"
"I meant to get you some heavy dress skirts and a coat then," said Mrs.
Comstock.
"I know you said so!" cried Elnora. "But you needn't, now! I can buy
every single stitch I need myself. Next summer I can gather up a lot
more stuff, and all winter on the way to school. I am sure I can sell
ferns, I know I can nuts, and the Bird Woman says the grade rooms want
leaves, grasses, birds' nests, and cocoons. Oh, isn't this world lovely!
I'll be helping with the tax, next, mother!"
Elnora waved the waist and started for the bedroom. When she opened the
door she gave a little cry.
"What have you people been doing?" she demanded. "I never saw so many
interesting bundles in all my life. I'm 'skeered' to death for fear I
can't pay for them, and will have to give up something."
"Wouldn't you take them, if you could not pay for them, Elnora?" asked
her mother instantly.
"Why, not unless you did," answered Elnora. "People have no right to
wear things they can't afford, have they?"
"But from such old friends as Maggie and Wesley!" Mrs. Comstock's voice
was oily with triumph.
"From them least of all," cried Elnora stoutly. "From a stranger sooner
than 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 selected
these things, because she is more in touch with the world, and has got
such good taste. You can pay as long as your money holds out, and if
there's more necessary, maybe I can sell the butcher a calf, or if
things are too costly for us, of course, they can take them back.
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