife, while she answered that all was well. A whip-poor-willwailed in the swamp and beside the blue-bordered pool a chat complaineddisconsolately. Mrs. Comstock went into the cabin, but she returnedimmediately, laying the violin and bow across Elnora's lap. "I wish youwould give us a little music, " she said. CHAPTER XVII WHEREIN MRS. COMSTOCK DANCES IN THE MOONLIGHT, AND ELNORA MAKES ACONFESSION Billy was swinging in the hammock, at peace with himself and all theworld, when he thought he heard something. He sat bolt upright, his eyesstaring. Once he opened his lips, then thought again and closed them. The sound persisted. Billy vaulted the fence, and ran down the road withhis queer sidewise hop. When he neared the Comstock cabin, he left thewarm dust of the highway and stepped softly at slower pace over therank grasses of the roadside. He had heard aright. The violin was in thegrape arbour, singing a perfect jumble of everything, poured out in anexultant tumult. The strings were voicing the joy of a happy girl heart. Billy climbed the fence enclosing the west woods and crept toward thearbour. He was not a spy and not a sneak. He merely wanted to satisfyhis child-heart as to whether Mrs. Comstock was at home, and Elnoraat last playing her loved violin with her mother's consent. One peepsufficed. Mrs. Comstock sat in the moonlight, her head leaning againstthe arbour; on her face was a look of perfect peace and contentment. Ashe stared at her the bow hesitated a second and Mrs. Comstock spoke: "That's all very melodious and sweet, " she said, "but I do wish youcould play Money Musk and some of the tunes I danced as a girl. " Elnora had been carefully avoiding every note that might be reminiscentof her father. At the words she laughed softly and began "Turkey in theStraw. " An instant later Mrs. Comstock was dancing in the moon light. Ammon sprang to her side, caught her in his arms, while to Elnora'slaughter and the violin's impetus they danced until they dropped pantingon the arbour bench. Billy scarcely knew when he reached the road. His light feet barelytouched the soft way, so swiftly he flew. He vaulted the fence and burstinto the house. "Aunt Margaret! Uncle Wesley!" he screamed. "Listen! Listen! She'splaying it! Elnora's playing her violin at home! And Aunt Kate isdancing like anything before the arbour! I saw her in the moonlight! Iran down! Oh, Aunt Margaret!" Billy fled sobbing to Margaret's breast. "Why Billy!" she chided. "Don't cry, you little dunce! That's what we'veall prayed for these many years; but you must be mistaken about Kate. Ican't believe it. " Billy lifted his head. "Well, you just have to!" he said. "When I sayI saw anything, Uncle Wesley knows I did. The city man was dancing withher. They danced together and Elnora laughed. But it didn't look funnyto me; I was scared. " "Who was it said 'wonders never cease, '" asked Wesley. "You mark myword, once you get Kate Comstock started, you can't stop her. There'sa wagon load of penned-up force in her. Dancing in the moonlight! Well, I'll be hanged!" Billy was at his side instantly. "Whoever does it will have to hang me, too, " he cried. Sinton threw his arm around Billy and drew him closely. "Tell us allabout it, son, " he said. Billy told. "And when Elnora just stoppeda breath, 'Can't you play some of the old things I knew when I was agirl?' said her ma. Then Elnora began to do a thing that made youwant to whirl round and round, and quicker 'an scat there was her maa-whirling. The city man, he ups and grabs her and whirls, too, and backin the woods I was going just like they did. Elnora begins to laugh, andI ran to tell you, cos I knew you'd like to know. Now, all the world isright, ain't it?" ended Billy in supreme satisfaction. "You just bet it is!" said Wesley. Billy looked steadily at Margaret. "Is it, Aunt Margaret?" Margaret Sinton smiled at him bravely. An hour later when Billy was ready to climb the stairs to his room, hewent to Margaret to say good night. He leaned against her an instant, then brought his lips to her ear. "Wish I could get your little girlsback for you!" he whispered and dashed toward the stairs. Down at the Comstock cabin the violin played on until Elnora was sotired she scarcely could lift the bow. Then Philip went home. The womenwalked to the gate with him, and stood watching him from sight. "That's what I call one decent young man!" said Mrs. Comstock. "To seehim fit in with us, you'd think he'd been brought up in a cabin; butit's likely he's always had the very cream o' the pot. " "Yes, I think so, " laughed Elnora, "but it hasn't hurt him. I'venever seen anything I could criticise. He's teaching me so much, unconsciously. You know he graduated from Harvard, and has severaldegrees in law. He's coming in the morning, and we are going to put in abig day on Catocalae. " "Which is----?" "Those gray moths with wings that fold back like big flies, and theyappear as if they had been carved from old wood. Then, when they fly, the lower wings flash out and they are red and black, or gold and black, or pink and black, or dozens of bright, beautiful colours combined withblack. No one ever has classified all of them and written their completehistory, unless the Bird Woman is doing it now. She wants everything shecan get about them. " "I remember, " said Mrs. Comstock. "They are mighty pretty things. I'vestarted up slews of them from the vines covering the logs, all my life. I must be cautious and catch them after this, but they seem powerfulspry. I might get hold of something rare. " She thought intently andadded, "And wouldn't know it if I did. It would just be my luck. I'vehad the rarest thing on earth in reach this many a day and only had thewit to cinch it just as it was going. I'll bet I don't let anything elseescape me. " Next morning Philip came early, and he and Elnora went at once to thefields and woods. Mrs. Comstock had come to believe so implicitly in himthat she now stayed at home to complete the work before she joined them, and when she did she often sat sewing, leaving them wandering hours ata time. It was noon before she finished, and then she packed a basketof lunch. She found Elnora and Philip near the violet patch, which wasstill in its prime. They all lunched together in the shade of a wildcrab thicket, with flowers spread at their feet, and the gold oriolesstreaking the air with flashes of light and trailing ecstasy behindthem, while the red-wings, as always, asked the most impertinentquestions. Then Mrs. Comstock carried the basket back to the cabin, and Philip and Elnora sat on a log, resting a few minutes. They hadunexpected luck, and both were eager to continue the search. "Do you remember your promise about these violets?" asked he. "To-morrowis Edith's birthday, and if I'd put them special delivery on the morningtrain, she'd get them in the late afternoon. They ought to keep thatlong. She leaves for the North next day. " "Of course, you may have them, " said Elnora. "We will quit long enoughbefore supper to gather a large bunch. They can be packed so they willcarry all right. They should be perfectly fresh, especially if we gatherthem this evening and let them drink all night. " Then they went back to hunt Catocalae. It was a long and a happy search. It led them into new, unexplored nooks of the woods, past a red-pollnest, and where goldfinches prospected for thistledown for the cradlesthey would line a little later. It led them into real forest, wheredeep, dark pools lay, where the hermit thrush and the wood robinextracted the essence from all other bird melody, and poured it out intheir pure bell-tone notes. It seemed as if every old gray tree-trunk, slab of loose bark, and prostrate log yielded the flashing graytreasures; while of all others they seemed to take alarm most easily, and be most difficult to capture. Philip came to Elnora at dusk, daintily holding one by the body, itsdark wings showing and its long slender legs trying to clasp his fingersand creep from his hold. "Oh for mercy's sake!" cried Elnora, staring at him. "I half believe it!" exulted Ammon. "Did you ever see one?" "Only in collections, and very seldom there. " Elnora studied the black wings intently. "I surely believe that'sSappho, " she marvelled. "The Bird Woman will be overjoyed. " "We must get the cyanide jar quickly, " said Philip. "I wouldn't lose her for anything. Such a chase as she led me!" Elnora brought the jar and began gathering up paraphernalia. "When you make a find like that, " she said, "it's the right time to quitand feel glorious all the rest of that day. I tell you I'm proud! Wewill go now. We have barely time to carry out our plans before supper. Won't mother be pleased to see that we have a rare one?" "I'd like to see any one more pleased than I am!" said Philip Ammon. "Ifeel as if I'd earned my supper to-night. Let's go. " He took the greater part of the load and stepped aside for Elnora toprecede him. She followed the path, broken by the grazing cattle, towardthe cabin and nearest the violet patch she stopped, laid down her net, and the things she carried. Philip passed her and hurried straighttoward the back gate. "Aren't you going to----?" began Elnora. "I'm going to get this moth home in a hurry, " he said. "This cyanide haslost its strength, and it's not working well. We need some fresh in thejar. " He had forgotten the violets! Elnora stood looking after him, a curiousexpression on her face. One second so--then she picked up the net andfollowed. At the blue-bordered pool she paused and half turned back, then she closed her lips firmly and went on. It was nine o'clock whenPhilip said good-bye, and started to town. His gay whistle floated tothem from the farthest corner of the Limberlost. Elnora complained ofbeing tired, so she went to her room and to bed. But sleep would notcome. Thought was racing in her brain and the longer she lay the widerawake she grew. At last she softly slipped from bed, lighted her lampand began opening boxes. Then she went to work. Two hours later abeautiful birch bark basket, strongly and artistically made, stood onher table. She set a tiny alarm clock at three, returned to bed and fellasleep instantly with a smile on her lips. She was on the floor with the first tinkle of the alarm, and hastilydressing, she picked up the basket and a box to fit it, crept down thestairs, and out to the violet patch. She was unafraid as it was growinglight, and lining the basket with damp mosses she swiftly began picking, with practised hands, the best of the flowers. She scarcely couldtell which were freshest at times, but day soon came creeping over theLimberlost and peeped at her. The robins awoke all their neighbours, anda babel of bird notes filled the air. The dew was dripping, while thefirst strong rays of light fell on a world in which Elnora worshipped. When the basket was filled to overflowing, she set it in the stoutpasteboard box, packed it solid with mosses, tied it firmly and slippedunder the cord a note she had written the previous night. Then she took a short cut across the woods and walked swiftly toOnabasha. It was after six o'clock, but all of the city she wished toavoid were asleep. She had no trouble in finding a small boy out, andshe stood at a distance waiting while he rang Dr. Ammon's bell anddelivered the package for Philip to a maid, with the note which was tobe given him at once. On the way home through the woods passing some baited trees shecollected the captive moths. She entered the kitchen with them sonaturally that Mrs. Comstock made no comment. After breakfast Elnorawent to her room, cleared away all trace of the night's work and was outin the arbour mounting moths when Philip came down the road. "I am tiredsitting, " she said to her mother. "I think I will walk a few rods andmeet him. " "Who's a trump?" he called from afar. "Not you!" retorted Elnora. "Confess that you forgot!" "Completely!" said Philip. "But luckily it would not have been fatal. Iwrote Polly last week to send Edith something appropriate to-day, withmy card. But that touch from the woods will be very effective. Thank youmore than I can say. Aunt Anna and I unpacked it to see the basket, andit was a beauty. She says you are always doing such things. " "Well, I hope not!" laughed Elnora. "If you'd seen me sneaking outbefore dawn, not to awaken mother and coming in with moths to makeher think I'd been to the trees, you'd know it was a most especialoccasion. " "Then Philip understood two things: Elnora's mother did not know of theearly morning trip to the city, and the girl had come to meet him totell him so. "You were a brick to do it!" he whispered as he closed the gate behindthem. "I'll never forget you for it. Thank you ever so much. " "I did not do that for you, " said Elnora tersely. "I did it mostly topreserve my own self-respect. I saw you were forgetting. If I did it foranything besides that, I did it for her. " "Just look what I've brought!" said Philip, entering the arbour andgreeting Mrs. Comstock. "Borrowed it of the Bird Woman. And it isn'thers. A rare edition of Catocalae with coloured plates. I told her thebest I could, and she said to try for Sappho here. I suspect the BirdWoman will be out presently. She was all excitement. " Then they bent over the book together and with the mounted moth beforethem determined her family. The Bird Woman did come later, and carriedthe moth away, to put into a book and Elnora and Philip were freshlyfilled with enthusiasm. So these days were the beginning of the weeks that followed. Six of themflying on Time's wings, each filled to the brim with interest. AfterJune, the moth hunts grew less frequent; the fields and woods weresearched for material for Elnora's grade work. The most absorbingoccupation they found was in carrying out Mrs. Comstock's suggestionto learn the vital thing for which each month was distinctive, and makethat the key to the nature work. They wrote out a list of the months, opposite each the things all of them could suggest which seemed topertain to that month alone, and then tried to sift until they foundsomething typical. Mrs. Comstock was a great help. Her mother hadbeen Dutch and had brought from Holland numerous quaint sayings andsuperstitions easily traceable to Pliny's Natural History; and in Mrs. Comstock's early years in Ohio she had heard much Indian talk among herelders, so she knew the signs of each season, and sometimes they helped. Always her practical thought and sterling common sense were useful. Whenthey were afield until exhausted they came back to the cabin for food, to prepare specimens and classify them, and to talk over the day. Sometimes Philip brought books and read while Elnora and her motherworked, and every night Mrs. Comstock asked for the violin. Her perfecthunger for music was sufficient evidence of how she had suffered withoutit. So the days crept by, golden, filled with useful work and purepleasure. The grosbeak had led the family in the maple abroad and a second brood, in a wild grape vine clambering over the well, was almost ready forflight. The dust lay thick on the country roads, the days grew warmer;summer was just poising to slip into fall, and Philip remained, comingeach day as if he had belonged there always. One warm August afternoon Mrs. Comstock looked up from the ruffle onwhich she was engaged to see a blue-coated messenger enter the gate. "Is Philip Ammon here?" asked the boy. "He is, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I have a message for him. " "He is in the woods back of the cabin. I will ring the bell. Do you knowif it is important?" "Urgent, " said the boy; "I rode hard. " Mrs. Comstock stepped to the back door and clanged the dinner bellsharply, paused a second, and rang again. In a short time Philip andElnora ran down the path. "Are you ill, mother?" cried Elnora. Mrs. Comstock indicated the boy. "There is an important message forPhilip, " she said. He muttered an excuse and tore open the telegram. His colour fadedslightly. "I have to take the first train, " he said. "My father is illand I am needed. " He handed the sheet to Elnora. "I have about two hours, as I rememberthe trains north, but my things are all over Uncle Doc's house, so Imust go at once. " "Certainly, " said Elnora, giving back the message. "Is there anything Ican do to help? Mother, bring Philip a glass of buttermilk to start on. I will gather what you have here. " "Never mind. There is nothing of importance. I don't want to behampered. I'll send for it if I miss anything I need. " Philip drank the milk, said good-bye to Mrs. Comstock; thanked her forall her kindness, and turned to Elnora. "Will you walk to the edge of the Limberlost with me?" he asked. Elnoraassented. Mrs. Comstock followed to the gate, urged him to come againsoon, and repeated her good-bye. Then she went back to the arbour toawait Elnora's return. As she watched down the road she smiled softly. "I had an idea he would speak to me first, " she thought, "but this maychange things some. He hasn't time. Elnora will come back a happy girl, and she has good reason. He is a model young man. Her lot will be verydifferent from mine. " She picked up her embroidery and began setting dainty precise littlestitches, possible only to certain women. On the road Elnora spoke first. "I do hope it is nothing serious, " shesaid. "Is he usually strong?" "Quite strong, " said Philip. "I am not at all alarmed but I am very muchashamed. I have been well enough for the past month to have gone homeand helped him with some critical cases that were keeping him at work inthis heat. I was enjoying myself so I wouldn't offer to go, and he wouldnot ask me to come, so long as he could help it. I have allowed him toovertax himself until he is down, and mother and Polly are north at ourcottage. He's never been sick before, and it's probable I am to blamethat he is now. " "He intended you to stay this long when you came, " urged Elnora. "Yes, but it's hot in Chicago. I should have remembered him. He isalways thinking of me. Possibly he has needed me for days. I am ashamedto go to him in splendid condition and admit that I was having such afine time I forgot to come home. " "You have had a fine time, then?" asked Elnora. They had reached the fence. Philip vaulted over to take a short cutacross the fields. He turned and looked at her. "The best, the sweetest, and most wholesome time any man ever had inthis world, " he said. "Elnora, if I talked hours I couldn't make youunderstand what a girl I think you are. I never in all my life hatedanything as I hate leaving you. It seems to me that I have not strengthto do it. " "If you have learned anything worth while from me, " said Elnora, "thatshould be it. Just to have strength to go to your duty, and to goquickly. " He caught the hand she held out to him in both his. "Elnora, these dayswe have had together, have they been sweet to you?" "Beautiful days!" said Elnora. "Each like a perfect dream to be thoughtover and over all my life. Oh, they have been the only really happy daysI've ever known; these days rich with mother's love, and doing usefulwork with your help. Good-bye! You must hurry!" Philip gazed at her. He tried to drop her hand, only clutched it closer. Suddenly he drew her toward him. "Elnora, " he whispered, "will you kissme good-bye?" Elnora drew back and stared at him with wide eyes. "I'd strike yousooner!" she said. "Have I ever said or done anything in your presencethat made you feel free to ask that, Philip Ammon?" "No!" panted Philip. "No! I think so much of you I wanted to touch yourlips once before I left you. You know, Elnora----" "Don't distress yourself, " said Elnora calmly. "I am broad enough tojudge you sanely. I know what you mean. It would be no harm to you. Itwould not matter to me, but here we will think of some one else. EdithCarr would not want your lips to-morrow if she knew they had touchedmine to-day. I was wise to say: 'Go quickly!'" Philip still clung to her. "Will you write me?" he begged. "No, " said Elnora. "There is nothing to say, save good-bye. We can dothat now. " He held on. "Promise that you will write me only one letter, " he urged. "I want just one message from you to lock in my desk, and keep always. Promise you will write once, Elnora. " She looked into his eyes, and smiled serenely. "If the talking treestell me this winter, the secret of how a man may grow perfect, I willwrite you what it is, Philip. In all the time I have known you, I neverhave liked you so little. Good-bye. " She drew away her hand and swiftly turned back to the road. PhilipAmmon, wordless, started toward Onabasha on a run. Elnora crossed the road, climbed the fence and sought the shelter oftheir own woods. She chose a diagonal course and followed it untilshe came to the path leading past the violet patch. She went down thishurriedly. Her hands were clenched at her side, her eyes dry and bright, her cheeks red-flushed, and her breath coming fast. When she reached thepatch she turned into it and stood looking around her. The mosses were dry, the flowers gone, weeds a foot high covered it. Sheturned away and went on down the path until she was almost in sight ofthe cabin. Mrs. Comstock smiled and waited in the arbour until it occurred to herthat Elnora was a long time coming, so she went to the gate. The roadstretched away toward the Limberlost empty and lonely. Then she knewthat Elnora had gone into their own woods and would come in the backway. She could not understand why the girl did not hurry to her withwhat she would have to tell. She went out and wandered around thegarden. Then she stepped into the path and started along the way leadingto the woods, past the pool now framed in a thick setting of yellowlilies. Then she saw, and stopped, gasping for breath. Her hands flew upand her lined face grew ghastly. She stared at the sky and then at theprostrate girl figure. Over and over she tried to speak, but only a drybreath came. She turned and fled back to the garden. In the familiar enclosure she gazed around her like a caged animalseeking escape. The sun beat down on her bare head mercilessly, andmechanically she moved to the shade of a half-grown hickory tree thatvoluntarily had sprouted beside the milk house. At her feet lay an axewith which she made kindlings for fires. She stooped and picked it up. The memory of that prone figure sobbing in the grass caught her witha renewed spasm. She shut her eyes as if to close it out. That madehearing so acute she felt certain she heard Elnora moaning beside thepath. The eyes flew open. They looked straight at a few spindling tomatoplants set too near the tree and stunted by its shade. Mrs. Comstockwhirled on the hickory and swung the axe. Her hair shook down, herclothing became disarranged, in the heat the perspiration streamed, butstroke fell on stroke until the tree crashed over, grazing a corner ofthe milk house and smashing the garden fence on the east. At the sound Elnora sprang to her feet and came running down the gardenwalk. "Mother!" she cried. "Mother! What in the world are you doing?" Mrs. Comstock wiped her ghastly face on her apron. "I've laid out to cutthat tree for years, " she said. "It shades the beets in the morning, andthe tomatoes in the afternoon!" Elnora uttered one wild little cry and fled into her mother's arms. "Ohmother!" she sobbed. "Will you ever forgive me?" Mrs. Comstock's arms swept together in a tight grip around Elnora. "There isn't a thing on God's footstool from a to izzard I won't forgiveyou, my precious girl!" she said. "Tell mother what it is!" Elnora lifted her wet face. "He told me, " she panted, "just as soon ashe decently could--that second day he told me. Almost all his life he'sbeen engaged to a girl at home. He never cared anything about me. He wasonly interested in the moths and growing strong. " Mrs. Comstock's arms tightened. With a shaking hand she stroked thebright hair. "Tell me, honey, " she said. "Is he to blame for a single one of thesetears?" "Not one!" sobbed Elnora. "Oh mother, I won't forgive you if you don'tbelieve that. Not one! He never said, or looked, or did anything all theworld might not have known. He likes me very much as a friend. He hatedto go dreadfully!" "Elnora!" the mother's head bent until the white hair mingled with thebrown. "Elnora, why didn't you tell me at first?" Elnora caught her breath in a sharp snatch. "I know I should!" shesobbed. "I will bear any punishment for not, but I didn't feel as if Ipossibly could. I was afraid. " "Afraid of what?" the shaking hand was on the hair again. "Afraid you wouldn't let him come!" panted Elnora. "And oh, mother, Iwanted him so!" CHAPTER XVIII WHEREIN MRS. COMSTOCK EXPERIMENTS WITH REJUVENATION, AND ELNORA TEACHESNATURAL HISTORY For the following week Mrs. Comstock and Elnora worked so hard therewas no time to talk, and they were compelled to sleep from physicalexhaustion. Neither of them made any pretence of eating, for they couldnot swallow without an effort, so they drank milk and worked. Elnorakept on setting bait for Catacolae and Sphinginae, which, unlike thebig moths of June, live several months. She took all the dragonflies andbutterflies she could, and when she went over the list for the man ofIndia, she found, to her amazement, that with Philip's help she oncemore had it complete save a pair of Yellow Emperors. This circumstance was so surprising she had a fleeting thought ofwriting Philip and asking him to see if he could not secure her a pair. She did tell the Bird Woman, who from every source at her command triedto complete the series with these moths, but could not find any forsale. "I think the mills of the Gods are grinding this grist, " said Elnora, "and we might as well wait patiently until they choose to send a YellowEmperor. " Mrs. Comstock invented work. When she had nothing more to do, she hoedin the garden although the earth was hard and dry and there were noplants that really needed attention. Then came a notification thatElnora would be compelled to attend a week's session of the Teachers'Institute held at the county seat twenty miles north of Onabasha thefollowing week. That gave them something of which to think and realwork to do. Elnora was requested to bring her violin. As she was on theprogramme of one of the most important sessions for a talk on naturework in grade schools, she was driven to prepare her speech, also toselect and practise some music. Her mother turned her attention toclothing. They went to Onabasha together and purchased a simple and appropriatefall suit and hat, goods for a dainty little coloured frock, and a dressskirt and several fancy waists. Margaret Sinton came down and the sewingbegan. When everything was finished and packed, Elnora kissed her mothergood-bye at the depot, and entered the train. Mrs. Comstock went intothe waiting-room and dropped into a seat to rest. Her heart was so soreher whole left side felt tender. She was half starved for the food shehad no appetite to take. She had worked in dogged determination untilshe was exhausted. For a time she simply sat and rested. Then she beganto think. She was glad Elnora had gone where she would be compelled tofix her mind on other matters for a few days. She remembered the girlhad said she wanted to go. School would begin the following week. She thought over what Elnorawould have to do to accomplish her work successfully. She would becompelled to arise at six o'clock, walk three miles through varyingweather, lead the high school orchestra, and then put in the remainderof the day travelling from building to building over the city, teachinga specified length of time every week in each room. She must have herobject lessons ready, and she must do a certain amount of practisingwith the orchestra. Then a cold lunch at noon, and a three-mile walk atnight. "Humph!" said Mrs. Comstock, "to get through that the girl would have tobe made of cast-iron. I wonder how I can help her best?" She thought deeply. "The less she sees of what she's been having all summer, the soonershe'll feel better about it, " she muttered. She arose, went to the bank and inquired for the cashier. "I want to know just how I am fixed here, " she said. The cashier laughed. "You haven't been in a hurry, " he replied. "We havebeen ready for you any time these twenty years, but you didn't seem topay much attention. Your account is rather flourishing. Interest, whenit gets to compounding, is quite a money breeder. Come back here to atable and I will show you your balances. " Mrs. Comstock sank into a chair and waited while the cashier read ajumble of figures to her. It meant that her deposits had exceeded herexpenses from one to three hundred dollars a year, according to thecattle, sheep, hogs, poultry, butter, and eggs she had sold. Theaggregate of these sums had been compounding interest throughout theyears. Mrs. Comstock stared at the total with dazed and unbelievingeyes. Through her sick heart rushed the realization, that if she merelyhad stood before that wicket and asked one question, she would haveknown that all those bitter years of skimping for Elnora and herself hadbeen unnecessary. She arose and went back to the depot. "I want to send a message, " she said. She picked up the pencil, and withrash extravagance, wrote, "Found money at bank didn't know about. If youwant to go to college, come on first train and get ready. " She hesitateda second and then she said to herself grimly, "Yes, I'll pay for that, too, " and recklessly added, "With love, Mother. " Then she sat waitingfor the answer. It came in less than an hour. "Will teach this winter. With dearest love, Elnora. " Mrs. Comstock held the message a long time. When she arose she wasravenously hungry, but the pain in her heart was a little easier. Shewent to a restaurant and ate some food, then to a dressmaker where sheordered four dresses: two very plain every-day ones, a serviceable darkgray cloth suit, and a soft light gray silk with touches of lavenderand lace. She made a heavy list of purchases at Brownlee's, and theremainder of the day she did business in her direct and spirited way. At night she was so tired she scarcely could walk home, but she built afire and cooked and ate a hearty meal. Later she went out beside the west fence and gathered an armful of tansywhich she boiled to a thick green tea. Then she stirred in oatmeal untilit was a stiff paste. She spread a sheet over her bed and began tearingstrips of old muslin. She bandaged each hand and arm with the mixtureand plastered the soggy, evil-smelling stuff in a thick poultice overher face and neck. She was so tired she went to sleep, and when sheawoke she was half skinned. She bathed her face and hands, did thework and went back to town, coming home at night to go through the sameprocess. By the third morning she was a raw even red, the fourth she had fadedto a brilliant pink under the soothing influence of a cream recommended. That day came a letter from Elnora saying that she would remain whereshe was until Saturday morning, and then come to Ellen Brownlee's atOnabasha and stay for the Saturday's session of teachers to arrangetheir year's work. Sunday was Ellen's last day at home, and she wantedElnora very much. She had to call together the orchestra and practisethem Sunday; and could not come home until after school Monday night. Mrs. Comstock at once answered the letter saying those arrangementssuited her. The following day she was a pale pink, later a delicate porcelain white. Then she went to a hairdresser and had the rope of snowy hair whichcovered her scalp washed, dressed, and fastened with such pins and combsas were decided to be most becoming. She took samples of her dresses, went to a milliner, and bought a street hat to match her suit, and agray satin with lavender orchids to wear with the silk dress. Her lastinvestment was a loose coat of soft gray broadcloth with white lining, and touches of lavender on the embroidered collar, and gray gloves tomatch. Then she went home, rested and worked by turns until Monday. When schoolclosed on that evening, Elnora, so tired she almost trembled, came downthe long walk after a late session of teachers' meeting, to be stoppedby a messenger boy. "There's a lady wants to see you most important. I am to take you to theplace, " he said. Elnora groaned. She could not imagine who wanted her, but there wasnothing to do but find out; tired and anxious to see her mother as shewas. "This is the place, " said the boy, and went his way whistling. Elnorawas three blocks from the high school building on the same street. Shewas before a quaint old house, fresh with paint and covered with vines. There was a long wide lot, grass-covered, closely set with trees, anda barn and chicken park at the back that seemed to be occupied. Elnorastepped on the veranda which was furnished with straw rugs, bent-hickorychairs, hanging baskets, and a table with a work-box and magazines, andknocked at the screen door. Inside she could see polished floors, walls freshly papered in low-tonedharmonious colours, straw rugs and madras curtains. It seemed to be arestful, homelike place to which she had come. A second later down anopen stairway came a tall, dark-eyed woman with cheeks faintly pink anda crown of fluffy snow-white hair. She wore a lavender gingham dresswith white collar and cuffs, and she called as she advanced: "Thatscreen isn't latched! Open it and come see your brand-new mother, mygirl. " Elnora stepped inside the door. "Mother!" she cried. "You my mother! Idon't believe it!" "Well, you better!" said Mrs. Comstock, "because it's true! You said youwished I were like the other girls' mothers, and I've shot as close themark as I could without any practice. I thought that walk would be toomuch for you this winter, so I just rented this house and moved in, tobe near you, and help more in case I'm needed. I've only lived here aday, but I like it so well I've a mortal big notion to buy the place. " "But mother!" protested Elnora, clinging to her wonderingly. "You areperfectly beautiful, and this house is a little paradise, but how willwe ever pay for it? We can't afford it!" "Humph! Have you forgotten I telegraphed you I'd found some money Ididn't know about? All I've done is paid for, and plenty more to settlefor all I propose to do. " Mrs. Comstock glanced around with satisfaction. "I may get homesick as a pup before spring, " she said, "but if I do Ican go back. If I don't, I'll sell some timber and put a few oil wellswhere they don't show much. I can have land enough cleared for a fewfields and put a tenant on our farm, and we will buy this and settlehere. It's for sale. " "You don't look it, but you've surely gone mad!" "Just the reverse, my girl, " said Mrs. Comstock, "I've gone sane. If youare going to undertake this work, you must be convenient to it. And yourmother should be where she can see that you are properly dressed, fed, and cared for. This is our--let me think--reception-room. How do youlike it? This door leads to your workroom and study. I didn't do muchthere because I wasn't sure of my way. But I knew you would want a rug, curtains, table, shelves for books, and a case for your specimens, so Ihad a carpenter shelve and enclose that end of it. Looks pretty neat tome. The dining-room and kitchen are back, one of the cows in the barn, and some chickens in the coop. I understand that none of the othergirls' mothers milk a cow, so a neighbour boy will tend to ours for athird of the milk. There are three bedrooms, and a bath upstairs. Gotake one, put on some fresh clothes, and come to supper. You can findyour room because your things are in it. " Elnora kissed her mother over and over, and hurried upstairs. Sheidentified her room by the dressing-case. There were a pretty rug, andcurtains, white iron bed, plain and rocking chairs to match her case, a shirtwaist chest, and the big closet was filled with her old clothingand several new dresses. She found the bathroom, bathed, dressed infresh linen and went down to a supper that was an evidence of Mrs. Comstock's highest art in cooking. Elnora was so hungry she ate herfirst real meal in two weeks. But the bites went down slowly because sheforgot about them in watching her mother. "How on earth did you do it?" she asked at last. "I always thought youwere naturally brown as a nut. " "Oh, that was tan and sunburn!" explained Mrs. Comstock. "I always knewI was white underneath it. I hated to shade my face because I hadn'tanything but a sunbonnet, and I couldn't stand for it to touch my ears, so I went bareheaded and took all the colour I accumulated. But whenI began to think of moving you in to your work, I saw I must put up anappearance that wouldn't disgrace you, so I thought I'd best remove thecrust. It took some time, and I hope I may die before I ever endure thefeel and the smell of the stuff I used again, but it skinned me nicely. What you now see is my own with a little dust of rice powder, forprotection. I'm sort of tender yet. " "And your lovely, lovely hair?" breathed Elnora. "Hairdresser did that!" said Mrs. Comstock. "It cost like smoke. But Iwatched her, and with a little help from you I can wash it alone nexttime, though it will be hard work. I let her monkey with it until shesaid she had found 'my style. ' Then I tore it down and had her show mehow to build it up again three times. I thought my arms would drop. WhenI paid the bill for her work, the time I'd taken, the pins, and combsshe'd used, I nearly had heart failure, but I didn't turn a hair beforeher. I just smiled at her sweetly and said, 'How reasonable you are!'Come to think of it, she was! She might have charged me ten dollars forwhat she did quite as well as nine seventy-five. I couldn't have helpedmyself. I had made no bargain to begin on. " Then Elnora leaned back in her chair and shouted, in a gust of heartylaughter, so a little of the ache ceased in her breast. There was notime to think, the remainder of that evening, she was so tired she hadto sleep, while her mother did not awaken her until she barely had timeto dress, breakfast and reach school. There was nothing in the new lifeto remind her of the old. It seemed as if there never came a minute forretrospection, but her mother appeared on the scene with more work, orsome entertaining thing to do. Mrs. Comstock invited Elnora's friends to visit her, and proved herselfa bright and interesting hostess. She digested a subject before shespoke; and when she advanced a view, her point was sure to be originaland tersely expressed. Before three months people waited to hear whatshe had to say. She kept her appearance so in mind that she made ahandsome and a distinguished figure. Elnora never mentioned Philip Ammon, neither did Mrs. Comstock. Early inDecember came a note and a big box from him. It contained several bookson nature subjects which would be of much help in school work, a numberof conveniences Elnora could not afford, and a pair of glass-coveredplaster casts, for each large moth she had. In these the upper andunderwings of male and female showed. He explained that she would breakher specimens easily, carrying them around in boxes. He had seen theseand thought they would be of use. Elnora was delighted with them, andat once began the tedious process of softening the mounted moths andfitting them to the casts moulded to receive them. Her time was so takenin school, she progressed slowly, so her mother undertook this work. After trying one or two very common ones she learned to handle the mostdelicate with ease. She took keen pride in relaxing the tense moths, fitting them to the cases, polishing the glass covers to the last degreeand sealing them. The results were beautiful to behold. Soon after Elnora wrote to Philip: DEAR FRIEND: I am writing to thank you for the books, and the box of conveniencessent me for my work. I can use everything with fine results. Hope I amgiving good satisfaction in my position. You will be interested to learnthat when the summer's work was classified and pinned, I again had mycomplete collection for the man of India, save a Yellow Emperor. I havetried everywhere I know, so has the Bird Woman. We cannot find a pairfor sale. Fate is against me, at least this season. I shall have to waituntil next year and try again. Thank you very much for helping me with my collection and for the booksand cases. Sincerely yours, ELNORA COMSTOCK. Philip was disappointed over that note and instead of keeping it he toreit into bits and dropped them into the waste basket. That was precisely what Elnora had intended he should do. Christmasbrought beautiful cards of greeting to Mrs. Comstock and Elnora, Easterothers, and the year ran rapidly toward spring. Elnora's position hadbeen intensely absorbing, while she had worked with all her power. Shehad made a wonderful success and won new friends. Mrs. Comstock hadhelped in every way she could, so she was very popular also. Throughout the winter they had enjoyed the city thoroughly, and thechange of life it afforded, but signs of spring did wonderful thingsto the hearts of the country-bred women. A restlessness began on brightFebruary days, calmed during March storms and attacked full force inApril. When neither could bear it any longer they were forced to discussthe matter and admit they were growing ill with pure homesickness. Theydecided to keep the city house during the summer, but to return to thefarm to live as soon as school closed. So Mrs. Comstock would prepare breakfast and lunch and then slip away tothe farm to make up beds in her ploughed garden, plant seeds, trim andtend her flowers, and prepare the cabin for occupancy. Then she would gohome and make the evening as cheerful as possible for Elnora; in thesedays she lived only for the girl. Both of them were glad when the last of May came and the schools closed. They packed the books and clothing they wished to take into a wagon andwalked across the fields to the old cabin. As they approached it, Mrs. Comstock said to Elnora: "You are sure you won't be lonely here?" Elnora knew what she really meant. "Quite sure, " she said. "For a time last fall I was glad to be away, butthat all wore out with the winter. Spring made me homesick as I couldbe. I can scarcely wait until we get back again. " So they began that summer as they had begun all others--with work. Butboth of them took a new joy in everything, and the violin sang by thehour in the twilight. CHAPTER XIX WHEREIN PHILIP AMMON GIVES A BALL IN HONOUR OF EDITH CARR, AND HARTHENDERSON APPEARS ON THE SCENE Edith Carr stood in a vine-enclosed side veranda of the Lake Shore ClubHouse waiting while Philip Ammon gave some important orders. In a fewdays she would sail for Paris to select a wonderful trousseau she hadplanned for her marriage in October. To-night Philip was giving a clubdance in her honour. He had spent days in devising new and exquisiteeffects in decorations, entertainment, and supper. Weeks before thefavoured guests had been notified. Days before they had received theinvitations asking them to participate in this entertainment by PhilipAmmon in honour of Miss Carr. They spoke of it as "Phil's dance forEdith!" She could hear the rumble of carriages and the panting of automobilesas in a steady stream they rolled to the front entrance. She could catchglimpses of floating draperies of gauze and lace, the flash of jewels, and the passing of exquisite colour. Every one was newly arrayed in herhonour in the loveliest clothing, and the most expensive jewels theycould command. As she thought of it she lifted her head a trifle higherand her eyes flashed proudly. She was robed in a French creation suggested and designed by Philip. He had said to her: "I know a competent judge who says the distinctivefeature of June is her exquisite big night moths. I want you to be thevery essence of June that night, as you will be the embodiment of love. Be a moth. The most beautiful of them is either the pale-green Luna orthe Yellow Imperialis. Be my moon lady, or my gold Empress. " He took her to the museum and showed her the moths. She instantlydecided on the yellow. Because she knew the shades would make her morestartlingly beautiful than any other colour. To him she said: "A moonlady seems so far away and cold. I would be of earth and very near onthat night. I choose the Empress. " So she matched the colours exactly, wrote out the idea and forwardedthe order to Paquin. To-night when Philip Ammon came for her, he stoodspeechless a minute and then silently kissed her hands. For she stood tall, lithe, of grace inborn, her dark waving hair highpiled and crossed by gold bands studded with amethyst and at one sidean enamelled lavender orchid rimmed with diamonds, which flashed andsparkled. The soft yellow robe of lightest weight velvet fitted her formperfectly, while from each shoulder fell a great velvet wing lined withlavender, and flecked with embroidery of that colour in imitation of themoth. Around her throat was a wonderful necklace and on her arms werebracelets of gold set with amethyst and rimmed with diamonds. Philip hadsaid that her gloves, fan, and slippers must be lavender, because thefeet of the moth were that colour. These accessories had been made toorder and embroidered with gold. It had been arranged that her mother, Philip's, and a few best friends should receive his guests. She was toappear when she led the grand march with Philip Ammon. Miss Carr waspositive that she would be the most beautiful, and most exquisitelygowned woman present. In her heart she thought of herself as "ImperialisRegalis, " as the Yellow Empress. In a few moments she would stun herworld into feeling it as Philip Ammon had done, for she had taken painsthat the history of her costume should be whispered to a few who wouldgive it circulation. She lifted her head proudly and waited, for was notPhilip planning something unusual and unsurpassed in her honour? Thenshe smiled. But of all the fragmentary thoughts crossing her brain the one thatnever came was that of Philip Ammon as the Emperor. Philip the king ofher heart; at least her equal in all things. She was the Empress--yes, Philip was but a mere man, to devise entertainments, to provideluxuries, to humour whims, to kiss hands! "Ah, my luck!" cried a voice behind her. Edith Carr turned and smiled. "I thought you were on the ocean, " she said. "I only reached the dock, " replied the man, "when I had a letter thatrecalled me by the first limited. " "Oh! Important business?" "The only business of any importance in all the world to me. I'mtriumphant that I came. Edith, you are the most superb woman in everyrespect that I have ever seen. One glimpse is worth the whole journey. " "You like my dress?" She moved toward him and turned, lifting her arms. "Do you know what it is intended to represent?" "Yes, Polly Ammon told me. I knew when I heard about it how you wouldlook, so I started a sleuth hunt, to get the first peep. Edith, I canbecome intoxicated merely with looking at you to-night. " He half-closed his eyes and smilingly stared straight at her. He wastaller than she, a lean man, with close-cropped light hair, steel-grayeyes, a square chin and "man of the world" written all over him. Edith Carr flushed. "I thought you realized when you went away that youwere to stop that, Hart Henderson, " she cried. "I did, but this letter of which I tell you called me back to start itall over again. " She came a step closer. "Who wrote that letter, and what did it containconcerning me?" she demanded. "One of your most intimate chums wrote it. It contained the hazard thatpossibly I had given up too soon. It said that in a fit of petulance youhad broken your engagement with Ammon twice this winter, and he had comeback because he knew you did not really mean it. I thought deeply thereon the dock when I read that, and my boat sailed without me. I arguedthat anything so weak as an engagement twice broken and patched up againwas a mighty frail affair indeed, and likely to smash completely at anytime, so I came on the run. I said once I would not see you marry anyother man. Because I could not bear it, I planned to go into exile ofany sort to escape that. I have changed my mind. I have come back tohaunt you until the ceremony is over. Then I go, not before. I wasinsane!" The girl laughed merrily. "Not half so insane as you are now, Hart!" shecried gaily. "You know that Philip Ammon has been devoted to me all mylife. Now I'll tell you something else, because this looks serious foryou. I love him with all my heart. Not while he lives shall he know it, and I will laugh at him if you tell him, but the fact remains: I intendto marry him, but no doubt I shall tease him constantly. It's good fora man to be uncertain. If you could see Philip's face at the quarterlyreturn of his ring, you would understand the fun of it. You had betterhave taken your boat. " "Possibly, " said Henderson calmly. "But you are the only woman in theworld for me, and while you are free, as I now see my light, I remainnear you. You know the old adage. " "But I'm not 'free!'" cried Edith Carr. "I'm telling you I am not. Thisnight is my public acknowledgment that Phil and I are promised, as ourworld has surmised since we were children. That promise is an actualfact, because of what I just have told you. My little fits of temperdon't count with Phil. He's been reared on them. In fact, I ofteninvent one in a perfect calm to see him perform. He is the most amusingspectacle. But, please, please, do understand that I love him, andalways shall, and that we shall be married. " "Just the same, I'll wait and see it an accomplished fact, " saidHenderson. "And Edith, because I love you, with the sort of love it isworth a woman's while to inspire, I want your happiness before my own. So I am going to say this to you, for I never dreamed you were capableof the feeling you have displayed for Phil. If you do love him, and haveloved him always, a disappointment would cut you deeper than you know. Go careful from now on! Don't strain that patched engagement of yoursany further. I've known Philip all my life. I've known him throughboyhood, in college, and since. All men respect him. Where the restof us confess our sins, he stands clean. You can go to his arms withnothing to forgive. Mark this thing! I have heard him say, 'Edith is myslogan, ' and I have seen him march home strong in the strength of hislove for you, in the face of temptations before which every other man ofus fell. Before the gods! that ought to be worth something to a girl, ifshe really is the delicate, sensitive, refined thing she would have manbelieve. It would take a woman with the organism of an ostrich to enduresome of the men here to-night, if she knew them as I do; but Phil issound to the core. So this is what I would say to you: first, yourinstincts are right in loving him, why not let him feel it in the ways awoman knows? Second, don't break your engagement again. As men know theman, any of us would be afraid to the soul. He loves you, yes! He islong-suffering for you, yes! But men know he has a limit. When the limitis reached, he will stand fast, and all the powers can't move him. Youdon't seem to think it, but you can go too far!" "Is that all?" laughed Edith Carr sarcastically. "No, there is one thing more, " said Henderson. "Here or here-after, now and so long as I breathe, I am your slave. You can do anything youchoose and know that I will kneel before you again. So carry this inthe depths of your heart; now or at any time, in any place or condition, merely lift your hand, and I will come. Anything you want of me, thatthing will I do. I am going to wait; if you need me, it is not necessaryto speak; only give me the faintest sign. All your life I will besomewhere near you waiting for it. " "Idjit! You rave!" laughed Edith Carr. "How you would frighten me! Whata bugbear you would raise! Be sensible and go find what keeps Phil. Iwas waiting patiently, but my patience is going. I won't look nearly sowell as I do now when it is gone. " At that instant Philip Ammon entered. He was in full evening dressand exceptionally handsome. "Everything is ready, " he said; "they arewaiting for us to lead the march. It is formed. " Edith Carr smiled entrancingly. "Do you think I am ready?" Philip looked what he thought, and offered his arm. Edith Carr noddedcarelessly to Hart Henderson, and moved away. Attendants parted thecurtains and the Yellow Empress bowing right and left, swept the lengthof the ballroom and took her place at the head of the formed procession. The large open dancing pavilion was draped with yellow silk caught upwith lilac flowers. Every corner was filled with bloom of those colours. The music was played by harpers dressed in yellow and violet, so theball opened. The midnight supper was served with the same colours and the last halfof the programme was being danced. Never had girl been more complimentedand petted in the same length of time than Edith Carr. Every minute sheseemed to grow more worthy of praise. A partners' dance was called andthe floor was filled with couples waiting for the music. Philip stoodwhispering delightful things to Edith facing him. From out of the night, in at the wide front entrance to the pavilion, there swept in slowwavering flight a large yellow moth and fluttered toward the centrecluster of glaring electric lights. Philip Ammon and Edith Carr saw itat the same instant. "Why, isn't that----?" she began excitedly. "It's a Yellow Emperor! This is fate!" cried Philip. "The last oneElnora needs for her collection. I must have it! Excuse me!" He ran toward the light. "Hats! Handkerchiefs! Fans! Anything!" hepanted. "Every one hold up something and stop that! It's a moth; I'vegot to catch it!" "It's yellow! He wants it for Edith!" ran in a murmur around the hall. The girl's face flushed, while she bit her lips in vexation. Instantly every one began holding up something to keep the moth fromflying back into the night. One fan held straight before it served, andthe moth gently settled on it. "Hold steady!" cried Philip. "Don't move for your life!" He rushedtoward the moth, made a quick sweep and held it up between his fingers. "All right!" he called. "Thanks, every one! Excuse me a minute. " He ran to the office. "An ounce of gasolene, quick!" he ordered. "A cigar box, a cork, and theglue bottle. " He poured some glue into the bottom of the box, set the cork in itfirmly, dashed the gasolene over the moth repeatedly, pinned it to thecork, poured the remainder of the liquid over it, closed the box, andfastened it. Then he laid a bill on the counter. "Pack that box with cork around it, in one twice its size, tie securelyand express to this address at once. " He scribbled on a sheet of paper and shoved it over. "On your honour, will you do that faithfully as I say?" he asked theclerk. "Certainly, " was the reply. "Then keep the change, " called Philip as he ran back to the pavilion. Edith Carr stood where he left her, thinking rapidly. She heard themurmur that arose when Philip started to capture the exquisite goldencreature she was impersonating. She saw the flash of surprise that wentover unrestrained faces when he ran from the room, without even showingit to her. "The last one Elnora needs, " rang in her ears. He had toldher that he helped collect moths the previous summer, but she hadunderstood that the Bird Woman, with whose work Miss Carr was familiar, wanted them to put in a book. He had spoken of a country girl he had met who played the violinwonderfully, and at times, he had shown a disposition to exalt her as astandard of womanhood. Miss Carr had ignored what he said, and talked ofsomething else. But that girl's name had been Elnora. It was she whowas collecting moths! No doubt she was the competent judge who wasresponsible for the yellow costume Philip had devised. Had Edith Carrbeen in her room, she would have torn off the dress at the thought. Being in a circle of her best friends, which to her meant her keenestrivals and harshest critics, she grew rigid with anger. Her breath hurther paining chest. No one thought to speak to the musicians, and seeingthe floor filled, they began the waltz. Only part of the guests couldsee what had happened, and at once the others formed and commenced todance. Gay couples came whirling past her. Edith Carr grew very white as she stood alone. Her lips turned pale, while her dark eyes flamed with anger. She stood perfectly still wherePhilip had left her, and the approaching men guided their partnersaround her, while the girls, looking back, could be seen makingexclamations of surprise. The idolized only daughter of the Carr family hoped that she would dropdead from mortification, but nothing happened. She was too perverseto step aside and say that she was waiting for Philip. Then came TomLevering dancing with Polly Ammon. Being in the scales with the Ammonfamily, Tom scented trouble from afar, so he whispered to Polly: "Edithis standing in the middle of the floor, and she's awful mad aboutsomething. " "That won't hurt her, " laughed Polly. "It's an old pose of hers. Sheknows she looks superb when she is angry, so she keeps herself furioushalf the time on purpose. " "She looks like the mischief!" answered Tom. "Hadn't we better steerover and wait with her? She's the ugliest sight I ever saw!" "Why, Tom!" cried Polly. "Stop, quickly!" They hurried to Edith. "Come dear, " said Polly. "We are going to wait with you until Philreturns. Let's go after a drink. I am so thirsty!" "Yes, do!" begged Tom, offering his arm. "Let's get out of here untilPhil comes. " There was the opportunity to laugh and walk away, but Edith Carr wouldnot accept it. "My betrothed left me here, " she said. "Here I shall remain until hereturns for me, and then--he will be my betrothed no longer!" Polly grasped Edith's arm. "Oh, Edith!" she implored. "Don't make a scene here, and to-night. Edith, this has been the loveliest dance ever given at the club house. Every one is saying so. Edith! Darling, do come! Phil will be back ina second. He can explain! It's only a breath since I saw him go out. Ithought he had returned. " As Polly panted these disjointed ejaculations, Tom Levering began togrow angry on her account. "He has been gone just long enough to show every one of his guests thathe will leave me standing alone, like a neglected fool, for any passingwhim of his. Explain! His explanation would sound well! Do you know forwhom he caught that moth? It is being sent to a girl he flirted with alllast summer. It has just occurred to me that the dress I am wearing isher suggestion. Let him try to explain!" Speech unloosed the fountain. She stripped off her gloves to free herhands. At that instant the dancers parted to admit Philip. Instinctivelythey stopped as they approached and with wondering faces walled in Edithand Philip, Polly and Tom. "Mighty good of you to wait!" cried Philip, his face showing his delightover his success in capturing the Yellow Emperor. "I thought when Iheard the music you were going on. " "How did you think I was going on?" demanded Edith Carr in frigid tones. "I thought you would step aside and wait a few seconds for me, or dancewith Henderson. It was most important to have that moth. It completes avaluable collection for a person who needs the money. Come!" He held out his arms. "I 'step aside' for no one!" stormed Edith Carr. "I await no othergirl's pleasure! You may 'complete the collection' with that!" She drew her engagement ring from her finger and reached to place iton one of Philip's outstretched hands. He saw and drew back. InstantlyEdith dropped the ring. As it fell, almost instinctively Philip caughtit in air. With amazed face he looked closely at Edith Carr. Herdistorted features were scarcely recognizable. He held the ring towardher. "Edith, for the love of mercy, wait until I can explain, " he begged. "Put on your ring and let me tell you how it is. " "I know perfectly 'how it is, '" she answered. "I never shall wear thatring again. " "You won't even hear what I have to say? You won't take back your ring?"he cried. "Never! Your conduct is infamous!" "Come to think of it, " said Philip deliberately, "it is 'infamous' tocut a girl, who has danced all her life, out of a few measures of awaltz. As for asking forgiveness for so black a sin as picking up amoth, and starting it to a friend who lives by collecting them, I don'tsee how I could! I have not been gone three minutes by the clock, Edith. Put on your ring and finish the dance like a dear girl. " He thrust the glittering ruby into her fingers and again held out hisarms. She dropped the ring, and it rolled some distance from them. HartHenderson followed its shining course, and caught it before it was lost. "You really mean it?" demanded Philip in a voice as cold as hers everhad been. "You know I mean it!" cried Edith Carr. "I accept your decision in the presence of these witnesses, " said PhilipAmmon. "Where is my father?" The elder Ammon with a distressed facehurried to him. "Father, take my place, " said Philip. "Excuse me to myguests. Ask all my friends to forgive me. I am going away for awhile. " He turned and walked from the pavilion. As he went Hart Henderson rushedto Edith Carr and forced the ring into her fingers. "Edith, quick. Come, quick!" he implored. "There's just time to catch him. If you let him gothat way, he never will return in this world. Remember what I told you. " "Great prophet! aren't you, Hart?" she sneered. "Who wants him toreturn? If that ring is thrust upon me again I shall fling it into thelake. Signal the musicians to begin, and dance with me. " Henderson put the ring into his pocket, and began the dance. He couldfeel the muscular spasms of the girl in his arms, her face was cold andhard, but her breath burned with the scorch of fever. She finished thedance and all others, taking Phil's numbers with Henderson, who hadarrived too late to arrange a programme. She left with the others, merely inclining her head as she passed Ammon's father taking his place, and entered the big touring car for which Henderson had telephoned. Shesank limply into a seat and moaned softly. "Shall I drive awhile in the night air?" asked Henderson. She nodded. He instructed the chauffeur. She raised her head in a few seconds. "Hart, I'm going to pieces, " shesaid. "Won't you put your arm around me a little while?" Henderson gathered her into his arms and her head fell on his shoulder. "Closer!" she cried. Henderson held her until his arms were numb, but he did not know it. Thetricks of fate are cruel enough, but there scarcely could have been aworse one than that: To care for a woman as he loved Edith Carr and haveher given into his arms because she was so numb with misery over hertrouble with another man that she did not know or care what she did. Dawn was streaking the east when he spoke to her. "Edith, it is growing light. " "Take me home, " she said. Henderson helped her up the steps and rang the bell. "Miss Carr is ill, " he said to the footman. "Arouse her maid instantly, and have her prepare something hot as quickly as possible. " "Edith, " he cried, "just a word. I have been thinking. It isn't too lateyet. Take your ring and put it on. I will go find Phil at once and tellhim you have, that you are expecting him, and he will come. " "Think what he said!" she cried. "He accepted my decision as final, 'inthe presence of witnesses, ' as if it were court. He can return it to me, if I ever wear it again. " "You think that now, but in a few days you will find that you feel verydifferently. Living a life of heartache is no joke, and no job for awoman. Put on your ring and send me to tell him to come. " "No. " "Edith, there was not a soul who saw that, but sympathized with Phil. It was ridiculous for you to get so angry over a thing which was neverintended for the slightest offence, and by no logical reasoning couldhave been so considered. " "Do you think that?" she demanded. "I do!" said Henderson. "If you had laughed and stepped aside aninstant, or laughed and stayed where you were, Phil would have beenback; or, if he needed punishment in your eyes, to have found me havingone of his dances would have been enough. I was waiting. You could havecalled me with one look. But to publicly do and say what you did, mylady--I know Phil, and I know you went too far. Put on that ring, andsend him word you are sorry, before it is too late. " "I will not! He shall come to me. " "Then God help you!" said Henderson, "for you are plunging into miserywhose depth you do not dream. Edith, I beg of you----" She swayed where she stood. Her maid opened the door and caught her. Henderson went down the hall and out to his car. CHAPTER XX WHEREIN THE ELDER AMMON OFFERS ADVICE, AND EDITH CARR EXPERIENCESREGRETS Philip Ammon walked from among his friends a humiliated and a woundedman. Never before had Edith Carr appeared quite so beautiful. Allevening she had treated him with unusual consideration. Never had heloved her so deeply. Then in a few seconds everything was different. Seeing the change in her face, and hearing her meaningless accusations, killed something in his heart. Warmth went out and a cold weight tookits place. But even after that, he had offered the ring to her again, and asked her before others to reconsider. The answer had been furtherinsult. He walked, paying no heed to where he went. He had traversed many mileswhen he became aware that his feet had chosen familiar streets. He waspassing his home. Dawn was near, but the first floor was lighted. Hestaggered up the steps and was instantly admitted. The library doorstood open, while his father sat with a book pretending to read. AtPhilip's entrance the father scarcely glanced up. "Come on!" he called. "I have just told Banks to bring me a cup ofcoffee before I turn in. Have one with me!" Philip sat beside the table and leaned his head on his hands, but hedrank a cup of steaming coffee and felt better. "Father, " he said, "father, may I talk with you a little while?" "Of course, " answered Mr. Ammon. "I am not at all tired. I think Imust have been waiting in the hope that you would come. I want no one'sversion of this but yours. Tell me the straight of the thing, Phil. " Philip told all he knew, while his father sat in deep thought. "On my life I can't see any occasion for such a display of temper, Phil. It passed all bounds of reason and breeding. Can't you think of anythingmore?" "I cannot!" "Polly says every one expected you to carry the moth you caught toEdith. Why didn't you?" "She screams if a thing of that kind comes near her. She never has takenthe slightest interest in them. I was in a big hurry. I didn't want tomiss one minute of my dance with her. The moth was not so uncommon, butby a combination of bad luck it had become the rarest in America for afriend of mine, who is making a collection to pay college expenses. For an instant last June the series was completed; when a woman'suncontrolled temper ruined this specimen and the search for it beganover. A few days later a pair was secured, and again the money was insight for several hours. Then an accident wrecked one-fourth of thecollection. I helped replace those last June, all but this YellowEmperor which we could not secure, and we haven't been able to find, buyor trade for one since. So my friend was compelled to teach this pastwinter instead of going to college. When that moth came flying in thereto-night, it seemed to me like fate. All I thought of was, that tosecure it would complete the collection and secure the money. So Icaught the Emperor and started it to Elnora. I declare to you that I wasnot out of the pavilion over three minutes at a liberal estimate. If Ionly had thought to speak to the orchestra! I was sure I would be backbefore enough couples gathered and formed for the dance. " The eyes of the father were very bright. "The friend for whom you wanted the moth is a girl?" he askedindifferently, as he ran the book leaves through his fingers. "The girl of whom I wrote you last summer, and told you about in thefall. I helped her all the time I was away. " "Did Edith know of her?" "I tried many times to tell her, to interest her, but she was soindifferent that it was insulting. She would not hear me. " "We are neither one in any condition to sleep. Why don't you begin atthe first and tell me about this girl? To think of other matters for atime may clear our vision for a sane solution of this. Who is she, justwhat is she doing, and what is she like? You know I was reared amongthose Limberlost people, I can understand readily. What is her name andwhere does she live?" Philip gave a man's version of the previous summer, while his fatherplayed with the book industriously. "You are very sure as to her refinement and education?" "In almost two months' daily association, could a man be mistaken? Shecan far and away surpass Polly, Edith, or any girl of our set on anycommon, high school, or supplementary branch, and you know high schoolshave French, German, and physics now. Besides, she is a graduate oftwo other institutions. All her life she has been in the school of HardKnocks. She has the biggest, tenderest, most human heart I ever knewin a girl. She has known life in its most cruel phases, and instead ofhardening her, it has set her trying to save other people suffering. Then this nature position of which I told you; she graduated in theSchool of the Woods, before she secured that. The Bird Woman, whose workyou know, helped her there. Elnora knows more interesting things in aminute than any other girl I ever met knew in an hour, provided you area person who cares to understand plant and animal life. " The book leaves slid rapidly through his fingers as the father drawled:"What sort of looking girl is she?" "Tall as Edith, a little heavier, pink, even complexion, wide openblue-gray eyes with heavy black brows, and lashes so long they touch hercheeks. She has a rope of waving, shining hair that makes a real crownon her head, and it appears almost red in the light. She is as handsomeas any fair woman I ever saw, but she doesn't know it. Every time anyone pays her a compliment, her mother, who is a caution, discovers that, for some reason, the girl is a fright, so she has no appreciation of herlooks. " "And you were in daily association two months with a girl like that! Howabout it, Phil?" "If you mean, did I trifle with her, no!" cried Philip hotly. "I toldher the second time I met her all about Edith. Almost every day I wroteto Edith in her presence. Elnora gathered violets and made a fancybasket to put them in for Edith's birthday. I started to err in too openadmiration for Elnora, but her mother brought me up with a whirl Inever forgot. Fifty times a day in the swamps and forests Elnora made aperfect picture, but I neither looked nor said anything. I never met anygirl so downright noble in bearing and actions. I never hated anythingas I hated leaving her, for we were dear friends, like two whollycongenial men. Her mother was almost always with us. She knew how much Iadmired Elnora, but so long as I concealed it from the girl, the motherdid not care. " "Yet you left such a girl and came back whole-hearted to Edith Carr!" "Surely! You know how it has been with me about Edith all my life. " "Yet the girl you picture is far her superior to an unprejudiced person, when thinking what a man would require in a wife to be happy. " "I never have thought what I would 'require' to be happy! I only thoughtwhether I could make Edith happy. I have been an idiot! What I've borneyou'll never know! To-night is only one of many outbursts like that, invarying and lesser degrees. " "Phil, I love you, when you say you have thought only of Edith! I happento know that it is true. You are my only son, and I have had a right towatch you closely. I believe you utterly. Any one who cares for you asI do, and has had my years of experience in this world over yours, knowsthat in some ways, to-night would be a blessed release, if you couldtake it; but you cannot! Go to bed now, and rest. To-morrow, go back toher and fix it up. " "You heard what I said when I left her! I said it because something inmy heart died a minute before that, and I realized that it was my lovefor Edith Carr. Never again will I voluntarily face such a scene. If shecan act like that at a ball, before hundreds, over a thing of whichI thought nothing at all, she would go into actual physical fits andspasms, over some of the household crises I've seen the mater meet witha smile. Sir, it is truth that I have thought only of her up to thepresent. Now, I will admit I am thinking about myself. Father, did yousee her? Life is too short, and it can be too sweet, to throw it awayin a battle with an unrestrained woman. I am no fighter--where a girl isconcerned, anyway. I respect and love her or I do nothing. Never againis either respect or love possible between me and Edith Carr. WheneverI think of her in the future, I will see her as she was to-night. But Ican't face the crowd just yet. Could you spare me a few days?" "It is only ten days until you were to go north for the summer, go now. " "I don't want to go north. I don't want to meet people I know. There, the story would precede me. I do not need pitying glances or roughcondolences. I wonder if I could not hide at Uncle Ed's in Wisconsin forawhile?" The book closed suddenly. The father leaned across the table and lookedinto the son's eyes. "Phil, are you sure of what you just have said?" "Perfectly sure!" "Do you think you are in any condition to decide to-night?" "Death cannot return to life, father. My love for Edith Carr is dead. Ihope never to see her again. " "If I thought you could be certain so soon! But, come to think of it, you are very like me in many ways. I am with you in this. Public scenesand disgraces I would not endure. It would be over with me, were I inyour position, that I know. " "It is done for all time, " said Philip Ammon. "Let us not speak of itfurther. " "Then, Phil, " the father leaned closer and looked at the son tenderly, "Phil, why don't you go to the Limberlost?" "Father!" "Why not? No one can comfort a hurt heart like a tender woman; and, Phil, have you ever stopped to think that you may have a duty in theLimberlost, if you are free? I don't know! I only suggest it. But, for acountry schoolgirl, unaccustomed to men, two months with a man like youmight well awaken feelings of which you do not think. Because you weresafe-guarded is no sign the girl was. She might care to see you. You cansoon tell. With you, she comes next to Edith, and you have made it clearto me that you appreciate her in many ways above. So I repeat it, whynot go to the Limberlost?" A long time Philip Ammon sat in deep thought. At last he raised hishead. "Well, why not!" he said. "Years could make me no surer than I am now, and life is short. Please ask Banks to get me some coffee and toast, andI will bathe and dress so I can take the early train. " "Go to your bath. I will attend to your packing and everything. AndPhil, if I were you, I would leave no addresses. " "Not an address!" said Philip. "Not even Polly. " When the train pulled out, the elder Ammon went home to find HartHenderson waiting. "Where is Phil?" he demanded. "He did not feel like facing his friends at present, and I am justback from driving him to the station. He said he might go to Siam, orPatagonia. He would leave no address. " Henderson almost staggered. "He's not gone? And left no address? Youdon't mean it! He'll never forgive her!" "Never is a long time, Hart, " said Mr. Ammon. "And it seems even longerto those of us who are well acquainted with Phil. Last night was not thelast straw. It was the whole straw-stack. It crushed Phil so far as sheis concerned. He will not see her again voluntarily, and he will notforget if he does. You can take it from him, and from me, we haveaccepted the lady's decision. Will you have a cup of coffee?" Twice Henderson opened his lips to speak of Edith Carr's despair. Twicehe looked into the stern, inflexible face of Mr. Ammon and could notbetray her. He held out the ring. "I have no instructions as to that, " said the elder Ammon, drawing back. "Possibly Miss Carr would have it as a keepsake. " "I am sure not, " said Henderson curtly. "Then suppose you return it to Peacock. I will phone him. He will giveyou the price of it, and you might add it to the children's Fresh AirFund. We would be obliged if you would do that. No one here cares tohandle the object. " "As you choose, " said Henderson. "Good morning!" Then he went to his home, but he could not think of sleep. He orderedbreakfast, but he could not eat. He paced the library for a time, but itwas too small. Going on the streets he walked until exhausted, thenhe called a hansom and was driven to his club. He had thought himselffamiliar with every depth of suffering; that night had taught him thatwhat he felt for himself was not to be compared with the anguish whichwrung his heart over the agony of Edith Carr. He tried to blame PhilipAmmon, but being an honest man, Henderson knew that was unjust. Thefault lay wholly with her, but that only made it harder for him, as herealized it would in time for her. As he sauntered into the room an attendant hurried to him. "You are wanted most urgently at the 'phone, Mr. Henderson, " he said. "You have had three calls from Main 5770. " Henderson shivered as he picked down the receiver and gave the call. "Is that you, Hart?" came Edith's voice. "Yes. " "Did you find Phil?" "No. " "Did you try?" "Yes. As soon as I left you I went straight there. " "Wasn't he home yet?" "He has been home and gone again. " "Gone!" The cry tore Henderson's heart. "Shall I come and tell you, Edith?" "No! Tell me now. " "When I reached the house Banks said Mr. Ammon and Phil were out in themotor, so I waited. Mr. Ammon came back soon. Edith, are you alone?" "Yes. Go on!" "Call your maid. I can't tell you until some one is with you. " "Tell me instantly!" "Edith, he said he had been to the station. He said Phil had startedto Siam or Patagonia, he didn't know which, and left no address. Hesaid----" Distinctly Henderson heard her fall. He set the buzzer ringing, and ina few seconds heard voices, so he knew she had been found. Then he creptinto a private den and shook with a hard, nervous chill. The next day Edith Carr started on her trip to Europe. Hendersonfelt certain she hoped to meet Philip there. He was sure she would bedisappointed, though he had no idea where Ammon could have gone. Butafter much thought he decided he would see Edith soonest by remaining athome, so he spent the summer in Chicago. CHAPTER XXI WHEREIN PHILIP AMMON RETURNS TO THE LIMBERLOST, AND ELNORA STUDIES THESITUATION "We must be thinking about supper, mother, " said Elnora, while she setthe wings of a Cecropia with much care. "It seems as if I can't getenough to eat, or enough of being at home. I enjoyed that city house. Idon't believe I could have done my work if I had been compelled to walkback and forth. I thought at first I never wanted to come here again. Now, I feel as if I could not live anywhere else. " "Elnora, " said Mrs. Comstock, "there's some one coming down the road. " "Coming here, do you think?" "Yes, coming here, I suspect. " Elnora glanced quickly at her mother and then turned to the road asPhilip Ammon reached the gate. "Careful, mother!" the girl instantly warned. "If you change yourtreatment of him a hair's breadth, he will suspect. Come with me to meethim. " She dropped her work and sprang up. "Well, of all the delightful surprises!" she cried. She was a trifle thinner than during the previous summer. On her facethere was a more mature, patient look, but the sun struck her bare headwith the same ray of red gold. She wore one of the old blue ginghamdresses, open at the throat and rolled to the elbows. Mrs. Comstock didnot appear at all the same woman, but Philip saw only Elnora; heard onlyher greeting. He caught both hands where she offered but one. "Elnora, " he cried, "if you were engaged to me, and we were at a ball, among hundreds, where I offended you very much, and didn't even know Ihad done anything, and if I asked you before all of them to allow meto explain, to forgive me, to wait, would your face grow distorted andunfamiliar with anger? Would you drop my ring on the floor and insult merepeatedly? Oh Elnora, would you?" Elnora's big eyes seemed to leap, while her face grew very white. Shedrew away her hands. "Hush, Phil! Hush!" she protested. "That fever has you again! You aredreadfully ill. You don't know what you are saying. " "I am sleepless and exhausted; I'm heartsick; but I am well as I everwas. Answer me, Elnora, would you?" "Answer nothing!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "Answer nothing! Hang your coatthere on your nail, Phil, and come split some kindling. Elnora, cleanaway that stuff, and set the table. Can't you see the boy is starved andtired? He's come home to rest and eat a decent meal. Come on, Phil!" Mrs. Comstock marched away, and Philip hung his coat in its old placeand followed. Out of sight and hearing she turned on him. "Do you call yourself a man or a hound?" she flared. "I beg your pardon----" stammered Philip Ammon. "I should think you would!" she ejaculated. "I'll admit you did thesquare thing and was a man last summer, though I'd liked it better ifyou'd faced up and told me you were promised; but to come back herebabying, and take hold of Elnora like that, and talk that way becauseyou have had a fuss with your girl, I don't tolerate. Split thatkindling and I'll get your supper, and then you better go. I won't haveyou working on Elnora's big heart, because you have quarrelled with someone else. You'll have it patched up in a week and be gone again, so youcan go right away. " "Mrs. Comstock, I came to ask Elnora to marry me. " "The more fool you, then!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "This time yesterday youwere engaged to another woman, no doubt. Now, for some little flare-upyou come racing here to use Elnora as a tool to spite the other girl. A week of sane living, and you will be sorry and ready to go back toChicago, or, if you really are man enough to be sure of yourself, shewill come to claim you. She has her rights. An engagement of years is aserious matter, and not broken for a whim. If you don't go, she'll come. Then, when you patch up your affairs and go sailing away together, wheredoes my girl come in?" "I am a lawyer, Mrs. Comstock, " said Philip. "It appeals to me asbeneath your ordinary sense of justice to decide a case without hearingthe evidence. It is due me that you hear me first. " "Hear your side!" flashed Mrs. Comstock. "I'd a heap sight rather hearthe girl!" "I wish to my soul that you had heard and seen her last night, Mrs. Comstock, " said Ammon. "Then, my way would be clear. I never eventhought of coming here to-day. I'll admit I would have come in time, butnot for many months. My father sent me. " "Your father sent you! Why?" "Father, mother, and Polly were present last night. They, and allmy friends, saw me insulted and disgraced in the worst exhibition ofuncontrolled temper any of us ever witnessed. All of them knew it wasthe end. Father liked what I had told him of Elnora, and he advised meto come here, so I came. If she does not want me, I can leave instantly, but, oh I hoped she would understand!" "You people are not splitting wood, " called Elnora. "Oh yes we are!" answered Mrs. Comstock. "You set out the thingsfor biscuit, and lay the table. " She turned again to Philip. "I knowconsiderable about your father, " she said. "I have met your Uncle'sfamily frequently this winter. I've heard your Aunt Anna say that shedidn't at all like Miss Carr, and that she and all your family secretlyhoped that something would happen to prevent your marrying her. Thatchimes right in with your saying that your father sent you here. I guessyou better speak your piece. " Philip gave his version of the previous night. "Do you believe me?" he finished. "Yes, " said Mrs. Comstock. "May I stay?" "Oh, it looks all right for you, but what about her?" "Nothing, so far as I am concerned. Her plans were all made to start toEurope to-day. I suspect she is on the way by this time. Elnora is verysensible, Mrs. Comstock. Hadn't you better let her decide this?" "The final decision rests with her, of course, " admitted Mrs. Comstock. "But look you one thing! She's all I have. As Solomon says, 'she is theone child, the only child of her mother. ' I've suffered enough in thisworld that I fight against any suffering which threatens her. So faras I know you've always been a man, and you may stay. But if you bringtears and heartache to her, don't have the assurance to think I'll bearit tamely. I'll get right up and fight like a catamount, if things gowrong for Elnora!" "I have no doubt but you will, " replied Philip, "and I don't blame youin the least if you do. I have the utmost devotion to offer Elnora, agood home, fair social position, and my family will love her dearly. Think it over. I know it is sudden, but my father advised it. " "Yes, I reckon he did!" said Mrs. Comstock dryly. "I guess instead ofme being the catamount, you had the genuine article up in Chicago, masquerading in peacock feathers, and posing as a fine lady, until hertime came to scratch. Human nature seems to be the same the world over. But I'd give a pretty to know that secret thing you say you don't, thatset her raving over your just catching a moth for Elnora. You might getthat crock of strawberries in the spring house. " They prepared and ate supper. Afterward they sat in the arbour andtalked, or Elnora played until time for Philip to go. "Will you walk to the gate with me?" he asked Elnora as he arose. "Not to-night, " she answered lightly. "Come early in the morning ifyou like, and we will go over to Sleepy Snake Creek and hunt moths andgather dandelions for dinner. " Philip leaned toward her. "May I tell you to-morrow why I came?" heasked. "I think not, " replied Elnora. "The fact is, I don't care why you came. It is enough for me that we are your very good friends, and that introuble, you have found us a refuge. I fancy we had better live a weekor two before you say anything. There is a possibility that what youhave to say may change in that length of time. "It will not change one iota!" cried Philip. "Then it will have the grace of that much age to give it some smalltouch of flavour, " said the girl. "Come early in the morning. " She lifted the violin and began to play. "Well bless my soul!" ejaculated the astounded Mrs. Comstock. "To thinkI was worrying for fear you couldn't take care of yourself!" Elnora laughed while she played. "Shall I tell you what he said?" "Nope! I don't want to hear it!" said Elnora. "He is only six hours fromChicago. I'll give her a week to find him and fix it up, if he staysthat long. If she doesn't put in an appearance then, he can tell me whathe wants to say, and I'll take my time to think it over. Time in plenty, too! There are three of us in this, and one must be left with a soreheart for life. If the decision rests with me I propose to be very surethat it is the one who deserves such hard luck. " The next morning Philip came early, dressed in the outing clothing hehad worn the previous summer, and aside from a slight paleness seemedvery much the same as when he left. Elnora met him on the old footing, and for a week life went on exactly as it had the previous summer. Mrs. Comstock made mental notes and watched in silence. She could see thatElnora was on a strain, though she hoped Philip would not. The girl grewrestless as the week drew to a close. Once when the gate clicked shesuddenly lost colour and moved nervously. Billy came down the walk. Philip leaned toward Mrs. Comstock and said: "I am expressly forbiddento speak to Elnora as I would like. Would you mind telling her for methat I had a letter from my father this morning saying that Miss Carr ison her way to Europe for the summer?" "Elnora, " said Mrs. Comstock promptly, "I have just heard that Carrwoman is on her way to Europe, and I wish to my gracious stars she'dstay there!" Philip Ammon shouted, but Elnora arose hastily and went to meet Billy. They came into the arbour together and after speaking to Mrs. Comstockand Philip, Billy said: "Uncle Wesley and I found something funny, andwe thought you'd like to see. " "I don't know what I should do without you and Uncle Wesley to help me, "said Elnora. "What have you found now?" "Something I couldn't bring. You have to come to it. I tried to get oneand I killed it. They are a kind of insecty things, and they got a longtail that is three fine hairs. They stick those hairs right into thehard bark of trees, and if you pull, the hairs stay fast and it killsthe bug. " "We will come at once, " laughed Elnora. "I know what they are, and I canuse some in my work. " "Billy, have you been crying?" inquired Mrs. Comstock. Billy lifted a chastened face. "Yes, ma'am, " he replied. "This has beenthe worst day. " "What's the matter with the day?" "The day is all right, " admitted Billy. "I mean every single thing hasgone wrong with me. " "Now that is too bad!" sympathized Mrs. Comstock. "Began early this morning, " said Billy. "All Snap's fault, too. " "What has poor Snap been doing?" demanded Mrs. Comstock, her eyesbeginning to twinkle. "Digging for woodchucks, like he always does. He gets up at two o'clockto dig for them. He was coming in from the woods all tired and coveredthick with dirt. I was going to the barn with the pail of water forUncle Wesley to use in milking. I had to set down the pail to shut thegate so the chickens wouldn't get into the flower beds, and old Snapstuck his dirty nose into the water and began to lap it down. I knewUncle Wesley wouldn't use that, so I had to go 'way back to the cisternfor more, and it pumps awful hard. Made me mad, so I threw the water onSnap. " "Well, what of it?" "Nothing, if he'd stood still. But it scared him awful, and when he'safraid he goes a-humping for Aunt Margaret. When he got right up againsther he stiffened out and gave a big shake. You oughter seen the niceblue dress she had put on to go to Onabasha!" Mrs. Comstock and Philip laughed, but Elnora put her arms around theboy. "Oh Billy!" she cried. "That was too bad!" "She got up early and ironed that dress to wear because it was cool. Then, when it was all dirty, she wouldn't go, and she wanted to realbad. " Billy wiped his eyes. "That ain't all, either, " he added. "We'd like to know about it, Billy, " suggested Mrs. Comstock, strugglingwith her face. "Cos she couldn't go to the city, she's most worked herself to death. She's done all the dirty, hard jobs she could find. She's fixing hergrape juice now. " "Sure!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "When a woman is disappointed she alwaysworks like a dog to gain sympathy!" "Well, Uncle Wesley and I are sympathizing all we know how, without herworking so. I've squeezed until I almost busted to get the juice outfrom the seeds and skins. That's the hard part. Now, she has to strainit through white flannel and seal it in bottles, and it's good for sickfolks. Most wish I'd get sick myself, so I could have a glass. It's sogood!" Elnora glanced swiftly at her mother. "I worked so hard, " continued Billy, "that she said if I would throwthe leavings in the woods, then I could come after you to see about thebugs. Do you want to go?" "We will all go, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I am mightily interested in thosebugs myself. " From afar commotion could be seen at the Sinton home. Wesley andMargaret were running around wildly and peculiar sounds filled the air. "What's the trouble?" asked Philip, hurrying to Wesley. "Cholera!" groaned Sinton. "My hogs are dying like flies. " Margaret was softly crying. "Wesley, can't I fix something hot? Can't wedo anything? It means several hundred dollars and our winter meat. " "I never saw stock taken so suddenly and so hard, " said Wesley. "I have'phoned for the veterinary to come as soon as he can get here. " All of them hurried to the feeding pen into which the pigs seemed to begathering from the woods. Among the common stock were big white beastsof pedigree which were Wesley's pride at county fairs. Several ofthese rolled on their backs, pawing the air feebly and emitting littlesqueaks. A huge Berkshire sat on his haunches, slowly shaking his head, the water dropping from his eyes, until he, too, rolled over with faintgrunts. A pair crossing the yard on wavering legs collided, and attackedeach other in anger, only to fall, so weak they scarcely could squeal. A fine snowy Plymouth Rock rooster, after several attempts, flew to thefence, balanced with great effort, wildly flapped his wings and starteda guttural crow, but fell sprawling among the pigs, too helpless tostand. "Did you ever see such a dreadful sight?" sobbed Margaret. Billy climbed on the fence, took one long look and turned an astoundedface to Wesley. "Why them pigs is drunk!" he cried. "They act just like my pa!" Wesley turned to Margaret. "Where did you put the leavings from that grape juice?" he demanded. "I sent Billy to throw it in the woods. " "Billy----" began Wesley. "Threw it just where she told me to, " cried Billy. "But some of the pigscame by there coming into the pen, and some were close in the fencecorners. " "Did they eat it?" demanded Wesley. "They just chanked into it, " replied Billy graphically. "They pushed, and squealed, and fought over it. You couldn't blame 'em! It was thebest stuff I ever tasted!" "Margaret, " said Wesley, "run 'phone that doctor he won't be needed. Billy, take Elnora and Mr. Ammon to see the bugs. Katharine, suppose youhelp me a minute. " Wesley took the clothes basket from the back porch and started in thedirection of the cellar. Margaret returned from the telephone. "I just caught him, " she said. "There's that much saved. Why Wesley, what are you going to do?" "You go sit on the front porch a little while, " said Wesley. "You willfeel better if you don't see this. " "Wesley, " cried Margaret aghast. "Some of that wine is ten years old. There are days and days of hard work in it, and I couldn't say how muchsugar. Dr. Ammon keeps people alive with it when nothing else will stayon their stomachs. " "Let 'em die, then!" said Wesley. "You heard the boy, didn't you?" "It's a cold process. There's not a particle of fermentation about it. " "Not a particle of fermentation! Great day, Margaret! Look at thosepigs!" Margaret took a long look. "Leave me a few bottles for mince-meat, " shewavered. "Not a smell for any use on this earth! You heard the boy! He shan'tsay, when he grows to manhood, that he learned to like it here!" Wesley threw away the wine, Mrs. Comstock cheerfully assisting. Thenthey walked to the woods to see and learn about the wonderful insects. The day ended with a big supper at Sintons', and then they went to theComstock cabin for a concert. Elnora played beautifully that night. Whenthe Sintons left she kissed Billy with particular tenderness. She wasso moved that she was kinder to Philip than she had intended to be, andElnora as an antidote to a disappointed lover was a decided success inany mood. However strong the attractions of Edith Carr had been, once the bond wasfinally broken, Philip Ammon could not help realizing that Elnora wasthe superior woman, and that he was fortunate to have escaped, when heregarded his ties strongest. Every day, while working with Elnora, hesaw more to admire. He grew very thankful that he was free to try to winher, and impatient to justify himself to her. Elnora did not evince the slightest haste to hear what he had to say, but waited the week she had set, in spite of Philip's hourly manifestimpatience. When she did consent to listen, Philip felt before he hadtalked five minutes, that she was putting herself in Edith Carr's place, and judging him from what the other girl's standpoint would be. That wasso disconcerting, he did not plead his cause nearly so well as he hadhoped, for when he ceased Elnora sat in silence. "You are my judge, " he said at last. "What is your verdict?" "If I could hear her speak from her heart as I just have heard you, thenI could decide, " answered Elnora. "She is on the ocean, " said Philip. "She went because she knew shewas wholly in the wrong. She had nothing to say, or she would haveremained. " "That sounds plausible, " reasoned Elnora, "but it is pretty difficult tofind a woman in an affair that involves her heart with nothing at all tosay. I fancy if I could meet her, she would say several things. I shouldlove to hear them. If I could talk with her three minutes, I could tellwhat answer to make you. " "Don't you believe me, Elnora?" "Unquestioningly, " answered Elnora. "But I would believe her also. Ifonly I could meet her I soon would know. " "I don't see how that is to be accomplished, " said Philip, "but I amperfectly willing. There is no reason why you should not meet her, except that she probably would lose her temper and insult you. " "Not to any extent, " said Elnora calmly. "I have a tongue of my own, while I am not without some small sense of personal values. " Philip glanced at her and began to laugh. Very different of facialformation and colouring, Elnora at times closely resembled her mother. She joined in his laugh ruefully. "The point is this, " she said. "Some one is going to be hurt, mostdreadfully. If the decision as to whom it shall be rests with me, I mustknow it is the right one. Of course, no one ever hinted it to you, butyou are a very attractive man, Philip. You are mighty good to look at, and you have a trained, refined mind, that makes you most interesting. For years Edith Carr has felt that you were hers. Now, how is she goingto change? I have been thinking--thinking deep and long, Phil. If Iwere in her place, I simply could not give you up, unless you had madeyourself unworthy of love. Undoubtedly, you never seemed so desirableto her as just now, when she is told she can't have you. What I think isthat she will come to claim you yet. " "You overlook the fact that it is not in a woman's power to throw awaya man and pick him up at pleasure, " said Philip with some warmth. "Shepublicly and repeatedly cast me off. I accepted her decision as publiclyas it was made. You have done all your thinking from a wrong viewpoint. You seem to have an idea that it lies with you to decide what I shalldo, that if you say the word, I shall return to Edith. Put that thoughtout of your head! Now, and for all time to come, she is a matter ofindifference to me. She killed all feeling in my heart for her socompletely that I do not even dread meeting her. "If I hated her, or was angry with her, I could not be sure thefeeling would not die. As it is, she has deadened me into a creature ofindifference. So you just revise your viewpoint a little, Elnora. Ceasethinking it is for you to decide what I shall do, and that I will obeyyou. I make my own decisions in reference to any woman, save you. Thequestion you are to decide is whether I may remain here, associatingwith you as I did last summer; but with the difference that it isunderstood that I am free; that it is my intention to care for you allI please, to make you return my feeling for you if I can. There is justone question for you to decide, and it is not triangular. It is betweenus. May I remain? May I love you? Will you give me the chance to provewhat I think of you?" "You speak very plainly, " said Elnora. "This is the time to speak plainly, " said Philip Ammon. "There is no usein allowing you to go on threshing out a problem which does not exist. If you do not want me here, say so and I will go. Of course, I warnyou before I start, that I will come back. I won't yield without thestiffest fight it is in me to make. But drop thinking it lies in yourpower to send me back to Edith Carr. If she were the last woman in theworld, and I the last man, I'd jump off the planet before I would giveher further opportunity to exercise her temper on me. Narrow this to us, Elnora. Will you take the place she vacated? Will you take the heart shethrew away? I'd give my right hand and not flinch, if I could offer youmy life, free from any contact with hers, but that is not possible. Ican't undo things which are done. I can only profit by experience andbuild better in the future. " "I don't see how you can be sure of yourself, " said Elnora. "I don't seehow I could be sure of you. You loved her first, you never can care forme anything like that. Always I'd have to be afraid you were thinking ofher and regretting. " "Folly!" cried Philip. "Regretting what? That I was not married to awoman who was liable to rave at me any time or place, without my beingconscious of having given offence? A man does relish that! I am likelyto pine for more!" "You'd be thinking she'd learned a lesson. You would think it wouldn'thappen again. " "No, I wouldn't be 'thinking, '" said, Philip. "I'd be everlastinglysure! I wouldn't risk what I went through that night again, not to savemy life! Just you and me, Elnora. Decide for us. " "I can't!" cried Elnora. "I am afraid!" "Very well, " said Philip. "We will wait until you feel that you can. Wait until fear vanishes. Just decide now whether you would rather haveme go for a few months, or remain with you. Which shall it be, Elnora?" "You can never love me as you did her, " wailed Elnora. "I am happy to say I cannot, " replied he. "I've cut my matrimonialteeth. I'm cured of wanting to swell in society. I'm over being proud ofa woman for her looks alone. I have no further use for lavishing myselfon a beautiful, elegantly dressed creature, who thinks only of self. I have learned that I am a common man. I admire beauty and beautifulclothing quite as much as I ever did; but, first, I want anunderstanding, deep as the lowest recess of my soul, with the woman Imarry. I want to work for you, to plan for you, to build you a home withevery comfort, to give you all good things I can, to shield you fromevery evil. I want to interpose my body between yours and fire, flood, or famine. I want to give you everything; but I hate the idea of gettingnothing at all on which I can depend in return. Edith Carr had onlygood looks to offer, and when anger overtook her, beauty went out like asnuffed candle. "I want you to love me. I want some consideration. I even crave respect. I've kept myself clean. So far as I know how to be, I am honest andscrupulous. It wouldn't hurt me to feel that you took some interest inthese things. Rather fierce temptations strike a man, every few days, in this world. I can keep decent, for a woman who cares for decency, but when I do, I'd like to have the fact recognized, by just enough ofa show of appreciation that I could see it. I am tired of this one-sidedbusiness. After this, I want to get a little in return for what I give. Elnora, you have love, tenderness, and honest appreciation of the finestin life. Take what I offer, and give what I ask. " "You do not ask much, " said Elnora. "As for not loving you as I did Edith, " continued Philip, "as I saidbefore, I hope not! I have a newer and a better idea of loving. Thefeeling I offer you was inspired by you. It is a Limberlost product. Itis as much bigger, cleaner, and more wholesome than any feeling I everhad for Edith Carr, as you are bigger than she, when you stand beforeyour classes and in calm dignity explain the marvels of the Almighty, while she stands on a ballroom floor, and gives way to uncontrolledtemper. Ye gods, Elnora, if you could look into my soul, you would seeit leap and rejoice over my escape! Perhaps it isn't decent, but it'shuman; and I'm only a common human being. I'm the gladdest man alivethat I'm free! I would turn somersaults and yell if I dared. What anescape! Stop straining after Edith Carr's viewpoint and take a look frommine. Put yourself in my place and try to study out how I feel. "I am so happy I grow religious over it. Fifty times a day I catchmyself whispering, 'My soul is escaped!' As for you, take all the timeyou want. If you prefer to be alone, I'll take the next train and stayaway as long as I can bear it, but I'll come back. You can be most sureof that. Straight as your pigeons to their loft, I'll come back to you, Elnora. Shall I go?" "Oh, what's the use to be extravagant?" murmured Elnora. CHAPTER XXII WHEREIN PHILIP AMMON KNEELS TO ELNORA, AND STRANGERS COME TO THELIMBERLOST The month which followed was a reproduction of the previous June. Therewere long moth hunts, days of specimen gathering, wonderful hours withgreat books, big dinners all of them helped to prepare, and perfectnights filled with music. Everything was as it had been, withthe difference that Philip was now an avowed suitor. He missed noopportunity to advance himself in Elnora's graces. At the end of themonth he was no nearer any sort of understanding with her than he hadbeen at the beginning. He revelled in the privilege of loving her, buthe got no response. Elnora believed in his love, yet she hesitated toaccept him, because she could not forget Edith Carr. One afternoon early in July, Philip came across the fields, through theComstock woods, and entered the garden. He inquired for Elnora at theback door and was told that she was reading under the willow. He wentaround the west end of the cabin to her. She sat on a rustic benchthey had made and placed beneath a drooping branch. He had not seen herbefore in the dress she was wearing. It was clinging mull of pale green, trimmed with narrow ruffles and touched with knots of black velvet; asimple dress, but vastly becoming. Every tint of her bright hair, herluminous eyes, her red lips, and her rose-flushed face, neck, and armsgrew a little more vivid with the delicate green setting. He stopped short. She was so near, so temptingly sweet, he lost control. He went to her with a half-smothered cry after that first long look, dropped on one knee beside her and reached an arm behind her to thebench back, so that he was very near. He caught her hands. "Elnora!" he cried tensely, "end it now! Say this strain is over. Ipledge you that you will be happy. You don't know! If you only would saythe word, you would awake to new life and great joy! Won't you promiseme now, Elnora?" The girl sat staring into the west woods, while strong in her eyes washer father's look of seeing something invisible to others. Philip's armslipped from the bench around her. His fingers closed firmly over hers. "Elnora, " he pleaded, "you know me well enough. You have had time inplenty. End it now. Say you will be mine!" He gathered her closer, pressing his face against hers, his breath on her cheek. "Can't youquite promise yet, my girl of the Limberlost?" Elnora shook her head. Instantly he released her. "Forgive me, " he begged. "I had no intention of thrusting myself uponyou, but, Elnora, you are the veriest Queen of Love this afternoon. Fromthe tips of your toes to your shining crown, I worship you. I want nowoman save you. You are so wonderful this afternoon, I couldn't helpurging. Forgive me. Perhaps it was something that came this morning foryou. I wrote Polly to send it. May we try if it fits? Will you tell meif you like it?" He drew a little white velvet box from his pocket and showed her asplendid emerald ring. "It may not be right, " he said. "The inside of a glove finger is notvery accurate for a measure, but it was the best I could do. I wrotePolly to get it, because she and mother are home from the East thisweek, but next they will go on to our cottage in the north, and noone knows what is right quite so well as Polly. " He laid the ring inElnora's hand. "Dearest, " he said, "don't slip that on your finger; putyour arms around my neck and promise me, all at once and abruptly, orI'll keel over and die of sheer joy. " Elnora smiled. "I won't! Not all those venturesome things at once; but, Phil, I'mashamed to confess that ring simply fascinates me. It is the mostbeautiful one I ever saw, and do you know that I never owned a ring ofany kind in my life? Would you think me unwomanly if I slip it on fora second, before I can say for sure? Phil, you know I care! I care verymuch! You know I will tell you the instant I feel right about it. " "Certainly you will, " agreed Philip promptly. "It is your right to takeall the time you choose. I can't put that ring on you until it means abond between us. I'll shut my eyes and you try it on, so we can seeif it fits. " Philip turned his face toward the west woods and tightlyclosed his eyes. It was a boyish thing to do, and it caught thehesitating girl in the depths of her heart as the boy element in a manever appeals to a motherly woman. Before she quite realized what she wasdoing, the ring slid on her finger. With both arms she caught Philip anddrew him to her breast, holding him closely. Her head drooped over his, her lips were on his hair. So an instant, then her arms dropped. Helifted a convulsed, white face. "Dear Lord!" he whispered. "You--you didn't mean that, Elnora! You----What made you do it?" "You--you looked so boyish!" panted Elnora. "I didn't mean it! I--Iforgot that you were older than Billy. Look--look at the ring!" "'The Queen can do no wrong, '" quoted Philip between his set teeth. "Butdon't you do that again, Elnora, unless you do mean it. Kings are not sogood as queens, and there is a limit with all men. As you say, we willlook at your ring. It seems very lovely to me. Suppose you leave iton until time for me to go. Please do! I have heard of mute appeals;perhaps it will plead for me. I am wild for your lips this afternoon. Iam going to take your hands. " He caught both of them and covered them with kisses. "Elnora, " he said, "Will you be my wife?" "I must have a little more time, " she whispered. "I must be absolutelycertain, for when I say yes, and give myself to you, only death shallpart us. I would not give you up. So I want a little more time--but, Ithink I will. " "Thank you, " said Philip. "If at any time you feel that you have reacheda decision, will you tell me? Will you promise me to tell me instantly, or shall I keep asking you until the time comes?" "You make it difficult, " said Elnora. "But I will promise you that. Whenever the last doubt vanishes, I will let you know instantly--if Ican. " "Would it be difficult for you?" whispered Ammon. "I--I don't know, " faltered Elnora. "It seems as if I can't be man enough to put this thought aside and giveup this afternoon, " said Philip. "I am ashamed of myself, but I can'thelp it. I am going to ask God to make that last doubt vanish before Igo this night. I am going to believe that ring will plead for me. I amgoing to hope that doubt will disappear suddenly. I will be watching. Every second I will be watching. If it happens and you can't speak, give me your hand. Just the least movement toward me, I will understand. Would it help you to talk this over with your mother? Shall I call her?Shall I----?" Honk! Honk! Honk! Hart Henderson set the horn of the big automobilegoing as it shot from behind the trees lining the Brushwood road. Thepicture of a vine-covered cabin, a large drooping tree, a green-cladgirl and a man bending over her very closely flashed into view. EdithCarr caught her breath with a snap. Polly Ammon gave Tom Levering aquick touch and wickedly winked at him. Several days before, Edith had returned from Europe suddenly. She andHenderson had called at the Ammon residence saying that they were goingto motor down to the Limberlost to see Philip a few hours, and urgedthat Polly and Tom accompany them. Mrs. Ammon knew that her husbandwould disapprove of the trip, but it was easy to see that Edith Carr haddetermined on going. So the mother thought it better to have Polly alongto support Philip than to allow him to confront Edith unexpectedly andalone. Polly was full of spirit. She did not relish the thought of Edithas a sister. Always they had been in the same set, always Edith, becauseof greater beauty and wealth, had patronized Polly. Although it hadrankled, she had borne it sweetly. But two days before, her father hadextracted a promise of secrecy, given her Philip's address and told herto send him the finest emerald ring she could select. Polly knew howthat ring would be used. What she did not know was that the girl whoaccompanied her went back to the store afterward, made an excuse to theclerk that she had been sent to be absolutely sure that the address wasright, and so secured it for Edith Carr. Two days later Edith had induced Hart Henderson to take her to Onabasha. By the aid of maps they located the Comstock land and passed it, merelyto see the place. Henderson hated that trip, and implored Edith not totake it, but she made no effort to conceal from him what she suffered, and it was more than he could endure. He pointed out that Philip hadgone away without leaving an address, because he did not wish to seeher, or any of them. But Edith was so sure of her power, she feltcertain Philip needed only to see her to succumb to her beauty as healways had done, while now she was ready to plead for forgiveness. Sothey came down the Brushwood road, and Henderson had just said to Edithbeside him: "This should be the Comstock land on our left. " A minute later the wood ended, while the sunlight, as always pitiless, etched with distinctness the scene at the west end of the cabin. Instinctively, to save Edith, Henderson set the horn blowing. He hadthought to drive to the city, but Polly Ammon arose crying: "Phil!Phil!" Tom Levering was on his feet shouting and waving, while Edithin her most imperial manner ordered him to turn into the lane leadingthrough the woods beside the cabin. "Find some way for me to have a minute alone with her, " she commanded ashe stopped the car. "That is my sister Polly, her fiance Tom Levering, a friend of minenamed Henderson, and----" began Philip, "--and Edith Carr, " volunteered Elnora. "And Edith Carr, " repeated Philip Ammon. "Elnora, be brave, for my sake. Their coming can make no difference in any way. I won't let them staybut a few minutes. Come with me!" "Do I seem scared?" inquired Elnora serenely. "This is why you haven'thad your answer. I have been waiting just six weeks for that motor. Youmay bring them to me at the arbour. " Philip glanced at her and broke into a laugh. She had not lost colour. Her self-possession was perfect. She deliberately turned and walkedtoward the grape arbour, while he sprang over the west fence and ran tothe car. Elnora standing in the arbour entrance made a perfect picture, framed ingreen leaves and tendrils. No matter how her heart ached, it was good toher, for it pumped steadily, and kept her cheeks and lips suffused withcolour. She saw Philip reach the car and gather his sister into hisarms. Past her he reached a hand to Levering, then to Edith Carr andHenderson. He lifted his sister to the ground, and assisted Edith toalight. Instantly, she stepped beside him, and Elnora's heart played itsfirst trick. She could see that Miss Carr was splendidly beautiful, while she movedwith the hauteur and grace supposed to be the prerogatives of royalty. And she had instantly taken possession of Philip. But he also had abrain which was working with rapidity. He knew Elnora was watching, sohe turned to the others. "Give her up, Tom!" he cried. "I didn't know I wanted to see the littlenuisance so badly, but I do. How are father and mother? Polly, didn'tthe mater send me something?" "She did!" said Polly Ammon, stopping on the path and lifting her chinas a little child, while she drew away her veil. Philip caught her in his arms and stooped for his mother's kiss. "Be good to Elnora!" he whispered. "Umhu!" assented Polly. And aloud--"Look at that ripping green and goldsymphony! I never saw such a beauty! Thomas Asquith Levering, you comestraight here and take my hand!" Edith's move to compel Philip to approach Elnora beside her had beeneasy to see; also its failure. Henderson stepped into Philip's place ashe turned to his sister. Instead of taking Polly's hand Levering ran toopen the gate. Edith passed through first, but Polly darted in front ofher on the run, with Phil holding her arm, and swept up to Elnora. Pollylooked for the ring and saw it. That settled matters with her. "You lovely, lovely, darling girl!" she cried, throwing her armsaround Elnora and kissing her. With her lips close Elnora's ear, Pollywhispered, "Sister! Dear, dear sister!" Elnora drew back, staring at Polly in confused amazement. She was abeautiful girl, her eyes were sparkling and dancing, and as she turnedto make way for the others, she kept one of Elnora's hands in hers. Polly would have dropped dead in that instant if Edith Carr could havekilled with a look, for not until then did she realize that Polly wouldeven many a slight, and that it had been a great mistake to bring her. Edith bowed low, muttered something and touched Elnora's fingers. Tomtook his cue from Polly. "I always follow a good example, " he said, and before any one coulddivine his intention he kissed Elnora as he gripped her hand and cried:"Mighty glad to meet you! Like to meet you a dozen times a day, youknow!" Elnora laughed and her heart pumped smoothly. They had accomplishedtheir purpose. They had let her know they were there through compulsion, but on her side. In that instant only pity was in Elnora's breast forthe flashing dark beauty, standing with smiling face while her heartmust have been filled with exceeding bitterness. Elnora stepped backfrom the entrance. "Come into the shade, " she urged. "You must have found it warm on thesecountry roads. Won't you lay aside your dust-coats and have a cooldrink? Philip, would you ask mother to come, and bring that pitcher fromthe spring house?" They entered the arbour exclaiming at the dim, green coolness. There wasplenty of room and wide seats around the sides, a table in thecentre, on which lay a piece of embroidery, magazines, books, the mothapparatus, and the cyanide jar containing several specimens. Pollyrejoiced in the cooling shade, slipped off her duster, removed her hat, rumpled her pretty hair and seated herself to indulge in the delightfuloccupation of paying off old scores. Tom Levering followed her example. Edith took a seat but refused to remove her hat and coat, whileHenderson stood in the entrance. "There goes something with wings! Should you have that?" cried Levering. He seized a net from the table and raced across the garden after abutterfly. He caught it and came back mightily pleased with himself. Asthe creature struggled in the net, Elnora noted a repulsed look on EdithCarr's face. Levering helped the situation beautifully. "Now what have I got?" he demanded. "Is it just a common one that everyone knows and you don't keep, or is it the rarest bird off the perch?" "You must have had practice, you took that so perfectly, " said Elnora. "I am sorry, but it is quite common and not of a kind I keep. Supposeall of you see how beautiful it is and then it may go nectar huntingagain. " She held the butterfly where all of them could see, showed its upper andunder wing colours, answered Polly's questions as to what it ate, how long it lived, and how it died. Then she put it into Polly's handsaying: "Stand there in the light and loosen your hold slowly andeasily. " Elnora caught a brush from the table and began softly stroking thecreature's sides and wings. Delighted with the sensation the butterflyopened and closed its wings, clinging to Polly's soft little fingers, while every one cried out in surprise. Elnora laid aside the brush, andthe butterfly sailed away. "Why, you are a wizard! You charm them!" marvelled Levering. "I learned that from the Bird Woman, " said Elnora. "She takes softbrushes and coaxes butterflies and moths into the positions she wantsfor the illustrations of a book she is writing. I have helped her often. Most of the rare ones I find go to her. " "Then you don't keep all you take?" questioned Levering. "Oh, dear, no!" cried Elnora. "Not a tenth! For myself, a pair of eachkind to use in illustrating the lectures I give in the city schools inthe winter, and one pair for each collection I make. One might as wellkeep the big night moths of June, for they only live four or fivedays anyway. For the Bird Woman, I only save rare ones she has notyet secured. Sometimes I think it is cruel to take such creatures fromfreedom, even for an hour, but it is the only way to teach the massesof people how to distinguish the pests they should destroy, from theharmless ones of great beauty. Here comes mother with something cool todrink. " Mrs. Comstock came deliberately, talking to Philip as she approached. Elnora gave her one searching look, but could discover only an extremebrightness of eye to denote any unusual feeling. She wore one of herlavender dresses, while her snowy hair was high piled. She had takencare of her complexion, and her face had grown fuller during the winter. She might have been any one's mother with pride, and she was perfectlyat ease. Polly instantly went to her and held up her face to be kissed. Mrs. Comstock's eyes twinkled and she made the greeting hearty. The drink was compounded of the juices of oranges and berries from thegarden. It was cool enough to frost glasses and pitcher and delicious todusty tired travellers. Soon the pitcher was empty, and Elnora pickedit up and went to refill it. While she was gone Henderson asked Philipabout some trouble he was having with his car. They went to the woodsand began a minute examination to find a defect which did not exist. Polly and Levering were having an animated conversation with Mrs. Comstock. Henderson saw Edith arise, follow the garden path next thewoods and stand waiting under the willow which Elnora would pass on herreturn. It was for that meeting he had made the trip. He got down on theground, tore up the car, worked, asked for help, and kept Philip busyscrewing bolts and applying the oil can. All the time Henderson kept aneye on Edith and Elnora under the willow. But he took pains to lay thework he asked Philip to do where that scene would be out of his sight. When Elnora came around the corner with the pitcher, she found herselffacing Edith Carr. "I want a minute with you, " said Miss Carr. "Very well, " replied Elnora, walking on. "Set the pitcher on the bench there, " commanded Edith Carr, as ifspeaking to a servant. "I prefer not to offer my visitors a warm drink, " said Elnora. "I'llcome back if you really wish to speak with me. " "I came solely for that, " said Edith Carr. "It would be a pity to travel so far in this dust and heat for nothing. I'll only be gone a second. " Elnora placed the pitcher before her mother. "Please serve this, " shesaid. "Miss Carr wishes to speak with me. " "Don't you pay the least attention to anything she says, " cried Polly. "Tom and I didn't come here because we wanted to. We only came tocheckmate her. I hoped I'd get the opportunity to say a word to you, andnow she has given it to me. I just want to tell you that she threw Philover in perfectly horrid way. She hasn't any right to lay the ghost of aclaim to him, has she, Tom?" "Nary a claim, " said Tom Levering earnestly. "Why, even you, Polly, couldn't serve me as she did Phil, and ever get me back again. If I wereyou, Miss Comstock, I'd send my mother to talk with her and I'd stayhere. " Tom had gauged Mrs. Comstock rightly. Polly put her arms around Elnora. "Let me go with you, dear, " she begged. "I promised I would speak with her alone, " said Elnora, "and she must beconsidered. But thank you, very much. " "How I shall love you!" exulted Polly, giving Elnora a parting hug. The girl slowly and gravely walked back to the willow. She could notimagine what was coming, but she was promising herself that she would bevery patient and control her temper. "Will you be seated?" she asked politely. Edith Carr glanced at the bench, while a shudder shook her. "No. I prefer to stand, " she said. "Did Mr. Ammon give you the ring youare wearing, and do you consider yourself engaged to him?" "By what right do you ask such personal questions as those?" inquiredElnora. "By the right of a betrothed wife. I have been promised to Philip Ammonever since I wore short skirts. All our lives we have expected to marry. An agreement of years cannot be broken in one insane moment. Always hehas loved me devotedly. Give me ten minutes with him and he will be minefor all time. " "I seriously doubt that, " said Elnora. "But I am willing that you shouldmake the test. I will call him. " "Stop!" commanded Edith Carr. "I told you that it was you I came tosee. " "I remember, " said Elnora. "Mr. Ammon is my betrothed, " continued Edith Carr. "I expect to take himback to Chicago with me. " "You expect considerable, " murmured Elnora. "I will raise no objectionto your taking him, if you can--but, I tell you frankly, I don't thinkit possible. " "You are so sure of yourself as that, " scoffed Edith Carr. "One hour inmy presence will bring back the old spell, full force. We belong to eachother. I will not give him up. " "Then it is untrue that you twice rejected his ring, repeatedly insultedhim, and publicly renounced him?" "That was through you!" cried Edith Carr. "Phil and I never had been sonear and so happy as we were on that night. It was your clinging to himfor things that caused him to desert me among his guests, while he triedto make me await your pleasure. I realize the spell of this place, fora summer season. I understand what you and your mother have done toinveigle him. I know that your hold on him is quite real. I can see justhow you have worked to ensnare him!" "Men would call that lying, " said Elnora calmly. "The second time I metPhilip Ammon he told me of his engagement to you, and I respected it. I did by you as I would want you to do by me. He was here parts of eachday, almost daily last summer. The Almighty is my witness that neveronce, by word or look, did I ever make the slightest attempt to interesthim in my person or personality. He wrote you frequently in my presence. He forgot the violets for which he asked to send you. I gathered themand carried them to him. I sent him back to you in unswerving devotion, and the Almighty is also my witness that I could have changed his heartlast summer, if I had tried. I wisely left that work for you. All mylife I shall be glad that I lived and worked on the square. That he everwould come back to me free, by your act, I never dreamed. When he leftme I did not hope or expect to see him again, " Elnora's voice fell softand low, "and, behold! You sent him--and free!" "You exult in that!" cried Edith Carr. "Let me tell you he is not free!We have belonged for years. We always shall. If you cling to him, andhold him to rash things he has said and done, because he thought mestill angry and unforgiving with him, you will ruin all our lives. Ifhe married you, before a month you would read heart-hunger for me in hiseyes. He could not love me as he has done, and give me up for a littlescene like that!" "There is a great poem, " said Elnora, "one line of which reads, 'Foreach man kills the thing he loves. ' Let me tell you that a woman cando that also. He did love you--that I concede. But you killed his loveeverlastingly, when you disgraced him in public. Killed it so completelyhe does not even feel resentment toward you. To-day, he would do you afavour, if he could; but love you, no! That is over!" Edith Carr stood truly regal and filled with scorn. "You are mistaken!Nothing on earth could kill that!" she cried, and Elnora saw that thegirl really believed what she said. "You are very sure of yourself!" said Elnora. "I have reason to be sure, " answered Edith Carr. "We have lived and loved too long. I have had years with him to matchagainst your days. He is mine! His work, his ambitions, his friends, hisplace in society are with me. You may have a summer charm for a sick manin the country; if he tried placing you in society, he soon would seeyou as others will. It takes birth to position, schooling, and endlesspractice to meet social demands gracefully. You would put him to shamein a week. " "I scarcely think I should follow your example so far, " said Elnoradryly. "I have a feeling for Philip that would prevent my hurting himpurposely, either in public or private. As for managing a social careerfor him he never mentioned that he desired such a thing. What he askedof me was that I should be his wife. I understood that to mean that hedesired me to keep him a clean house, serve him digestible food, motherhis children, and give him loving sympathy and tenderness. " "Shameless!" cried Edith Carr. "To which of us do you intend that adjective to apply?" inquired Elnora. "I never was less ashamed in all my life. Please remember I am in my ownhome, and your presence here is not on my invitation. " Miss Carr lifted her head and struggled with her veil. She was very paleand trembling violently, while Elnora stood serene, a faint smile on herlips. "Such vulgarity!" panted Edith Carr. "How can a man like Philip endureit?" "Why don't you ask him?" inquired Elnora. "I can call him with onebreath; but, if he judged us as we stand, I should not be the one totremble at his decision. Miss Carr, you have been quite plain. You havetold me in carefully selected words what you think of me. You insult mybirth, education, appearance, and home. I assure you I am legitimate. I will pass a test examination with you on any high school orsupplementary branch, or French or German. I will take a physicalexamination beside you. I will face any social emergency you can mentionwith you. I am acquainted with a whole world in which Philip Ammon iskeenly interested, that you scarcely know exists. I am not afraid toface any audience you can get together anywhere with my violin. I am notrepulsive to look at, and I have a wholesome regard for the proprietiesand civilities of life. Philip Ammon never asked anything more of me, why should you?" "It is plain to see, " cried Edith Carr, "that you took him when he washurt and angry and kept his wound wide open. Oh, what have you not doneagainst me?" "I did not promise to marry him when an hour ago he asked me, andoffered me this ring, because there was so much feeling in my heart foryou, that I knew I never could be happy, if I felt that in any way Ihad failed in doing justice to your interests. I did slip on this ring, which he had just brought, because I never owned one, and it is verybeautiful, but I made him no promise, nor shall I make any, until I amquite, quite sure, that you fully realize he never would marry you if Isent him away this hour. " "You know perfectly that if your puny hold on him were broken, if hewere back in his home, among his friends, and where he was meeting me, in one short week he would be mine again, as he always has been. In yourheart you don't believe what you say. You don't dare trust him in mypresence. You are afraid to allow him out of your sight, because youknow what the results would be. Right or wrong, you have made up yourmind to ruin him and me, and you are going to be selfish enough to doit. But----" "That will do!" said Elnora. "Spare me the enumeration of how I willregret it. I shall regret nothing. I shall not act until I know therewill be nothing to regret. I have decided on my course. You may returnto your friends. " "What do you mean?" demanded Edith Carr. "That is my affair, " replied Elnora. "Only this! When your opportunitycomes, seize it! Any time you are in Philip Ammon's presence, exert thecharms of which you boast, and take him. I grant you are justified indoing it if you can. I want nothing more than I want to see youmarry Philip if he wants you. He is just across the fence under thatautomobile. Go spread your meshes and exert your wiles. I won't stir tostop you. Take him to Onabasha, and to Chicago with you. Use every artyou possess. If the old charm can be revived I will be the first to wishboth of you well. Now, I must return to my visitors. Kindly excuse me. " Elnora turned and went back to the arbour. Edith Carr followed thefence and passed through the gate into the west woods where she askedHenderson about the car. As she stood near him she whispered: "Take Philback to Onabasha with us. " "I say, Ammon, can't you go to the city with us and help me find a shopwhere I can get this pinion fixed?" asked Henderson. "We want to lunchand start back by five. That will get us home about midnight. Why don'tyou bring your automobile here?" "I am a working man, " said Philip. "I have no time to be out motoring. Ican't see anything the matter with your car, myself; but, of course youdon't want to break down in the night, on strange roads, with women onyour hands. I'll see. " Philip went into the arbour, where Polly took possession of his lap, fingered his hair, and kissed his forehead and lips. "When are you coming to the cottage, Phil?" she asked. "Come soon, andbring Miss Comstock for a visit. All of us will be so glad to have her. " Philip beamed on Polly. "I'll see about that, " he said. "Sounds prettygood. Elnora, Henderson is in trouble with his automobile. He wants meto go to Onabasha with him to show him where the doctor lives, and makerepairs so he can start back this evening. It will take about two hours. May I go?" "Of course, you must go, " she said, laughing lightly. "You can't leaveyour sister. Why don't you return to Chicago with them? There is plentyof room, and you could have a fine visit. " "I'll be back in just two hours, " said Philip. "While I am gone, you bethinking over what we were talking of when the folks came. " "Miss Comstock can go with us as well as not, " said Polly. "That backseat was made for three, and I can sit on your lap. " "Come on! Do come!" urged Philip instantly, and Tom Levering joined him, but Henderson and Edith silently waited at the gate. "No, thank you, " laughed Elnora. "That would crowd you, and it's warmand dusty. We will say good-bye here. " She offered her hand to all of them, and when she came to Philip shegave him one long steady look in the eyes, then shook hands with himalso. CHAPTER XXIII WHEREIN ELNORA REACHES A DECISION, AND FRECKLES AND THE ANGEL APPEAR "Well, she came, didn't she?" remarked Mrs. Comstock to Elnora as theywatched the automobile speed down the road. As it turned the Limberlostcorner, Philip arose and waved to them. "She hasn't got him yet, anyway, " said Mrs. Comstock, taking heart. "What's that on your finger, and what did she say to you?" Elnora explained about the ring as she drew it off. "I have several letters to write, then I am going to change my dress andwalk down toward Aunt Margaret's for a little exercise. I may meetsome of them, and I don't want them to see this ring. You keep it untilPhilip comes, " said Elnora. "As for what Miss Carr said to me, manythings, two of importance: one, that I lacked every social requirementnecessary for the happiness of Philip Ammon, and that if I married him Iwould see inside a month that he was ashamed of me----" "Aw, shockins!" scorned Mrs. Comstock. "Go on!" "The other was that she has been engaged to him for years, that hebelongs to her, and she refuses to give him up. She said that if he werein her presence one hour, she would have him under a mysterious thingshe calls 'her spell' again; if he were where she could see him forone week, everything would be made up. It is her opinion that he issuffering from wounded pride, and that the slightest concession on herpart will bring him to his knees before her. " Mrs. Comstock giggled. "I do hope the boy isn't weak-kneed, " she said. "I just happened to be passing the west window this afternoon----" Elnora laughed. "Nothing save actual knowledge ever would have made mebelieve there was a girl in all this world so infatuated with herself. She speaks casually of her power over men, and boasts of 'bringing a manto his knees' as complacently as I would pick up a net and say: 'I amgoing to take a butterfly. ' She honestly believes that if Philip werewith her a short time she could rekindle his love for her and awaken inhim every particle of the old devotion. Mother, the girl is honest! Sheis absolutely sincere! She so believes in herself and the strength ofPhil's love for her, that all her life she will believe in and broodover that thought, unless she is taught differently. So long as shethinks that, she will nurse wrong ideas and pine over her blighted life. She must be taught that Phil is absolutely free, and yet he will not goto her. " "But how on earth are you proposing to teach her that?" "The way will open. " "Lookey here, Elnora!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "That Carr girl is thehandsomest dark woman I ever saw. She's got to the place where she won'tstop at anything. Her coming here proves that. I don't believe there wasa thing the matter with that automobile. I think that was a scheme shefixed up to get Phil where she could see him alone, as she worked tosee you. If you are going deliberately to put Philip under her influenceagain, you've got to brace yourself for the possibility that she maywin. A man is a weak mortal, where a lovely woman is concerned, and henever denied that he loved her once. You may make yourself downrightmiserable. " "But mother, if she won, it wouldn't make me half so miserable as tomarry Phil myself, and then read hunger for her in his eyes! Some onehas got to suffer over this. If it proves to be me, I'll bear it, andyou'll never hear a whisper of complaint from me. I know the real PhilipAmmon better in our months of work in the fields than she knows him inall her years of society engagements. So she shall have the hour sheasked, many, many of them, enough to make her acknowledge that she iswrong. Now I am going to write my letters and take my walk. " Elnora threw her arms around her mother and kissed her repeatedly. "Don't you worry about me, " she said. "I will get along all right, andwhatever happens, I always will be your girl and you my darling mother. " She left two sealed notes on her desk. Then she changed her dress, packed a small bundle which she dropped with her hat from the windowbeside the willow, and softly went down stairs. Mrs. Comstock was in thegarden. Elnora picked up the hat and bundle, hurried down the road a fewrods, then climbed the fence and entered the woods. She took a diagonalcourse, and after a long walk reached a road two miles west and onesouth. There she straightened her clothing, put on her hat and a thindark veil and waited the passing of the next trolley. She left it at thefirst town and took a train for Fort Wayne. She made that point just intime to climb on the evening train north, as it pulled from the station. It was after midnight when she left the car at Grand Rapids, and wentinto the depot to await the coming of day. Tired out, she laid her head on her bundle and fell asleep on a seat inthe women's waiting-room. Long after light she was awakened by the roarand rattle of trains. She washed, re-arranged her hair and clothing, andwent into the general waiting-room to find her way to the street. Shesaw him as he entered the door. There was no mistaking the tall, lithefigure, the bright hair, the lean, brown-splotched face, the steady grayeyes. He was dressed for travelling, and carried a light overcoat and abag. Straight to him Elnora went speeding. "Oh, I was just starting to find you!" she cried. "Thank you!" he said. "You are going away?" she panted. "Not if I am needed. I have a few minutes. Can you be telling mebriefly?" "I am the Limberlost girl to whom your wife gave the dress forCommencement last spring, and both of you sent lovely gifts. There is areason, a very good reason, why I must be hidden for a time, and I camestraight to you--as if I had a right. " "You have!" answered Freckles. "Any boy or girl who ever suffered onepang in the Limberlost has a claim to the best drop of blood in myheart. You needn't be telling me anything more. The Angel is at ourcottage on Mackinac. You shall tell her and play with the babies whileyou want shelter. This way!" They breakfasted in a luxurious car, talked over the swamp, the work ofthe Bird Woman; Elnora told of her nature lectures in the schools, and soon they were good friends. In the evening they left the train atMackinaw City and crossed the Straits by boat. Sheets of white moonlightflooded the water and paved a molten path across the breast of itstraight to the face of the moon. The island lay a dark spot on the silver surface, its tall trees sharplyoutlined on the summit, and a million lights blinked around the shore. The night guns boomed from the white fort and a dark sentinel paced theramparts above the little city tucked down close to the water. A greattenor summering in the north came out on the upper deck of the bigboat, and baring his head, faced the moon and sang: "Oh, the moon shinesbright on my old Kentucky home!" Elnora thought of the Limberlost, ofPhilip, and her mother, and almost choked with the sobs that would arisein her throat. On the dock a woman of exquisite beauty swept into thearms of Terence O'More. "Oh, Freckles!" she cried. "You've been gone a month!" "Four days, Angel, only four days by the clock, " remonstrated Freckles. "Where are the children?" "Asleep! Thank goodness! I'm worn to a thread. I never saw suchinventive, active children. I can't keep track of them!" "I have brought you help, " said Freckles. "Here is the Limberlost girlin whom the Bird Woman is interested. Miss Comstock needs a rest beforebeginning her school work for next year, so she came to us. " "You dear thing! How good of you!" cried the Angel. "We shall be sohappy to have you!" In her room that night, in a beautiful cottage furnished with everyluxury, Elnora lifted a tired face to the Angel. "Of course, you understand there is something back of this?" she said. "I must tell you. " "Yes, " agreed the Angel. "Tell me! If you get it out of your system, youwill stand a better chance of sleeping. " Elnora stood brushing the copper-bright masses of her hair as shetalked. When she finished the Angel was almost hysterical. "You insane creature!" she cried. "How crazy of you to leave him to her!I know both of them. I have met them often. She may be able to make goodher boast. But it is perfectly splendid of you! And, after all, reallyit is the only way. I can see that. I think it is what I should havedone myself, or tried to do. I don't know that I could have done it!When I think of walking away and leaving Freckles with a woman he onceloved, to let her see if she can make him love her again, oh, it givesme a graveyard heart. No, I never could have done it! You are biggerthan I ever was. I should have turned coward, sure. " "I am a coward, " admitted Elnora. "I am soul-sick! I am afraid I shalllose my senses before this is over. I didn't want to come! I wanted tostay, to go straight into his arms, to bind myself with his ring, tolove him with all my heart. It wasn't my fault that I came. There wassomething inside that just pushed me. She is beautiful----" "I quite agree with you!" "You can imagine how fascinating she can be. She used no arts on me. Herpurpose was to cower me. She found she could not do that, but she did athing which helped her more: she proved that she was honest, perfectlysincere in what she thought. She believes that if she merely beckons toPhilip, he will go to her. So I am giving her the opportunity to learnfrom him what he will do. She never will believe it from any one else. When she is satisfied, I shall be also. " "But, child! Suppose she wins him back!" "That is the supposition with which I shall eat and sleep for the comingfew weeks. Would one dare ask for a peep at the babies before going tobed?" "Now, you are perfect!" announced the Angel. "I never should have likedyou all I can, if you had been content to go to sleep in this housewithout asking to see the babies. Come this way. We named the first boyfor his father, of course, and the girl for Aunt Alice. The next boy isnamed for my father, and the baby for the Bird Woman. After this we aregoing to branch out. " Elnora began to laugh. "Oh, I suspect there will be quite a number of them, " said the Angelserenely. "I am told the more there are the less trouble they make. Thebig ones take care of the little ones. We want a large family. This isour start. " She entered a dark room and held aloft a candle. She went to the side ofa small white iron bed in which lay a boy of eight and another of three. They were perfectly formed, rosy children, the elder a replica of hismother, the other very like. Then they came to a cradle where a babygirl of almost two slept soundly, and made a picture. "But just see here!" said the Angel. She threw the light on a sleepinggirl of six. A mass of red curls swept the pillow. Line and feature theface was that of Freckles. Without asking, Elnora knew the colour andexpression of the closed eyes. The Angel handed Elnora the candle, andstooping, straightened the child's body. She ran her fingers through thebright curls, and lightly touched the aristocratic little nose. "The supply of freckles holds out in my family, you see!" she said. "Both of the girls will have them, and the second boy a few. " She stood an instant longer, then bending, ran her hand caressingly downa rosy bare leg, while she kissed the babyish red mouth. There had beensome reason for touching all of them, the kiss fell on the lips whichwere like Freckles's. To Elnora she said a tender good-night, whispering brave words ofencouragement and making plans to fill the days to come. Then she wentaway. An hour later there was a light tap on the girl's door. "Come!" she called as she lay staring into the dark. The Angel felt her way to the bedside, sat down and took Elnora's hands. "I just had to come back to you, " she said. "I have been tellingFreckles, and he is almost hurting himself with laughing. I didn't thinkit was funny, but he does. He thinks it's the funniest thing that everhappened. He says that to run away from Mr. Ammon, when you had made himno promise at all, when he wasn't sure of you, won't send him home toher; it will set him hunting you! He says if you had combined thewisdom of Solomon, Socrates, and all the remainder of the wise men, youcouldn't have chosen any course that would have sealed him to you sosurely. He feels that now Mr. Ammon will perfectly hate her for comingdown there and driving you away. And you went to give her the chance shewanted. Oh, Elnora! It is becoming funny! I see it, too!" The Angel rocked on the bedside. Elnora faced the dark in silence. "Forgive me, " gulped the Angel. "I didn't mean to laugh. I didn't thinkit was funny, until all at once it came to me. Oh, dear! Elnora, it_is_ funny! I've got to laugh!" "Maybe it is, " admitted Elnora "to others; but it isn't very funny tome. And it won't be to Philip, or to mother. " That was very true. Mrs. Comstock had been slightly prepared forstringent action of some kind, by what Elnora had said. The motherinstantly had guessed where the girl would go, but nothing was saidto Philip. That would have been to invalidate Elnora's test in thebeginning, and Mrs. Comstock knew her child well enough to know that shenever would marry Philip unless she felt it right that she should. Theonly way was to find out, and Elnora had gone to seek the information. There was nothing to do but wait until she came back, and her motherwas not in the least uneasy but that the girl would return brave andself-reliant, as always. Philip Ammon hurried back to the Limberlost, strong in the hope that nowhe might take Elnora into his arms and receive her promise to become hiswife. His first shock of disappointment came when he found her gone. In talking with Mrs. Comstock he learned that Edith Carr had made anopportunity to speak with Elnora alone. He hastened down the road tomeet her, coming back alone, an agitated man. Then search revealed thenotes. His read: DEAR PHILIP: I find that I am never going to be able to answer your question of thisafternoon fairly to all of us, when you are with me. So I am going awaya few weeks to think over matters alone. I shall not tell you, or evenmother, where I am going, but I shall be safe, well cared for, andhappy. Please go back home and live among your friends, just as youalways have done, and on or before the first of September, I will writeyou where I am, and what I have decided. Please do not blame EdithCarr for this, and do not avoid her. I hope you will call on her and befriends. I think she is very sorry, and covets your friendship at least. Until September, then, as ever, ELNORA. Mrs. Comstock's note was much the same. Philip was ill withdisappointment. In the arbour he laid his head on the table, among theimplements of Elnora's loved work, and gulped down dry sobs he couldnot restrain. Mrs. Comstock never had liked him so well. Her handinvoluntarily crept toward his dark head, then she drew back. Elnorawould not want her to do anything whatever to influence him. "What am I going to do to convince Edith Carr that I do not love her, and Elnora that I am hers?" he demanded. "I guess you have to figure that out yourself, " said Mrs. Comstock. "I'dbe glad to help you if I could, but it seems to be up to you. " Philip sat a long time in silence. "Well, I have decided!" he saidabruptly. "Are you perfectly sure Elnora had plenty of money and a safeplace to go?" "Absolutely!" answered Mrs. Comstock. "She has been taking care ofherself ever since she was born, and she always has come out all right, so far; I'll stake all I'm worth on it, that she always will. I don'tknow where she is, but I'm not going to worry about her safety. " "I can't help worrying!" cried Philip. "I can think of fifty thingsthat may happen to her when she thinks she is safe. This is distracting!First, I am going to run up to see my father. Then, I'll let you knowwhat we have decided. Is there anything I can do for you?" "Nothing!" said Mrs. Comstock. But the desire to do something for him was so strong with her shescarcely could keep her lips closed or her hands quiet. She longed totell him what Edith Carr had said, how it had affected Elnora, and tocomfort him as she felt she could. But loyalty to the girl held her. If Elnora truly felt that she could not decide until Edith Carr wasconvinced, then Edith Carr would have to yield or triumph. It restedwith Philip. So Mrs. Comstock kept silent, while Philip took the nightlimited, a bitterly disappointed man. By noon the next day he was in his father's offices. They had a longconference, but did not arrive at much until the elder Ammon suggestedsending for Polly. Anything that might have happened could be explainedafter Polly had told of the private conference between Edith and Elnora. "Talk about lovely woman!" cried Philip Ammon. "One would think thatafter such a dose as Edith gave me, she would be satisfied to let me gomy way, but no! Not caring for me enough herself to save me from publicdisgrace, she must now pursue me to keep any other woman from loving me. I call that too much! I am going to see her, and I want you to go withme, father. " "Very well, " said Mr. Ammon, "I will go. " When Edith Carr came into her reception-room that afternoon, gowned forconquest, she expected only Philip, and him penitent. She came hurryingtoward him, smiling, radiant, ready to use every allurement shepossessed, and paused in dismay when she saw his cold face and hisfather. "Why, Phil!" she cried. "When did you come home?" "I am not at home, " answered Philip. "I merely ran up to see my fatheron business, and to inquire of you what it was you said to Miss Comstockyesterday that caused her to disappear before I could return to theLimberlost. " "Miss Comstock disappear! Impossible!" cried Edith Carr. "Where couldshe go?" "I thought perhaps you could answer that, since it was through you thatshe went. " "Phil, I haven't the faintest idea where she is, " said the girl gently. "But you know perfectly why she went! Kindly tell me that. " "Let me see you alone, and I will. " "Here and now, or not at all. " "Phil!" "What did you say to the girl I love?" Then Edith Carr stretched out her arms. "Phil, I am the girl you love!" she cried. "All your life you have lovedme. Surely it cannot be all gone in a few weeks of misunderstanding. Iwas jealous of her! I did not want you to leave me an instant that nightfor any other girl living. That was the moth I was representing. Everyone knew it! I wanted you to bring it to me. When you did not, I knewinstantly it had been for her that you worked last summer, she whosuggested my dress, she who had power to take you from me, when I wantedyou most. The thought drove me mad, and I said and did those insanethings. Phil, I beg your pardon! I ask your forgiveness. Yesterday shesaid that you had told her of me at once. She vowed both of you had beentrue to me and Phil, I couldn't look into her eyes and not see that itwas the truth. Oh, Phil, if you understood how I have suffered youwould forgive me. Phil, I never knew how much I cared for you! I will doanything--anything!" "Then tell me what you said to Elnora yesterday that drove her, aloneand friendless, into the night, heaven knows where!" "You have no thought for any one save her?" "Yes, " said Philip. "I have. Because I once loved you, and believed inyou, my heart aches for you. I will gladly forgive anything you ask. Iwill do anything you want, except to resume our former relations. Thatis impossible. It is hopeless and useless to ask it. " "You truly mean that!" "Yes. " "Then find out from her what I said!" "Come, father, " said Philip, rising. "You were going to show Miss Comstock's letter to Edith!" suggested Mr. Ammon. "I have not the slightest interest in Miss Comstock's letter, " saidEdith Carr. "You are not even interested in the fact that she says you are notresponsible for her going, and that I am to call on you and be friendswith you?" "That is interesting, indeed!" sneered Miss Carr. She took the letter, read and returned it. "She has done what she could for my cause, it seems, " she said coldly. "How very generous of her! Do you propose calling out Pinkertons andinstituting a general search?" "No, " replied Philip. "I simply propose to go back to the Limberlostand live with her mother, until Elnora becomes convinced that I am notcourting you, and never shall be. Then, perhaps, she will come home tous. Good-bye. Good luck to you always!" CHAPTER XXIV WHEREIN EDITH CARR WAGES A BATTLE, AND HART HENDERSON STANDS GUARD Many people looked, a few followed, when Edith Carr slowly came downthe main street of Mackinac, pausing here and there to note the glow ofcolour in one small booth after another, overflowing with gay curios. That street of packed white sand, winding with the curves of the shore, outlined with brilliant shops, and thronged with laughing, bare-headedpeople in outing costumes was a picturesque and fascinating sight. Thousands annually made long journeys and paid exorbitant prices to takepart in that pageant. As Edith Carr passed, she was the most distinguished figure of the oldstreet. Her clinging black gown was sufficiently elaborate for a dinnerdress. On her head was a large, wide, drooping-brimmed black hat, withimmense floating black plumes, while on the brim, and among the laceson her breast glowed velvety, deep red roses. Some way these made upfor the lack of colour in her cheeks and lips, and while her eyes seemedunnaturally bright, to a close observer they appeared weary. Despitethe effort she made to move lightly she was very tired, and dragged herheavy feet with an effort. She turned at the little street leading to the dock, and went to meetthe big lake steamer ploughing up the Straits from Chicago. Past thelanding place, on to the very end of the pier she went, then sat down, leaned against a dock support and closed her tired eyes. When thesteamer came very close she languidly watched the people lining therailing. Instantly she marked one lean anxious face turned toward hers, and with a throb of pity she lifted a hand and waved to Hart Henderson. He was the first man to leave the boat, coming to her instantly. Shespread her trailing skirts and motioned him to sit beside her. Silentlythey looked across the softly lapping water. At last she forced herselfto speak to him. "Did you have a successful trip?" "I accomplished my purpose. " "You didn't lose any time getting back. " "I never do when I am coming to you. " "Do you want to go to the cottage for anything?" "No. " "Then let us sit here and wait until the Petoskey steamer comes in. Ilike to watch the boats. Sometimes I study the faces, if I am not tootired. " "Have you seen any new types to-day?" She shook her head. "This has not been an easy day, Hart. " "And it's going to be worse, " said Henderson bitterly. "There's no useputting it off. Edith, I saw some one to-day. " "You should have seen thousands, " she said lightly. "I did. But of them all, only one will be of interest to you. " "Man or woman?" "Man. " "Where?" "Lake Shore private hospital. " "An accident?" "No. Nervous and physical breakdown. " "Phil said he was going back to the Limberlost. " "He went. He was there three weeks, but the strain broke him. He has anold letter in his hands that he has handled until it is ragged. He heldit up to me and said: 'You can see for yourself that she says she willbe well and happy, but we can't know until we see her again, and thatmay never be. She may have gone too near that place her father wentdown, some of that Limberlost gang may have found her in the forest, shemay lie dead in some city morgue this instant, waiting for me to findher body. '" "Hart! For pity sake stop!" "I can't, " cried Henderson desperately. "I am forced to tell you. Theyare fighting brain fever. He did go back to the swamp and he prowled itnight and day. The days down there are hot now, and the nights wet withdew and cold. He paid no attention and forgot his food. A fever startedand his uncle brought him home. They've never had a word from her, orfound a trace of her. Mrs. Comstock thought she had gone to O'Mores' atGreat Rapids, so when Phil broke down she telegraphed there. They hadbeen gone all summer, so her mother is as anxious as Phil. " "The O'Mores are here, " said Edith. "I haven't seen any of them, becauseI haven't gone out much in the few days since we came, but this is theirsummer home. " "Edith, they say at the hospital that it will take careful nursing tosave Phil. He is surrounded by stacks of maps and railroad guides. Heis trying to frame up a plan to set the entire detective agency of thecountry to work. He says he will stay there just two days longer. Thedoctors say he will kill himself when he goes. He is a sick man, Edith. His hands are burning and shaky and his breath was hot against my face. " "Why are you telling me?" It was a cry of acute anguish. "He thinks you know where she is. " "I do not! I haven't an idea! I never dreamed she would go away when shehad him in her hand! I should not have done it!" "He said it was something you said to her that made her go. " "That may be, but it doesn't prove that I know where she went. " Henderson looked across the water and suffered keenly. At last he turnedto Edith and laid a firm, strong hand over hers. "Edith, " he said, "do you realize how serious this is?" "I suppose I do. " "Do you want as fine a fellow as Philip driven any further? If he leavesthat hospital now, and goes out to the exposure and anxiety of a searchfor her, there will be a tragedy that no after regrets can avert. Edith, what did you say to Miss Comstock that made her run away from Phil?" The girl turned her face from him and sat still, but the man grippingher hands and waiting in agony could see that she was shaken by thejolting of the heart in her breast. "Edith, what did you say?" "What difference can it make?" "It might furnish some clue to her action. " "It could not possibly. " "Phil thinks so. He has thought so until his brain is worn enough togive way. Tell me, Edith!" "I told her Phil was mine! That if he were away from her an hour andback in my presence, he would be to me as he always has been. " "Edith, did you believe that?" "I would have staked my life, my soul on it!" "Do you believe it now?" There was no answer. Henderson took her other hand and holding both ofthem firmly he said softly: "Don't mind me, dear. I don't count! I'mjust old Hart! You can tell me anything. Do you still believe that?" The beautiful head barely moved in negation. Henderson gathered bothher hands in one of his and stretched an arm across her shoulders tothe post to support her. She dragged her hands from him and twisted themtogether. "Oh, Hart!" she cried. "It isn't fair! There is a limit! I have sufferedmy share. Can't you see? Can't you understand?" "Yes, " he panted. "Yes, my girl! Tell me just this one thing yet, andI'll cheerfully kill any one who annoys you further. Tell me, Edith!" Then she lifted her big, dull, pain-filled eyes to his and cried: "No! Ido not believe it now! I know it is not true! I killed his love for me. It is dead and gone forever. Nothing will revive it! Nothing in all thisworld. And that is not all. I did not know how to touch the depths ofhis nature. I never developed in him those things he was made to enjoy. He admired me. He was proud to be with me. He thought, and I thought, that he worshipped me; but I know now that he never did care for me ashe cares for her. Never! I can see it! I planned to lead society, tomake his home a place sought for my beauty and popularity. She plans toadvance his political ambitions, to make him comfortable physically, tostimulate his intellect, to bear him a brood of red-faced children. Helikes her and her plans as he never did me and mine. Oh, my soul! Now, are you satisfied?" She dropped back against his arm exhausted. Henderson held her andlearned what suffering truly means. He fanned her with his hat, rubbedher cold hands and murmured broken, incoherent things. By and by slowtears slipped from under her closed lids, but when she opened them hereyes were dull and hard. "What a rag one is when the last secret of the soul is torn out and laidbare!" she cried. Henderson thrust his handkerchief into her fingers and whispered, "Edith, the boat has been creeping up. It's very close. Maybe some ofour crowd are on it. Hadn't we better slip away from here before itlands?" "If I can walk, " she said. "Oh, I am so dead tired, Hart! "Yes, dear, " said Henderson soothingly. "Just try to pass the landingbefore the boat anchors. If I only dared carry you!" They struggled through the waiting masses, but directly opposite thelanding there was a backward movement in the happy, laughing crowd, thegang-plank came down with a slam, and people began hurrying from theboat. Crowded against the fish house on the dock, Henderson could onlyadvance a few steps at a time. He was straining every nerve to protectand assist Edith. He saw no one he recognized near them, so he slippedhis arm across her back to help support her. He felt her stiffen againsthim and catch her breath. At the same instant, the clearest, sweetestmale voice he ever had heard called: "Be careful there, little men!" Henderson sent a swift glance toward the boat. Terence O'More hadstepped from the gang-plank, leading a little daughter, so like him, itwas comical. There followed a picture not easy to describe. The Angelin the full flower of her beauty, richly dressed, a laugh on her cameoface, the setting sun glinting on her gold hair, escorted by her eldestson, who held her hand tightly and carefully watched her steps. Nextcame Elnora, dressed with equal richness, a trifle taller and slenderer, almost the same type of colouring, but with different eyes and hair, facial lines and expression. She was led by the second O'More boy whoconvulsed the crowd by saying: "Tareful, Elnora! Don't 'oo be 'teppin'in de water!" People surged around them, purposely closing them in. "What lovely women! Who are they? It's the O'Mores. The lightest one ishis wife. Is that her sister? No, it is his! They say he has a title inEngland. " Whispers ran fast and audible. As the crowd pressed around the partyan opening was left beside the fish sheds. Edith ran down the dock. Henderson sprang after her, catching her arm and assisting her to thestreet. "Up the shore! This way!" she panted. "Every one will go to dinner thefirst thing they do. " They left the street and started around the beach, but Edith wasbreathless from running, while the yielding sand made difficult walking. "Help me!" she cried, clinging to Henderson. He put his arm around her, almost carrying her from sight into a little cove walled by high rocksat the back, while there was a clean floor of white sand, and logswashed from the lake for seats. He found one of these with a back rest, and hurrying down to the water he soaked his handkerchief and carried itto her. She passed it across her lips, over her eyes, and then pressedthe palms of her hands upon it. Henderson removed the heavy hat, fannedher with his, and wet the handkerchief again. "Hart, what makes you?" she said wearily. "My mother doesn't care. Shesays this is good for me. Do you think this is good for me, Hart?" "Edith, you know I would give my life if I could save you this, " hesaid, and could not speak further. She leaned against him, closed her eyes and lay silent so long the manfell into panic. "Edith, you are not unconscious?" he whispered, touching her. "No, just resting. Please don't leave me. " He held her carefully, gently fanning her. She was suffering almost morethan either of them could endure. "I wish you had your boat, " she said at last. "I want to sail with thewind in my face. " "There is no wind. I can bring my motor around in a few minutes. " "Then get it. " "Lie on the sand. I can 'phone from the first booth. It won't take but alittle while. " Edith lay on the white sand, and Henderson covered her face with herhat. Then he ran to the nearest booth and talked imperatively. Presentlyhe was back bringing a hot drink that was stimulating. Shortly themotor ran close to the beach and stopped. Henderson's servant brought arow-boat ashore and took them to the launch. It was filled with cushionsand wraps. Henderson made a couch and soon, warmly covered, Edith spedout over the water in search of peace. Hour after hour the boat ran up and down the shore. The moon arose andthe night air grew very chilly. Henderson put on an overcoat and piledmore covers on Edith. "You must take me home, " she said at last. "The folks will be uneasy. " He was compelled to take her to the cottage with the battle stillraging. He went back early the next morning, but already she hadwandered out over the island. Instinctively Henderson felt that theshore would attract her. There was something in the tumult of roughlittle Huron's waves that called to him. It was there he found her, crouching so close the water the foam was dampening her skirts. "May I stay?" he asked. "I have been hoping you would come, " she answered. "It's bad enough whenyou are here, but it is a little easier than bearing it alone. " "Thank God for that!" said Henderson sitting beside her. "Shall I talkto you?" She shook her head. So they sat by the hour. At last she spoke: "Ofcourse, you know there is something I have got to do, Hart!" "You have not!" cried Henderson, violently. "That's all nonsense! Giveme just one word of permission. That is all that is required of you. " "'Required?' You grant, then, that there is something 'required?'" "One word. Nothing more. " "Did you ever know one word could be so big, so black, so desperatelybitter? Oh, Hart!" "No. " "But you know it now, Hart!" "Yes. " "And still you say that it is 'required?'" Henderson suffered unspeakably. At last he said: "If you had seenand heard him, Edith, you, too, would feel that it is 'required. 'Remember----" "No! No! No!" she cried. "Don't ask me to remember even the least of mypride and folly. Let me forget!" She sat silent for a long time. "Will you go with me?" she whispered. "Of course. " At last she arose. "I might as well give up and have it over, " she faltered. That was the first time in her life that Edith Carr ever had proposed togive up anything she wanted. "Help me, Hart!" Henderson started around the beach assisting her all he could. Finallyhe stopped. "Edith, there is no sense in this! You are too tired to go. You know youcan trust me. You wait in any of these lovely places and send me. Youwill be safe, and I'll run. One word is all that is necessary. " "But I've got to say that word myself, Hart!" "Then write it, and let me carry it. The message is not going to provewho went to the office and sent it. " "That is quite true, " she said, dropping wearily, but she made nomovement to take the pen and paper he offered. "Hart, you write it, " she said at last. Henderson turned away his face. He gripped the pen, while his breathsucked between his dry teeth. "Certainly!" he said when he could speak. "Mackinac, August 27, 1908. Philip Ammon, Lake Shore Hospital, Chicago. " He paused with suspendedpen and glanced at Edith. Her white lips were working, but no soundcame. "Miss Comstock is with the Terence O'Mores, on Mackinac Island, "prompted Henderson. Edith nodded. "Signed, Henderson, " continued the big man. Edith shook her head. "Say, 'She is well and happy, ' and sign, Edith Carr!" she panted. "Not on your life!" flashed Henderson. "For the love of mercy, Hart, don't make this any harder! It is theleast I can do, and it takes every ounce of strength in me to do it. " "Will you wait for me here?" he asked. She nodded, and, pulling his hat lower over his eyes, Henderson ranaround the shore. In less than an hour he was back. He helped her alittle farther to where the Devil's Kitchen lay cut into the rocks; itfurnished places to rest, and cool water. Before long his man came withthe boat. From it they spread blankets on the sand for her, and madechafing-dish tea. She tried to refuse it, but the fragrance overcameher for she drank ravenously. Then Henderson cooked several dishes andspread an appetizing lunch. She was young, strong, and almost famishedfor food. She was forced to eat. That made her feel much better. ThenHenderson helped her into the boat and ran it through shady coves ofthe shore, where there were refreshing breezes. When she fell asleep thegirl did not know, but the man did. Sadly in need of rest himself, he ran that boat for five hours through quiet bays, away from noisyparties, and where the shade was cool and deep. When she awoke he tookher home, and as they went she knew that she had been mistaken. Shewould not die. Her heart was not even broken. She had suffered horribly;she would suffer more; but eventually the pain must wear out. Into herhead crept a few lines of an old opera: "Hearts do not break, they sting and ache, For old love's sake, but do not die, As witnesseth the living I. " That evening they were sailing down the Straits before a stiff breezeand Henderson was busy with the tiller when she said to him: "Hart, Iwant you to do something more for me. " "You have only to tell me, " he said. "Have I only to tell you, Hart?" she asked softly. "Haven't you learned that yet, Edith?" "I want you to go away. " "Very well, " he said quietly, but his face whitened visibly. "You say that as if you had been expecting it. " "I have. I knew from the beginning that when this was over you woulddislike me for having seen you suffer. I have grown my Gethsemane in afull realization of what was coming, but I could not leave you, Edith, so long as it seemed to me that I was serving you. Does it make anydifference to you where I go?" "I want you where you will be loved, and good care taken of you. " "Thank you!" said Henderson, smiling grimly. "Have you any idea wheresuch a spot might be found?" "It should be with your sister at Los Angeles. She always has seemedvery fond of you. " "That is quite true, " said Henderson, his eyes brightening a little. "Iwill go to her. When shall I start?" "At once. " Henderson began to tack for the landing, but his hands shook untilhe scarcely could manage the boat. Edith Carr sat watching himindifferently, but her heart was throbbing painfully. "Why is there somuch suffering in the world?" she kept whispering to herself. Inside herdoor Henderson took her by the shoulders almost roughly. "For how long is this, Edith, and how are you going to say good-bye tome?" She raised tired, pain-filled eyes to his. "I don't know for how long it is, " she said. "It seems now as if it hadbeen a slow eternity. I wish to my soul that God would be merciful tome and make something 'snap' in my heart, as there did in Phil's, that would give me rest. I don't know for how long, but I'm perfectlyshameless with you, Hart. If peace ever comes and I want you, Iwon't wait for you to find it out yourself, I'll cable, Marconigraph, anything. As for how I say good-bye; any way you please, I don't care inthe least what happens to me. " Henderson studied her intently. "In that case, we will shake hands, " he said. "Good-bye, Edith. Don'tforget that every hour I am thinking of you and hoping all good thingswill come to you soon. " CHAPTER XXV WHEREIN PHILIP FINDS ELNORA, AND EDITH CARR OFFERS A YELLOW EMPEROR "Oh, I need my own violin, " cried Elnora. "This one may be a thousandtimes more expensive, and much older than mine; but it wasn't inspiredand taught to sing by a man who knew how. It doesn't know 'beans, ' asmother would say, about the Limberlost. " The guests in the O'More music-room laughed appreciatively. "Why don't you write your mother to come for a visit and bring yours?"suggested Freckles. "I did that three days ago, " acknowledged Elnora. "I am half expectingher on the noon boat. That is one reason why this violin grows worseevery minute. There is nothing at all the matter with me. " "Splendid!" cried the Angel. "I've begged and begged her to do it. Iknow how anxious these mothers become. When did you send? What made you?Why didn't you tell me?" "'When?' Three days ago. 'What made me?' You. 'Why didn't I tell you?'Because I can't be sure in the least that she will come. Mother is themost individual person. She never does what every one expects she will. She may not come, and I didn't want you to be disappointed. " "How did I make you?" asked the Angel. "Loving Alice. It made me realize that if you cared for your girl likethat, with Mr. O'More and three other children, possibly my mother, withno one, might like to see me. I know I want to see her, and you had toldme to so often, I just sent for her. Oh, I do hope she comes! I want herto see this lovely place. " "I have been wondering what you thought of Mackinac, " said Freckles. "Oh, it is a perfect picture, all of it! I should like to hang it onthe wall, so I could see it whenever I wanted to; but it isn't real, ofcourse; it's nothing but a picture. " "These people won't agree with you, " smiled Freckles. "That isn't necessary, " retorted Elnora. "They know this, and theylove it; but you and I are acquainted with something different. TheLimberlost is life. Here it is a carefully kept park. You motor, sail, and golf, all so secure and fine. But what I like is the excitement ofchoosing a path carefully, in the fear that the quagmire may reach outand suck me down; to go into the swamp naked-handed and wrest from ittreasures that bring me books and clothing, and I like enough of a fightfor things that I always remember how I got them. I even enjoy seeing acanny old vulture eyeing me as if it were saying: 'Ware the sting ofthe rattler, lest I pick your bones as I did old Limber's. ' I likesufficient danger to put an edge on life. This is so tame. I should haveloved it when all the homes were cabins, and watchers for the stealthyIndian canoes patrolled the shores. You wait until mother comes, and ifmy violin isn't angry with me for leaving it, to-night we shall sing youthe Song of the Limberlost. You shall hear the big gold bees over thered, yellow, and purple flowers, bird song, wind talk, and the whispersof Sleepy Snake Creek, as it goes past you. You will know!" Elnoraturned to Freckles. He nodded. "Who better?" he asked. "This is secure while the childrenare so small, but when they grow larger, we are going farther north, into real forest, where they can learn self-reliance and developbackbone. " Elnora laid away the violin. "Come along, children, " she said. "We mustget at that backbone business at once. Let's race to the playhouse. " With the brood at her heels Elnora ran, and for an hour lively soundsstole from the remaining spot of forest on the Island, which lay besidethe O'More cottage. Then Terry went to the playroom to bring Alice herdoll. He came racing back, dragging it by one leg, and crying: "There'scompany! Someone has come that mamma and papa are just tearing down thehouse over. I saw through the window. " "It could not be my mother, yet, " mused Elnora. "Her boat is not dueuntil twelve. Terry, give Alice that doll----" "It's a man-person, and I don't know him, but my father is shaking hishand right straight along, and my mother is running for a hot drink anda cushion. It's a kind of a sick person, but they are going to make himwell right away, any one can see that. This is the best place. "I'll go tell him to come lie on the pine needles in the sun and watchthe sails go by. That will fix him!" "Watch sails go by, " chanted Little Brother. "'A fix him! Elnora fixhim, won't you?" "I don't know about that, " answered Elnora. "What sort of person is he, Terry?" "A beautiful white person; but my father is going to 'colour him up, ' Iheard him say so. He's just out of the hospital, and he is a bad person, 'cause he ran away from the doctors and made them awful angry. Butfather and mother are going to doctor him better. I didn't know theycould make sick people well. " "'Ey do anyfing!" boasted Little Brother. Before Elnora missed her, Alice, who had gone to investigate, cameflying across the shadows and through the sunshine waving a paper. Shethurst it into Elnora's hand. "There is a man-person--a stranger-person!" she shouted. "But he knowsyou! He sent you that! You are to be the doctor! He said so! Oh, dohurry! I like him heaps!" Elnora read Edith Carr's telegram to Philip Ammon and understood that hehad been ill, that she had been located by Edith who had notified him. In so doing she had acknowledged defeat. At last Philip was free. Elnoralooked up with a radiant face. "I like him 'heaps' myself!" she cried. "Come on children, we will gotell him so. " Terry and Alice ran, but Elnora had to suit her steps to LittleBrother, who was her loyal esquire, and would have been heartbroken overdesertion and insulted at being carried. He was rather dragged, but hewas arriving, and the emergency was great, he could see that. "She's coming!" shouted Alice. "She's going to be the doctor!" cried Terry. "She looked just like she'd seen angels when she read the letter, "explained Alice. "She likes you 'heaps!' She said so!" danced Terry. "Be waiting! Hereshe is!" Elnora helped Little Brother up the steps, then deserted him and came ata rush. The stranger-person stood holding out trembling arms. "Are you sure, at last, runaway?" asked Philip Ammon. "Perfectly sure!" cried Elnora. "Will you marry me now?" "This instant! That is, any time after the noon boat comes in. " "Why such unnecessary delay?" demanded Ammon. "It is almost September, " explained Elnora. "I sent for mother threedays ago. We must wait until she comes, and we either have to send forUncle Wesley and Aunt Margaret, or go to them. I couldn't possibly bemarried properly without those dear people. " "We will send, " decided Ammon. "The trip will be a treat for them. O'More, would you get off a message at once?" Every one met the noon boat. They went in the motor because Philip wastoo weak to walk so far. As soon as people could be distinguished at allElnora and Philip sighted an erect figure, with a head like a snowdrift. When the gang-plank fell the first person across it was a lean, red-haired boy of eleven, carrying a violin in one hand and an enormousbouquet of yellow marigolds and purple asters in the other. He wasbeaming with broad smiles until he saw Philip. Then his expressionchanged. "Aw, say!" he exclaimed reproachfully. "I bet you Aunt Margaret isright. He is going to be your beau!" Elnora stooped to kiss Billy as she caught her mother. "There, there!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "Don't knock my headgear into myeye. I'm not sure I've got either hat or hair. The wind blew like bizzemcoming up the river. " She shook out her skirts, straightened her hat, and came forward to meetPhilip, who took her into his arms and kissed her repeatedly. Then hepassed her along to Freckles and the Angel to whom her greetings weremingled with scolding and laughter over her wind-blown hair. "No doubt I'm a precious spectacle!" she said to the Angel. "I sawyour pa a little before I started, and he sent you a note. It's in mysatchel. He said he was coming up next week. What a lot of people thereare in this world! And what on earth are all of them laughing about? Didnone of them ever hear of sickness, or sorrow, or death? Billy, don'tyou go to playing Indian or chasing woodchucks until you get out ofthose clothes. I promised Margaret I'd bring back that suit good asnew. " Then the O'More children came crowding to meet Elnora's mother. "Merry Christmas!" cried Mrs. Comstock, gathering them in. "Goteverything right here but the tree, and there seems to be plenty of thema little higher up. If this wind would stiffen just enough more to blowaway the people, so one could see this place, I believe it would beright decent looking. " "See here, " whispered Elnora to Philip. "You must fix this with Billy. Ican't have his trip spoiled. " "Now, here is where I dust the rest of 'em!" complacently remarkedMrs. Comstock, as she climbed into the motor car for her first ride, incompany with Philip and Little Brother. "I have been the one to trudgethe roads and hop out of the way of these things for quite a spell. " She sat very erect as the car rolled into the broad main avenue, whereonly stray couples were walking. Her eyes began to twinkle and gleam. Suddenly she leaned forward and touched the driver on the shoulder. "Young man, " she said, "just you toot that horn suddenly and shave closeenough a few of those people, so that I can see how I look when I leapfor ragweed and snake fences. " The amazed chauffeur glanced questioningly at Philip who slightlynodded. A second later there was a quick "honk!" and a swerve at acorner. A man engrossed in conversation grabbed the woman to whom he wastalking and dashed for the safety of a lawn. The woman tripped in herskirts, and as she fell the man caught and dragged her. Both of themturned red faces to the car and berated the driver. Mrs. Comstocklaughed in unrestrained enjoyment. Then she touched the chauffeur again. "That's enough, " she said. "It seems a mite risky. " A minute later sheadded to Philip, "If only they had been carrying six pounds of butterand ten dozen eggs apiece, wouldn't that have been just perfect?" Billy had wavered between Elnora and the motor, but his loyal littlesoul had been true to her, so the walk to the cottage began with him ather side. Long before they arrived the little O'Mores had crowded aroundand captured Billy, and he was giving them an expurgated version of Mrs. Comstock's tales of Big Foot and Adam Poe, boasting that Uncle Wesleyhad been in the camps of Me-shin-go-me-sia and knew Wa-ca-co-nah beforehe got religion and dressed like white men; while the mighty prowess ofSnap as a woodchuck hunter was done full justice. When they reached thecottage Philip took Billy aside, showed him the emerald ring and gravelyasked his permission to marry Elnora. Billy struggled to be just, butit was going hard with him, when Alice, who kept close enough to hear, intervened. "Why don't you let them get married?" she asked. "You are much too smallfor her. You wait for me!" Billy studied her intently. At last he turned to Ammon. "Aw, well! Goon, then!" he said gruffly. "I'll marry Alice!" Alice reached her hand. "If you got that settled let's put on our Indianclothes, call the boys, and go to the playhouse. " "I haven't got any Indian clothes, " said Billy ruefully. "Yes, you have, " explained Alice. "Father bought you some coming fromthe dock. You can put them on in the playhouse. The boys do. " Billy examined the playhouse with gleaming eyes. Never had he encountered such possibilities. He could see a hundredamusing things to try, and he could not decide which to do first. Themost immediate attraction seemed to be a dead pine, held perpendicularlyby its fellows, while its bark had decayed and fallen, leaving a bare, smooth trunk. "If we just had some grease that would make the dandiest pole to playFourth of July with!" he shouted. The children remembered the Fourth. It had been great fun. "Butter is grease. There is plenty in the 'frigerator, " suggested Alice, speeding away. Billy caught the cold roll and began to rub it against the treeexcitedly. "How are you going to get it greased to the top?" inquired Terry. Billy's face lengthened. "That's so!" he said. "The thing is to begin atthe top and grease down. I'll show you!" Billy put the butter in his handkerchief and took the corners betweenhis teeth. He climbed the pole, greasing it as he slid down. "Now, I got to try first, " he said, "because I'm the biggest and so Ihave the best chance; only the one that goes first hasn't hardly anychance at all, because he has to wipe off the grease on himself, so theothers can get up at last. See?" "All right!" said Terry. "You go first and then I will and then Alice. Phew! It's slick. He'll never get up. " Billy wrestled manfully, and when he was exhausted he boosted Terry, andthen both of them helped Alice, to whom they awarded a prize of her owndoll. As they rested Billy remembered. "Do your folks keep cows?" he asked. "No, we buy milk, " said Terry. "Gee! Then what about the butter? Maybe your ma needs it for dinner!" "No, she doesn't!" cried Alice. "There's stacks of it! I can have allthe butter I want. " "Well, I'm mighty glad of it!" said Billy. "I didn't just think. I'mafraid we've greased our clothes, too. " "That's no difference, " said Terry. "We can play what we please in thesethings. " "Well, we ought to be all dirty, and bloody, and have feathers on us tobe real Indians, " said Billy. Alice tried a handful of dirt on her sleeve and it streaked beautifully. Instantly all of them began smearing themselves. "If we only had feathers, " lamented Billy. Terry disappeared and shortly returned from the garage with a featherduster. Billy fell on it with a shriek. Around each one's head hefirmly tied a twisted handkerchief, and stuck inside it a row of stifflyupstanding feathers. "Now, if we just only had some pokeberries to paint us red, we'd bereal, for sure enough Indians, and we could go on the warpath and fightall the other tribes and burn a lot of them at the stake. " Alice sidled up to him. "Would huckleberries do?" she asked softly. "Yes!" shouted Terry, wild with excitement. "Anything that's a colour. " Alice made another trip to the refrigerator. Billy crushed the berriesin his hands and smeared and streaked all their faces liberally. "Now are we ready?" asked Alice. Billy collapsed. "I forgot the ponies! You got to ride ponies to go onthe warpath!" "You ain't neither!" contradicted Terry. "It's the very latest styleto go on the warpath in a motor. Everybody does! They go everywhere inthem. They are much faster and better than any old ponies. " Billy gave one genuine whoop. "Can we take your motor?" Terry hesitated. "I suppose you are too little to run it?" said Billy. "I am not!" flashed Terry. "I know how to start and stop it, and I drivelots for Stephens. It is hard to turn over the engine when you start. " "I'll turn it, " volunteered Billy. "I'm strong as anything. " "Maybe it will start without. If Stephens has just been running it, sometimes it will. Come on, let's try. " Billy straightened up, lifted his chin and cried: "Houpe! Houpe! Houpe!" The little O'Mores stared in amazement. "Why don't you come on and whoop?" demanded Billy. "Don't you know how?You are great Indians! You got to whoop before you go on the warpath. You ought to kill a bat, too, and see if the wind is right. But maybethe engine won't run if we wait to do that. You can whoop, anyway. Alltogether now!" They did whoop, and after several efforts the cry satisfied Billy, so heled the way to the big motor, and took the front seat with Terry. Aliceand Little Brother climbed into the back. "Will it go?" asked Billy, "or do we have to turn it?" "It will go, " said Terry as the machine gently slid out into the avenueand started under his guidance. "This is no warpath!" scoffed Billy. "We got to go a lot faster thanthis, and we got to whoop. Alice, why don't you whoop?" Alice arose, took hold of the seat in front and whooped. "If I open the throttle, I can't squeeze the bulb to scare people out ofour way, " said Terry. "I can't steer and squeeze, too. " "We'll whoop enough to get them out of the way. Go faster!" urged Billy. Billy also stood, lifted his chin and whooped like the wildest littlesavage that ever came out of the West. Alice and Little Brother addedtheir voices, and when he was not absorbed with the steering gear, Terryjoined in. "Faster!" shouted Billy. Intoxicated with the speed and excitement, Terry threw the throttlewider and the big car leaped forward and sped down the avenue. Init four black, feather-bedecked children whooped in wild glee untilsuddenly Terry's war cry changed to a scream of panic. "The lake is coming!" "Stop!" cried Billy. "Stop! Why don't you stop?" Paralyzed with fear Terry clung to the steering gear and the car spedonward. "You little fool! Why don't you stop?" screamed Billy, catching Terry'sarm. "Tell me how to stop!" A bicycle shot beside them and Freckles standing on the pedals shouted:"Pull out the pin in that little circle at your feet!" Billy fell on his knees and tugged and the pin yielded at last. Justas the wheels struck the white sand the bicycle sheered close, Frecklescaught the lever and with one strong shove set the brake. The waterflew as the car struck Huron, but luckily it was shallow and the beachsmooth. Hub deep the big motor stood quivering as Freckles climbed inand backed it to dry sand. Then he drew a deep breath and stared at his brood. "Terence, would you kindly be explaining?" he said at last. Billy looked at the panting little figure of Terry. "I guess I better, " he said. "We were playing Indians on the warpath, and we hadn't any ponies, and Terry said it was all the style to go inautomobiles now, so we----" Freckles's head went back, and he did some whooping himself. "I wonder if you realize how nearly you came to being four drownedchildren?" he said gravely, after a time. "Oh, I think I could swim enough to get most of us out, " said Billy. "Anyway, we need washing. " "You do indeed, " said Freckles. "I will head this procession to thegarage, and there we will remove the first coat. " For the remainderof Billy's visit the nurse, chauffeur, and every servant of the O'Morehousehold had something of importance on their minds, and Billy's everystep was shadowed. "I have Billy's consent, " said Philip to Elnora, "and all the otherconsent you have stipulated. Before you think of something more, give meyour left hand, please. " Elnora gave it gladly, and the emerald slipped on her finger. Then theywent together into the forest to tell each other all about it, and talkit over. "Have you seen Edith?" asked Philip. "No, " answered Elnora. "But she must be here, or she may have seen mewhen we went to Petoskey a few days ago. Her people have a cottage overon the bluff, but the Angel never told me until to-day. I didn't wantto make that trip, but the folks were so anxious to entertain me, andit was only a few days until I intended to let you know myself where Iwas. " "And I was going to wait just that long, and if I didn't hear then I wasgetting ready to turn over the country. I can scarcely realize yet thatEdith sent me that telegram. " "No wonder! It's a difficult thing to believe. I can't express how Ifeel for her. " "Let us never speak of it again, " said Philip. "I came nearer feelingsorry for her last night than I have yet. I couldn't sleep on that boatcoming over, and I couldn't put away the thought of what sending thatmessage cost her. I never would have believed it possible that she woulddo it. But it is done. We will forget it. " "I scarcely think I shall, " said Elnora. "It is something I like toremember. How suffering must have changed her! I would give anything tobring her peace. " "Henderson came to see me at the hospital a few days ago. He's gone arather wild pace, but if he had been held from youth by the love of agood woman he might have lived differently. There are things about himone cannot help admiring. " "I think he loves her, " said Elnora softly. "He does! He always has! He never made any secret of it. He will cut innow and do his level best, but he told me that he thought she would sendhim away. He understands her thoroughly. " Edith Carr did not understand herself. She went to her room after hergood-bye to Henderson, lay on her bed and tried to think why she wassuffering as she was. "It is all my selfishness, my unrestrained temper, my pride in mylooks, my ambition to be first, " she said. "That is what has caused thistrouble. " Then she went deeper. "How does it happen that I am so selfish, that I never controlled mytemper, that I thought beauty and social position the vital things oflife?" she muttered. "I think that goes a little past me. I think amother who allows a child to grow up as I did, who educates it only forthe frivolities of life, has a share in that child's ending. I thinkmy mother has some responsibility in this, " Edith Carr whispered to thenight. "But she will recognize none. She would laugh at me if I triedto tell her what I have suffered and the bitter, bitter lesson I havelearned. No one really cares, but Hart. I've sent him away, so there isno one! No one!" Edith pressed her fingers across her burning eyes and lay still. "He is gone!" she whispered at last. "He would go at once. He would notsee me again. I should think he never would want to see me any more. But I will want to see him! My soul! I want him now! I want him everyminute! He is all I have. And I've sent him away. Oh, these dreadfuldays to come, alone! I can't bear it. Hart! Hart!" she cried aloud. "Iwant you! No one cares but you. No one understands but you. Oh, I wantyou!" She sprang from her bed and felt her way to her desk. "Get me some one at the Henderson cottage, " she said to Central, andwaited shivering. "They don't answer. " "They are there! You must get them. Turn on the buzzer. " After a time the sleepy voice of Mrs. Henderson answered. "Has Hart gone?" panted Edith Carr. "No! He came in late and began to talk about starting to California. Hehasn't slept in weeks to amount to anything. I put him to bed. There istime enough to start to California when he awakens. Edith, what are youplanning to do next with that boy of mine?" "Will you tell him I want to see him before he goes?" "Yes, but I won't wake him. " "I don't want you to. Just tell him in the morning. " "Very well. " "You will be sure?" "Sure!" Hart was not gone. Edith fell asleep. She arose at noon the next day, took a cold bath, ate her breakfast, dressed carefully, and leaving wordthat she had gone to the forest, she walked slowly across the leaves. Itwas cool and quiet there, so she sat where she could see him coming, andwaited. She was thinking deep and fast. Henderson came swiftly down the path. A long sleep, food, and Edith'smessage had done him good. He had dressed in new light flannels thatwere becoming. Edith arose and went to meet him. "Let us walk in the forest, " she said. They passed the old Catholic graveyard, and entered the deepest wood ofthe Island, where all shadows were green, all voices of humanity ceased, and there was no sound save the whispering of the trees, a few birdnotes and squirrel rustle. There Edith seated herself on a mossy oldlog, and Henderson studied her. He could detect a change. She was stillpale and her eyes tired, but the dull, strained look was gone. He wantedto hope, but he did not dare. Any other man would have forced her tospeak. The mighty tenderness in Henderson's heart shielded her in everyway. "What have you thought of that you wanted yet, Edith?" he asked lightlyas he stretched himself at her feet. "You!" Henderson lay tense and very still. "Well, I am here!" "Thank Heaven for that!" Henderson sat up suddenly, leaning toward her with questioning eyes. Notknowing what he dared say, afraid of the hope which found birth in hisheart, he tried to shield her and at the same time to feel his way. "I am more thankful than I can express that you feel so, " he said. "Iwould be of use, of comfort, to you if I knew how, Edith. " "You are my only comfort, " she said. "I tried to send you away. Ithought I didn't want you. I thought I couldn't bear the sight of you, because of what you have seen me suffer. But I went to the root of thisthing last night, Hart, and with self in mind, as usual, I found that Icould not live without you. " Henderson began breathing lightly. He was afraid to speak or move. "I faced the fact that all this is my own fault, " continued Edith, "andcame through my own selfishness. Then I went farther back and realizedthat I am as I was reared. I don't want to blame my parents, but I wascarefully trained into what I am. If Elnora Comstock had been like me, Phil would have come back to me. I can see how selfish I seem to him, and how I appear to you, if you would admit it. " "Edith, " said Henderson desperately, "there is no use to try to deceiveyou. You have known from the first that I found you wrong in this. But it's the first time in your life I ever thought you wrong aboutanything--and it's the only time I ever shall. Understand, I think youthe bravest, most beautiful woman on earth, the one most worth loving. " "I'm not to be considered in the same class with her. " "I don't grant that, but if I did, you, must remember how I comparewith Phil. He's my superior at every point. There's no use in discussingthat. You wanted to see me, Edith. What did you want?" "I wanted you to not go away. " "Not at all?" "Not at all! Not ever! Not unless you take me with you, Hart. " She slightly extended one hand to him. Henderson took that hand, kissingit again and again. "Anything you want, Edith, " he said brokenly. "Just as you wish it. Doyou want me to stay here, and go on as we have been?" "Yes, only with a difference. " "Can you tell me, Edith?" "First, I want you to know that you are the dearest thing on earth tome, right now. I would give up everything else, before I would you. Ican't honestly say that I love you with the love you deserve. My heartis too sore. It's too soon to know. But I love you some way. You arenecessary to me. You are my comfort, my shield. If you want me, as youknow me to be, Hart, you may consider me yours. I give you my word ofhonour I will try to be as you would have me, just as soon as I can. " Henderson kissed her hand passionately. "Don't, Edith, " he begged. "Don't say those things. I can't bear it. I understand. Everything willcome right in time. Love like mine must bring a reward. You will love mesome day. I can wait. I am the most patient fellow. " "But I must say it, " cried Edith. "I--I think, Hart, that I have been onthe wrong road to find happiness. I planned to finish life as I startedit with Phil; and you see how glad he was to change. He wanted the othersort of girl far more than he ever wanted me. And you, Hart, honest, now--I'll know if you don't tell me the truth! Would you rather have awife as I planned to live life with Phil, or would you rather have heras Elnora Comstock intends to live with him?" "Edith!" cried the man, "Edith!" "Of course, you can't say it in plain English, " said the girl. "You arefar too chivalrous for that. You needn't say anything. I am answered. Ifyou could have your choice you wouldn't have a society wife, either. Inyour heart you'd like the smaller home of comfort, the furtheranceof your ambitions, the palatable meals regularly served, and littlechildren around you. I am sick of all we have grown up to, Hart. Whenyour hour of trouble comes, there is no comfort for you. I am tired todeath. You find out what you want to do, and be, that is a man's work inthe world, and I will plan our home, with no thought save your comfort. I'll be the other kind of a girl, as fast as I can learn. I can'tcorrect all my faults in one day, but I'll change as rapidly as I can. " "God knows, I will be different, too, Edith. You shall not be the onlygenerous one. I will make all the rest of life worthy of you. I willchange, too!" "Don't you dare!" said Edith Carr, taking his head between her handsand holding it against her knees, while the tears slid down her cheeks. "Don't you dare change, you big-hearted, splendid lover! I am little andselfish. You are the very finest, just as you are!" Henderson was not talking then, so they sat through a long silence. Atlast he heard Edith draw a quick breath, and lifting his head he lookedwhere she pointed. Up a fern stalk climbed a curious looking object. They watched breathlessly. By lavender feet clung a big, pursy, lavender-splotched, yellow body. Yellow and lavender wings began toexpand and take on colour. Every instant great beauty became moreapparent. It was one of those double-brooded freaks, which do occur onrare occasions, or merely an Eacles Imperialis moth that in the cooldamp northern forest had failed to emerge in June. Edith Carr drew backwith a long, shivering breath. Henderson caught her hands and grippedthem firmly. Steadily she looked the thought of her heart into his eyes. "By all the powers, you shall not!" swore the man. "You have doneenough. I will smash that thing!" "Oh no you won't!" cried the girl, clinging to his hands. "I am not bigenough yet, Hart, but before I leave this forest I shall have grown tobreadth and strength to carry that to her. She needs two of each kind. Phil only sent her one!" "Edith I can't bear it! That's not demanded! Let me take it!" "You may go with me. I know where the O'More cottage is. I have beenthere often. " "I'll say you sent it!" "You may watch me deliver it!" "Phil may be there by now. " "I hope he is! I should like him to see me do one decent thing by whichto remember me. " "I tell you that is not necessary!" "'Not necessary!'" cried the girl, her big eyes shining. "Not necessary?Then what on earth is the thing doing here? I just have boasted thatI would change, that I would be like her, that I would grow bigger andbroader. As the words are spoken God gives me the opportunity to provewhether I am sincere. This is my test, Hart! Don't you see it? If I ambig enough to carry that to her, you will believe that there is somegood in me. You will not be loving me in vain. This is an especialProvidence, man! Be my strength! Help me, as you always have done!" Henderson arose and shook the leaves from his clothing. He drew EdithCarr to her feet and carefully picked the mosses from her skirts. Hewent to the water and moistened his handkerchief to bathe her face. "Now a dust of powder, " he said when the tears were washed away. From a tiny book Edith tore leaves that she passed over her face. "All gone!" cried Henderson, critically studying her. "You look almosthalf as lovely as you really are!" Edith Carr drew a wavering breath. She stretched one hand to him. "Hold tight, Hart!" she said. "I know they handle these things, but Iwould quite as soon touch a snake. " Henderson clenched his teeth and held steadily. The moth had emergedtoo recently to be troublesome. It climbed on her fingers quietly andobligingly clung there without moving. So hand in hand they went downthe dark forest path. When they came to the avenue, the first personthey met paused with an ejaculation of wonder. The next stopped also, and every one following. They could make little progress on account ofmarvelling, interested people. A strange excitement took possession ofEdith. She began to feel proud of the moth. "Do you know, " she said to Henderson, "this is growing easier everystep. Its clinging is not disagreeable as I thought it would be. I feelas if I were saving it, protecting it. I am proud that we are taking itto be put into a collection or a book. It seems like doing a thing worthwhile. Oh, Hart, I wish we could work together at something for whichpeople would care as they seem to for this. Hear what they say! See themlift their little children to look at it!" "Edith, if you don't stop, " said Henderson, "I will take you in my armshere on the avenue. You are adorable!" "Don't you dare!" laughed Edith Carr. The colour rushed to her cheeksand a new light leaped in her eyes. "Oh, Hart!" she cried. "Let's work! Let's do something! That's the wayshe makes people love her so. There's the place, and thank goodness, there is a crowd. " "You darling!" whispered Henderson as they passed up the walk. Her facewas rose-flushed with excitement and her eyes shone. "Hello, everyone!" she cried as she came on the wide veranda. "Onlysee what we found up in the forest! We thought you might like to have itfor some of your collections. " She held out the moth as she walked straight to Elnora, who arose tomeet her, crying: "How perfectly splendid! I don't even know how tobegin to thank you. " Elnora took the moth. Edith shook hands with all of them and askedPhilip if he were improving. She said a few polite words to Frecklesand the Angel, declined to remain on account of an engagement, and wentaway, gracefully. "Well bully for her!" said Mrs. Comstock. "She's a little thoroughbredafter all!" "That was a mighty big thing for her to be doing, " said Freckles in ahushed voice. "If you knew her as well as I do, " said Philip Ammon, "you would have abetter conception of what that cost. " "It was a terror!" cried the Angel. "I never could have done it. " "'Never could have done it!'" echoed Freckles. "Why, Angel, dear, thatis the one thing of all the world you would have done!" "I have to take care of this, " faltered Elnora, hurrying toward the doorto hide the tears which were rolling down her cheeks. "I must help, " said Philip, disappearing also. "Elnora, " he called, catching up with her, "take me where I may cry, too. Wasn't she great?" "Superb!" exclaimed Elnora. "I have no words. I feel so humbled!" "So do I, " said Philip. "I think a brave deed like that always makes onefeel so. Now are you happy?" "Unspeakably happy!" answered Elnora.