"I think," said Elnora, "the idea is to begin with fall things in the
fall, keeping to the seasons throughout the year."
"What are fall things?" inquired Mrs. Comstock.
"Oh, fringed gentians, asters, ironwort, every fall flower, leaves
from every tree and vine, what makes them change colour, abandoned bird
nests, winter quarters of caterpillars and insects, what becomes of the
butterflies and grasshoppers--myriads of stuff. I shall have to be very
wise to select the things it will be most beneficial for the children to
learn."
"Can I really help you?" Mrs. Comstock's strong face was pathetic.
"Indeed, yes!" cried Elnora. "I never can get through it alone. There
will be an immense amount of work connected with securing and preparing
specimens."
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 specimens
they had collected, and went to prepare dinner, while Elnora followed
the woods down to the Sintons' to show her letter.
She had to explain what became of her moths, and why college would have
to be abandoned for that year, but Margaret and Wesley vowed not to
tell. Wesley waved the letter excitedly, explaining it to Margaret as
if it were a personal possession. Margaret was deeply impressed, while
Billy volunteered first aid in gathering material.
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