“And Rose found that little cottage she was so in love with will be all fixed up by next month.  I’ll tell you, daughter, your dad will have to hustle to beat you and me, I’m thinking,” and with pardonable pride the mother, who had often been termed “Chief of Franklin police,” went on with the mending of socks and thrifty patching of fresh clean undergarments.

“I am convinced now the child is cured of her worries,” added Molly.  “For a time I fancied she was unhappy with us, but now, since she expects her folks back, I almost have to hold her in from buying new furniture and fancy fixings.  She is so enthused with the idea of having a real home.”

“That’s her Americanization sprouting,” replied the mother, “but you haven’t said what you thought of the plan of making her my cashier.”

“Just the thing, of course.  I thought you understood that.  I’ll speak to Miss Nellson to-morrow.  To-night we have our first tests.  I am anxious to learn how my Venture Troop makes out.  Rose has been a faithful little leader.”

So it was that broad, generous daylight was breaking in on the anxieties Rose had been suffering from, and almost all her real worries were being dispelled—­all but the fear that Tessie might be found guilty of taking that ticket money!

Also the memory of the lost badge never ceased to torment the girl who had so unfortunately handed it over to Tessie with her own modest purse on that eventful night when they both turned away from the much-despised millend of Flosston.  It was Rose who gave Margaret Slowden the bunch of roses, we remember, on the occasion of the second presentation of the badge of merit, and it was Rose who wrote that anonymous note to Margaret only a few weeks ago.

Returning from a very dull day at her work, with some cheer at the prospect of an evening at Scout Headquarters, Rose was delighted to receive two letters at the post-office.  One was from her brother, who wrote in a happy strain, replying to his sister’s inquiries concerning the family’s return to Pennsylvania.  Both he and his father had been offered their old places back in the Flosston mills, as the labor union had adjusted its difficulties, he wrote, but a better offer had been made from the Franklin mills, and this they had decided to accept.  So the Brodix family would not only return, but would take up their places under improved conditions.

“And we will have the dear little old house with all the vines and flowers!  Won’t mother and father love it!” thought Rose.  Two of the girls passing at that moment guessed correctly when they remarked:  “Good news in that letter.  Sure thing!” for Rose was so occupied with her mail she never noticed the friends passing.