“Kate,” he said, “you needn’t take out your mad over our little racket on 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 this morning to get this dress ready for to-morrow.  It’s done and we came down 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 Elnora comes.  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, till we tell her.”

“Well, you don’t take this waist I’m working on,” said Margaret, “for I have to baste in the sleeves and set the collar.  Put the rest out of sight if you like.”

Mrs. Comstock picked up the basket and bundles, placed them inside her room and closed the door.

Margaret threaded her needle and began to sew.  Mrs. Comstock returned to her book, while Wesley fidgeted and raged inwardly.  He could see that Margaret was nervous and almost in tears, but the lines in Mrs. Comstock’s impassive face were set and cold.  So they sat while the clock ticked off the time—­one hour, two, dusk, and no Elnora.  Just when Margaret and Wesley were discussing whether he had not better go to town to meet Elnora, they heard her coming up the walk.  Wesley dropped his tilted chair and squared himself.  Margaret gripped her sewing, and turned pleading eyes toward the door.  Mrs. Comstock closed her book and grimly smiled.

“Mother, please open the door,” called Elnora.

Mrs. Comstock arose, and swung back the screen.  Elnora stepped in beside her, bent half double, the whole front of her dress gathered into a sort of bag filled with a heavy load, and one arm stacked high with books.  In the dim light she did not see the Sintons.

“Please hand me the empty bucket in the kitchen, mother,” she said.  “I just had to bring these arrow points home, but I’m scared for fear I’ve spoiled my dress and will have to wash it.  I’m to clean them, and take them to the banker in the morning, and oh, mother, I’ve sold enough stuff to pay for my books, my tuition, and maybe a dress and some lighter shoes besides.  Oh, mother I’m so happy!  Take the books and bring the bucket!”

Then she saw Margaret and Wesley.  “Oh, glory!” she exulted.  “I was just wondering how I’d ever wait to tell you, and here you are!  It’s too perfectly splendid to be true!”

“Tell us, Elnora,” said Sinton.