initial commit of ebook 37459HEADmain

15 files changed, 36670 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/37459-0.txt b/37459-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..654ed19
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,8081 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Polly in New York, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Polly in New York
+
+Author: Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+Illustrator: H. S. Barbour
+
+Release Date: September 17, 2011 [EBook #37459]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POLLY IN NEW YORK ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ELEANOR HELD OUT THE SEAL, BUT JIM LOOKED FORLORN.
+(_Page 77_)]
+
+
+
+
+                                 POLLY
+                              IN NEW YORK
+
+                                   BY
+                         LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+                              _Author of_
+
+                POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT, POLLY IN NEW YORK,
+                 POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD, POLLY’S
+                           BUSINESS VENTURE.
+
+                             ILLUSTRATED BY
+                             H. S. BARBOUR
+
+                                NEW YORK
+                            GROSSET & DUNLAP
+                               PUBLISHERS
+
+                  Made in the United States of America
+
+
+
+
+POLLY IN NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I—IN THE BIG CITY
+
+
+The long Pullman train, that left Denver behind and carried Polly
+Brewster away on her first venture from the ranch-home, was fitted up as
+luxuriously as capital could do it. Eleanor Maynard, Polly’s bosom
+friend, enjoyed her companion’s awe and wonderment—that a mere _car_
+should be so furnished.
+
+“Nolla,” whispered Polly, furtively glancing about, “how different are
+these cars from the ones that come in and go out at Oak Creek!”
+
+Eleanor, whose pet name was Nolla, laughed. “I should think they would
+be, Polly. Why, those ‘ancients’ that rock back and forth between Denver
+and Oak Creek, are the ‘only originals’ now in existence. They’ll be in
+Barnum’s Show next Season as curios.”
+
+Polly seemed to fully appreciate the comfort of her traveling carriage,
+and remarked, “One would hardly believe these cars are going at all!
+They run so smoothly and without any awful screeching of the joints.”
+
+Anne Stewart, the teacher to whose charge these two girls had been
+committed, had been studying the time-table, but she smiled at Polly’s
+words. Then she turned to her mother, a sweet-faced woman who was
+enjoying the trip almost as much as the young girls were, and said:
+“Mother, we’ll have at least seven hours in Chicago before we have to
+take the New York train. We can visit Paul all that time.”
+
+“Goody! Then Poll can visit John and I can see Daddy,” exclaimed
+Eleanor, eagerly. “But we must first charter the wash-room to turn
+ourselves from dusty travelers into respectable citizens.”
+
+“There isn’t a fleck of dust to be seen, Anne,” objected Polly, glancing
+around the tidy interior, then at herself and friends.
+
+“Wait till after we have crossed the plains and passed through all kinds
+of towns—we won’t look like the same people.”
+
+To Polly, that journey was a source of great interest and fun. The
+dining-car, the folding tables for games or work, the sleeping
+arrangements—all were so strangely different from the vast open-air
+life of the ranch.
+
+Then the express train reached Chicago and the recess hours were filled
+with greetings, visits and then good-bys, before the little party of
+four was on its last lap of the journey.
+
+After leaving Chicago, Eleanor asked curiously: “What did you think of
+our city, Polly?”
+
+“I never saw such crowds of troubled people! Everyone looked as if the
+worries of the universe rested upon his mind. And not one soul walked or
+acted as if there was a moment to spare before the end of the world
+would throw everything into chaos!”
+
+Polly’s graphic description caused her companions to laugh, and Eleanor
+added: “If that is what you think of Chicago, just wait until you reach
+New York. The folks, there, are simply wild! Now Chicago is considered
+quite slow, in comparison.”
+
+Polly stared unbelievingly at Eleanor, and Anne Stewart laughed. But
+Mrs. Stewart placed a calm hand over the amazed girl’s throbbing wrist,
+and said sweetly: “Nolla is joking as usual.”
+
+The four members which composed this little group of travelers arrived
+at Grand Central just before noon. Polly gazed in consternation at the
+vast station where the constant going and coming of trains and people
+made a most interesting sight for her.
+
+“We’ll stop at the Commodore for a few days, girls, as it is so
+convenient for us,” remarked Anne, telling a porter to conduct them to
+the hotel mentioned.
+
+Placed in a comfortable suite, Anne remarked: “I think we will call up
+the Evans or the Latimers, next. You remember, we were told to let them
+know the moment we arrived.”
+
+The others agreed to this suggestion, so Anne telephoned the two
+families. Mrs. Latimer was out, but Mrs. Evans said she would come right
+down town to meet the new-comers.
+
+“Well, we can unpack our bags while we are waiting for her,” suggested
+Anne. “But we must manage to get to a store this afternoon, and do some
+shopping for Polly.”
+
+“Dear me! I was hoping you would show us all the sky-scrapers I’ve read
+about,” said Polly, eagerly.
+
+“I planned to let the sight-seeing wait for a few days, as we _must_
+secure a place to live in, first of all. Here it is the middle of
+September, and I have to start school work the first of October, you
+know. In a great city like New York, the desirable apartments are
+generally taken as early as July and August. So we are up against it, in
+beginning to seek so late in the season.”
+
+“But we can’t hunt at night, Anne, and you might take us out to show us
+the Great White Way—as the boys call it,” urged Eleanor.
+
+Mrs. Evans came down in time to have luncheon with the Westerners, and
+in the hour she visited with them, it was learned that Mrs. Latimer and
+she had scoured the uptown west-side for suitable apartments for Mrs.
+Stewart, but everything had been leased long before. She concluded with:
+
+“So I really do not see what you are going to do, unless you just happen
+to stumble over a place which has recently been resigned. There is
+absolutely no use in doing any place above Ninety-sixth street, as we
+sought diligently from that street up as far as One Hundred and
+Sixty-eighth street, and not a decent thing to be seen or had!”
+
+“But Ninety-sixth street is awfully far uptown, isn’t it?” asked Anne,
+to whom the city was as yet a small middle-west town.
+
+“Oh, dear, no! It is about the center of the city, between North and
+South, these days.”
+
+“I’m sure we will find just what we want, dear Mrs. Evans, but we are
+grateful to you for being so kind to us,” said Polly.
+
+“My dear child, I feel that I have done _nothing_ in comparison to all
+you have done for me and mine. To know that my dear brother had friends
+during the last days of his life, means so much to me. I always had a
+horrible feeling that he died in the Klondike without money or friends;”
+and Mrs. Evans hurriedly dried the tears welling up in her eyes.
+
+Of course, that launched the conversation about Old Man Montresor, and
+so interested were all concerned, that Mrs. Evans started when she heard
+the mantel clock chime the hour.
+
+“Merciful goodness! Here am I—my first call, and staying all day!” she
+laughed.
+
+“It’s not late, Mrs. Evans. We were only going to look up a first-class
+shop where Polly can buy a few things,” replied Anne.
+
+“Perhaps I can be of service in recommending a place?”
+
+Several shops of quality were spoken of, and as these were located on
+Fifth avenue, not far from Forty-second street, everyone felt relieved.
+It would not take much time to do this necessary shopping, but Mrs.
+Stewart preferred to remain at the hotel.
+
+Mrs. Evans said good-by and the three young folks walked to Fifth
+avenue. It was about four o’clock and the avenue presented an endless
+stream of automobiles—one line going down, and the other line going
+uptown. The crowds of people hurrying to and fro made Polly tremble.
+
+“For goodness’ sake, Anne, where _do_ all these folks come from, and
+where are they rushing to?”
+
+Anne and Eleanor laughed.
+
+“Well! If this is your wonderful Fifth avenue, I don’t think much of
+it,” declared Polly, a few moments later.
+
+“Why—it’s simply great!” exclaimed Eleanor, having a far different
+view-point of the city.
+
+“Great! Why, just look how narrow the street is? Main street, in Oak
+Creek, is twice as wide. And Denver has nicer streets than this famous
+alley you hear so much about,” scorned Polly.
+
+Again her companions laughed merrily. At this moment a traffic policeman
+sounded a shrill whistle. Instantly the mass of pedestrians, backed up
+on the curbs, started to cross. Or to use Polly’s own description in the
+letter she wrote home that night: “Really, dearies, they catapulted back
+and forth like rockets! We had to rush with them, or be trampled upon.
+It is just awful!
+
+“And such freaks, mother! Nolla says it is style. Well, all I can say
+is, spare me from such outrageous styles! Most every woman and girl I
+met had faces covered thick with layers of white chalk, with a daub of
+red on each cheek, and lips as scarlet as a clown’s. In fact, I had to
+stand stock-still and look at one queer creature—she looked exactly as
+if she was made up for a circus. Anne and Nolla laugh at me, all the
+time. But I don’t care, so! These horrid painted things are not _nice_!
+
+“If I hadn’t set my heart on being an interior decorator, I’d take up
+lecturing, and teach these crazy New Yorkers how to look and enjoy a
+simple life.”
+
+From the above account you can see how one day’s experience in New York
+impressed the girl of the Mountain Ranges in the West.
+
+Polly, accustomed as she was to the overstocked store in Oak Creek,
+where shelves were stacked high with all sorts of merchandise, opened
+her eyes as Anne led her into a quiet parlor-like room that opened
+directly from Fifth avenue. She stared around for a glimpse of the gowns
+she expected to see; but nothing like one was to be seen. The dignified
+lady who met Anne, and a few other well-dressed women who conversed in
+low tones with each other, did not look like Polly’s idea of shop-girls.
+
+Anne’s lady conducted them to a lift, and they shot up two stories.
+Again they came out into a lovely lounging-room, but still no sign of
+dresses. The lady pushed a button, and another woman hurried in.
+
+“Measurements of this young lady. She will need several gowns for
+afternoon and street wear; possibly, an evening dress.”
+
+Then Polly was scientifically measured, and in a short time a number of
+models were brought for her inspection and approval. These were placed
+upon forms, and every desirable detail of the gowns was pointed out to
+Anne and the girls.
+
+“Oh, I just love that one, Poll!” cried Eleanor, gazing with rapt eyes
+at an imported model.
+
+“Isn’t it clumsy at the back? And see how narrow the bottom of the skirt
+is. Maybe they didn’t have enough goods to make it any wider?” commented
+Polly.
+
+Eleanor giggled but Anne explained to Polly. The saleslady seemed not to
+have heard the western girl’s objection to the gown.
+
+Then it was tried on Polly, and she saw how very becoming it was. But
+when she endeavored to walk over to the full-length mirror, she almost
+fell down upon the rug.
+
+“Mercy, Anne! I never can amble about in this binder! Get me something
+sensible,” complained Polly.
+
+But Eleanor liked the dress and as it fitted her, also, she said she
+would take it as long as Polly didn’t.
+
+“Take it and welcome, Nolla! but I pity _you_ if you try to scoot over
+the crossings of Fifth avenue in _that_ skirt,” laughed Polly.
+
+Other gowns were brought and Polly finally found several that she liked,
+with wide enough skirts to suit her comfort. Then Anne asked for the
+bills. The list was added up and when the total was mentioned Polly
+almost fainted. If she had not been seated, she might have crumpled to
+the floor.
+
+“We’ll take that gown with us, the others you may send,” said Anne,
+taking up the one to be wrapped. Then she gave the name and address
+where the other dresses were to be sent. A fat roll of yellow bills now
+came from Anne’s hand-bag, and she paid the enormous sum—or, at least,
+Polly thought it was enormous for so few dresses.
+
+Safely out of hearing of the fashionable sales-ladies, Polly whispered:
+“Anne, you paid _hundreds_ of dollars for those things!”
+
+Anne nodded, smilingly. Eleanor said: “Why, that wasn’t much for what we
+got, Poll. The dress I bought is _imported_! And a model, at that. It
+was a bargain at that price.”
+
+Polly sighed. Would she ever be able to accommodate herself to such a
+changed life as this one now seemed to be? Her friends laughed at the
+sigh and expression of doubt on her face.
+
+As Anne led her protegées past the hotel desk, a very polite clerk said:
+“A ’phone call for you, Miss Stewart, at five-ten P. M.”
+
+Anne was handed the slip and read: “Mr. Latimer called up. Said he would
+call again at six-thirty.”
+
+“Maybe he wants us to go somewhere, to-night!” suggested Eleanor,
+eagerly.
+
+“Well, you won’t go to-night, if he does ask you. It’s bed at nine, for
+everyone of us, because we have a hard day of house-hunting before us,
+to-morrow,” decreed Anne, courageously.
+
+But Eleanor was given no cause to argue that evening, for Mr. Latimer
+called up to invite them all to go to the Mardi Gras at Coney Island the
+following evening. He said the Evans and Latimers would call at the
+hotel, in two cars, about six o’clock and take them to supper at the
+Island.
+
+“Oh, goody! I never saw Coney Island but I’ve heard so much about it!”
+cried Eleanor, dancing about the room.
+
+“I have read how dreadful a place it is,” ventured Polly.
+
+“That’s another point of view, Polly. If you go down there to enjoy the
+fun and games, and see the ocean, then you will have nothing but frolic
+and sea. But if one is in quest of crime, then it can be found festering
+there, just as it is in every other section of a large city,” explained
+Anne.
+
+“But we are only going for a frolic,” added Eleanor.
+
+“I should hope so!” Polly said, so fervently, that Anne had to laugh
+heartily.
+
+After dinner that night, Anne said: “I think Polly ought to see a sight
+that no other city can offer—that is the wondrous advertising signs on
+Broadway about Times Square, at night.”
+
+“I am too weary to go out, daughter, but you take the girls,” Mrs.
+Stewart remarked, so they hurriedly donned their hats and gloves.
+
+When they reached the famous corner of Forty-second street and Broadway,
+and stood at the uptown side of Times Square Triangle to look at the
+lights, Polly was speechless.
+
+“Why, it’s as bright as day, everywhere,” whispered she.
+
+“And just see the moving ads. up on the roofs!” cried Eleanor,
+delighting in the scene.
+
+“I thought there were hordes of mad folks on the streets this afternoon,
+but this beats everything!” exclaimed Polly, watching both sides of
+Broadway from her vantage ground. “Honestly, Anne, do they not act
+obsessed, jostling and rushing as if Death drove them? They never seem
+to mind trolleys, autos, or policemen. They swirl and fly every which
+way, regardless of everyone and everything.”
+
+“I just love this excitement!” sighed Eleanor, smiling.
+
+“Well, I hope to goodness we will live far enough away from all this to
+let me forget it once in a while,” said Polly.
+
+“Oh, you’ll love it, too, pretty soon,” Eleanor said, confidently.
+
+“Never! This is Bedlam to me. When I write home about it, I shall tell
+father that it reminds me of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah when fire
+and brimstone fell and destroyed those cities. I bet the folks never
+acted any wilder, there, than these New Yorkers do, here.”
+
+Anne laughed at Polly’s vivid disgust, and suggested that they return to
+the hotel.
+
+“Oh, no, Anne! It is only eight-thirty. And for New York that only
+begins an evening, you know. Let’s get up on top of one of the buses on
+Fifth avenue and take the round trip. That ride will show Polly lots of
+sights: the Flat Iron Building, Riverside Drive and the Hudson, and
+heaps of things.”
+
+Eleanor prevailed, and after a delightful drive of an hour, the little
+party was glad to get to the hotel and drop into bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II—HOUSE HUNTING IN NEW YORK
+
+
+Before the westerners awake to the new day, let us renew our
+acquaintance with them.
+
+Polly Brewster, of Pebbly Pit, born and reared on that wonderful ranch
+in Colorado where the lava-jewels were found, is for the first time in
+her fourteen years, away from home. As she is at the most impressionable
+age, her wise mother authorized Anne Stewart, the young teacher who had
+spent the summer with the Brewsters and who was engaged to John
+Brewster, to spare no money when fitting Polly out for her life in New
+York. Mrs. Brewster wished Polly to feel herself the equal of anyone she
+met, if it pertained to dress. And style was about the only thing that
+Polly lacked, having all fine qualities in her character.
+
+Eleanor Maynard, of Chicago, now Polly’s dearest friend, never had to
+count the cost of anything, as her father was the best known and richest
+banker of that great city. But because of her ill health, being a
+protegée of Anne Stewart for the past two years, this association had
+taught Eleanor to think twice before she wasted her allowance.
+
+And Anne Stewart, just past twenty-one, was experienced for her age,
+because of her mother’s dependence on her for most things, since the
+father died many years before this story opens. And Paul, her younger
+brother now at college in Chicago (where the other boys also studied),
+was there because his sister earned the money with which to pay his
+expenses. Now that Anne would participate in the shares of the gold mine
+that had been discovered the day of the escape on Grizzly Slide, the
+Stewarts had no need to practise such strict economy as hitherto.
+
+In the morning Polly was awakened by a knock at her door. “Poll, someone
+wants to speak to you over the ’phone,” said Anne.
+
+“Me? Why, who can it be? I never talked into one of those funny little
+black horns in my life, Anne. Wait, and help me.”
+
+In another moment Polly, in a pretty negligée—one of the purchases of
+the previous afternoon—ran out of her room. Anne sat her upon a stool
+before the small stand and showed her how to hold the instrument.
+
+“Hello!” whispered Polly, half afraid that something would pop out at
+her.
+
+Eleanor had crept out of her room by this time, and stood back of Polly,
+grinning at her friend’s nervousness.
+
+“Speak louder,” admonished Anne in Polly’s ear.
+
+“Hello!” shouted Polly, trying to adjust her senses to the unfamiliar
+method of conversing with an unseen individual.
+
+Then a merry laugh and a familiar voice sounded in her ear. Her face
+expressed amazement, then pleased surprise, and then excitement. She
+glanced up at Eleanor as the voice continued speaking.
+
+“Oh, we’re _so_ glad to hear you are in the city. Now we shall have
+_lovely_ times!” exclaimed Polly, finally.
+
+A joyous boy’s voice continued talking but suddenly it ceased, and Polly
+looked at Anne for an explanation. The telephone receiver began clicking
+strangely in her ear, and she held it at arm’s length in fear of what
+might be going to explode inside that queer tube.
+
+Eleanor laughed and said, “Let me do the talking—it sounds like Jim
+Latimer—is it?”
+
+“Yes, Ken and he landed from the West at midnight, and they are going to
+the Mardi Gras with us to-night.”
+
+Eleanor now took the telephone, and by the time the operator managed to
+connect the interrupted wires, she was ready to chat as if she had
+nothing else to do. After ten minutes of silly boy and girl talk, Anne
+whispered: “Oh, do stop, Nolla! It is eight o’clock and we want to fill
+a good day with work.”
+
+“I’ve got to ring off, now, Jim, but we’ll see you to-night. Good-by!”
+Then Eleanor turned to her companions, and said:
+
+“Well, that’s good news, Polly! To have the boys in the city to show us
+a good time before we start school.”
+
+Without saying anything to cause the girls to object because this “good
+time” with the boys might be indefinitely postponed, Anne made up her
+mind that a home would and _must_ be secured before anyone planned for
+pleasure or fun.
+
+That day, they sought in buildings on every block uptown that had been
+left uninspected by Mrs. Latimer and Mrs. Evans, but with no success. If
+an apartment of five to seven rooms was found, it would be found to be
+dark, dirty, or in an objectionable neighborhood. They were ready to pay
+a high rent for six or seven rooms, but nothing suitable could be found.
+
+When they returned to the hotel, at five o’clock, to wash and dress for
+the outing that evening, everyone felt discouraged. “And these poor
+deluded New Yorkers call the band-boxes we saw to-day, apartment rooms?”
+said Polly, sneering at the homes but not at the poor inmates.
+
+“Owners dare not build the rooms larger, Polly, because real estate in
+this city is so valuable and taxable. Every inch of property has to be
+made the most of. You know, that is why a builder, in large cities, runs
+his structures up in the sky—the sky doesn’t charge taxes on so much
+per foot, but the ground the building stands on does.”
+
+“Oh, I never thought of that! So that is why New York houses go up
+twenty and thirty stories, eh? The owner has to get his rents out of the
+air and sky, and pay it over to the land-assessor,” Polly exclaimed, in
+a tone of understanding.
+
+Her friends laughed. “You are an apt pupil, Poll,” said Anne.
+
+When their hosts for the evening called for Anne and her party, they
+were all ready and eager to start. So they were soon seated in the two
+cars; Jim driving one, with Polly seated beside him, and Ken, Eleanor
+and Anne in the back seat. Mrs. Stewart was welcomed with the two ladies
+and the two men in the other car.
+
+“Now, Jim,” called Mr. Latimer, “you be sure and trail me. I’ll go
+first, as I know every foot of the road to Coney Island.”
+
+Polly had never been in an automobile before, and at first she felt
+frightened; but Jim chatted as he drove, and seemed to take it all so
+naturally, that she soon overcame the desire to clutch hold on the side
+of the car.
+
+There were hundreds of other automobiles all going in the same
+direction, and when our two cars reached the Boulevard, there was such a
+gay stream of machines and people as the girls never dreamed of before.
+Confetti, paper ribbons, horns and what-not, were used by the passengers
+on trolleys and in automobiles along the road until the lighted spires
+of The Park, and other pleasure-giving resorts of Coney Island were
+seen.
+
+Polly looked so different in her smart clothes that Jim Latimer wondered
+what had happened to turn this pretty ranch girl into such a stunning
+city girl in so short a time.
+
+He kept glancing at her oval face, rounded with health and vigor; at her
+straight little nose, her wide-open, deep, soulful eyes that seemed to
+weigh all things wisely; the heavy wavy hair that was becomingly looped
+back from her face, and above all, the rich glow in her cheeks, and the
+creamy complexion and fine texture of her skin. “Nothing made-up there!”
+thought Jim.
+
+But Polly was happily unaware of Jim’s wondering approval, for she was
+too completely absorbed in the sights about her. She could not have told
+anyone what Jim looked like in his city clothes. In fact, after the
+first hasty glance at Ken and him, and the realization that they had
+doffed their mountain outfits, she gave no second thought to their
+clothes.
+
+At Coney Island, that night, the girls enjoyed one continual lark. Even
+Mrs. Stewart was urged to go with the elder Latimers and the Evans upon
+the chutes, the merry-go-rounds, the Twister, the Winsome Waves, and
+what-not. Such a reckless spirit of fun seemed to possess everyone in
+the place, that it was contagious.
+
+When the evening was almost over, and Polly sighed with very surfeit of
+so much fun, the boys managed to “lose” the elders and took the two
+girls to the beach.
+
+“Oh, how wonderful! I never thought of the ocean. There was so much to
+see and to do that I forgot Coney Island was right on the sea,”
+exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+But Polly said not a word. She was suddenly confronted with the restless
+mighty ocean that she had always longed to see. The sense of frivolity
+that had filled her for the last few hours vanished, and she gave
+herself up to the power of that calm, never-ceasing roll of water. A few
+minutes before and she had been weary from so much laughter and sport,
+but now a wonderful peace and rest pervaded her being.
+
+The boys understood this unusual effect of the ocean upon one who had
+never seen anything like it, and finally Polly heaved a sigh.
+
+“Well, this is better than all else. It’s worth coming so far east to
+see. It’s the only decent thing of which New York can boast.”
+
+Her companions laughed; after digging in the soft sand for a short time,
+and exchanging youthful view-points about everything in the universe,
+they all sauntered back to the place where the two cars had been parked.
+
+A shout greeted them. “There, I _knew_ you boys had dodged us on
+purpose. But Miss Stewart thought you were lost in this crowd.”
+
+As everyone felt tired before the cars reached New York City again, the
+conversation was intermittent. But just before Mr. Latimer drove his car
+up to the hotel, Mrs. Stewart learned how Dr. and Mrs. Evans, Mrs.
+Latimer, and the two boys, Jim and Ken, had spent that entire day
+home-hunting for the westerners with no success.
+
+“It seems very strange that in such a vast city one is not able to find
+a decent apartment,” complained Mrs. Stewart.
+
+“We are told ‘because of the war.’ The war is blamed for everything
+these days, but the real excuse for owners not building now is because
+of the high cost of material and labor. They are all waiting for better
+times; meantime people must take what can be had, or go without,” said
+Mr. Latimer.
+
+“After hunting the way we have for more than a week, and not having
+found a suitable place, Mrs. Stewart, I would suggest your finding a
+nice boarding-house for the winter. If you put it off too long, even
+those places will be filled,” advised Mrs. Latimer.
+
+“Dear me!” sighed Mrs. Stewart. “That was suggested this morning, but I
+said it seemed dreadful, when I came East just to make a home and keep
+house for the three girls.”
+
+“Yes, it would be much pleasanter for everyone to have a home, but in
+cases like this Fall’s shortage of apartments, one must do what is most
+expedient,” returned Mrs. Latimer.
+
+Mrs. Stewart told the girls, that night, what had been said, but they
+all felt sure something _must_ turn up in the next day or two. So the
+next morning before starting out, they laid out a regular plan of work.
+
+“Mother and Eleanor will start where we left off, yesterday, and weave a
+search back and forth downtown until they reach the hotel. I will take
+Polly and, beginning at Washington Square, work uptown until we finish.
+If either of us find anything at all decent, and in an agreeable
+neighborhood, pay down a deposit to hold it and be sure to get a receipt
+as a binder—Mr. Latimer told me that much. Then we will all go for the
+second inspection and decide. Dr. Evans said we’d better pay down
+several deposits rather than lose a place, as we can quickly sell out
+any option we have for more than we paid down.”
+
+Having instructed her friends, Anne added one last bit of advice: “We
+will go as high as $3,000 a year for seven rooms, or $1,500 for four to
+five rooms—no more, as that is all shelter is worth. If we can’t find a
+place at that price, we’ll stay in a hotel!”
+
+So the second day of house-hunting went forward by two divisions instead
+of one, and all that day Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor experienced the same
+snubs, weariness, and failures, as thousands of other home-hunters in
+New York had. And at evening they returned wearily to the hotel to hear
+what Anne had accomplished.
+
+“Polly and she have not yet arrived,” announced Eleanor, as Mrs. Stewart
+and she entered their suite.
+
+“I hope she has had better luck than we can brag about,” added Mrs.
+Stewart, dropping into an easy chair.
+
+A long time after the “first division” had returned, baffled, to the
+hotel, Anne and Polly burst into the room with happy faces.
+
+“Oh, we just found the most wonderful place! Polly and I actually
+_discovered_ it. We were giving up all hope of ever finding a decent
+apartment at any reasonable figure, and had started for the subway when
+we saw this one. The flower-boxes caught Polly’s eye, so we are really
+indebted to her for having secured our home.”
+
+Anne’s enthusiasm was contagious, and instantly Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor
+wanted to know where it was located.
+
+Anne and Polly exchanged smiling glances, as if the secret was too
+precious to impart to others.
+
+“I suppose you two did up the entire upper sections, to-day, eh?” asked
+Anne, countering their eager queries.
+
+“Did we? I should say we did! I got a taxi for the day and we flew from
+one pile of stone and marble to the next, and so many rides up and down
+in gorgeous elevators all day has kept my head still spinning. But we
+had the same results as yesterday. When you inspect one of these modern
+honey-combs you see them all. The only difference being that a few
+owners manage to retain the elevator and telephone operators, while the
+majority of superintendents apologise by saying, ‘My help went on a
+strike, to-day.’
+
+“It really looks, Anne, as if these poor New Yorkers will have to move
+out to the country if they want to live this year,” remarked Mrs.
+Stewart, earnestly.
+
+Her companions laughed and Anne said: “Mother, you are too precocious.
+But now listen to our ‘find’!
+
+“As I planned, you two went uptown while Polly and I went downtown from
+here. We covered all the lower sections by criss-crossing back and
+forth, but we came away from the Gramercy Park section, late this
+afternoon, with an utter sense of failure. In fact, I was silently
+planning to inquire about good boarding-houses, when we hailed a
+Lexington avenue car, going north.
+
+“Being woolly westerners, we failed to ascertain how far northwards the
+car went, and having paid our fares, sat down. I remember turning to
+Polly and saying, ‘This is actually the first car in New York that I
+have been on that wasn’t crowded to the platforms.’”
+
+Polly laughed at the remembrance, and Anne smiled. “But it was our
+salvation, Anne,” ventured the former.
+
+Anne nodded and continued her story. “Then we soon learned why there
+were vacant seats on that car. A pleasant-faced, grey-haired man of
+about fifty, must have overheard my comment because he spoke to us after
+we were seated.
+
+“‘Perhaps you did not know that this car goes no farther north than the
+next block? It is switched back downtown, from that point. Did not the
+conductor mention it to you?’
+
+“I was furious, and I replied: ‘No! he never said a word when I paid the
+fares.’
+
+“By this time the car stopped and the conductor called out: ‘All
+out—dis car goes no furder. We switch back next corner!’
+
+“So Polly and I had to get off with the others. When we stepped down
+from the car, the nice man lifted his hat to us and said: ‘I judge you
+are strangers in the city. Can I direct you anywhere?’
+
+“I thanked him and told him we were only going as far as Forty-second
+street to the hotel. Then I added, sarcastically: ‘But there may be no
+cars which run as far north as that street!’
+
+“He laughed and said: ‘You had better walk over to Fourth avenue and get
+the car there. It takes you through the tunnel much quicker than the
+Lexington avenue car runs to Forty-second street. But be careful and do
+not board a car that stops at the car-house on Thirty-second street.’
+
+“We all laughed at that, as it would have been just like me to do so;
+then we thanked him and started along Thirty-first street to reach the
+car. And there we found our Haven of Hope!”
+
+“Where? Not on Thirty-first street, I trust!” exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+“Isn’t that section of the city dreadful?”
+
+“Not the block where we found a home,” explained Anne. “It has several
+remodeled houses and several other flat houses on it.”
+
+“But just wait until you see our house—it’s fine!” said Polly, eagerly.
+
+“Polly caught hold of my arm and exclaimed: ‘Oh, Anne! see the lovely
+flower-boxes in that cute little house!’
+
+“I saw three narrow windows on the second floor with green flower-boxes
+on the outside sills, but then my eyes dropped lower and I spied a
+swinging sign at a side-door. It merely said: ‘To Let’ inquire, etc.
+Polly saw it at the same moment, so we stood and gazed at each other.
+
+“‘Let’s try and peep in at this window,’ suggested Polly.
+
+“I agreed, and we did our best to see what was within; but the long
+iron-lattice that covered the four slits in the wide front doors, were
+covered from the inside. So we went to hunt up the agent.
+
+“His office was only a few blocks down Fourth avenue, so Polly and I
+hurried there before it should be closed for the day. A boy was told to
+accompany us and we were soon inspecting the premises. Our escort
+offered all the information he had heard in the real estate office.
+
+“‘This hain’t been on our books more’n a day. I just hung out the sign
+this morning. The last man what lived here was an artist and he fixed up
+everything like you see it now. But he wanted the owner to take out the
+stable doors and put in a studio-winder, and when the owner wouldn’t
+spend a cent, the artist up and moved. My boss said the next tenant
+would insist on having the doors taken out, so you might as well kick
+about them being here, and see if you’se kin get the winder in.’”
+
+Anne’s mimicry of the office-boy was perfect and her hearers laughed,
+but Mrs. Stewart had caught the significant words: “Stable doors,” and
+now she looked deeply concerned. Anne hastened to end her narrative when
+she saw her mother’s expression.
+
+“So Polly and I went back to the agent’s, heard the price of the place,
+and paid down half a month’s rent to hold it until you all can go with
+us to-morrow morning to approve of our selection.”
+
+“Oh, Anne! how much was it a month?” exclaimed Eleanor, eagerly, while
+Mrs. Stewart looked dubious over such recklessness.
+
+“One-fifty a month, and we can have a straight lease—no humbugging
+about clauses.”
+
+“And how many rooms, did you say, dear?” gasped Mrs. Stewart.
+
+“I didn’t say, mother, and I told Poll not to say more until after you
+see it in the morning.”
+
+“But I like it, and it really does seem as if Providence sent us through
+that street,” added Polly, sighing with content.
+
+“Eleanor, did you hear Anne say it had stable-doors?” now ventured Mrs.
+Stewart, fearfully.
+
+“No! did you, Anne? Why would it have stable-doors?”
+
+“Because in the days of horses and carriages, it was some rich man’s
+private stable,” laughed Anne, enjoying the horror on her mother’s face.
+
+“A stable! Ha, ha, ha—for a Maynard of Chicago! Oh—ha, ha, ha!”
+laughed Eleanor, rocking back and forth.
+
+Even Mrs. Stewart had to laugh at the picture Eleanor’s exclamation
+suggested—Mrs. Maynard and Barbara calling upon a member of their
+family who was living in an East Side stable!
+
+Any doubt of this being just the place they wanted vanished in the
+morning when Anne and Polly proudly escorted Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor
+about their future domicile. True, it had all the ear-marks of a stable
+from the _outside_, but once you were within, there was only an artistic
+home to be seen. The ground-floor which had once held four stalls and a
+harness-room, with space for two carriages, was now partitioned off in a
+manner that made the most of the space. A large living-room across the
+front acted as entrance-hall and passageway to the rear rooms and second
+floor. In the corner of the living-room, where the small brick chimney
+had served as smoke-vent for the stove of former days, there now was a
+wide tiled fire-place which would hold great logs.
+
+Double glass-paneled doors led from the front room to the dining-room
+with its two high-set square windows opening to the sunlight in the
+rear. Also a single door went to the kitchen, which also had two high
+windows like those in the adjoining room. From the kitchen, a back door
+opened upon a tiny grass-platted garden of about twenty feet square. A
+fine locust tree grew in one corner of the plot and gave shade in the
+afternoon.
+
+Anne explained certain peculiar features regarding the windows of the
+back-rooms. “Don’t you see why they are so high? It is because they were
+once the ventilators to the stalls. Each horse had his own window for
+air. But I think they now make the rooms look quaint, don’t you?”
+
+The others agreed with her, and Eleanor said: “If we had a shelf running
+along under the windows, it would look better.”
+
+“And we can use it for china,” added Polly.
+
+Anne now started to go upstairs, followed by the other three; they all
+examined the bedrooms and were delighted with them. There were two large
+front and two smaller rear rooms, with a fine tiled bathroom between the
+back rooms. Not one of the rooms was as small as the largest chambers
+seen in the modern apartments.
+
+“And all for a hundred and fifty a month!” exclaimed Eleanor, joyously.
+
+“I reckon we’d better take it at once, children,” said Mrs. Stewart,
+approvingly.
+
+“But remember,” said Anne, on the way to the agent’s office, “we have to
+make all inside repairs, or redecorate as we want. There is no steam
+heat or hot water supplied, either, like the swell apartment houses,
+uptown, offer us.”
+
+“I’d rather have it so, Anne dear,” replied Mrs. Stewart. “I’ve always
+been used to a coal range and those fandangled gas ideas worried me, but
+I didn’t say anything to you-all. I noticed what a fine little kitchen
+stove this one has, so you’ll always have hot water—never fear. As for
+heat! Well, a great open fire-place in the front room will help heat
+upstairs, and there is a register in the bathroom that comes from the
+kitchen stove-pipe.”
+
+“We can use electric or gas radiators, Anne,” added Eleanor, eagerly,
+“in very cold weather.”
+
+“I never knew what heated bedrooms were like, in Pebbly Pit, Anne,”
+Polly said, anxious to have a word.
+
+“Besides we may have a very mild winter,” remarked Anne.
+
+So the lease was signed and the first month’s rent paid. “We’ll give you
+any assistance you may need in getting the place in order, Mrs.
+Stewart,” said the agent, as he handed the papers to his new tenant.
+
+“That will be very nice, and we will take advantage of your offer, at
+once. I want the kitchen range and stove pipe put in perfect working
+order, and please see that the radiator in the bathroom is not
+obstructed in any way,” said the lady.
+
+Anne and the agent exchanged looks and laughed. “I can see where Mrs.
+Stewart expects to enjoy herself this winter. Well, I told my wife the
+other day, we were more comfortable when we had an old-fashioned flat
+with a kitchen range, than we now are with all the latest modern
+improvements,” returned the agent.
+
+“Anne, Polly and I want our rooms repapered and painted,” whispered
+Eleanor, tugging at Anne’s sleeve.
+
+“I was about to suggest that you have all the woodwork given one coat of
+nice fresh paint, but the paper now on the walls is very expensive and
+artistic, so I wouldn’t be in too great a hurry to have it done over.
+The last tenant imported his own paper at a great expense for that
+place,” explained the agent.
+
+“I think you are very kind and sensible to advise us in this way. So
+we’ll have the men do the paint but not touch the paper until we have
+had time to look it over again,” said Anne.
+
+“When can we move in?” questioned Polly.
+
+“Any time you like; but I would advise having the painters out first. I
+will send two men to begin work in there to-morrow.”
+
+Then the four delighted tenants left the office, and on the walk back to
+the corner where they wished to board the car they eagerly planned how
+they would furnish their home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III—FURNISHING THE STABLE
+
+
+“Anne, if we hurry and get the furniture, we can settle our home before
+school starts,” suggested Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+“If you-all had only let me ship my stuff from Denver you wouldn’t have
+to buy a stick!” declared Mrs. Stewart.
+
+They were standing on the corner waiting for an uptown car but not one
+was in sight. Anne showed signs of impatience but exclaimed at her
+mother’s remark:
+
+“Mother, you know very well what the crating and freight would have
+cost, and you sold your stuff for more than it was worth. I think you
+are most fortunate to have that little roll of money on hand, when you
+consider the wear and tear your furniture has had in the last thirty
+years.”
+
+“Anyway, Mrs. Stewart, I don’t want Victorian period in our house. Polly
+and I want to furnish and decorate our own rooms as we like. This is to
+be our first experiment in real artistic work,” said Eleanor,
+comfortingly.
+
+Polly nodded her head at these words; but standing with her back to the
+curb, her face was opposite a large show-window in the corner building.
+Now, as if by some magnet, her eyes were attracted to what that window
+contained.
+
+“Why, just see there! Right near our street is a furniture shop!” With
+this exclamation, Polly ran over to inspect the objects displayed in the
+window. A carved four-poster, and other rare antiques, drew the
+attention of the little group.
+
+Polly glanced around to see what furniture shop it was that was so near
+their new home.
+
+“Why! It’s an auction place. Surely, it cannot be that such wonderful
+things are sold in a junk room,” exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+
+That made the other three look also, and Eleanor added: “It doesn’t
+follow that just because this is an auction house, that it must be a
+junk room.”
+
+“Well, I never saw anything but awful junk in the second-hand place in
+Oak Creek,” explained Polly.
+
+“Even the Denver dealers sell only junk, Nolla. But it may be different
+in New York. Everything seems to be different,” said Anne.
+
+“Of course it is! Why wouldn’t it be when you stop to think of it. In
+the first place, no one in Oak Creek ever had anything but junk to sell.
+And in Denver, where everyone hangs on to every stick they have, simply
+because it is so difficult to get anything worth while, the poor
+second-hand dealer starves for want of trade. But here, as well as in
+Chicago, folks send stuff to places like this for sale, when they can’t
+find a place to move into. I just bet there will be thousands of
+families that will have to sell out this year just because there are not
+enough homes for all of them.” Eleanor’s logic was sound, and Polly
+ventured a suggestion.
+
+“I’d love to go in there and see what they do with such pieces. There
+are lots of well-dressed people going in—come on.”
+
+Nothing loath to see the interior of a New York second-hand shop, the
+westerners went to the front door. There a colored porter stood and
+bowed politely.
+
+“Sale goin’ on in third room, right, ladies; have a catalogue?”
+
+As the uniformed attendant offered Anne a pamphlet of about twenty
+pages, he waved them inside out of the doorway. Then he repeated his
+directions to the next couple who followed directly after Mrs. Stewart’s
+party.
+
+To say the four friends were astonished at the size and quality of the
+auction-rooms is speaking mildly. Not a piece of furniture but looked
+rare and expensive. It seemed improbable that it all was for sale.
+
+A second attendant now came up and said: “Sale now going on in south
+gallery, ladies.”
+
+Then Anne took her courage in her hands. “We have never visited a sale
+before, so you will confer a favor by showing us where to go, or what to
+do. We are about to furnish a house.”
+
+The man sensed a good customer, and gallantly showed them through
+several well-stocked rooms until they reached the last, where a smiling
+smooth-tongued individual sat behind a raised desk and spoke
+conversationally to the crowd which sat in rows before him.
+
+“Jake, find me four chairs, in a hurry,” whispered the man who was
+conducting Anne’s party.
+
+Without confusion and in a moment’s time, Jake carried over four
+wonderful Jacobean chairs, two in each hand, their backs to each other,
+and handled as recklessly as if the fine carving was made of unbreakable
+metal.
+
+“Now, ladies, enjoy yourselves,” the smiling attendant said; then he
+stopped for a moment at the desk to say a word to the auctioneer who
+continued his selling as if no new victims had been introduced.
+
+One marvelous article after another was brought forth and placed for
+exhibition upon the Persian rug that covered the platform in front of
+the audience. And one after another, the objects of art and beauty were
+sold to different buyers at a preposterously low figure.
+
+But the wily auctioneer took notice that not a member of the newly
+arrived party was bidding on anything. He decided that this must not be,
+so he stood up to address the assembly.
+
+“Friends, I know that you are here to buy and not to waste your time in
+mere curiosity. If there is any particular article you need, or have
+seen on the premises, speak out and I will oblige you by introducing it
+in this sale.”
+
+He glanced over the crowd and finally allowed his gaze to rest upon the
+four who sat in the front row. They all felt guilty of using his time
+and room when they had no idea of buying any particular thing. Mrs.
+Stewart was about to whisper to Anne that they had better go when
+Eleanor spoke up fearlessly.
+
+“I saw a four-poster in the show-window before I came in. Is it for
+sale?”
+
+Her three companions felt the shock that is experienced when one does an
+unusual or unexpected thing. But they each felt thrilled, too, at the
+courage of that one.
+
+“I regret exceedingly, my dear young lady, that that particular set of
+antique mahogany cannot be sold until day after to-morrow. In fact, only
+the contents of _this_ vast room is for sale to-day. We take them in
+turn, you see. To-morrow the adjoining room goes, and the day following
+that everything is sold and cleared out of the third room—where the bed
+is.”
+
+“But we have a four-poster in this sale, Mr. Winters,” quickly said one
+of the floor-men.
+
+“Ah, indeed! Perhaps the young lady will like it as well as the other
+one. Bring it forward, Joe.”
+
+Without the slightest delay, the floor-men then pulled and pushed a very
+elaborately carved four-posted bed out upon the dais. It was similar to
+the one in the window but it was smaller, this one being four feet wide
+while the one on exhibition for Friday’s sale was full sized.
+
+The auctioneer spoke of all the points about this particular piece of
+furniture, and then began to offer it for sale. The four visitors in the
+front row sat as if hypnotized at his manner.
+
+“What, no one here to appreciate this marvelous work of other days, now
+to be sold for three hundred dollars?”
+
+Not a sound encouraged him, so he sighed and said: “Well, is there
+anyone who will give two hundred for it?”
+
+Eleanor’s heart thumped. She was willing to give it but she found her
+tongue cleave to the roof of her mouth at the very idea of securing the
+bed at such a price.
+
+“Too bad! Then I shall have to ask if anyone will pay me one hundred
+dollars? Is this bed not worth that to you, young lady—or perhaps you
+need a full-sized bed?” The auctioneer looked at Eleanor but failed to
+see the dazzling glint that shot into her eyes when he offered the bed
+for one hundred. He really had no hope of starting it at that figure so
+he over-did it that time.
+
+“All right, friends, I am perfectly willing to have you set your own
+price on this magnificent piece of carving that is no less than a
+hundred and fifty years old. Now what is your pleasure? Fifty, forty,
+thirty—what? did I hear a bargain-hunter say twenty-five? Oh,
+impossible?”
+
+Eleanor almost fainted at such a dreadful sacrifice, and would have
+stood up to offer him the hundred, had not a man in the rear called out
+“Fifty.”
+
+“Ah, that is better—thank you. Now, fifty, fifty, fifty—who says
+seventy-five? I want seventy-five—fifty, fifty, fifty, fif—fif-tee,
+tee, t-e-e—what, no one here willing to pay more than fifty dollars for
+this bee-u—utiful bit of antique mahogany? Fif-fif-fif—Ah!”
+
+Eleanor swallowed hard, half-stood up, and the auctioneer caught her eye
+at last. He smiled, acknowledged her expression, and now called:
+
+“Seventy-five! I now have seventy-five, seven, seven,
+sev-sev-seventy—seventy-fi-ifvvve! I have seventy-five dollars for this
+wonderful mahogany bed that is really worth seven hundred dollars in any
+store to-day. And I only have seventy-five dollars bid. Seven-tee——”
+
+Again Eleanor half-stood up and this time she managed to say “One
+hundred, please!”
+
+“Thank you, young lady—you certainly understand fine furniture. I am
+now offered one hundred dollars by one who knows the value of this
+bed—one hundred, one hundred—hundred—one, h-u-ndred dollars
+offered—who will give a hundred and ten—only ten more gets it?”
+
+Polly was so amazed when Eleanor said “One hundred dollars” that she
+giggled hysterically; but not wishing to have her friend brag how “she
+bid at this auction and her friends were too shy,” Polly looked
+anxiously at the auctioneer. He saw that look and understood.
+
+“Don’t hesitate, young lady. You know ‘he who hesitates is lost’—in
+this case, loses a great bargain. If you wish to bid, never fear
+competing with a friend. In this business there are no friends—all men
+are strangers. Shall I say one hundred and ten for you?”
+
+Polly nodded eagerly and smiled broadly at Eleanor. The two girls were
+so delighted with themselves at daring to speak out so bravely in a city
+like _New York_ that they failed to realize the auctioneer had knocked
+down the bed to Polly.
+
+“This young lady in front. I _must_ say she appreciates fine furniture!”
+declared the suave auctioneer to everyone in general.
+
+“W-h-y, Pol—le-ee! Is that your bed?” gasped Mrs. Stewart.
+
+“I’m sure I don’t know. Is it, Nolla?” laughed Polly.
+
+Just then a brusque voice said: “Name and address please—and
+twenty-five per cent deposit money.” The girls looked up in
+bewilderment. Who was the man?
+
+He seemed to read their thoughts, for he smiled. “I am the cashier.
+Everyone has to pay down a cash deposit on their bids. Everything you
+buy has to be removed by Saturday, or we are not responsible for it
+after that.”
+
+“Oh!” Polly and Eleanor looked at each other. They were trying to figure
+out how much money he wanted.
+
+“Here—I’ll pay the deposit. About thirty dollars, isn’t it?” said Anne,
+in a business-like tone.
+
+“Yes, thank you. Now name and address, please?”
+
+“What’s the number of our stable, Anne?” laughed Eleanor.
+
+When Anne gave the address the cashier looked surprised. “Oh, have you
+rented the Studio down the street?”
+
+The girls bowed wonderingly, and he added: “The artist who lived there
+for a number of years, used to drop in here every week just for the
+entertainment of picking up curios. In fact, I saw him here a few
+minutes ago. He told me he would give fifty percent advance to the
+tenant who leased that place. Here’s a chance for you to make money if
+you want to give up the Studio.”
+
+“We want a home more than money, mister!” declared Polly.
+
+“You’ve said it, Poll! If we give up this studio we may have to go back
+and live in our gold mine, because New York hasn’t any homes left, this
+year,” laughed Eleanor.
+
+The cashier had not missed the mention of “our gold mine” and determined
+to do his utmost to please these ladies. Hence he whispered: “I’ll look
+after everything you buy here, and don’t worry about moving it away on
+Saturday. Next week will do, if you are not ready to get things out this
+week.”
+
+“Polly, Polly! There goes a high-boy that matches the bed you got!”
+cried Eleanor, at this moment.
+
+“They are pieces of the same set. Strange to say, they came from the
+very place you rented. The artist has to sell out because he cannot find
+an apartment, and there is no storage room for his furniture,” explained
+the cashier.
+
+So Polly secured the high-boy for sixty dollars and felt very proud of
+her purchases. Eleanor bought a pair of brass fire-dogs and irons, and
+Anne bid on a large etching. When it was knocked down to her, she turned
+to her mother and said: “I really do not want it. What under the sun did
+I get it for?”
+
+And Mrs. Stewart laughed. “It’s always the way at these vendues. One
+gets all kinds of things one never needs.”
+
+“Then let’s get out. Girls, I’m going now,” whispered Anne, rising to
+leave.
+
+The cashier hurried over when he saw the four new customers about to go,
+and said, “The artist would like very much to meet his successors to the
+Studio.”
+
+At the same moment, a grey-haired gentleman bowed and smiled, and the
+group waited expectantly. Anne and Polly smiled also.
+
+“You are the kind friend who advised us, yesterday, when we had to leave
+the car,” Anne said, pleasantly.
+
+“Yes, but I never dreamed I was directing you right to my front door,”
+rejoined the artist.
+
+“Well, Mr. Fabian, as long as you’ve met before, I’ll go about my
+business,” and the cashier hurried away, leaving the five people in the
+adjoining room.
+
+Anne proceeded to introduce her friends and then added: “It was
+providential that we went through that street. Now we have a home to our
+liking.”
+
+“I am delighted that my successors will appreciate the place, but I am
+still seeking for quarters. Had I choked my anger and swallowed my
+pride, when the owner refused to keep his word about the stable-doors, I
+would still be enjoying my cozy Studio.”
+
+Mr. Fabian then told the ladies how he had taken the stable in its raw
+state and turned it into the lovely dwelling it now was. He had paid for
+all the hardwood floors, for the partitions on the ground-floor, and for
+the kitchen plumbing.
+
+“Why, it must have cost you a small fortune,” ventured Anne. “And now it
+seems too bad that you can’t enjoy it.”
+
+“But I did enjoy it, my dear young lady—for five years. And I only paid
+sixty dollars a month, during that time, too. When the owner raised me,
+this year, to ninety I rebelled, because I had spent so much money on
+beautifying the rooms. I thought he would really relent and say I could
+have it for about seventy-five a month. I was mistaken.”
+
+“We’re paying a hundred and fifty a month and make all repairs,
+ourselves,” Anne ventured.
+
+“He took advantage of the unusual conditions. But you have a better
+bargain, even so, than if you had rented a seven-room apartment, uptown,
+for two or three thousand a year.”
+
+By this time they were standing on the corner once more, and Mr. Fabian
+seemed ready to leave them. Then Polly remembered that the cashier had
+said the bed and high-boy she just bought had come from the Studio.
+
+“Oh, Mr. Fabian, excuse me for speaking of it, but did you really own
+the four-poster I got at the sale just now?”
+
+“Yes, my dear. It was in the room my little daughter occupied when she
+was home. She is now in Paris taking an art course.” The girls were
+deeply interested in this intimate information. “That box-spring with
+the mattress on the bed was made to order of the best material I could
+buy. You’ll find the silk-floss in that mattress is so soft you’ll never
+care to get up, once you rest upon it.”
+
+“But I didn’t know the spring and mattress went with the bed,” Polly
+said, amazed.
+
+“Oh, yes. That is the way they generally sell other folks’ goods. But I
+wish to say, that Nancy only used the bed a few weeks, as she had a
+splendid opportunity to enter a class in a friend’s school in Paris, so
+we started her across without delay. My wife went, too, to look after
+her; that is one reason I refused to pay the increased rent; I thought
+it was too much for one lone man to pay.”
+
+“It almost makes me feel as if we ought to take you in to live with us,”
+said Mrs. Stewart, sympathetically. “If there only was one extra
+bedroom, now, we could make you a member of our family just as well as
+not.”
+
+“But we haven’t that extra room!” laughed Anne, wondering what this
+stranger would think of her mother’s free western hospitality.
+
+What he thought was soon expressed. “I certainly appreciate such unusual
+kindness and I see it is genuine. So I will dare to do this: I shall
+love to drop in, now and then, and see how you all are doing. Perhaps I
+can be of some assistance to you, in various ways.”
+
+“I know you can!” declared Eleanor, eagerly. “Polly and I are taking up
+art and interior decorating and we need lots of ideas from grown-ups who
+have had experience. You can advise us that way.”
+
+“Begin your regular home visits a week from Sunday, Mr. Fabian. We will
+be settled then and ready to welcome you to our house,” added Anne.
+
+Then they parted and Mr. Fabian went downtown, while the four companions
+walked northwards to the hotel. As they walked, Anne said: “It certainly
+was queer how that gentleman sent us past his own home and we saw it.
+Now, he turns out to be just the kind of a friend Polly and Eleanor will
+need to advise them about art school.”
+
+“Anne, what shall we do with the rest of the afternoon? We still have
+two hours before dinner-time,” said Eleanor, glancing at her wristwatch.
+
+“We can go over to the nearest shop and get Polly an everyday hat. I
+can’t bear to see this lovely one hacked out at auction rooms. She needs
+complete outfits of underwear, too, but we may be too late at the shops,
+for that.”
+
+“Anne, I saw in the paper this morning, when you were looking for
+apartments, that a fine Fifth avenue shop is having a sale of early fall
+models. Let’s go up and get Polly’s hat there,” advised Eleanor,
+eagerly.
+
+Anne laughed. “You are willing to get one for yourself, too, eh?”
+
+So both girls were supplied with chic hats before they returned to the
+hotel. There they found an invitation from the Latimers to come,
+informally, and dine with them that night. Dr. and Mrs. Evans would try
+to come in later.
+
+“It’s now five-thirty. Can we get dressed and make it, in time?” asked
+Eleanor, anxiously.
+
+“Oh, yes; we haven’t far to go, you know. A taxi will take us there in
+ten minutes,” replied Anne.
+
+All was hurry and bustle, then, and when the two girls emerged from
+their rooms dressed in their new gowns, Anne felt that they did her
+credit. She could not but remark at the great improvement that clothes,
+well-fitting and of fine material, made in Polly’s appearance. Now the
+girl looked positively beautiful.
+
+A pleasant evening ensued, Jim and Ken insisting upon the right to
+escort the ladies home after everyone had said good-night.
+
+“You know, girls, Ken and I are going to Yale next week?” said Jim, as
+they started down Broadway.
+
+“So your father said, to-night. We will miss you, Jim,” returned Anne.
+
+“But we’ll be home every chance we get—Thanksgiving, Christmas and
+other times,” Kenneth said, hopefully.
+
+“Nolla and I will be awfully busy in school, and in trying to get
+started in the art classes,” added Polly.
+
+“I hope you have the stable settled before we leave the city. We want to
+give you-all a house-warming,” said Kenneth.
+
+“That will be great! Let’s have it, anyway, even if everything is not in
+apple-pie order in the house,” exclaimed Polly.
+
+So before they parted, that night, it was all arranged that the
+house-warming should take place the next Tuesday evening. The boys were
+leaving for college on Thursday, and the last few days before starting
+in the new school, would be busy ones for the girls.
+
+“All right, we’ll tell the folks the fun is on for next Tuesday, then,”
+said Jim, as they shook hands.
+
+“And it must be a regular surprise, you know—we bring our own
+refreshments and everything,” laughed Kenneth.
+
+“Oh, no! That is the least we can do in return for all you folks have
+done for us. We will furnish your refreshments!” declared Eleanor,
+positively.
+
+“As long as you furnish plenty, all right. But remember, girls, that Ken
+and I still have our Rocky Mountain appetites!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV—BARGAINS, BARGAINS EVERYWHERE!
+
+
+With the worry of house-hunting gone, the young friends felt at liberty
+to be deliberate while apportioning their time. Anne took Polly and
+Eleanor to the West End School, the morning following their meeting with
+Mr. Fabian, and introduced them to the proprietress as the two young
+ladies she had written about.
+
+Polly thought the elegant mansion that looked more like a prince’s
+residence than a school, would keep her from concentrating upon her
+lessons. While Anne and the principal of the select school talked
+business, Polly glanced about the reception room.
+
+The rugs were beautiful, most of them having the faded soft colors of
+the antique Persian and Turkish. But the furniture was too gorgeous in
+upholstering for the type of room. Then there were heavy boxed oil
+paintings in rich gilt frames, hanging on the walls; and teakwood
+pedestals holding statuettes and busts; and onyx stands with palms. The
+mantel was loaded with bric-a-brac of all sorts. Many other minor items
+showed bad taste in whoever furnished the room.
+
+Polly felt all this, but could not explain just why she resented such a
+conglomeration of color and furnishings. But Eleanor, having had the
+results of a decorator’s judgment displayed in her home, in Chicago,
+felt inclined to smile at what she saw about her. It was sure evidence
+of Polly’s improvement in artistic interiors since the day she thought
+the green window-shades quite the thing, to this time when the
+indiscriminate mixing of colors offended her eyes.
+
+“I really am relieved to hear that you will not be resident here, Miss
+Stewart, as I need your room for two boarders. I had planned to enlarge
+the dormitory this year, but everything costs so much that I postponed
+it. Now this extra room will come in very nicely for me,” Mrs.
+Wellington was saying when Polly and Eleanor had finished a survey of
+the room, and rejoined Anne.
+
+“Girls, Mrs. Wellington says we may have a look at the class-rooms.
+Would you like to go with me?” said Anne.
+
+Without demur they followed the lady of the house. They passed through
+the formal parlor where guests of distinction were entertained. Here the
+two girls also saw the lack of taste in furnishing. Gilded furniture
+with delicate satin upholstery, fought with wallpaper of heavy
+Spanish-leather design. Curtains and portières were of velour, heavily
+edged with fringe. Valances of velour were over the windows, and on the
+mantel. Instead of having a delicate French carpet on the floor, there
+were thick napped dark-toned Beloochistan rugs.
+
+The long library opened out from the parlor, and here there was an
+atmosphere of rest, because the entire wall spaces were lined with dark
+cabinets whose shelves were well filled with volumes in bindings made to
+harmonize with the rich paper that showed above the book-cases. The
+window-seats were built in and upholstered in tapestry to match the
+paper. The tables and leather armchairs were not so glaringly out of
+keeping with the room as the furniture in the first two rooms had been.
+
+Mrs. Wellington waved her hand carelessly at this room: “When I bought
+this house, all the books went with it, just as you see them now. The
+window-seats are still covered as they were, but I hope soon to spend
+some money in making this library more cheerful for the girls. I like
+bright colors, but that dun wall paper and that dull tapestry on the
+window cushions gives me the blues. If the books had not been such a
+bargain—the executor of the estate was most anxious to dispose of
+them—I never would have taken them. Their dull green morocco bindings
+make the room seem heavy, don’t you think?”
+
+“Oh, no! I was just thinking how lovely the glint of the gold lettering
+on each dark book makes the room seem. If only there was a dark polished
+floor to reflect the chair and table legs, the room would be wonderful!
+But this large carpet spoils that effect!” Nolla exclaimed impetuously.
+
+Mrs. Wellington straightened her spine and looked in hurt amazement at
+this inexperienced miss who babbled like an expert decorator. No one had
+ever criticised that carpet rug before!
+
+Anne saw the look and comprehended at once, so she dropped oil on the
+troubled waters. “Oh, Nolla! you are so carried away with your hobby of
+studying decorating that you needs must practise it and criticise
+everywhere. Now, I’m sure, Mrs. Wellington never would have dreamed of
+your ambition had you not showed it so plainly in your words just now.”
+
+Eleanor understood Anne’s motive in speaking thus, and smiled benignly.
+Polly was still trying to grasp the handle to Anne’s remark when the
+lady of the house led them forth again.
+
+“Here are a number of smaller rooms where girls may sit and read or
+study in the evening. And now we will go up to the class rooms.”
+
+If Eleanor and Polly had been able to find flaws with the lack of taste
+shown in the furnishings of the first-floor, they could not detect the
+slightest item missing in the equipment and furnishing of the different
+school rooms. Every known modern device and object for the comfort,
+health and help of scholars, were in evidence. Anne smiled with pleasure
+as she looked around.
+
+“It will be a delight to teach in such a room as this, Mrs. Wellington;
+and I’m sure the scholars appreciate all you do for them.”
+
+“No, that is the strange part of it, Miss Stewart. The girls who come
+here seldom think of all I do for them in providing these rooms. They
+take it as a matter of course that I should spend so much money in
+keeping everything as I do, while my competitors ask higher rates and
+spend less;” the lady looked troubled over it.
+
+“Now I have a friend down on Seventy-second street, who has conducted a
+most exclusive school for years; but she will not spend a cent in these
+ideal accommodations yet she gets higher prices than I do. And her
+waiting list of well-known names is endless. I only have a list of about
+a dozen applicants and they are not daughters of millionaires, either.”
+
+“Perhaps,” Anne remarked kindly, “the girls _you_ graduate make
+something of themselves in life, whereas those other society girls
+merely skim over lessons and never know how to spell their own names.”
+
+“Yes, that is true; I secure the very best teachers and try to instill
+knowledge wisely. And I am sure, my girls, upon leaving here, can
+compete with anyone.”
+
+“I should say that was a great comfort. To look back some day and be
+able to say: ‘I taught that girl how to combat ignorance.’ And the girls
+who sincerely admit what you have done, will rise up and call you
+blessed—for giving them these expensive modern helps to acquire
+wisdom.”
+
+Madam seemed pleased with this point of view, and said: “You will stop
+and have luncheon with me, won’t you, dears?”
+
+“We really cannot, Mrs. Wellington. You see we have to furnish the home
+that we just leased, yesterday. We are most anxious to have everything
+in order before starting with our school work on the first,” Anne
+explained, politely.
+
+“Oh, of course, that is wise. Then I will look for you Monday
+morning—the first of October. If there is anything you wish to know,
+you can call me up any time during the mornings. And if you are in this
+neighborhood before the first, do come in and have tea.”
+
+After the girls had gone, Madam smiled and thought to herself: “I
+certainly made no mistake in engaging _that_ young teacher. She seems to
+be the best one I have ever interviewed. And the girls will take to her,
+I’m sure.”
+
+Anne led the way to a Broadway trolley, and soon they were at the hotel.
+Mrs. Stewart was impatiently awaiting them, so they had an early
+luncheon and then hurried downtown to the “Art Galleries” on Fourth
+avenue.
+
+The sale had just opened, and they were able to secure front chairs. A
+list had been made of pieces of furniture they really needed to start
+house-keeping with, and now they hoped to be able to find just the
+things they had pictured for the Studio.
+
+A solid mahogany gate-leg table was knocked down to Anne for fourteen
+dollars and a half. Then a wing-chair with quaint lines, upholstered in
+orchid blue velour, was sold to Eleanor for nineteen dollars.
+
+“Dear me, that was a lovely chair, Nolla. I wish I had one like it,”
+sighed Polly.
+
+“Isn’t my table a dear!” whispered Anne, eagerly.
+
+“But it has as many legs as a centipede,” replied Polly.
+
+The others laughed gaily at her criticism but at that moment, a
+comfortable Turkish arm-chair was placed upon the dais. It was
+upholstered in a rich tapestry, and looked oh! so luxurious.
+
+Polly watched the bidders anxiously. She had a sudden desire for that
+chair, but she couldn’t manage to get in at the bidding, at all. But
+when she saw a woman opposite, hold up a hand above her head, and so
+learned that that was one way to catch the auctioneer’s attention, she,
+too, followed suit.
+
+She instantly held up her hand, and just saved the chair from being sold
+to a man at the back. So it was knocked down to her at seventeen-fifty.
+
+“There! That is Mrs. Stewart’s chair. I saw the look in her eye when it
+was placed upon the dais; and I know just how she will enjoy it when she
+has done preparing our dinners. That chair, out before the open
+fire-place giving rest to a tired house-keeper, will make one feel like
+new!” Polly said.
+
+“But, Polly, child! you must not spend your money buying _me_ such
+things!” exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+
+“I will if I want to! This is the first stick you’ve got for your room.
+And without you, I’d like to know what kind of a home we’d have. So
+don’t you say another word if I want to buy other things for you.”
+
+Anne objected. “Maybe this one chair is all right, Polly, but no more,
+please.”
+
+“Anne, just see all the money we’re saving on buying our furniture, this
+way. Why can’t I use the surplus as I want to? I say I _will_—if I see
+anything I want very much to give you or your mother.”
+
+Anne knew when Polly was determined to have her way, and believed the
+best plan now would be to buy what was needed for herself and her
+mother, so as to forestall Polly or Eleanor.
+
+So that afternoon Anne got two single brass beds with brand new springs
+and mattresses. The auctioneer explained that the bedding was sent in by
+the Manhattan Factory, because of an order that had been cancelled
+before delivery of goods. So Anne secured the bedding at half price.
+
+Neither of the girls suspected Anne of any secret plot when she bought
+other articles at that sale for the two bedrooms she needed to furnish;
+but when Eleanor eagerly bid on a Priscilla work-table of mahogany and
+got it for Mrs. Stewart, Anne felt annoyed.
+
+“My goodness, Anne, it was only five-fifty. Who ever saw a work-table as
+cheap as that, before? I know your mother will love to darn stockings
+for us all, now—with a nice place in which to keep her wools,” argued
+Eleanor, laughingly.
+
+“Maybe mother would rather not darn stockings but let you keep the
+table, yourself,” suggested Anne.
+
+Before they left the Art Gallery that day, they found they had really
+bought enough articles to start in with if they liked. They could add
+rugs, bric-a-brac, and different luxurious chairs, at any time.
+
+“But we need dishes and utensils, girls,” said Mrs. Stewart.
+
+“We’ll get them in a department store, and have them delivered at once,”
+replied Anne.
+
+“Let’s run over and see if the painters have done anything,” suggested
+Polly.
+
+“Might as well, Anne—we are right here, you see,” added Eleanor.
+
+So they turned the corner and walked down the street to reach the Studio
+in time to see the painters finish the work on the ground floor.
+
+“How nice and fresh it looks. But the wallpaper looks dusty,” said Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+“It is dusty, madam. I was just sayin’ to my friend here you ought to
+have someone clean it all off with bread crumbs. It is a swell paper if
+it is clean,” remarked the painter.
+
+“Bread-crumbs?” ejaculated Anne.
+
+“Yes’m. Best thing known to clean fine paper. I’ll get a man to do it if
+you say so. He knows his job.”
+
+“I wish you would. And ask him to supply the bread, too, as we are
+stopping at a hotel where it is hard to get such things.”
+
+“An’ I was goin’ to mention—the porcelain tubs and basins oughta be
+cleaned fer you’se. When we finish painting I will scour and polish ’em,
+if you say so.”
+
+“Yes, please do! And the floors ought to be polished, too.”
+
+“We’ll take care of all that, if you just tell us to go ahead and clean
+up as we see fit,” said the painter.
+
+“All right; but don’t make us wait too long before we can move in. We
+are going to have a house-warming, here, next week,” explained Eleanor,
+anxiously.
+
+“I’ve got an extra man comin’ on to-morrow, and we’ll be out of here by
+Saturday. Especially if we work Sat’aday afternoon—but that means
+double pay, you know.”
+
+“Never mind that; finish the job as soon as possible, for we will save
+that much extra money in hotel bills,” said Anne.
+
+“All right! We’ll turn it over for you Sat’aday night!”
+
+Everything seemed to be going so well, not only with their Studio-home,
+but with furnishings and decorators, that the girls felt elated.
+
+The next day they again met Mr. Fabian at the Art Galleries, and he
+proved a very welcome member to their party, as he knew all about rugs,
+porcelains, and antiques. Having shown them and explained all about the
+few rare pieces still for sale in the auction rooms, he said:
+
+“Some day you must go with me to some of the other places. There are
+dozens of these shops in New York, and each one seems to incline to some
+particular line of furnishing. Then, too, one can see more wonderful
+antiques in these shabby little shops along the avenue, than one would
+believe possible.
+
+“I often pick up rare things in these places. They are run, mostly, by
+Hebrews who merely know when an object is antique, or in demand. But
+they seldom can tell you the period or name of many of their most
+valuable items. It was in this way that a friend of mine once discovered
+a treasure.
+
+“His wife wanted a necklace for Christmas—something odd and different
+than any that her friends had. So he came to me and said: ‘Fabian, I
+can’t afford Tiffany prices, but I wish I could find something unusual.
+I want to please my wife, because she has been such a good sport during
+the time I was hanging over the edge of bankruptcy. Now what would you
+suggest?’
+
+“I offered to go with him. So we sauntered out of the Studio and walked
+over here, to Fourth avenue. We stopped in every little collector’s shop
+along the street, but could not find just what appealed to him. Then we
+entered that shop across the street—the one near the corner.
+
+“I knew the old Hebrew well, having often looked over his trays filled
+with every old thing conceivable. So I said upon entering: ‘Got any odd
+kind of necklace or chain, Moses? Something to go around a lady’s neck,
+you know?’ I had to demonstrate my words as I spoke.
+
+“‘Ya, ya! Shure, I got a chain. I show him you?’
+
+“It was a long antique-silver chain, the great flat links being
+beautifully filigreed. But it was not what my friend wanted, so I bought
+it for Nancy. Then the shop-keeper looked wistful.
+
+“‘Ain’t I got it what you like? Tell me what for you want him?’
+
+“My friend replied: ‘For my wife. She goes to balls and like pearls, or
+other stones, in a necklace.’
+
+“‘Ah, ha! I got yust what you like. A pearl necklace vot come in las’
+veek wid a lot of odder fine tings.’ Then the old man rooted around
+under the counter until he found the tray he wanted. It was coated with
+dust from the floor, but he blew this off and carelessly placed the
+heaped-up tray before us.
+
+“Such a tangle of all kinds of jewelry I never _did_ see! Finally I got
+the string of pearls free from the snarls of ordinary glass beads and
+other trash, and handed it over to my friend. He curled a lip in scorn
+at the soiled trinket.
+
+“‘Avery, drive a bargain with him for this. I honestly think those
+pearls are quite good. Let me rub one up on my sleeve, while you draw
+the fellow’s attention from what I am doing,’ I whispered.
+
+“While Avery tried to bargain, I cleaned up one of the gems and felt
+sure they were unusually good even for artificial pearls.
+
+“We actually bought the string for twelve dollars, but my friend feared
+lest he had been taken in. So I smiled and said: ‘Leave them with me and
+I’ll see that they are polished up like new by to-morrow night. I’ll
+take them to an old jeweler down the street and have them washed and the
+gold links cleaned. Your wife won’t know but that they came from
+Tiffany’s.
+
+“Avery laughed and left them with me. So I hurried down to Union Square
+and showed them to the old jeweler I knew, there.
+
+“He puckered his brow at first, then ran for his magnifying glasses.
+After an unusually keen inspection he called to his associate. Both of
+them then examined the string most carefully, and the old man finally
+looked up.
+
+“‘If I didn’t know you to be an honest man I should say: “Where did you
+steal them?”—but I will ask: “How came you by these?”
+
+“I was astonished, as you may know, but I tried to appear wise, so I
+laughingly replied: ‘They are not mine, my dear, sir. I only wish they
+were! I just got them from a friend to have someone, who is responsible,
+clean them nicely. I must hand them back as soon as you have finished.’
+
+“‘Mr. Fabian, I can’t undertake such a job. I have no bonded man to do
+such work and I dare not send them out. They may be substituted, you
+know.’
+
+“Then I couldn’t help saying: ‘My good man! You don’t value them so
+highly as that, do you? Why, I carried them downtown in my pocket!’
+
+“‘Ha, ha!’ he laughed, ‘I never saw a better matched string of perfect
+pearls in my life and I am nigh onto sixty. If I had to handle that
+necklace, I should instantly insure it with a broker for a hundred
+thousand dollars.’
+
+“Fancy, my friends, how I felt! My knees gave way and I had to sit down.
+I loosened my collar which seemed suddenly to grow too tight, but I
+couldn’t say a word.”
+
+Polly and Eleanor stood listening with eyes bulging and mouths
+half-open. Anne and her mother were also deeply interested.
+
+Mr. Fabian smiled to himself before he continued his tale, “Well, I took
+the pearls and hailed a taxi. I was taken to Tiffany’s, and asked for
+the manager, at once. Of course they wanted to know why I wished to see
+him, and I said, courageously: ‘To turn over a valuable pearl necklace
+and insure it for a hundred thousand.’
+
+“That brought the manager running. We went to a small private room and I
+placed the string of pearls before him. He took it carefully, examined
+it casually, then more minutely. He seemed perturbed and got up. ‘Don’t
+leave this room and do not allow anyone to come in and see it. I’ll be
+back in a moment with our expert.’
+
+“I felt sure, then, that Avery had actually found a _real_ bargain. But
+I never dreamed of getting anything out of it for myself. The manager
+returned with, not only the gem expert, but also with the president of
+the company. He closed the door and locked it.
+
+“The gem expert used all sorts of tests on the pearls and then said in a
+trembling tone: ‘M’sieur, I see like I nevair saw in my life! A string
+of perfect match pearls, each one well worth a fortune. But I see more,
+M’sieu! I will bring my acid to clean the engraved clasp set with
+diamonds. Maybe we find interesting fack.’
+
+“Everyone felt nervous during the intermission granted us, but we said
+not a word to each other. Then the Frenchman returned. He was so
+careful, almost reverent, I should say, in touching and cleaning the
+clasp, that I laughed to myself at the memory of Old Izaacs shelving the
+pearls with a heap of junk, on a tray that was shoved on the floor under
+a counter.
+
+“After many minutes of impatient waiting on our side, and as long in a
+most delicate cleansing process of the pearls on the part of the expert,
+he said: ‘Ah! Now vee zee.’
+
+“He adjusted his eyeglass and studied the lettering on the clasp. Then
+he jerked forward and peered breathlessly at it again. Suddenly he
+dropped the necklace upon the pad and leaned back in the chair. ‘Mon
+Dieu!’ was all he could gasp.
+
+“The president then caught up the pearls and adjusted the glass and
+studied the clasp. He also gasped and turned pale. The manager took the
+string from his superior and eagerly read the lettering aloud, ‘To my
+queen from Bonaparte.’ And then followed the date and year in tiny
+figures.”
+
+Mr. Fabian smiled as he saw the impression his story had made, and
+waited to be asked questions concerning the pearls.
+
+“Oh, do finish the story!” cried Eleanor.
+
+“Were they really that famous pearl necklace?” asked Anne.
+
+But Polly was too amazed to ask anything.
+
+“It was the famous necklace of purest pearls that had been lost for the
+past sixty years. It was worth about two hundred and fifty thousand
+dollars, at the time it disappeared. To-day it would be worth much more.
+But it belonged to the French Museum, and a reward of two hundred
+thousand francs had been offered for trace of it, or its return. So long
+ago had that reward been recorded in every civilized land, that the
+present generation had never heard of it—except in history.
+
+“Well, I took a receipt from Tiffany for its safe-keeping, and they
+assured me that they would communicate with the French Ambassador,
+without delay. Meanwhile I was to communicate with my friend Avery.
+Naturally I withheld all information as to the manner in which the
+necklace had been discovered.
+
+“I went to Avery’s office, immediately, and acted very sorry as I said:
+‘Avery, if I were to tell you that I lost that necklace, what would you
+do to me?’
+
+“He only laughed and said: ‘I’d make you buy my wife one as good, or one
+she _might_ prefer to that greasy one!’
+
+“Then I said: ‘Avery, I never had, nor do I expect to have as much money
+as that necklace is worth! Man alive, it is now in Tiffany’s safe,
+insured for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, against fire or
+theft!’
+
+“I thought Avery would faint, but when he had managed to collect his
+wits, he whispered hoarsely, ‘I don’t understand—were they _genuine_
+pearls?’
+
+“So I told him the story and we both rushed away to hire a taxi and then
+we drove madly to Tiffany’s, again. I introduced Avery as the owner of
+the pearls, and he was treated to a sight of his little twelve-dollar
+bargain.
+
+“Well, the upshot of it was, Avery received a ‘present’ of a hundred
+thousand dollars from the French Government, and in return he signed a
+release for himself, his wife, his heirs, friends, acquaintances, and,
+in fact, every American citizen in the census. He was told that he would
+be held responsible, thereafter, for all claims or lawsuits instituted
+against France to recover the necklace. And he accepted the burden,
+considering he had such a price paid for the job.
+
+“One day Izaacs got a present through the mail, of a draft for a
+thousand dollars and to this day he doesn’t know who the signer ‘William
+Avery,’ can be.
+
+“My old jeweler on Union Square got another thousand, and I—well, I
+refused everything, and Avery called me a numb-skull and an easy mark!
+So he invested half of all he received in my wife and Nancy’s name, and
+that is how they went to Europe.” Mr. Fabian smiled reminiscently at the
+end of the story.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V—FIRST DAYS AT SCHOOL
+
+
+Polly and her friends had moved into the Studio and were recovering from
+the orgy of the house-warming given them by the Evans and Latimers the
+previous evening, when the two boys came to say good-by.
+
+“Ah, come on, Nolla—bring Polly and see us to the train,” coaxed Jim,
+watching the clock on the mantel.
+
+“But, Jim, we honestly haven’t the time! If you _knew_ all we had to do
+this week!” sighed Eleanor.
+
+“Why, we could have _been_ there in the time you have taken to explain
+how busy you are,” grumbled Jim.
+
+“Then get out! If I have wasted so much precious time it is because you
+stand there and make me. Good-by, old pal, now scat!” Eleanor held out
+her hand and laughed. But Jim was not so easily daunted.
+
+“Where’s Ken all this time? Oh, I say, Ken! Come on!”
+
+“I think Ken and Polly went down the street while you two were out in
+the garden hunting for the grass,” said Mrs. Stewart, without a smile.
+
+Jim laughed. And Eleanor caught up her hat from the divan and ran to the
+door. “If they go away like that, then you and I will, too.”
+
+Having reached the corner, however, Jim and Eleanor saw Ken and Polly
+intently studying something held in the latter’s palm.
+
+“Come on—we will see what it is they caught?” said Eleanor.
+
+“Oh, Nolla, see what Ken gave me for a keep-sake. We found it over at
+Old Izaac’s,” exclaimed Polly, holding out the strange trinket for her
+friend to admire.
+
+“Why, it’s a real scarab. Isn’t it a beauty,” said Eleanor, then
+suddenly wishing Jim had thought of giving her a keep-sake.
+
+“That’s why I wanted you to come out with me. I told Ken you girls’d
+forget about us the minute we were out of sight, unless you had
+something to remind you of us,” explained Jim.
+
+“Come on, then, and let Nolla pick out what she wants,” added Ken,
+laughingly.
+
+“I’ll take the queen’s pearl necklace!” and young hearts made merry of
+the pearls that had cost so many lives and so much misery.
+
+Eleanor selected a peculiar seal set in a strange stone. “There, I will
+use it on the first letter I write you,” she said.
+
+“Now that you are here, you may as well jump on the car and take us to
+the train,” begged Jim.
+
+And this time he had his way. But they did not catch the four o’clock
+express to New Haven, as it was four-ten when they reached the gates and
+found them closed.
+
+“Now we’ll have to sit and talk until five,” laughed Jim, exultantly.
+
+“We’ll do nothing of the sort! I told you we had no time to waste on you
+boys, and we only came thus far to be polite in exchange for the
+keep-sakes. But you can have them back if you think it gives you the
+right to order me around.”
+
+Eleanor held out the seal, but Jim looked forlorn. Then she laughed
+because he felt bad at her teasing.
+
+“Come now, Jimmy, say good-by like an old dear, and tell Polly and me to
+run home.”
+
+“I wish you were my sister!” sighed Jim.
+
+“Your sister? What good would that do you?” asked Eleanor.
+
+“Because you’d let me kiss you good-by!” retorted he.
+
+They all laughed merrily, and Polly said: “You’d never want to kiss her
+if she was a sister. You wouldn’t even have asked her to come to the
+station with you.”
+
+“You’re right, Poll! Now I’m going—good-by, boys!” and Eleanor held
+forth both hands—one to each boy.
+
+After many repeated good-bys, the girls left and slowly walked down the
+avenue. When they had reached the parkway that runs over the car-tunnel,
+and is known by the name of Madison avenue, Polly said: “Why wouldn’t
+you wait for the train, Nolla?”
+
+“Because, Polly, I like both those boys and I don’t want to lose them so
+soon. If a male thinks we females will run at beck and call for them,
+they quickly weary of such a game. It is the one who refuses to be wound
+about a finger, that always keeps the beaux on a string.”
+
+Polly laughed. “You are too worldly-wise for me. Now I never should have
+dreamed of such a thing.”
+
+“Well, I’m right! One reason Bob never has a beau is just because she
+shows how anxious she is for one.”
+
+“Oh, no, Nolla! The reason Bob hasn’t any beaux is on account of her
+disposition—you know that!”
+
+“That, too, Polly. But mostly, because she throws herself at the head of
+any eligible man. I tell you, a man won’t have it so!”
+
+“Never mind, Nolla. You and I are never going to have beaux, so we
+should worry! We will marry our profession!” said Polly.
+
+The following Monday, Anne escorted her two charges to the school on
+West End avenue. It was a wonderful Autumn day and the girls pictured
+how beautiful the mountains about Pebbly Pit must look on such a clear
+day.
+
+As the Fifth avenue bus was most convenient for Polly and her
+companions, boarding it at Thirtieth street and leaving it at the corner
+of Seventy-second street where West End avenue started northward, they
+had but a short walk to reach the school.
+
+Eleanor had been most particular with Polly’s, and her own appearance,
+that morning. “For,” said she, “first impressions are lasting. We must
+be sure and make a favorable dent in these girls.”
+
+“But we don’t know one of them, Nolla,” argued Polly.
+
+“All the more reason why we should take the head of the line!” retorted
+Eleanor, tossing her head.
+
+Anne laughed, and thought to herself, “They will surely take the head in
+everything, for I never saw two such live girls.”
+
+But to Eleanor’s chagrin the examinations classed Polly with girls of
+fifteen to sixteen, while she was placed with girls of fourteen years.
+This caused the temperamental girl to feel discouraged and she began to
+blame her ill-health for her backwardness.
+
+In every other way, Polly and she ranked equal; and not a girl in the
+whole exclusive school could boast of better or more fashionable dresses
+than these two western scholars. Eleanor was most talkative, describing
+her home in Chicago and the people the Maynards knew. Then she
+whispered, covertly, how rich Polly Brewster was—she owned a great gold
+mine all in her own rights. She spoke thrillingly of Rainbow Cliffs and
+the tons upon tons of rare stones to be found there, until every girl
+sighed in envy. But Eleanor failed to mention that the stones would have
+to be cut and polished before they would be of any use to anyone.
+
+A few stray sentences of these conversations reached Anne’s ears, and
+she felt puzzled to know what was best to do. Eleanor was not bragging
+because she needed place or power in the group, but the teacher
+understood that she was exaggerating for Polly’s sake. She wanted all
+the girls to look up to Polly as a subject would to a queen. She knew
+how Barbara had felt toward the simple ranch people, and these girls
+were of the same ilk—society’s pets. And they could make life unhappy
+for Polly, or a dream of joy.
+
+That afternoon, as school closed, Anne overheard one of the girls
+repeating Eleanor’s words, but they had not lost in the repetition. In
+fact, Anne was sure Eleanor did not say quite all that she was credited
+with. On the way to the Studio, therefore, she determined to speak to
+Eleanor about the matter.
+
+“Eleanor, you seemed to make a bushel of friends without any trouble,”
+said Anne.
+
+“I always do. It’s best to have done with it, and then you can sift out
+those you don’t like, afterward,” laughed Eleanor.
+
+“How about you, Polly?” questioned Anne.
+
+“I was too busy with my lessons to bother about anyone, but I thought
+the girls acted rather queer this afternoon. I caught some of them
+whispering about me, and some were casting envious glances my way. I
+can’t understand why they should?”
+
+Eleanor gasped. Here was a danger she had not thought of. She wouldn’t
+risk Polly’s peace or popularity for anything in the world, but she may
+have unconsciously done just that very thing!
+
+“I heard some of the girls talking of your gold mine and Rainbow Cliffs,
+and I wondered if you had made such close friends, so soon,” ventured
+Anne, guilefully.
+
+“Oh, _I_ did that! Nothing like putting on a lot of ‘dog’ if you want to
+make a splash in the puddle,” hastily explained Eleanor.
+
+Anne felt like laughing but she hid her face, and Polly turned pale with
+annoyance.
+
+“Why, Nolla! How could you? You know I’d rather be considered a nobody
+than stand in a false light. Now what can I do to clear this up?”
+
+“It isn’t false light at all, Polly. You can’t do anything now without
+making me out a fibber,” retorted Eleanor.
+
+“You are acting just like your sister Bob might have done! That’s the
+worst thing I can say to _you_,” scorned Polly.
+
+“And I did it all for you, too!” whimpered Eleanor.
+
+“Didn’t I tell you, back at Pebbly Pit, that I wanted to cut my own
+cloth? For goodness’ sake, don’t interfere in my private life again!”
+
+“But you’ve got to let folks know you’re someone, or you will never
+climb to the top of the heap,” argued Eleanor, stubbornly.
+
+“I have my own method of reaching the top, Eleanor, and it is not _that_
+way. I was Polly Brewster before you ever knew me and I am that same
+Polly Brewster even after having a gold mine and a mile of lava-jewels
+thrust down my throat. Don’t say another word!”
+
+Polly turned her back and went to the end seat on the bus, leaving Anne
+to console poor Eleanor.
+
+“Look’a here, Anne—did I do anything so awful?”
+
+“You made a serious mistake, Nolla, when you talked to those strange
+girls about Polly. You tried to make her appear as if she approved of
+your method of bragging about the mine and money.”
+
+“W-h-y, I never dreamed of such a thing! I only wanted these New York
+girls to get it straight from the start that our Polly of Pebbly Pit was
+‘some punkins’;” Eleanor tried to laugh.
+
+“And you succeeded in not only humiliating Polly, but me also, because I
+am responsible for both of you, to a certain degree.”
+
+“Humiliate Polly and you!” gasped Eleanor.
+
+“Exactly what you did. I have been placed in command of this little
+family, and the first day at school, you deliberately thrust yourself
+forward—take my place, so to speak—and tell all the strangers there
+who Polly is, and who you and I are. In fact, you give out information
+that should come only from me.”
+
+“I’m sorry, but for goodness’ sake let’s drop it, now.”
+
+“We’d better settle the matter once for all, Nolla, before we drop it.
+If Polly and you are to continue the wonderful friendship begun this
+Summer at the ranch, you must never again say, or do anything, that
+trespasses on her rights. Remember that each one of us has an individual
+right to impart what we like about our private affairs—be it family or
+fortune. But the moment another speaks for us, then it becomes gossip
+and scandal on the part of that impertinent one.
+
+“I do not propose having my time and thoughts disturbed by any inharmony
+rising between you two girls, and if another occasion comes up, when
+Polly and you disagree as you have to-day, I’ll wire to your father to
+come and take you home. If Polly is to blame, then I’ll send her home.
+But, thus far, it is you who trespassed on Polly’s rights.
+
+“If you’ll think this over quietly, and without prejudice, I’m sure
+you’ll agree that I am just and right in my stand.”
+
+That evening, Eleanor apologised to Anne and Polly for her thoughtless
+impulse that day, and fervently prayed that she never be tempted to open
+her lips again.
+
+It was not Polly’s nature to sulk or remember unpleasant episodes, so
+everything went along smoothly after that first day at school.
+
+Tuesday evening Mr. Fabian called, and was welcomed to his erstwhile
+fireside. During that visit, it developed that he had accepted an offer
+which several of his friends had urged upon him. He was to teach, three
+times a week, a class in art designing at Cooper Union Institute. And
+before he said good-night to the ladies, it had been suggested and
+settled, that Polly and Eleanor were to join the evening classes on the
+three nights a week that their friend taught at the school.
+
+Mrs. Stewart worried lest the girls would be wearing themselves out with
+too much study. But it was found that the work in the art classes under
+Mr. Fabian’s watchful eye, was a pleasure rather than a study or work.
+
+Thus they started to build on a firm foundation, and by degrees they
+mastered the rudiments of geometrical drawing, then went on to
+ornamental designing, next taking up the study of architecture in so far
+as it applied to interior decorating, and at the end of the year they
+were drawing free hand and perspective sketches. But that was not until
+the school term was almost over.
+
+By the end of the first week at Mrs. Wellington’s school, the girls had
+chosen their friends for the term. It was most interesting to Anne to
+note that a certain social element looked up to Eleanor as their natural
+leader, while the quiet persistent sort silently fell in line with
+Polly. Both girls were admired and heartily liked, by teachers as well
+as scholars, but there was one disturbing young lady who resented the
+usurping of her former undisputed sway in the school by the two
+new-comers.
+
+Elizabeth Dalken was the pretty, but vain daughter of a superficial
+society woman who thought of nothing but self-indulgence, leaving the
+training of her child to Fate. Hence, Elizabeth was the usual product:
+selfish, proud, arrogant and hypocritical. She was but fifteen, yet she
+could slyly cheat at bridge, smoke her mother’s cigarettes, and flirt
+with the men who frequented her home, as cleverly as her mother could.
+
+For two previous years she had taken the reins of leadership at
+Wellington’s school and she had returned the third Fall fully expecting
+to resume her authority.
+
+To learn that a western ranch-girl without a record in “Who’s Who,” and
+a mere _Chicago_ Miss, governed her former subjects, turned Elizabeth
+white with rage. She could say nothing about it, however, without
+starting her school friends’ teasing and laughing at her downfall. And
+she could not leave the school, because her mother had deserted her
+husband. He was the cashier for all the luxuries Mrs. Dalken and her
+daughter indulged themselves in, and he had selected Wellington’s school
+for the girl, and had paid the tuition fee in advance, so it stood to
+reason that he would not consent to a change, now, on account of her
+jealousy.
+
+So on that first Friday evening, upon leaving school, Elizabeth promised
+herself that she would “get square” with those “two nobodys” in short
+order! She would show those other girls at Mrs. Wellington’s just who
+_she_ was, and why they should have kept her as their leader!
+
+But the western girls were not shamming their lovable characters, and as
+time went on, their companions appreciated, more and more, the sterling
+qualities in their chosen leaders. Thus Elizabeth found it no easy task
+to influence the girls against them.
+
+October passed and November began, with the girls at Mrs. Wellington’s
+planning for a Thanksgiving entertainment to close their school for the
+holiday. Here Polly was discounted, as she had never taken part in
+amateur theatricals, and knew nothing about them. Had anyone asked her
+to differentiate between the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian or
+Composite order of classic periods of architecture, she could have
+described either, or all of them, almost as well as Mr. Fabian himself
+could do. But the scholars at Mrs. Wellington’s never dreamed of Polly’s
+ambition and knowledge along such lines of study.
+
+So Elizabeth found herself the one to whom everyone appealed about
+costumes, parts, and the general management of affairs. Eleanor resented
+the obvious fact that _she_ was completely ignored when the various
+important parts were distributed, but Polly never gave it a thought.
+
+“We couldn’t accept a part, anyway, Nolla, with all the time we have
+planned to give to exhibitions and lectures, this month,” Polly reminded
+her.
+
+“And your Daddy will be visiting New York that last week, Nolla, and you
+must devote your spare time to his entertainment—not be fussing with a
+lot of girls over a silly poem,” added Anne.
+
+Thus the sharp sting was withdrawn and Eleanor forgot all about her
+injured feelings. But Elizabeth Dalken believed she was merely
+pretending that she felt no grudge against the Director of the Play. And
+it gave Elizabeth great satisfaction to believe she had actually
+offended the two popular western girls.
+
+During November afternoons, and on several evenings, Mr. Fabian took the
+three friends to the Metropolitan Museum where wonderful exhibits of
+private collections were given. Here every New Yorker was admitted free
+to see genuine antiques of furniture, paintings, tapestries and rugs,
+plate and ornaments. And with such a marvelous judge to escort them
+about and explain details that might have escaped other than his knowing
+eye, Anne and her two charges felt well repaid for their time. It proved
+not only instructive but very absorbing—these personal talks with Mr.
+Fabian about the rare and ancient articles.
+
+Valuable volumes treating on subjects which most aspirants of art are
+acquainted with, began to fill the shelves in the rooms on the first
+floor of the stable-studio; and quite often, Mr. Fabian brought in a
+“treasure” he had picked up at a second-hand book shop. He would read
+aloud in a cultivated voice, such bits as he thought would interest
+young and ambitious girls. Then, after he had bid his hostesses
+good-night, he generally left the volume behind.
+
+Perhaps the very fact that Polly and Eleanor seemed to be apart from the
+other school-girls and their pastimes, made them all the more desirable
+to court. Not but that the two western girls liked fun and frolic as
+much as anyone, but they seemed always to have engagements with people
+the school-girls had never met, nor heard of.
+
+Now and then, Mrs. Wellington took her girls to a matinee, and then
+Polly and Eleanor laughed and enjoyed the play as heartily as the
+others. But while other school-girls were foolishly mincing up and down
+the Peacock Allies of the large hotels, and sipping tea in company with
+young men, the two girl chums were eagerly listening to a lecture given
+at one of the art buildings, or admiring a private collection only open
+to the public for a few afternoons.
+
+A few days before Thanksgiving, Mr. Maynard arrived and then the routine
+of the girls’ daily life suddenly changed.
+
+Eleanor insisted upon her father taking her room while she went to
+Polly’s chamber to sleep upon the day-bed there. Mr. Maynard wanted to
+remain at the hotel to save the girls any inconvenience, but the girls
+would not hear of his being away from Eleanor.
+
+The school play was scheduled for the Tuesday evening before
+Thanksgiving Day. But all the ball-rooms and other auditoriums, had been
+engaged weeks before November, so Mrs. Wellington had to take what she
+could get, or postpone the date of the play. Elizabeth Dalken was
+determined to have it on the evening set, and so the poor lady started
+again, to seek for some available hall, with Elizabeth accompanying her.
+Finally they secured a small assembly hall near Central Park West, but
+it was far from being desirable for the girls.
+
+The dirty walls had to be hidden beneath flags and bunting, and the
+tarnished gas chandeliers had to be covered with crepe paper. The crude
+stage was decorated with pine branches and palms, and in places where
+the doors or windows were located, (minus the doors,) the girls grouped
+palms and evergreens, so that the hall looked quite inviting before
+evening.
+
+A bevy of happy girls superintended the decorations while butlers,
+grooms, and even the chauffeurs, did the hard work. Polly and Eleanor
+joined the merry group and instantly offered to work, but Elizabeth
+Dalken scorned their assistance.
+
+“People who live in a _stable_ can know nothing about decorating!” she
+said, insultingly.
+
+Polly sent her a glance of pity, but Eleanor retorted: “Stable! Well,
+the richest and most respected banker of Chicago is visiting us in that
+stable! And he is my very own father, too! If you were out there, now,
+I’d hate to think of what we’d do to _you_!”
+
+Elizabeth sneered and was about to reply, but Polly dragged her friend
+away, forcibly, and they were soon leaving the room.
+
+Mrs. Wellington had been thoroughly enjoying her conversation with the
+pleasant banker from Chicago, and now she smilingly said: “I can readily
+see where Eleanor gets her common sense and pleasing manners.”
+
+Mr. Maynard laughed and watched the two girls hurry over to join him. A
+glance at his daughter’s face, however, told him that something had gone
+wrong, but Mrs. Wellington hoped to check the complaint at that moment.
+She suddenly turned her head, seemed to hear someone call, and then
+spoke to Polly.
+
+“Come with me, dears, I believe we are wanted in the dressing rooms.”
+
+Once out of ear-shot of Mr. Maynard, she whispered: “Oh, do not allow
+Eleanor to say one word to her father that will spoil everything. I will
+look into this matter myself after to-night. But so much depends on this
+play going smoothly, and how can it if some one causes an explosion?”
+
+Polly felt sorry for poor Mrs. Wellington, for she really did have a
+hard life of it, trying to keep peace continually where so many girls
+were concerned. And she promised to try and calm Eleanor’s fury and
+determination to oust Elizabeth Dalken from the Wellington School for
+Young Ladies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI—THE NIGHT OF THE PLAY
+
+
+Of the sixty odd pupils in Mrs. Wellington’s school, at least fifteen of
+them were to participate in the play. There was to be a Chorus of six
+girls, and a Ballet, besides the principals who also acted the drama to
+follow. Consequently the representative scholars not appearing on the
+stage, had been asked to act as ushers, and general supervisors of
+harmony.
+
+Mr. Fabian and Mr. Maynard conducted Anne and her mother to the seats
+reserved for them, and soon the friends and families of the scholars
+filed in and took their seats. As the hall was generally used for other
+purposes, the floor was not graded, and the seats were not attached to
+the floor. They were ordinary wooden folding chairs to be piled up at
+the end of the performance.
+
+The pianist and other music teachers from school formed the orchestra,
+and their opening number was rendered so well that an encore followed.
+
+[Illustration: POLLY STAGGERED OUT OF THE DOOR CARRYING ELIZABETH ON
+HER SHOULDER.]
+
+Eleanor whispered comically to Polly, as they stood in the entrance
+door: “Maybe the friends hope to postpone the acting a little longer.”
+
+When the curtain was drawn aside and the first act of the playlet began,
+individuals in the audience became interested in watching their own
+girls in the troupe. The Chorus did very well, and the Ballet danced as
+gracefully as well-taught girls should, but once the actual acting
+began, there was a slight disappointment felt by the spectators.
+
+The leading lady (the programme said it was Miss Elizabeth Dalken) was
+the whole show. She managed to keep in the lime-light even when she was
+not speaking, or acting a part. And so much of one actress, whether good
+or bad, was bound to pall on the audience.
+
+“Polly, she’s spoiling the whole play! I wonder the other girls stood
+for it at the rehearsals,” whispered Eleanor.
+
+“She didn’t act that way, before, I’m sure. Marion King told me all
+about it. She’s doing it now just to show off!”
+
+“Not to her family! because not one of her folks are here. I heard her
+tell Estelle that her mother was going to a fashionable ball, and, of
+course, her father wouldn’t come because he had no invitation from
+Elizabeth.”
+
+“Well,” persisted Polly, feeling sorry for the girl, “she must have
+uncles or aunts or cousins, here.”
+
+“She hasn’t any in New York. Her father comes from upstate and his folks
+lived there. No one knows who her mother was, so she hasn’t a soul,
+here, but the chauffeur. He’s downstairs having refreshments.”
+
+The second act ended and everyone sighed in relief because the play was
+foolish and so poorly acted, even for amateurs. Mrs. Wellington felt
+deeply hurt when she found how Elizabeth had chosen chums rather than
+actors for the principal parts in the play.
+
+The third act began, in which Elizabeth was dressed in a spangled green
+ball-gown. It was very tight about the ankles and very low about the
+neck. It was too daring, even for a young girl acting a part. The gown
+had a long swishing tail at the back that could have been graceful on a
+vampire, but not on this posing girl.
+
+Mrs. Wellington shook her head disapprovingly at sight of Elizabeth, and
+wished, more than once, that she had taken more time to review the
+actors and their costumes, before they appeared in public.
+
+The Assembly Hall building where the play was given, had four stories.
+The first floor was used for refreshments, with a kitchen at the back.
+The second was a billiard parlor for the use of private clubs. The third
+floor was given over to the Hall, and the fourth floor was turned into
+dressing-rooms, card-rooms, smoking-room, et cetera.
+
+As no late arrivals were expected after the third act had opened the
+ushers, placed at the doors, closed them to shut out the talking and
+laughing in the billiard rooms. Then they sat down at either side of the
+door, to watch the play.
+
+The third act was progressing slowly, when the ushers heard sounds of
+confusion coming from downstairs. But they merely exchanged glances and
+thought some men were quarreling over a game of billiards.
+
+Soon afterward, a faint odor and a haze of smoke penetrated through the
+chinks of the doors, and Polly jumped up quickly to investigate. The
+moment she opened a door, however, a thick cloud of smoke poured in. She
+had to cough, but she remembered to instantly slam the door again.
+
+The other girls saw the smoke and a panic might have followed, had not
+Anne immediately jumped upon the stage and shouted:
+
+“Remember—do not lose your heads! That is the only danger. We can all
+get out safely if everyone will be calm and orderly.”
+
+Mr. Maynard took Mrs. Stewart with one arm, and caught Eleanor in his
+other, then called to Mr. Fabian to do the same with Anne and Polly. But
+there was such a dense mob at the only exit doors, that it was
+impossible to force a way through there, and the heavy smoke was now
+rapidly filling the hall.
+
+To add to the scene of fear and confusion, the women in the assembly
+cried, some screamed, the girls ran back and forth, and the men were
+venting their fears in calling upon Deity,—some scarcely audible, and
+others in shrill screams of excitement.
+
+Outside, one could hear the mingled calls and shouts of onlookers, the
+clanging of bells on the engines, and the yells of the people who had
+escaped and wanted to help their friends out. There were four front
+windows of the hall where the school entertainment was being given, but
+these were now jammed with women who sought that way to gain a breath of
+air, but were too timid to jump out to the street; and there were no
+fire-escapes to be found. The hallways and several doors opening to
+them, were a pitiful sight. The men, women, and children were crying,
+jostling, and stampeding each other in their vain efforts to get out and
+find the stairway in the dense smoke that kept pouring up from below.
+
+Mr. Fabian saw the panic and realized that his friends must seek a rear
+exit, or remain until the tardy firemen brought the ladders up to the
+building to help them out. So he hurried to the door back of the stage.
+It had escaped the frightened eyes of others. Having learned that this
+door opened upon an entry that ran to a rear window, he next discovered
+the usual fire-escape that ran down to the yard, and up to the roof. It
+took him but a moment to assure himself that the escape was safe, then
+he rushed back.
+
+“This way! Follow me—everyone!” he shouted to his friends.
+
+They all hurried to the window and Mr. Fabian went first, in order to
+assist the ladies out to the iron-slatted platform, and then to start
+them, sure-footed, on the upward climb of the narrow iron steps.
+
+Mrs. Stewart went first, but she was so nervous that Mr. Fabian followed
+closely behind her to steady her trembling form. Anne followed after her
+mother in climbing through the window, and Mr. Maynard followed her. The
+two girls were about to climb out on the platform when they heard a
+moan, and then a shrill cry, from the small dressing-room back of the
+stage.
+
+Anne ordered the girls to come out, but Polly turned and ran back.
+Eleanor followed, and Anne, distracted, climbed back, too.
+
+“Nolla, tie something over your mouth and nose—use your chiffon scarf,”
+commanded Polly, winding a wide silk sash about her own head.
+
+The girls groped along the entry but could not distinguish a thing in
+the thick, choking haze. Then Polly came to the dressing-room back of
+the stage. This was comparatively clear from smoke, and there the girls
+saw Elizabeth Dalken stretched upon the floor, a cut in her forehead
+attesting to the cause of her sharp scream.
+
+“Great Scott, Polly! What can we do now?” cried Eleanor, as the idea of
+trying to carry the girl up the steep ladder-way flashed across her mind
+only to be spurned. She had no idea of leaving her there to her fate,
+however.
+
+“If we only had a rope!” wailed Polly.
+
+“But we haven’t! If I only knew this house better I might find a
+back-stairway. Most city houses have them and I should think this place
+would have one.”
+
+“Of course! Nolla, close this door to keep out smoke. I’ll look for the
+stairs.”
+
+The few excited sentences were muttered through the mufflers tied over
+the girls’ mouths and noses. Then both girls began groping their way to
+the rear, hunting for the back-stairs.
+
+The mass of people that had surged from the Hall had made for the wide
+front stairs, and but few remembered to seek for a back exit. And these
+had speedily found a way down. Polly and Eleanor also found the narrow
+back stairs, then Polly hastily commanded:
+
+“Run and tell Anne—she can call to your Dad and explain. Then tell her
+to come this way, with us. I’ll lift Elizabeth over my shoulders and
+start down with her—Anne and you follow, at once!”
+
+In another moment, Polly was back in the dressing-room while Eleanor was
+running for the rear window to advise Anne. But she found her already
+inside tying a veil over her mouth and nose.
+
+“Nolla—where’s Polly?”
+
+“All right—come on!”
+
+“I told your father—they are safe on the roof—hurry now!”
+
+Eleanor led Anne through the smoke, and just as they reached the entry,
+Polly staggered out of the stage-door with the unconscious girl hanging
+over her shoulder.
+
+“Polly! Polly! You never can carry her!” cried Anne, in a smothered
+voice through the veiling.
+
+But Polly kept her mouth closed and struggled on to the back stairs.
+Anne began to cough and choke as a reward for trying to speak, but she
+reached the stairs first and rushed on down to see if there was a safe
+passage below. Eleanor was close upon her heels, and Polly followed more
+circumspectly.
+
+They reached the kitchen of the house without trouble but the heat as
+they passed by the second floor was terrific. Once down on the ground
+floor they found the rear of the place quite free from smoke, but it
+might only be because the fire overhead was blazing upward. At any
+moment the wall or upper floors might crash down and fall upon them.
+
+“Nolla—how can we get out of this pen?” cried Anne.
+
+“If the house is anything like Chicago’s, I’ll show you. There must be
+an area or cellar exit to the street.”
+
+The kitchen light was still burning but it looked weird in the
+smoke-laden atmosphere. Eleanor tried different doors but found that
+they opened into passages leading to closets or to the front rooms.
+Finally she opened one and caught a whiff of fresh uncontaminated air.
+
+“Thank heavens! Here it is, but I don’t know where it ends.”
+
+Anne and she pushed out, with Polly behind them. They were in a dark
+alley, now, and had to trust to good fortune to come out somewhere, in
+safety. Down several stone steps, and along another dark, damp area they
+went, and then Eleanor stumbled against a closed door.
+
+“Oh, mercy! Are we locked in here?” she yelled desperately, beating the
+door with her clenched fists.
+
+“Nolla—let me feel for a handle—you are hysterical!” cried Anne,
+swiftly passing her hands over the rough wood.
+
+“Hurry, hurry! I can’t carry this weight a minute longer!” breathed
+Polly, hoarsely.
+
+Just at that moment, Anne’s hand struck an iron bolt. In a second she
+had shot it backwards, and the heavy door swung open to give them an
+exit to the side street.
+
+All three girls ran frantically forward and Polly dropped her heavy
+burden upon a grass strip which edged the curb. Eleanor sobbed with
+relief and Anne fell upon her knees in silent thanksgiving.
+
+“I’m off, girls, to see if I can help, in front. Have a care for
+Elizabeth,” cried Polly, and away she flew.
+
+That silenced Eleanor’s hysteria quicker than anything else, and in
+another moment she was gone after her friend, leaving Anne to watch the
+still unconscious girl on the grass.
+
+The scene in front of the building was one of spectacular interest.
+Seeing the crowds of fashionably-dressed people grouped opposite the
+flaring house, it would seem that everyone of the guests had escaped.
+But there was a deafening mixture of cries and shouts from every
+direction. Some were crying for lost friends, some wailed for help
+because of injuries inflicted by the stampede; firemen signaled their
+associates; the old proprietor of the Hall ran madly to and fro shouting
+and gesticulating wildly to everyone; in fact, it was a scene that
+shocked Polly to witness because she thought city people had great
+presence of mind.
+
+Streams of water were pouring upon the flames that shot from the
+second-story windows, but the scaling ladders had not yet arrived, and
+the firemen were striving to enter the front door in order to carry the
+hose nozzle to a more effectual spot.
+
+The Chief had sent some men through adjacent houses to reach the roofs
+and work downwards from that vantage spot. But they had not yet appeared
+when Polly saw how she could assist.
+
+Acting upon an impulse, and doing exactly as she would do if she was
+witnessing a fire at Oak Creek, where the ranchers turn out and try to
+subdue the flames, Polly hastily dropped the clinging skirt of her
+evening dress. Having already removed the silk sash while in the Hall,
+she now dipped it in the flood of water that poured from the hydrant on
+the curb and tied it over her mouth and nose. Then she made a dash
+across the street.
+
+She caught a coil of rope from the hook where it hung on the back of the
+engine, and pushed a way through the staring men. Before anyone dreamed
+of her plan, or the firemen could restrain her she had reached the
+corner of the building and was agilely climbing the height by holding to
+the copper leader.
+
+A chorus of breathless gasps and frightened screams came from the crowd
+but Polly heard them not. She was too intent on her work. Being nimble
+and so light-weight, and thoroughly accustomed to climb up almost
+perpendicular cliffs, or along dizzy peaks, this ascent seemed like play
+to the mountain girl. But the onlookers were thrilled to silence as they
+watched her climb to the roof, and then safely crawl over the ledge.
+Instantly there was such a wild cheer from the street, that Polly
+wondered if something dreadful had happened. She never thought that the
+acclamation was meant for her.
+
+Without hesitation, she ran over to a nearby chimney and wound one end
+of the long rope about it, then lowered the other end to the street. The
+Chief saw the purpose, at once, and signaling back to the girl who was
+leaning over the edge of the roof, he had his men tie the rope ladder to
+the rope. Then Polly began hoisting it slowly, until its end came over
+the cornice.
+
+Meantime, when Eleanor found her friend halfway up the building,
+clinging to the leader and finding foothold in the crevices between the
+bricks, or on the steel bands that held the metal pipe to its moorings,
+she also ran across the street, and attempted to break through the
+cordon which had been formed to permit the men to hold out a life-net in
+case the daring climber should fall.
+
+“I want to help Polly—she is my best friend!” cried Eleanor, when the
+fireman made her turn back.
+
+Then she remembered the rear entrance from which they had escaped. She
+turned to the Chief and called hurriedly: “Send some men with me—I’ll
+show them the cellar entrance where they can reach the roof and
+different floors from the back!”
+
+“Hallam! Colter! Take your equipment and follow this girl to a back
+door. You know what to do!”
+
+The men detailed for this duty, beckoned a few others, and all ran after
+Eleanor who now made for the area door. She flew past Anne who was
+holding Elizabeth’s head upon her lap, but forgot to glance that way.
+Having gained the cellar door, she was about to go in but Hallam stopped
+her.
+
+“No, Miss—we dare not permit anyone to enter a burning building, you
+know.”
+
+“Oh, but I want to join Polly on the roof! The only reason I showed you
+this way was to get through myself!”
+
+“I’d lose my place in the contest for prize medals, Miss, if I broke
+rules. You wouldn’t want me to lose my promotion?”
+
+Eleanor felt that he had the best of the argument, so she very
+reluctantly turned and went back to the front of the house. There she
+saw that the firemen had climbed the ladder and were stationed on the
+roof and on window ledges, holding the hose from which the water poured
+in torrents upon the fire inside.
+
+Then the multitude now gathered on both streets and the corners of the
+Parkway, were treated to another thrill. The strand of rope Polly had
+taken with her, was now used by her for descent. Down the taut rope like
+a trained monkey, came she, and safely jumped to the street.
+
+Before she reached the ground however, a chorus of wild yells and
+hurrahs went forth from everyone in the crowd. The Chief called
+imperative orders to his men waiting with him, and the moment he had
+caught Polly, he forced his way across the street, carrying her in his
+arms as if she were a babe.
+
+His men began climbing the rope ladder taking a hose with them. From the
+vantage-points gained by Polly’s courage, the firemen now kept steady
+streams of water playing through the open windows upon the fire beneath,
+and thus managed to subdue it before the hook-and-ladder truck wheeled
+up beside the building.
+
+The men, led by Eleanor to the back-stairs, directed their efforts from
+that side, and soon the whole second and third floors became a bed of
+wet smoldering embers. The rest of the structure was saved.
+
+It was learned, later, that the club members giving the “smoker” to
+friends, had been careless of butts and papers, and thus the fire must
+have originated.
+
+The family living in the beautiful house opposite the fire, took Polly
+in charge, and kept away the mob of curious people who wished to see and
+talk with the heroine.
+
+Polly was all right, and wondered why she should be kept indoors when
+others on the outside might need assistance. Suddenly she remembered her
+discarded skirt!
+
+“Oh, mercy me! Did I climb up that pipe looking like this?” she cried,
+blushing furiously and burying her face in the cushions of the divan.
+
+“My dear child! It was a wonderful sight! No one gave the slightest
+thought to your bloomers. But now you shall have one of Ruth’s skirts,”
+returned the lady of the house, fervently.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII—MRS. WELLINGTON’S THANKSGIVING
+
+
+The moment Polly was given a skirt, she donned it gratefully and said to
+Mrs. Ashby, her hostess: “Now I must find Elizabeth and have her cared
+for. I left her with Anne.”
+
+“Where—where is she? I’ll send James for them. But I want you to keep
+quiet, or you’ll be prostrated, dear child.”
+
+Polly smiled—she prostrated! But she explained: “Anne is sitting on the
+grass on the side street around the corner, taking care of the girl who
+fainted in the back-room of the theatre.”
+
+James was summoned from the front window where he had been watching the
+fight against the fire, and now took his orders eagerly. Polly pointed
+out the corner where she had left her friends and, in another moment,
+the butler was gone.
+
+“I s’pose I ought to go and hunt up my friends who escaped over the
+roofs,” ventured Polly.
+
+“You’ll rest here upon this divan, or your parents will sue me!”
+retorted Mrs. Ashby, trying to compel, with gentle hands, obedience to
+her command.
+
+Polly laughed softly. “My parents would sue you if you prevented me from
+doing my duty to others. Why, you-all make such a fuss over that
+pipe-climbing, and it is next to nothing for a Rocky Mountain girl. A
+day in a blizzard on the cliffs is ten times more hazardous.”
+
+Mrs. Ashby was consumed with curiosity to ask this handsome girl who she
+was, and all about herself, but she controlled herself admirably, for
+she knew her guest ought to keep quiet.
+
+The door-bell rang and its echo pealed through the house, but the
+servants were out watching the exciting events of the fire, and James
+had been sent for the other girls. So Mrs. Ashby opened the door.
+
+“I just heard that Polly Brewster was here—oh! is she all right!” cried
+the excited voice of Mrs. Wellington.
+
+“Right as a trivet, dear Mrs. Wellington!” called Polly springing from
+the couch to greet the lady.
+
+“Oh—oh! Thank God! I’ve worried and cried over you three precious girls
+until my eyes are blinded! They told me that everyone was out of the
+place but you three!”
+
+“Did everyone manage to escape safely?” asked Polly, anxiously.
+
+“Everyone got out, but oh! such a panic! Some are torn, and battered
+black and blue, from the stampede down through those front stairs and
+hall. I don’t believe a single soul got out with a whole gown! They tell
+me it was all the fault of that ‘Pool Club’ on the second floor; they
+gave a ‘smoker’ to-night, and when the fire was discovered on their
+floor, they caused the dreadful block in the front halls.”
+
+“Gowns are of no account if everyone escaped with life,” said Mrs.
+Ashby.
+
+“But it is most unfortunate for me, just now. The story getting into the
+newspapers, will ruin my reputation as a school principal. Folks will
+ask, ‘Why did she ever choose such a place for an entertainment;’ but
+they will never know that I tried everywhere else, first, and found
+everything engaged for this week. I begged the girl who started the idea
+to postpone the play until the week after Thanksgiving holiday, but she
+stubbornly refused. So I took what I could get. I dare not tell the
+reporters that it was merely to _please_ Elizabeth Dalken, and because
+Elizabeth’s father pays strictly in advance and has his daughter take
+all ‘extras.’
+
+“You have no idea what it means to me. I am paying off the mortgages on
+that house where the school is located, so that I might be able to take
+a deep breath before I am too old to work. But this unhappy accident
+will ruin my reputation as a careful superintendent.”
+
+“Elizabeth Dalken! I know her father very well, and we think he is one
+of the finest of men. We seldom meet Mrs. Dalken or the daughter, as we
+do not belong to the same set. Since Mr. Dalken separated from his wife,
+we have not seen her at all, but he was here and dined with us, this
+very evening,” said Mrs. Ashby.
+
+“If I could only explain to him just how this happened, he might not
+blame me for his daughter’s injury.”
+
+“Was she hurt?” exclaimed Mrs. Ashby. Then James came in, followed by
+three girls, and the adults who had escaped over the roofs.
+
+“Here we are, Polly—safe and sound,” Mr. Maynard’s cheery voice greeted
+the girl who jumped up at sight of them.
+
+Excited cries, and hugs, and happy laughs now followed as each one found
+the others without a hurt, Elizabeth Dalken being the only one who had
+received an injury, and that was merely a flesh-wound cut by the edge of
+the door as her head struck it.
+
+Mrs. Ashby took charge of Elizabeth, and washed her face; then placed a
+strip of court plaster over the cut to keep it clean.
+
+The fire was out and the crowd had dispersed before the firemen finished
+their work in and about the house. The Chief came to Mrs. Ashby’s door
+and asked for the young lady who was such a marvellous climber. So he
+was invited in to see for himself.
+
+“Young lady, I want to make a record of this deed, as I have to report
+everything to the police department, you know. And I am proud to say,
+our records are never kept in the dark when visitors come in to see our
+engine house. It’s seldom we can talk about, or show a page, with such a
+brave act as yours, written upon it.”
+
+Polly smiled. “But it really wasn’t anything to fuss over. It wasn’t
+dangerous, you know, and for anyone who can climb as well as I can, it
+would have been cowardly to stand by and _not_ act. You needed a light,
+agile climber whose weight would not break that leader away from the
+wall; and I happened to be that one.”
+
+The Chief and Mrs. Ashby exchanged glances, then laughed. “I guess it’s
+no use trying to make a heroine of her—she won’t have it so!” said he.
+
+Then Eleanor spoke up. “That’s because she’s accustomed to doing such
+great deeds out in the mountains where she comes from—walking on the
+heads of rattle-snakes, killing grizzlies and lions as if they were
+rabbits, saving a lot of tenderfeet from blizzards and landslides—these
+are but a few of the _little_ things she does out there!”
+
+The New Yorkers gasped in astonishment; even James, the butler, stood
+gaping with open mouth at a real live heroine—never seen before by him
+except on the movie screen. So intensely interested was he, that he
+failed to hear his master enter by the front door, followed by a
+gentleman. They both burst into the room and stood amazed.
+
+Then Mr. Ashby apologised for the abrupt entrance: “Dalken and I were at
+the Club when we heard of the fire so near my place. And when Dalken
+heard that it was Mrs. Wellington’s school-girls who were entertaining
+on the third floor, he came with me to see if his daughter is safe. Does
+anyone know where Elizabeth is?”
+
+“Here—right here, Mr. Dalken,” Mrs. Ashby quickly assured the father.
+And she beckoned Mrs. Wellington to bring the girl from the alcove where
+she had been resting.
+
+“My poor little girl!” quavered the father, taking the meek and
+broken-spirited Elizabeth in his arms. “Are you badly hurt?”
+
+She began to cry softly against his coat collar but Mrs. Ashby reassured
+Mr. Dalken. “Only a scratch. Her forehead may swell a bit and be
+discolored for a few days, but that is all. Elizabeth owes her life to
+these two girls here, Mr. Dalken. One carried her out of the building
+after she had fainted, and the other went first and found a way down the
+back stairs.”
+
+“Not really!” the amazed man gasped. “Tell me about it.”
+
+But Polly was a poor narrator, so Anne decided to speak. She was bound
+that Polly should not belittle this deed as she had the climbing to the
+fourth floor of the burning building.
+
+That Mr. Dalken was deeply moved, everyone could see, and when he shook
+hands with the two girls he said gravely, “I shall never forget how you
+kept me from being childless. My baby boy died three years ago to-night,
+and I could not have stood losing my little girl, too, on the
+anniversary of that sad experience.”
+
+Elizabeth then remembered the date and hiding her face, ran back to the
+alcove to cry softly to herself. Mrs. Ashby and Mrs. Wellington knew the
+sad story, so they allowed her to weep alone. But Mr. Dalken,
+tender-hearted, would have gone to comfort the girl, had not Mrs. Ashby
+placed a detaining hand upon his arm and said: “No, dear friend—better
+leave her to remember and realize everything.”
+
+Polly and Eleanor saw and heard and could not understand, but they
+thought it was no concern of theirs, so they forgot it.
+
+Everyone had been introduced informally to everyone else, and at last
+Mrs. Ashby said: “I have had a bit of refreshment served for you, in the
+dining room, before you go home. After such exposures and excitement, I
+think we all will need something.”
+
+Mr. Fabian wished to excuse himself, but his friends would not hear of
+it. Then Mr. Dalken came over and spoke to him. “Are you Mr. Fabian, the
+artist?”
+
+“They say I am an artist, but I doubt it, myself,” replied Mr. Fabian,
+humbly, but smiling at the questioner.
+
+“Then I am delighted to have met you, for I have a niece studying in
+Paris, and she writes me pages upon pages about Mrs. Fabian and the
+daughter Nancy, and how lovely they have been to take her about with
+them.”
+
+His wife and daughter were Mr. Fabian’s pet subject so now he seemed to
+expand marvellously, and smiled benignly upon everyone present. On the
+way to the dining-room, Mr. Dalken and the artist exchanged
+heart-to-heart ideas and were soon fast friends.
+
+But scarcely had they seated themselves ere another mad peal of the
+door-bell took James from the pleasant task of serving an impromptu
+supper. He was heard arguing with someone in the hall, then Mrs. Ashby
+turned to her husband and said: “You go and see what is the matter.”
+
+After a short time, three re-entered the room—James, Mr. Ashby, and an
+ambitious-looking young man with alert bright eyes.
+
+“Representative from the Press wants us to give him all the inside news
+about the fire,” explained Mr. Ashby, looking at the circle about the
+table.
+
+Mrs. Wellington turned pale and gazed beseechingly at Mr. Maynard,
+hoping he could help her out in the inevitable story that would be
+written up about her school. But Mr. Dalken saw the look and
+comprehended immediately.
+
+“Hello, Dunlap! How’d you get this assignment from the night-editor?”
+
+“Oh—it’s Mr. Dalken. I’m delighted to see you, sir,” returned the
+reporter, very respectfully.
+
+“Yes, these are friends of mine. Some of them are the dearest friends I
+have, so I do not wish them to be annoyed by finding a garbled story in
+the papers to-morrow morning. Consequently, I will, with the assistance
+of these friends, give you the facts, simple and straightforward, but
+see that you add nothing to them nor delete a line. Tell your boss that
+I said so!”
+
+“I sure will, Mr. Dalken, and maybe I won’t be the thankful guy if you
+tell me the story! Can I say it came from you?” was the eager reply of
+the man Dunlap.
+
+“No, sir! I am not in this at all, except as one who rushed here to help
+friends. Now this is the story for your paper.”
+
+Mrs. Wellington had been anxiously whispering to Mr. Fabian, and the
+latter now secured Mr. Dalken’s attention. “May I have a word with you,
+in private, before the reporter takes down any notes?”
+
+Out of hearing of the others, Mr. Fabian then explained that Elizabeth
+had stubbornly refused to postpone the entertainment, and because of her
+insistence, Mrs. Wellington had taken whatever hall she could find. But
+she did not want Elizabeth to be made to bear any of the blame, so she
+wants you to touch wisely on anything that has to do with the
+theatricals.
+
+“I certainly appreciate Mrs. Wellington’s thoughtfulness and I will
+remember this. I’ll see what can be done with Dunlap.”
+
+“Mr. Dalken is a born story-teller, Dunlap, and that is why he is so
+popular, I think,” remarked Mr. Ashby, just then.
+
+“Sit down there by Fabian, Dunlap, and join our circle,” cordially
+invited the story-teller, after he had frowned threateningly at his
+host.
+
+“Give Dunlap some coffee and don’t let him jot down a word until I’ve
+done talking. Then we will pick out the notes he is to have,” added Mr.
+Dalken.
+
+“Oh, you can tell it so well, do let me write as you narrate?” begged
+the reporter.
+
+“No, sir! I can’t read short-hand and you may get in a word I don’t want
+you to take. Here, James, remove the pencil and pad from that young
+man.”
+
+Everyone laughed, and Dunlap meekly surrendered the articles mentioned.
+Directly Mr. Dalken began his story, the wily reporter had another
+pencil and pad before him. But Fabian stealthily took possession of
+these also, and the laugh went against the young man that time.
+
+While Mr. Dalken wove a veritable thriller out of the material provided
+by the fire, Mrs. Wellington wondered how it was possible to present the
+facts so well and at the same time prove, beyond doubt, that the young
+ladies of Mrs. Wellington’s school were so perfectly trained and
+educated that they were a great factor in saving lives and property that
+night. At the end of the story, Mr. Dalken said that some bright
+investor might find a handsome revenue in building a fire-proof Hall
+where just such entertainments could be given—high-school girls who
+loved to give parties but could not lease one of the hotel ball-rooms,
+weeks in advance and pay exorbitant prices, and then possibly change
+their plans before the event.
+
+“You can make a separate paragraph of what I said, if you like, and
+preface it with the remark: ‘When asked what he thought about the fire,
+Mr. Dalken, who viewed the blaze from a house opposite the scene, said’:
+you know the rest,” the famous financier saw that the reporter
+comprehended, and then he turned to the others seated about the table.
+
+“Anything to add to my story?”
+
+“It was very fine, especially about our dear Principal, but you didn’t
+say enough about Polly carrying Elizabeth safely out,” Eleanor said,
+eagerly.
+
+“I followed a lead given me by Mr. Fabian. We all think it best not to
+mention names, but to make the incident impersonal,” explained Mr.
+Dalken.
+
+Eleanor pouted, for she wanted to have Polly given all the credit for
+what she did. But a sly look from the reporter gave her an idea, and she
+smiled back understandingly.
+
+Then the story was pieced out for Dunlap and when he had taken down all
+his notes, he jumped up and said: “I know you will excuse me for rushing
+away, but I want to get this in type at once. In case you have forgotten
+something, or wish to send me a photograph of anyone, call 10000 Greeley
+and I’ll see to it, without fail.”
+
+“That’s all you’ll get on this occasion,” laughed Mr. Dalken as James
+started to show the young man to the door. But in passing Eleanor,
+Dunlap sent her a mental telegram, and she closed one eye significantly.
+
+“Oh—he left his pencils and paper!” exclaimed Eleanor, jumping up
+instantly and running with them to the front door.
+
+“Mr. Dunlap—here is your private property that Mr. Fabian had charge
+of,” was what the guests in the dining-room heard. But to Dunlap she
+hurriedly whispered: “I’ll ’phone you after I leave here.”
+
+Before the party broke up that night, Mrs. Ashby learned that Mrs.
+Maynard was an old schoolmate of hers, and expressed a wish that Polly
+and Eleanor would visit her again and meet Ruth who was then visiting
+friends for Thanksgiving week.
+
+“I really cannot voice my gratitude to all these kind friends,” said
+Mrs. Wellington, as they stood in the reception hall saying good-night.
+“Not only has dear Mr. Dalken turned harsh public condemnation from my
+doors, but the story as he told it, actually brings glory to the
+school.”
+
+“And why should it not, my dear Madam? Have you not fought and struggled
+with every girl in your charge, to perfect and express just the
+qualities I have given you credit for?” said Mr. Dalken.
+
+“Oh, yes, _I_ have tried so hard, but how many people, or even parents,
+would credit me with such endeavors? Once they read it in the papers
+they will accept the statement, but it is so hard to impress folks by
+actual demonstration,” sighed the thankful lady.
+
+“Thank heavens, Mrs. Wellington, that you have a whole day of peace
+before you, in which to remember that you have found a group of people,
+here, who not only appreciate your efforts but have tried to make others
+approve them,” said Mrs. Ashby, earnestly.
+
+“Indeed I have! I expect to have the very best of Thanksgivings, due to
+all of you dear people. Some day I will be able to show my gratitude for
+this.” And the lady’s voice quavered with emotion.
+
+“And you’ll find the story in the papers will not only spare you any
+criticism, but actually praise your school,” added Mr. Ashby.
+
+“You may be overwhelmed with new scholars,” suggested Polly, innocently.
+
+“That’s so! I’ve always heard that discreet publicity is the finest kind
+of advertising,” Eleanor declared. “This fine tale about your scholars
+ought to bring back fifty percent returns.”
+
+Everyone laughed heartily at hearing so young a girl talk so
+business-like, and Mr. Dalken said: “I am interested to know just where
+you got that information?”
+
+“Isn’t it true?” demanded Eleanor, turning her bright eyes on him. “You
+see, Polly and I are going into business together, pretty soon, and I
+have to take notice of all approved methods of winning success. I am to
+be the business manager while Polly is the decorator.”
+
+The new acquaintances were highly amused at such talk, and Mr. Ashby
+laughingly inquired: “What profession have you chosen?”
+
+“Interior decorators. We have started, already; we go to Cooper Union
+three nights a week and Mr. Fabian takes us to all the lectures and
+exhibitions on any subject that will give us ideas and help.”
+
+“Well!” exclaimed Mr. Dalken, finding the girls were really serious.
+Mrs. Ashby was deeply interested, but her husband took each of the
+prospective decorators by the hand and shaking them cordially, said:
+“Let us congratulate each other, for I am already established as a
+decorator. I want to help you onward in every possible way, my dear
+girls, so call on me whenever you want help. Just as Fabian takes you to
+these valuable exhibitions and lectures, so the four of us pulling
+together ought to arrive somewhere.”
+
+Mr. Fabian was as pleased at the news as either of his protegées, and
+they left the Ashbys feeling very much at peace with the world and
+everything in it.
+
+As Eleanor ran down the shallow brown-stone steps to the sidewalk, she
+turned back and called to Mr. Ashby: “Who knows! We may end by going
+into partnership with you, some day!”
+
+He laughed, and said: “Who knows?”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII—A WEEK OF PLEASURE
+
+
+As Mr. Maynard occupied Eleanor’s room at the Studio, and she used the
+couch moved into Polly’s room for the time being, it seemed difficult
+for Eleanor to follow her desire to communicate with Dunlap, the
+reporter, as soon as she got home.
+
+Everyone was dog-tired from the excitement and the visit at the Ashbys
+afterward, so there was no time lost before tumbling into bed. Eleanor
+found it very hard to keep her eyes open until she could hear Polly
+sleeping heavily. Then she crept from the bed.
+
+Downstairs was the print of a photograph taken a few weeks before, of a
+group of Mrs. Wellington’s scholars. Polly and herself were in this
+group, and Eleanor planned to get it into the reporter’s hands for
+reproduction to print a picture of Polly in the morning’s paper.
+
+She found the photograph without noise or trouble and then sat down
+before the telephone stand in the corner of the living room. “I hope to
+goodness no one upstairs will hear me talk,” thought Eleanor to herself,
+as she gave the number to Central.
+
+“Hello—is this 10000 Greeley?
+
+“Give me Mr. Dunlap, please.
+
+“The lady who said she would call him about the fire.
+
+“No, you won’t do! I want Dunlap!
+
+“He isn’t in? I don’t believe you! Get off the wire!
+
+“Hello—hello! H-e-l-lo! I want editor’s desk—10000 Greeley, and be
+quick about it!” snapped Eleanor, feeling quite irritable because of the
+loss of sleep, and the strange reporter’s laugh at her.
+
+“Is this the night-editor?” now asked Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+“U—um! May I speak to Mr. Dunlap—the reporter you assigned on the fire
+story uptown, to-night?
+
+“Oh—he isn’t in? Well, but he said he would wait to take some important
+notes from me. I can’t believe he is out.
+
+“Well, then, you may be the night-editor, but you sound exactly like
+that fresh reporter who spoke to me a moment ago. I cannot understand
+why you employ such rude youths as he is.”
+
+Eleanor grinned to herself for she was quite sure she was speaking to
+the same reporter who answered the call, at first. An answering laugh
+convinced her she was right, and she hissed through the telephone: “If
+you knew who I was, you wouldn’t keep me sitting in the cold like this.
+Now you can either call Dunlap or I’ll give my story to your enemy
+downtown. The reporters of that paper are just dying to get my story.”
+
+That proved miraculous. To prevent the downtown competitor from getting
+the story, the unknown was willing to turn it over to his opponent,
+Dunlap.
+
+Eleanor recognised Dunlap’s voice the moment he took the ’phone, and she
+gave him some interesting personal facts about Polly and herself, and
+why they were now studying in New York. She talked for half-an-hour,
+praising Polly and her wonderful character, and finally began telling
+about the escape from Grizzly Peak at the time of the landslide. But
+Dunlap interrupted her with:
+
+“I can’t get all of that in—we go to press very shortly.”
+
+“Oh, dear! Can’t you run over here and get this photo of Polly, that I
+have ready for you?”
+
+“For the morning edition?” gasped Dunlap.
+
+“Yes, to accompany the story of the fire.”
+
+“My dear young lady—do you know how long it takes to make a plate for
+the paper?”
+
+“A plate? I said ‘a photograph,’ Mr. Dunlap.”
+
+“But we have to make a reproduction of yours, then print it on a plate,
+then give it an acid bath, then etch and rout, and mount—and it all
+takes time before the plate is ready to be stereotyped for the printing
+in the paper.”
+
+“Oh! I thought you just took the picture and copied it in the paper. Of
+course, I never stopped to inquire into what process it went through.
+But if you say you can’t use it, I’m sorry.”
+
+“So’m I. But you might bring it in early in the morning and I’ll see if
+there is enough interest in the story to rake up an evening’s yarn.”
+
+“Very well. I’ll do that.”
+
+“Come in, anyway, and bring your friends. I’ll show you through the
+engraving plant of the paper. You’ll be interested.”
+
+“Thank you—good-by.”
+
+Eleanor hung up the receiver and listened intently to hear if anyone was
+stirring upstairs. All was quiet, so she placed the photograph back on
+the shelf and crept upstairs again. She jumped into bed shivering, after
+being exposed so long to the cold, downstairs. But utter weariness soon
+brought her sleep and all was forgotten until breakfast time.
+
+Mr. Maynard, speaking, woke Eleanor. She sat up and rubbed her eyes
+sleepily. “Thank goodness, we do not have to go to school for a whole
+week!” declared she, throwing a shoe at Polly’s half-buried head.
+
+“Polly! Pol-le—ee! Wake up!”
+
+“Wha-foh?” grunted Polly, half-dazed.
+
+Then both girls heard Mr. Maynard call: “I’ll be right back to
+breakfast, Mrs. Stewart—I’m going to the corner for the papers.”
+
+Eleanor suddenly remembered her share in the telling of the story about
+the fire, and she jumped out of bed. “I’m going to hurry down and read
+what the paper says about the fire,” said she.
+
+Polly turned over and stretched lazily. “I don’t care what they say. I’m
+going to sleep all day.”
+
+Eleanor was annoyed. “No, you won’t! We’ve got to keep a date with Mr.
+Fabian this noon, and you’ve _got to_ get up!”
+
+“Oh, that’s so! Mr. Fabian is going to take us to Grand Central Palace
+to show us how carpets are made. I forgot that exhibition was to-day.”
+And Polly jumped up at that remembrance when other things had failed to
+move her.
+
+The girls were downstairs in time to open the front door for Mr.
+Maynard. He was grinning teasingly, as he tried to keep a great mass of
+morning papers from slipping out from under his arm. He held out an
+opened sheet for the girls to see.
+
+“Oh, what a horrid face! Who is it?” exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+“The paper states it is you, my dear,” laughed her father.
+
+“What—never! Oh, what awful people these newspaper men are! Dad, can’t
+you go down there and horse-whip them? I never looked like that in all
+my life!” and Eleanor stamped her foot in a fury.
+
+Polly had been gazing at the two faces printed on the front sheet of the
+morning paper, but now she laughed. “Oh, if I looked like that picture,
+I could have put out the fire by merely turning my face to it!”
+
+Anne and her mother came in when they heard Mr. Maynard’s loud laughter.
+They, too, stared at the oval-framed pictures said to be “The two
+heroines of the dreadful fire at Assembly Hall.”
+
+“Anne, where under the sun did the newspapers get those two pictures?”
+asked Polly, tittering every time she saw the ovals.
+
+“Every newspaper has a department known as the ‘morgue,’ or some such
+name. They keep, filed away, pictures of every well-known person in the
+world. In the package indexed under the proper name, are one or two
+‘cuts’ ready to use in case of a hurry. Then when a person dies, or is
+married, or something or other happens, the newspaper rushes to its
+files and gets out the picture, or cut, needed.
+
+“It is the same with famous buildings, or ships, or objects of any kind.
+If something comes up that brings the thing to the public attention,
+there the papers have the pictures all ready to print.
+
+“Now they keep lots of photographs, just like these two, which they buy
+from cheap photographers. They buy a hundred in a job lot, and if they
+want a picture and can’t secure a legitimate one, or a snap-shot from
+the reporter’s kodak, they use what they have on hand.
+
+“It would be extremely amusing to be present when these girls see their
+faces in the paper. It will prove almost as funny as seeing you two
+girls scorning these strange faces.”
+
+But Mr. Maynard had been reading the article while Anne had explained
+the methods of many newspapers, and now he exclaimed: “By jove! Dalken
+never said a word about all this life-history!”
+
+“What’s that, Daddy? Read it to us,” begged Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+“Why—wh-y-y—the young rascal hit it right on the head, all right! But
+where did he get it?” continued Mr. Maynard.
+
+“For pity’s sake—read it aloud!” commanded Eleanor, hardly able to hold
+her tongue about the story.
+
+Then Mr. Maynard read it, and it lost none of its vivid coloring by his
+reading, either. When he had almost concluded, Polly began to grow
+angry. When he finished, she was furious.
+
+“I’m going up to that office and I’ll fight that reporter. He had no
+more right to print that than those other men had to use someone else’s
+photographs and call them ours. So there!”
+
+Mr. Maynard had been thinking seriously, and now he nailed Eleanor with
+a penetrating look. “Nolla, did you tell that young rascal this story
+when you ran to the door with his pencil and paper last night?”
+
+“No, indeed! I did not, Daddy! You can ask the butler if I ever did! He
+stood right there when I handed Dunlap the pencil!”
+
+Eleanor’s denial was so emphatic that everyone believed she was innocent
+of any such plot; so they never found out who was the guilty one.
+
+While at breakfast, the telephone rang. “This is Mr. Latimer, Anne. We
+have just read the papers and were so surprised! When we saw the
+pictures of the two heroines, we feared some dreadful thing had happened
+to distort their faces so that we failed to recognise them, and I
+hastened to inquire. Do you need Dr. Evans’ services to straighten out
+those faces?”
+
+An amused laugh could be heard over the wire, and Anne laughed back.
+“No, thanks; a good night’s rest has brought back their natural looks.
+The faces in the paper must have been taken by the flickering flame of
+the burning dwelling.”
+
+“Jim and Ken came home late last night for the Holiday. We wanted to
+congratulate you girls on trying so hard for the Carnegie Medal, but now
+Jim wants to say ‘good-morning.’”
+
+In another moment, Jim’s voice was heard speaking. “Oh, good-morning,
+Anne. Have you used Pears Soap?” Then a gay laugh.
+
+“We have, but you haven’t! Your father just told me you got in at
+midnight, and if you’re up as early as this, I’m sure the sleep hasn’t
+been washed from your eyes,” retorted Anne.
+
+Polly and Eleanor crowded close and hung over the ’phone so they could
+hear what Jim had to say.
+
+“I only wanted to say, I’ve got tickets for the show, to-night, and the
+girls are not to go anywhere else.”
+
+“Oh, tell him we’re out of town on a week-end party,” Eleanor whispered,
+hurriedly to Anne.
+
+“Are the tickets good for Eleanor’s father and my mother, in case the
+girls go out of town?” teased Anne.
+
+“Say—you really don’t mean that?” Jim’s voice sounded very sad.
+
+“I cannot tell a lie—I am like George, you see, and I’ll let the girls
+fib for themselves,” laughed Anne, getting up from the stool and handing
+the instrument to Polly.
+
+“Oh, here, Nolla! You do it! You know I don’t like this jiggery quivery
+thing!” cried Polly, quickly placing the telephone apparatus on the
+table and making room for Eleanor on the chair.
+
+Eleanor was delighted to talk with Jim, and she kept at it until a
+clicking in her ear notified her that someone wanted to get them on the
+wire, so she hurriedly rang Jim off.
+
+“Hello!” called Eleanor to the next inquirer.
+
+“Hello—1234 Madison Square?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“This is Mr. Ashby speaking. Is this one of the heroines?”
+
+“Oh, Mr. Ashby! Yes, it is Nolla. What do you think of the story in the
+paper—and the funny photographs?” laughed Eleanor.
+
+“I laughed myself sick over it at breakfast. My wife and I wondered how
+that young rascal got them, and James explained.”
+
+Here Eleanor turned white, for she wondered if the butler really had
+seen her wink at Dunlap. “My, but I’m thankful I got at this wire
+instead of Anne,” said she to herself.
+
+“Two of our maids had their postal-card pictures taken the other day,
+and upon rushing out of the front door to watch the fire last night,
+they laid them upon the hall table. James saw them there, later, but
+thinking the girls would soon be coming in to take them upstairs, he did
+nothing about it.
+
+“Then in the excitement of watching Miss Polly climb the front of the
+house, and have the Chief carry her over to our house, the pictures were
+completely forgotten. As the young reporter went out, James saw Miss
+Eleanor take his hat from the stand and hand it to him. But nothing was
+thought about the cards. Later, however, they were gone.
+
+“This morning the papers have the photographs of Mary, the waitress, and
+Gladys, the upstairs girl, as heroines of the fire. Maybe our maids are
+not tickled to pieces to find themselves so famous.”
+
+Eleanor heard both Mr. and Mrs. Ashby laughing merrily over the mistake,
+and then she said: “Do you suppose I handed the cards to Dunlap when I
+picked up his papers and hat?”
+
+“Undoubtedly. But the joke is, he thinks you meant to do it very
+secretly, you see, so he never mentioned it but hurried the work on the
+pictures so as to have them in the morning’s paper. He most likely
+believes that that was why you ran after him—to manage to give him
+those two photographs to use. I think the laugh is entirely on him,
+don’t you, Eleanor?”
+
+But Eleanor did not say. She sat and studied the pattern in the rug for
+a time, refusing to answer all the questions asked. Then she decided
+that Mr. Ashby must have heard from Dunlap that morning, and was told
+how she had added many facts to Mr. Dalken’s story. But this funny error
+of using the maid’s photographs, was retribution on her head.
+
+The young people, with Anne to chaperone them, enjoyed the play that
+night, and then the boys outlined the programme they had made for the
+week.
+
+The next day, being Thanksgiving, the entire party was to dine at the
+Latimers’. Then they would go for an automobile drive, and in the
+evening all would enjoy an impromptu supper and dance at the Evans’.
+
+Friday morning the boys would take the girls skating at St. Nicholas
+Rink. They begged to attend Mr. Fabian and the girls in the afternoon at
+the Textile Exhibition, then dinner at the Studio, and another play at
+night.
+
+Saturday morning the girls were going to visit Mr. Ashby’s famous
+decorating establishment, and get a glimpse first-hand of what a modern
+decorator must do and know to succeed. In the afternoon the boys wanted
+to take in a matinee, but the girls were invited to dinner at the
+Ashbys, and to spend the evening with their daughter Ruth. So Jim said
+nothing, but he instantly planned how to meet the Ashbys.
+
+“Now don’t go and make any more dates for next week, without asking us,
+understand!” declared Jim, when he heard that Saturday was engaged and
+Sunday, partly so.
+
+“How can we help it if our parents and chaperones do it without our
+knowledge,” queried Eleanor, innocently.
+
+“Well, I’ll speak to them, then. Ken and I will have to be off again
+next week; so for the few days we have at home we want you girls to pass
+up all other fun. You’ve got all the year for other beaux, you know,”
+grumbled Jim.
+
+Polly and Eleanor laughed. “Oh, yes,” said the latter, “we just keep on
+the go continually, every afternoon and evening, with a devoted swain
+each day to replace the ones of the day before.”
+
+“Where do you meet them?” demanded Jim, jealously.
+
+“We-ll—the first one Polly and I snared, we ‘picked up’ at an art sale.
+But we have many opportunities to meet others, you know.”
+
+“Yes,” added Polly, entering the joke, “at night school, you know, there
+are loads of young men; and at lectures and exhibitions—and
+everywhere.”
+
+“Is that why you both are so crazy to go to these dry lecture affairs?”
+jeered Kenneth, thinking himself very clever, indeed.
+
+But they failed to get the girls to break the engagement with the
+Ashbys, and Jim barely managed, through his father’s kind auspices, to
+meet Mr. Dalken Saturday morning, and thus open the way to call on the
+Ashbys that evening.
+
+Mr. Dalken was young in spirit if not in years, and he enjoyed helping
+the two boys work out the little plot so as to be present with Polly and
+Eleanor at the Ashbys, that evening. But the boys never knew that their
+benefactor passed up an exciting game of chess at his club, that
+Saturday night, in order to introduce them to his friends.
+
+There were so many wonderful things to do during that Holiday Week, that
+the girls could not attend them all. Many of their school-friends were
+eager to have them at teas and parties and matinees, but all these had
+to be refused with regrets. Eleanor remarked: “Wait for school to open.
+We’ll be the most popular girls there. In fact, every last girl will
+want to fag for us!”
+
+“Why?” asked Polly, wonderingly.
+
+“Because they think we are in such demand, everywhere, that we can’t
+accept any invitations of theirs. Don’t you suppose they have told each
+other? Lots of those girls travel around together, and they talk
+everything over. But I guess they are wondering who takes us out so
+much, and what society we travel in.” Eleanor laughed.
+
+Polly looked at her with pity. “Nolla, sometimes I feel _so_ sorry for
+you! All your joy and pleasure in having others act nice or kind to you,
+is lost because of the education you’ve had in Bob’s school. Now I don’t
+believe those girls ask us just to cater to us because we are popular. I
+think they really like us and would love to have us with them. If I
+wasn’t so frightfully busy with school at night, and other worth-while
+occupations, I’d jaunt about with them.”
+
+Eleanor said nothing more, but she did a lot of thinking.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX—POLLY’S MUSCLE
+
+
+Mr. Maynard was delighted with Eleanor’s evident improvement in health,
+and all fears of the New York climate vanished entirely, before he
+finished his visit in New York. He remained a week and then said
+good-by, reminding Mrs. Stewart that she had invited him for the
+Christmas Holidays. They all laughed because he was welcome, at all
+times, to remain as long as he could.
+
+Regular studies began again after the Thanksgiving Holiday and, with the
+reopening of the classes, the girls started in on a new line of art at
+Cooper Union. Anne Stewart used to escort the girls to and from the
+school on class-nights, but it was such a tiresome trip for her to make,
+after a hard day at school, and with lessons to go over at home, that
+the girls insisted upon her staying home.
+
+Mr. Fabian generally conducted them home after class, and then went on
+to his own rooms. As it was hardly dark by seven-thirty, in October and
+early November, it was no more hazardous for the two girls to walk or
+ride down to the Square than it would be in the daytime.
+
+But the days were becoming so much shorter after Thanksgiving, that it
+was quite dark by six o’clock. Hence Anne worried about their going
+downtown, alone, even though it was but a few blocks.
+
+The second week of class in December, found Mr. Fabian absent. He had
+taken a severe cold and thought better of risking his health in the
+bitter wind and Scotch mist that night.
+
+Polly and Eleanor did not speak of it to Anne, as she, too, felt
+wretched that day; and they would rather have stayed at home than have
+had her accompany them to night school in her state of health.
+
+“You’re not to worry about us, Anne, if we do not come in as early as
+usual,” said Eleanor, upon opening the door to go out.
+
+“Why—where will you be?” asked Anne, instantly.
+
+“Exams. Some of the teachers are testing us in all the work we did this
+last term, and we have to write our answers. We may be a full hour later
+than usual; but we’ll come uptown, together, so there’s nothing to worry
+about,” explained Polly.
+
+Anne thought she meant Mr. Fabian by “we-all” but Polly meant several of
+the students who lived a few blocks north of the Square.
+
+Both girls were well bundled up in heavy storm coats, mufflers, and
+close-fitting woollen caps pulled down over their ears. Besides their
+books and other materials, they had umbrellas to carry but it was too
+windy to open them.
+
+The examination questions proved to be most interesting; and the answers
+required a great deal of careful thought, before describing the various
+types, methods and ideals of architecture and decoration.
+
+Polly described at large such questions as: “Can you describe the
+different types that go to make up the Egyptian people?” or the
+question: “How does plant-life affect Egyptian ornament—sketch two such
+plants.”
+
+“What is a torus molding? Where is echinus molding used? Sketch the cyma
+recta.”
+
+When Polly found the questions: “Describe a scarabæus,” and “Why did
+ancient Egyptians prepare their dead as they did, and describe a mummy
+and the methods used for its preservation,” she was elated, for she had
+made a particular study of these subjects at the Metropolitan Museum
+where the collection of Egyptian antiques is unsurpassed.
+
+There were many other interesting questions, all of which Polly was
+eager to answer, but time was too limited for her to say all she wished
+to. For instance, she wanted to describe, at length, Greek art and the
+Greek nation that was characteristic for its own type of art and
+ornament.
+
+She was anxious to tell what she knew about color and its importance in
+art. Of polychromy and what it was. In fact, she needed hours in which
+to speak fully of the difference between Greek, Egyptian and Assyrian
+art and ornament.
+
+Eleanor on her part, wrote graphically of the difference between the
+Arabs and Persians, and how their modes and habits had a corresponding
+effect on art. She liked to describe the style of Romanesque art and how
+it governed all Eastern Europe at one time.
+
+Eleanor leaned to the Moorish classics and had a weakness for Turkish
+designs; she loved the warm coloring used by the Moors in their work,
+and the harsh bright colors employed by the Turks. She had no hesitation
+in selecting from samples shown, the Mohammedan designs, the Chinese,
+the Byzantine, or Arabian patterns. She was expert in stating why the
+fall of Rome affected all art in Eastern and Western Europe, and what
+was its highest development and its period of all architecture.
+
+It was more than an hour later than usual, when the two girls put away
+their work and started out for home. The scholars who lived on streets
+uptown, had gone long before, and Polly and Eleanor found that the high
+wind made it impossible for them to open their umbrellas.
+
+“It’s so icy we will have to use them as props,” laughed Polly.
+
+“My! But this sleet in one’s face is cold, isn’t it?” gasped Eleanor.
+
+“Let’s take a short cut across the Plaza,” suggested Polly, breaking
+into a run across the diamond that separates the streets at Third and
+Fourth avenues, and Eighth street.
+
+Having reached the small oasis about the subway station, Eleanor said:
+“Why not take the subway, here, to Twenty-eighth street, Poll?”
+
+“Oh, I hate those subways! This wonderful sleet and the quiet hissing of
+the ice on the windows and walks makes me feel as if I were home. No
+clatter of wheels, no shouting of burly men, no _nothing_ that makes a
+city so horrid. Let’s walk all the way home.”
+
+“All right,” laughed Eleanor. “I’m game!”
+
+So they started up Fourth avenue, past Wanamakers, and were soon lost to
+their surroundings in their discussion of the examinations.
+
+“What answer did you give to the question ‘Tell the basis of religions
+existing with the Persians and the Arabs: describe the differences,’
+Polly?”
+
+“I was not quite sure of that, Nolla, but I did make a good thing of
+that question ‘Why did Egyptians use bright colors in art?’ And also
+that question that read: ‘When colors of the pattern contrast with the
+colors of the back-ground, what general rule must govern?’ You know, I
+just love to ferret out these ideas.”
+
+“So do I. But I never dreamed there was so much wonderful knowledge to
+be obtained in a course of this kind,” said Eleanor, holding her arm
+before her face in order to speak distinctly.
+
+They had now reached Eleventh street, and were passing a saloon still
+brightly lighted, in spite of Prohibition Laws. In the doorway lounged
+three tough-looking young men; but the red-cheeked girls scarcely saw
+them—they were too interested in their conversation. An empty auto
+stood by the curb, but no other vehicle or person was in sight.
+
+When the girls came under the arc of light that reflected from the
+globes in the saloon-window, one of the flippant young men said, quite
+loud enough for Polly and Eleanor to hear: “I say! Ain’t them two goils
+peaches, though!”
+
+His two companions laughed rudely, but the girls hastened on without a
+word or look. Another of the trio then said: “Betcha they’d be glad of
+comp’ny. I’ll try it.”
+
+Eleanor whispered anxiously to Polly: “What time do you think it is?”
+
+“It was almost eleven when we stopped writing. It must be nearly
+eleven-thirty now.”
+
+“Pretty late for such a bad night. We’ll take the subway at Fourteenth
+street, Polly.”
+
+“Reckon we’d better. Are there no policemen about these corners?”
+
+“Not when you need one. On fine summer nights you will see them
+strolling about, maybe.”
+
+The girls tittered, but instantly hushed when they heard voices directly
+behind them.
+
+“Pretty evenin’ fer a walk, goils.”
+
+No reply was vouchsafed to this remark but the girls kept right on with
+their customary swift gait.
+
+“Ain’t che hankerin’ fer comp’ny?” chuckled another tough.
+
+“Ah, come on back, fellers. What’s th’ use foolin’ wid a coupla
+high-brows on such a nasty night!” argued one of the three.
+
+Polly and Eleanor fervently hoped they would go back, but the other
+fellow replied: “G’wan back, if yeh wants. Bill and me er goin’ to have
+some fun. Come on, Bill.”
+
+Polly now glanced at Eleanor and said in a low tone: “Get a good grip on
+your umbrella. Thank heavens we haven’t any books or papers to carry, as
+we usually have.”
+
+Then the fellow called Bill, said: “You amble up to the peacherino on
+the outside, whiles I take to the inside one, Andy.”
+
+“There’s the boss’s car waiting fer nuttin. We kin give them a ride—a
+joy ride fer us,” harshly laughed Andy.
+
+Bill joined in the suggestive laugh, and both girls unconsciously
+hastened their steps.
+
+“No hurry, my pretties. There ain’t a cop twixt here an’ the saloon on
+Fourteenth street. Don’t we’se know this districk? Ha-ha!”
+
+“Ready for a fight, Nolla!” hissed Polly, suddenly wheeling and facing
+the accosters.
+
+Eleanor also turned, a second later, and both men were taken by
+surprise. Polly’s eyes blazed and she gave the roughs such a scornful
+look that it should have withered them as they stood there.
+
+“Now you two out-laws turn-about-face and march downtown as fast as you
+know how!” commanded she.
+
+[Illustration: “NOW YOU TWO OUT-LAWS TURN-ABOUT-FACE AND MARCH!”
+COMMANDED POLLY.]
+
+“Ah, ha, Bill! I envy you your choice! She turns out to be a regerler
+sport. See them eyes shoot fire? Let me have a kiss, me pritty, afore
+Bill gits them all!” As the fellow Andy spoke insinuatingly, he stepped
+forward to take hold of Polly.
+
+At the same moment her umbrella swung back over her head and the
+muscular young arm instantly brought down the heavy metal knob upon the
+soft cap that covered the head of the ruffian. The blow was so
+unexpected, and forceful as well, that it staggered Polly’s assailant.
+
+Both men cursed fluently, then, and Bill threatened: “Jus’ fer dat,
+you’se is goin’ to get what’s comin’ to yeh!”
+
+Eleanor wanted to turn and run, but she would not have deserted Polly
+for all the world, so she screamed “Help! Help!” with all her
+lung-power—and she had plenty of it.
+
+Bill hesitated to attack Eleanor as she yelled and screamed for help,
+but Andy was raging and tried to close in with Polly. The umbrella was
+flung aside, and in another minute Polly launched at his face with a
+closed fist. It struck him between the eyes and caused a howl of pain.
+
+Before he could collect himself, the daring girl had struck him another
+fearful blow under the chin. This sent him back flat upon his back, and
+while he was trying to crawl up on his knees, the amateur pugilist
+turned and sent a blow at Bill. But he had stood gaping at the amazing
+encounter with his pal, and he now dodged his own undoing.
+
+Eleanor saw her opportunity. She had no time to lift her umbrella for a
+blow, and it had no solid handle like Polly’s, but she fiercely rammed
+the steel-capped end of the rod into the pit of the rascal’s stomach, so
+that, instantly, he buckled up. He sank down groaning while he struggled
+to get his breath.
+
+Andy was up on his feet again by this time, but Bill was out of the
+fight, so both girls gave full attention to the second villain. He
+fought now, as slum ruffians will, but he was no match for the hard
+knuckles, steel muscles and lithe movements, of the Rocky Mountain maid
+who had grappled with wild animals and had won out.
+
+The groveling Bill now managed to reach out a hand, planning to catch
+Eleanor by the ankle and trip her. But at that moment a silent-running
+automobile slid up to the curb and, at the instant of its stopping, the
+door flew open and a gentleman leaped out. In his hand he pointed a
+revolver, and Andy immediately threw up both hands.
+
+“W-h-y—Mr. Dalken. Oh, thank goodness you came!” cried Eleanor,
+trembling nervously.
+
+The chauffeur was standing guard over Bill at the same time, so Mr.
+Dalken asked frowningly: “What are you girls doing down here at this
+hour?—all alone, too!”
+
+By this time the truant officer ran over to the group and wanted to know
+what was wrong. Mr. Dalken turned on him in just anger. “Wrong—why, you
+were not on the beat! That’s what’s wrong.”
+
+“But I was—I got a beat bigger than any Fift’ avenoo cop what only has
+to parade in front of a swell’s house.”
+
+“You needn’t try to bull-doze me, my man. Evidently you fail to
+recognise me, but we will talk this over at the City Hall, in the
+morning. Now arrest these two foot-pads.” As the officer snapped
+hand-cuffs on his prisoners, Dalken added, “By the way, why is a saloon
+open at this hour—to sell soft drinks?”
+
+The scorn in Mr. Dalken’s tone silenced the policeman. “Now, girls, jump
+into the car and I will take you home,” offered their rescuer. But the
+officer interfered when they would have stepped inside the car.
+
+“Your names, please, and addresses. And how do I know that you will take
+these young ladies to their home?” The tone of the man was insulting.
+
+“If it were not for the fact that I want to hurry these children to
+their family as quickly as possible, I’d take the keenest pleasure in
+answering you in a manner that you’d understand and respect. Now you go
+about your tardy business and I will see to mine. Here’s my card. The
+girls do not appear in this matter at all. I am the man who caused the
+ruffians’ arrest, and I will answer in Court.”
+
+Mr. Dalken followed the girls into the car and the driver instantly shot
+away; in a short time the car stopped in front of the Studio. As Polly
+and Eleanor gratefully took Mr. Dalken’s hand, he advised them. “Better
+not speak of this affair to anyone—leave it to me to settle. But,
+hereafter, do not dream of going about so late at night, unattended. One
+never can tell!”
+
+“But we can’t expect Anne to trot about with us when she is tired out at
+night,” explained Eleanor.
+
+“Then use my car on the nights you have to go to school. I’ll send down
+my Sedan, after this, because the butler understands its tricks
+thoroughly. He seldom has anything to do on those evenings you go to
+school, and he can oblige us by driving that car should I need Henri for
+this car.”
+
+The girls thanked him again, and then hurried indoors.
+
+“Where _have_ you been so late, dears?” cried Anne, anxiously, as they
+came in.
+
+“We told you we would be late,” began Polly.
+
+“But it is past twelve, now; I was about to call up the police-station
+at Ninth street, and find out if anything had happened.”
+
+The two girls laughed and Eleanor pulled Anne’s ear playfully, as she
+said: “Now, silly, what could happen to us!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X—CHRISTMAS AND WHAT IT BROUGHT
+
+
+Anne never suspected that Polly and Eleanor had had a “hold-up” at any
+time, but she wondered why Mr. Dalken should be so kind as to loan his
+car to the girls on school-nights. Polly explained simply. “Why, he
+never forgot what we did for Elizabeth, and when he learned we were
+trudging back and forth alone, he just wouldn’t have it.”
+
+“He said he couldn’t bear the thought of our even having to travel in
+the subway, alone, late at night,” added Eleanor.
+
+So Anne, although she read about the two ruffians who had tried to rob a
+wealthy broker, one night, never dreamed that _her_ two girls were
+victimized before Mr. Dalken appeared to rescue them.
+
+Madam Wellington’s school prospered splendidly from the publicity given
+it in the papers directly after the fire. And later, when it was learned
+that Mr. Ashby, Mr. Dalken, and two other wealthy men had purchased the
+corner which had always been disfigured by the old four-story amusement
+hall, and proposed erecting a twelve-story high-class apartment house on
+the land, the mention of the fire and the bravery of the Wellington
+School girls again appeared in the papers.
+
+Letters between Pebbly Pit and New York passed twice a week, and the
+last news from home was: “How we should love to have you spend Christmas
+with us, Polly dearest. It will not seem like a real Christmas with both
+my children away from home.”
+
+The letter made Polly feel home-sick and she wrote to her mother
+immediately, saying: “I feel that I shall have to come home even if it
+takes a month out of school and delays me in my art studies, unless you
+can plan some other way that we might see each other this Christmas.”
+
+Polly had a very clever plan that suddenly came to her, as she read her
+mother’s words, and her reply was the first step in working out her plan
+successfully.
+
+The second step was to go downtown and call upon Mr. Latimer at his
+office. She was welcomed there and asked what good wind blew her
+downtown.
+
+Polly laughed. “It’s a blizzard from the Rockies—that is why I’m here.”
+Then she told him about her mother’s home-sick words. “And this is what
+we must do, Mr. Latimer, or I’ll have to leave school and go back home.”
+
+“Dear me, I will do anything rather than lose you from New York, Polly,”
+Mr. Latimer laughingly replied.
+
+“You must find some excuse on the mining or jewel business, that needs
+Daddy’s personal presence here in New York. Make it necessary for him to
+be here just before, or after Christmas. Then I will write and let them
+know that you told me about it, and insist upon having mother come East
+with father, for her Christmas. Why, even John and Paul might join us
+here without much expense or trouble.”
+
+Mr. Latimer smiled. “There is no harm in trying the plan, even if your
+father _won’t_ leave his ranch while it is under six feet of snow.”
+
+Polly laughed at that. “Exactly! Dad doesn’t have to stick there in
+winter-time, any more than I do. Especially with Jeb on hand to take
+care of everything.”
+
+Then remembering a warning, she said: “But you’ve got to find a real
+worthy reason for his coming East, because I know my Dad!”
+
+“I’ll have you approve the reason before I send it West—how will that
+do?”
+
+“I think you will do well. Because I may be able to make a
+suggestion—knowing my father as I do.”
+
+Mr. Latimer laughed and patted Polly on the head. “Well, now that that
+is settled, let us talk about Jim and Ken. You know, do you not, that we
+expect them home in a few days?”
+
+“I didn’t know, but I took for granted that they would soon be home for
+the Holidays. Although it seems like yesterday that they were home for
+Thanksgiving Week.”
+
+“Not to Jim’s mother and me. We miss him very much, as he always was
+such a lively boy at home.”
+
+“I’m afraid we won’t see much of him this time. He never even called us
+on the ’phone when he came from New Haven to see Ruth Ashby, two weeks
+ago Sunday,” said Polly, never dreaming that his father was ignorant of
+the visit.
+
+“He didn’t! Then Ken should have called on you. He did not come to see a
+girl, too, did he?”
+
+“Oh, Ken never knew Jim was coming—so Ruth told us. Jim telephoned her
+early Sunday morning and found she would be home, so he ran in Town on
+the noon train and stayed until the nine o’clock.”
+
+“I’ll see that Jim does not go back on his first loves quite so
+suddenly,” laughed Mr. Latimer, thinking of the teasing he would give
+Jim.
+
+“But we are not ‘loves’ at all—Nolla and I are only good pals for the
+boys,” corrected Polly, anxiously.
+
+“Whatever you call it, Jim ought to be well advised on such matters, as
+long as legal advice costs him nothing.”
+
+Polly failed to follow Mr. Latimer, and he immediately changed the
+subject. “Now that you are here and it is lunch-hour, why not come with
+me. I promised to take you to the Café Savarin or the Lawyer’s Club,
+some day, and this is the day.”
+
+“Oh, it would be lovely, but I just couldn’t leave Nolla out of the
+treat, you know!” exclaimed Polly, eagerly.
+
+“If Nolla is at home, we will have her down in twenty minutes. We’ll
+wait for her, and meanwhile I’ll dictate a letter to your father for you
+to O.K.”
+
+Eleanor was moping around the house, wondering where Polly could be,
+when the telephone rang and she was invited to join her friends at
+luncheon. So in less than half-an-hour the trio were having a merry time
+in the sumptuous private restaurant on lower Broadway.
+
+The letter that Polly approved, reached Sam Brewster, and he showed it
+to his wife. “Ah have been thinking, dear, that we-all might surprise
+Polly by dropping in on her just about Christmas time, eh?”
+
+“Rather than let her come West and lose all that time from classes, I
+should say ‘yes,’ Sam.”
+
+“We really have nothing to tie us down at the ranch for a few weeks,
+unless the snow buries us for the winter.”
+
+“Sary would be in her glory could she keep house alone with Jeb for a
+time. Ever since they returned from their honeymoon in Denver, she has
+been sighing to run the house,” said Mrs. Brewster, “feeding the fire”
+carefully.
+
+“Let’s go! By the Great Horned Spoon, I feel like taking a vacation to
+some other part of the world—so New York will do!”
+
+Then it was quickly decided that they would start on Monday, and this
+being Friday, there was no time to lose.
+
+Sary and Jeb accepted the amazing news with smiles and exchange of
+knowing looks. But they were relieved when Mrs. Brewster herself
+suggested to Sary: “Have all the good times you want, Sary, while we are
+gone. Invite your friends, and neighbors, if they can get through the
+drifts, and have apple-parties, corn-poppers, Virginia Reels, and
+anything on earth you like!”
+
+“Would you-all keer if we-all ast as much as twenty to a time?” asked
+Sary, fearfully.
+
+“Ask forty, if you like—and if you can find them,” laughed Mrs.
+Brewster, recklessly.
+
+“Only see to it that they leave the roof, Sary,” ha-hawed Sam Brewster.
+“And that the sky-larkin’ is all over when we return.”
+
+Sary nodded understandingly. She had instantly planned how to create
+envy in the souls of her old friends at Yellow Jacket Pass, by asking
+them all to her parties.
+
+The Brewsters sent John a wire to say that they would spend a few hours
+in Chicago, and would like him to keep that time open. But when they
+reached Chicago, John was standing on the platform holding a suit-case
+in his hand. Tom Latimer and Paul Stewart stood beside him.
+
+John explained: “Paul and Tom are going, too. Some good fairy sent us
+round-trip tickets, but we don’t know who it was. Not a line came with
+the tickets. So here we are—ready to help in the surprise.”
+
+John then introduced Paul, and Mrs. Brewster took his hand as she looked
+into his face. “You are the image of our Anne, Paul; I would have known
+you anywhere.”
+
+“That he is,” added Sam Brewster, shaking Paul’s hand heartily. So the
+party of five continued on the journey, smiling as they pictured the
+glad surprise to be given the family at the Studio. Little did they
+dream that the Studio family were busy preparing for a gladsome
+Christmas for them all. For Mr. Latimer had told them about the telegram
+from Pebbly Pit, and that he had heard from Tom that he and John and
+Paul were going to join the party coming East. But he did not say that
+he, incognito, had mailed the tickets.
+
+The Twentieth Century had a long line of Pullmans to take to New York
+that trip, and it was small wonder that passengers having berths in the
+last coach, should fail to meet anyone traveling in the first one. So it
+was with speechless amazement, that the Brewsters met the Maynards at
+Grand Central Station when both parties were waiting to get taxi-cabs.
+
+“Well, well, Ah believe it’s Mr. Maynard!” exclaimed Sam Brewster, in
+his deep western thunder.
+
+“Brewster? so it is! Indeed I am glad to see you here. Come to cheer up
+the little girl, eh?” and Eleanor’s father grasped the ranchman’s big
+hands.
+
+Mrs. Brewster and her two young male companions (Tom had gone to
+telephone) were now introduced to Barbara and Mrs. Maynard. The latter
+had never met the Brewster family, and Barbara, thinking it wiser to
+assume indifference, smiled coldly.
+
+“We’re stopping at the Park Hotel, Brewster—what about you folks? Might
+as well go where we do,” suggested Mr. Maynard.
+
+“I wired there for accommodations; Polly mentioned it in several of her
+letters as being quite near the Studio.”
+
+“Fine! Then we will go right along. Here Taxi! eight of us and baggage.”
+
+“You mean seven, Mr. Maynard?” ventured John, politely.
+
+“No—didn’t you know Pete was here with us? He came on another coach
+with some chums who were coming East.”
+
+“I haven’t seen much of Pete, this term. I’ve been cramming every
+moment, so as to finish and be ready to help in the mine, you see,”
+explained John, hesitatingly.
+
+Mr. Maynard saw the expression and said nothing, but he determined to
+find out why Pete had not seen much of Paul and John and Tom, that term.
+Three young men who could be of great advantage to a wild young student
+should be cultivated, he thought.
+
+When Sam Brewster did anything, he never did it by halves; consequently
+when he wired the Park Hotel for rooms, the day he left Denver, he
+engaged a whole suite. No better accommodations than he had, were to be
+found in the building, and the Maynards had to accept second-best.
+
+When Mr. Maynard found the ranchman had the very finest the hotel
+afforded, he chuckled delightedly to himself, for he had silently
+watched the manner in which Barbara received the greetings of the people
+who were so kind to her that Summer.
+
+Mrs. Maynard was furious with her husband. “My dear! what possessed you
+to come to this horrid place. Don’t you know that Bob’s position must be
+catered to? Even the best hotels here are rather too ordinary. She
+should be stopping at the newest and most exclusive one uptown.”
+
+“When she marries that little numb-skull you’ve tagged to her skirts,
+she can stop where she likes. But her Dad is running this show. I’m here
+to visit Nolla, and I stop where I can call and see her, or she can run
+in to see us, without wasting time traveling on the streets.”
+
+“You always did spoil Nolla—while poor Bob has to take third place in
+your affections,” complained Mrs. Maynard.
+
+“Bob’s mother makes up for any lack in me. That’s why I have to give
+double love to Nolla and Pete—Bob has _all_ of yours.”
+
+The usual ending to similar scenes might have resulted, had not Mr.
+Maynard gone out to hurry over to the Studio. But his wife and Barbara
+sulkily unpacked their trunks and made very fine toilets before they
+thought of calling at the Studio.
+
+Mr. Maynard rang at the front door of the Studio, but he had to wait a
+few moments before the door opened. From within, merry laughter and
+joyous shouting could be heard. Then in another moment, Eleanor was in
+her father’s arms and was dragging him into the happy circle.
+
+The Brewsters, and Paul and Pete were already there, so that the
+newcomer’s appearance added another reason for Polly and Eleanor’s
+happiness.
+
+“I haven’t enough china to go around for such a family!” Mrs. Stewart
+said plaintively; as she came into the room with her arms dusted with
+flour.
+
+“And only half of us here, too!” laughed Mr. Maynard.
+
+“What—more on the way?” exclaimed Anne.
+
+“Nolla’s mother and Bob will be, shortly.”
+
+“Mother—and Bob!” cried Eleanor, eagerly, happy that her mother and
+sister cared enough for her to come and visit her.
+
+“Now that adds to all my troubles,” Mrs. Stewart declared as she dropped
+into a nearby chair.
+
+“But why—the more the merrier,” laughed Mrs. Brewster.
+
+“Why—because there are only seven straight chairs in this stable. All
+the others are great cushiony things that won’t do in a small
+dining-room such as ours.”
+
+“Motherkins!” said Paul, laughingly picking his mother up and seating
+her upon his strong knees, “Did her think we-all would permit her to
+cook a great supper for such a mob?”
+
+“Of course—I like it, dear, but I am staggered at the
+limitations—china and chairs.”
+
+“Mrs. Stewart, we are not going to eat a crumb in this house during the
+Holidays, unless it be a theatre supper or afternoon tea! That is all
+settled beforehand. Run upstairs and put on your evening dress. We
+propose making a party of it this first night,” called Mr. Maynard,
+trying to make himself heard above the general din.
+
+“Is it your party, Dad?” asked Eleanor, gayly.
+
+“Yes, and to please Bob it is to be at the Ritz. To-morrow it will be
+Brewster’s turn, and that’s up to him to say where we go.”
+
+“Oh, Daddy—I know a place!” exclaimed Polly, eagerly. “Eleanor and I
+have never been, but we’ve heard lots about it and this is the chance.
+We’ll all go down to Chinatown, to-morrow!”
+
+A wild chorus of laughter greeted this proposal, and Polly looked
+surprised. To make matters worse, she added explanatorily: “Why, the
+girls say chop-suey is great! And at Christmas time the Chinks’ stores
+are beautiful! The lovely things one can buy then are the best that are
+imported from the Orient.”
+
+“We’ll do Chinatown, thoroughly, Poll, but it may not be to-morrow
+night,” promised John, who had hitherto been completely engaged with
+Anne’s whispers and looks.
+
+Thereafter followed delight upon delight, each day filled with new plans
+and exciting fulfillments. Ken and his parents, the four Latimers, the
+Ashbys, Mr. Fabian, and even Mr. Dalken, were included in the gay whirl
+of these pleasure-seekers. Mrs. Maynard and Barbara actually enjoyed the
+wholesome fun and almost forgot to be affected or snobbish. To associate
+intimately with Mr. Dalken, whose social standing was well-known in
+Chicago, as well as in other large cities, was excuse enough to accept
+all the other friends. But added to that pleasure, the friendship and
+evident intimacy the Ashbys and Latimers entertained for Polly and
+Eleanor, made Mrs. Maynard feel there might be hope for Nolla in the
+future.
+
+Christmas fell on the Thursday after the Westerners had arrived in New
+York; and considering all the fun and gadding that had been indulged in,
+on the days preceding the twenty-fifth, that day passed quietly for all.
+Each family enjoyed its own gathering and gifts, and all assembled at
+the Ashbys in the evening, to enjoy music and dancing, and everyone
+declared it had been a fine day!
+
+Friday started anew the excitement of planning and enjoying whatever
+came in the way of the party. But Saturday night had been set aside for
+Mr. Dalken’s Christmas party. Elizabeth was invited to bring her
+friends, and everyone in Polly’s and Eleanor’s friendship ring were
+included.
+
+Mr. Dalken lived in modest but very large rooms of a bachelor apartment
+house, downtown, and here he had an enormous tree fixed in the center of
+the living-room. No one was allowed to see that room until all had
+assembled, but when the doors were opened, there were “ahs” and “ohs”
+from everyone.
+
+The tree was so beautifully trimmed that it seemed a pity that it should
+ever be dismantled. But soon, the attractive white packages tied with
+red ribbons, filled the guests with curiosity; and once Eleanor had
+peeped at the name written on one box, there was no peace but her host
+must distribute the gifts.
+
+Mr. Dalken never spared time or money when he did anything for his
+friends, and his Christmas Party was to be one all would remember. The
+gifts were carefully selected for each individual and those for the four
+girls—Elizabeth, Ruth Ashby, Polly and Eleanor, were exquisite and
+costly. Elizabeth had craved a ring. She had it. Ruth, Polly, and
+Eleanor each had a long barpin of platinum daintily jewelled.
+
+With her usual impetuosity, Eleanor suddenly sprang up and hugged Mr.
+Dalken gratefully for her gift. Polly smiled and shyly shook hands,
+while Ruth said he must have read her thoughts, for she had asked Dad
+for a pin and had been refused. Now she had it, anyway, and from her
+second-best Dad. Elizabeth was pleased, too, but merely murmured
+“Thanks, Papa.”
+
+“How do you like the jewels in the pins, girls?” asked Mr. Latimer,
+quizzically, as no one had mentioned the gems.
+
+Suddenly Polly looked up at him. She caught the twinkle in his eyes, and
+instantly wheeled to look at the other men. Each one was smiling as if
+there was a fine secret here.
+
+“I just know these are Rainbow Cliff jewels!” exclaimed Polly, joyously.
+
+“No—are they?” demanded Eleanor, holding the pin aloft to let the light
+flash over and through them.
+
+“Now I am deeply offended! I want the girls to see that I got the very
+best and finest stones in New York, and someone dares suggest that they
+may be lava!” grumbled Mr. Dalken, trying to be peevish.
+
+“I can find out by taking mine to Tiffany’s, to-morrow,” said Ruth,
+wisely.
+
+“No, you won’t—Tiffany says his store is to be closed all day
+to-morrow,” laughed Mr. Ashby.
+
+“Why—some one in his family dead?” asked Elizabeth.
+
+“No—but it is Sunday, and he is a church member.”
+
+Every one laughed, as it had been forgotten the Sabbath was so near at
+hand. Then Eleanor had an idea.
+
+“Why wait for Tiffany? Maybe the box will give us a clue.” So she found
+her box and examined it. Inside the silk-padded lid were the words in
+gold ink: “Rainbow Cliffs’ Jewel Company.”
+
+“Oh, oh! It is our lava! Polly, now you can carry a little of Pebbly Pit
+about with you!” cried Eleanor, dancing about.
+
+“Yes, it is a bit of Polly’s own dear heath. These are the very first
+jewels the company perfected. And as I am one of the corporation, I
+wheedled the cutter into giving me his first output. So, girls, you not
+only have pretty pins, but also you have what may be considered a
+curiosity,” explained Mr. Dalken.
+
+“Are you one of our company?” Polly asked, eagerly.
+
+“Yes, Mr. Ashby and I took stock soon after the fire, because we said
+this was going to be a big thing, some day.”
+
+“I’m so _glad_, Mr. Dalken,” said Polly simply, and in a voice that only
+he could hear. “I like you _so_ much, and I’m happy to know that you and
+I are members, together, in something.”
+
+“Polly, dear, that is the very best Christmas gift I have had in years,”
+murmured Mr. Dalken, feelingly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI—THE VALENTINES
+
+
+With the passing of this gay Holiday Season, the two girls began to feel
+that it would be a relief to sit down once more and spend a quiet
+evening at school. Two weeks of constant going and dissipation had
+become tiresome.
+
+The Westerners had gone home again; John, Tom, Paul and Pete back to
+Chicago, and the two boys, Ken and Jim, back at Yale; and then Mrs.
+Wellington’s school reopened. Lessons went on as if there never had been
+a vacation, and on Wednesday evening of that same week, the art school
+resumed classes.
+
+This term was to be devoted to Applied Design and its uses in
+architecture and decorations of interiors. After having had such
+interesting work as Egyptian ornament, art, and symbols, it seemed
+rather dry to start out the New Year with drawing straight lines an inch
+long.
+
+Then to draw a dozen of these lines—next to connect them and make a
+design of these dozen simple lines. But the next lesson was still more
+foolish. They were told to draw a square. Then this large square of
+twenty inches each side was divided into smaller squares. And in each of
+these squares the pupils were told to draw whatever they liked, but each
+square must repeat the first one figure designed.
+
+Thus the scholars found that they had a pattern of the design. This
+began to look more promising, and Eleanor wished she had paid more
+attention to the squares so that the design would have been neater.
+
+The next lesson was on grouping certain designs. The talk given by Mr.
+Fabian that evening was on eye-measurement and judgment in lines.
+
+“Unless one has a good eye for lines in anything, it is a waste of time
+to study a profession that is based fundamentally on a true judgment of
+lines—whether of beauty, grace, or usefulness. Unless one has a true
+sense of ‘line’ one can never know where to build a window, a door, or a
+fire-place.
+
+“Not only does ‘line’ govern the size of rooms and halls, but the entire
+building is dependent upon true lines. Also, this basis line governs
+furniture and decorations in an interior.
+
+“Can you picture a room where the portières are all of different
+lengths?—because the decorator had no sense of ‘line value?’ And what
+would one say if the chairs had legs of various lengths? Is not ‘line
+value’ to be used here, too? It is found necessary, everywhere.”
+
+So the lessons and lectures continued until the girls took up the study
+of colors. This was very interesting, and soon, both Polly and Eleanor
+knew that yellow, blue and red were primary colors and they could glibly
+tell you what that meant, and how important a part the knowledge played,
+in the progressive art of decorating.
+
+When the demonstration of these lessons began in the painting, the girls
+realized that they were actually going to be able to carry home samples
+of their work. From that time on, they showed more zeal in doing
+everything as correctly and perfectly as possible. And Mr. Fabian, at
+his next monthly report to Mr. Ashby (which were quite unknown to Polly
+and Eleanor) said: “They’re deeply interested in the actual art and not
+merely for the fun of some day going into business.”
+
+“I am glad to hear it. There is so much of this idea of taking up
+interior decorating because it is comparatively a new field, but so few
+really ought to be in it. It should be made a matter of diplomas the
+same as other professions. Then the restriction would soon clear away
+all the quacks in the art. If these two girls but escape the snares of
+matrimony until they are finished artists, I shall be rejoiced to
+welcome them to our fold.”
+
+Mr. Fabian nodded approvingly, and murmured: “I have faith in them. I’m
+sure that both these girls are sensible and not to be easily influenced
+by a good looking beau.”
+
+Mr. Ashby smiled. “They’re much safer in New York than if they lived in
+smaller towns. Girls in this city haven’t time to find beaux or think of
+husbands.”
+
+“Don’t be so sure, Mr. Ashby,” retorted Mr. Fabian. “If the girls are as
+pretty as my two are, and clever and rich as well, they’d find it hard
+to escape.”
+
+“But you are speaking of society girls, while these two students seldom
+give that empty life a thought—I’m glad to say.”
+
+Which conversation goes to show that more than one adult was watching
+the experiment these two girls were unconsciously making of their school
+days, with intense interest and a desire to aid.
+
+Polly and Eleanor were not aware of all that had been done to insure
+them perfect freedom and liberty to continue their art classes. Had they
+known the arguments Mr. Latimer had had with Jim and Ken to keep those
+boys from usurping so much of the time the girls had to devote to study!
+Then Jim had blustered and boasted of all he would do once he was at
+college: His father wouldn’t know how many letters he would write, nor
+the visits to the girls, of an evening!
+
+And one reason Tom Latimer and John seldom wrote to Polly and Eleanor,
+was because of Anne’s suggestion—to leave the girls to plan their spare
+time for their very own work, and not be made to feel that they had
+letters to answer, all the time.
+
+It was Tom who had begged Jim not to waste his own, or the girls’ time,
+in writing silly letters or in traveling back and forth from college to
+New York. And Tom, wise big brother that he was, took Jim into his
+confidence and explained how anxious John and he were to have Polly
+climb to the top of the ladder in her art. That she had to make good in
+New York those first two years or go back home and starve her artistic
+soul on a lonesome ranch.
+
+But Valentine’s Day was coming, and Jim felt that on that day he would
+be privileged to not only write to the girls, but to send each one a
+fine valentine, describing his sentiments.
+
+Polly and Eleanor could not forget Valentine’s Day was at hand, for
+every shop-window they passed invited sentimental people to step in and
+see the love cards.
+
+“I’d like to send a perfect dear to Mr. Dalken, Nolla,” said Polly,
+reading the verse on a card.
+
+“To Mr. Dalken! Why, Poll, he is an old married man!”
+
+“But what of that! Can’t I send him a card that states how much I like
+him?”
+
+“Oh, ye-es—I suppose so; but valentines are really meant for lovers,
+you see.”
+
+“It’s nothing of the kind, Nolla. Dear old St. Valentine never meant all
+his notes for lovers; but for everyone he _loved!_ and that is very
+different, I think.”
+
+“Well, send yours to anyone you like, but I am going to buy one for
+Jim,” said Eleanor, searching over the piles of cards on the tray, but
+not finding what she sought.
+
+“Oh, Nolla,” laughed Polly, teasingly. “Are you selecting Jim for your
+first love?”
+
+“First love! I should say double no! I am hunting for a _comic_ one for
+him—just because he is so sentimental and sits with moony eyes when he
+is near any pretty girl. I thought I would die with laughter that night
+he sat and gazed with soulful eyes at Ruth.”
+
+Finally the girls found several very funny cards which had sarcastic
+lines under the pictures. These they were going to mail to Jim and Ken.
+Then Eleanor had an idea.
+
+“I just guess I’ll mail one each to John, Tom, Pete and Paul, too. If I
+dared, I’d get Pete to re-mail one to Bob so she wouldn’t know who sent
+it. Being postmarked ‘Chicago’ she’d break her head trying to think who
+sent it to her.”
+
+“Oh, that will be fun, Nolla. Have them remailed so the boys won’t know
+we sent them. Let’s do that with all of ours.”
+
+The need of secrecy, and the trouble of selecting appropriate lines for
+each of their friends, took time. But Eleanor wired her father to keep
+the secret and do the mailing for them, and he wired back his consent.
+So the valentines meant for the Chicago friends went to Mr. Maynard, and
+duly reached each one as had been intended.
+
+And those for Jim and Ken were handed to a porter on the train that ran
+to New Haven, with a liberal tip if he would drop them in a letter-box
+when he jumped from the train. His wide grin showed he was ready to abet
+the pranks such generous pretty young misses planned to tease their
+beaux.
+
+Elizabeth Dalken had taken a violent fancy to Jim Latimer when she met
+him at the different Christmas parties, and Valentine’s Day being an
+opportunity for love-lorn misses and youths, she bought a very expensive
+Valentine, with sentiment as soft as down, and suggestive of heart-aches
+and sighs and what-not.
+
+But Elizabeth had no independence, whatever, and once she had the
+Valentine boxed and ready to post, she wished she knew someone who would
+address it. She feared to have her own cramped writing seen on it.
+
+In Mrs. Wellington’s school was a clever girl who could imitate
+hand-writing to perfection, and Elizabeth presented her with a box of
+bon-bons a few days before Valentine’s Day. Then the following day she
+asked a favor. Would Myrtle address a box for her?
+
+Myrtle comprehended, but the candies had been delicious so she laughed:
+“Got a valentine to send?”
+
+“Yes, but it is a joke. I want the receiver to believe Eleanor Maynard
+sent it. Can you imitate her writing?”
+
+“Easy as pie. Get me her exercise from this noon’s class.”
+
+And in short order the box was addressed in Eleanor’s hand-writing.
+Elizabeth mailed it, and the day following the 14th, Jim mailed, what he
+considered, a lover’s work of art—such ardent lines and such sentiment
+seldom entered his thoughts, but the mushy words of the valentine
+excused his letter.
+
+“W-e-ll—Jim’s gone clean mad!” gasped Eleanor.
+
+“Is the thick letter from him?” asked Polly.
+
+“Yes, but read it, Poll, and tell me what ails him.”
+
+Polly read, but not without giggles and many a lifted eyebrow when she
+came to the extra fine phrases of love-making.
+
+“Nolla, he sure is daffy. Can you see through it?”
+
+“Not at all. I expected a comic from him—not this.”
+
+“Nolla, do you think anyone we know would send him a soft valentine and
+pretend it came from you?”
+
+“Maybe—for a joke! Now who would do it?”
+
+They asked Anne, and showed her the letter. She laughed with them, but
+when they were not present, she sat down and wrote to Jim—a nice
+sisterly letter cuttingly blunt that told him that she had her hands
+full with school and girls, and house, so that any extra care would
+drive her insane. Letters such as the one that came to Nolla, were the
+worst danger she had to ward off from the girls.
+
+By the last mail on the thirteenth and during the day of the fourteenth
+other valentines came for Polly and Eleanor; some of real merit as
+tokens of friendship; some of beauty; and many with a little line of
+love. But Polly received no vague or sentimental one during Valentine’s
+day.
+
+That evening, however, the bell rang, and Mrs. Stewart asked who was
+there. The girls were already upstairs.
+
+“Messenger with a box.”
+
+“Mother—wait till I get there!” called Anne, anxiously.
+
+In another moment, Anne, in a negligée, ran downstairs and opened the
+street-door which opened into a vestibule.
+
+A large long box was handed in and Anne signed the book. It was
+addressed to “Miss Polly Brewster, Studio, 1003 East Thirtieth Street,
+New York.”
+
+“Polly, here’s a great box of flowers from someone,” Anne called,
+standing at the foot of the stairs.
+
+“For me?”
+
+“Your name is on the tag,” said Anne.
+
+Instantly, Polly and Eleanor scrambled downstairs and Polly tremblingly
+tried to untie the string about the box.
+
+“Dear me—it won’t even break!” said she, trying to tear the cord by
+pulling at it.
+
+“Here—take the knife!” cried Eleanor, having dashed to the dining-room
+to catch up a silver knife, and returning with it.
+
+The string was cut, the lid taken off, and several wrappers of oiled
+paper removed. Then, there, upon a bed of lace-paper rested a dozen of
+magnificent American Beauties, with stems more than a yard long. And to
+the cluster, about the middle of the stems, was attached a fine golden
+cord holding a papier maché heart. The heart had a golden arrow
+half-buried in its plump center.
+
+“What wonderful roses!” breathed Polly.
+
+“Isn’t the heart cute!” giggled Eleanor.
+
+“No card, or sign, to say where they came from?” asked Anne, picking the
+heart up carefully.
+
+“Oh, there’s another heart—see! On the point of the arrow at the back,”
+cried Eleanor. And there was another heart fastened to the first one by
+means of the sharp arrow.
+
+The girls sought carefully for some clue of the sender, but the sweet
+perfume wafted from the roses was all that rewarded their search.
+
+“Whoever it was, he is a dear!” said Polly, fondly touching the waxen
+stems.
+
+“And we’ll try to keep them as long as possible so, whoever it was, will
+see that we appreciate the flowers,” said Anne, going for water.
+
+“At last I have found a use for that tall vase I bought that first week
+of auctions,” laughed Eleanor, taking the glass from under the
+window-seat.
+
+Scarcely were the roses arranged to satisfy the admiring group, when the
+bell rang again. Eleanor being nearest the door, ran out to the small
+vestibule and peeped through the window in the street-door.
+
+“Well, of all things! Another messenger. Maybe he has a valentine for
+me.”
+
+The door was opened, Eleanor said “yes” to his query if Mrs. Stewart
+lived there, and having signed the book, hurried in with a tier of
+boxes. There were four in all.
+
+“Miss Anne Stewart the first on top,” read Polly.
+
+The second was for Mrs. Stewart, and the third for Polly, the last being
+Eleanor’s. Each box contained a beautiful spray of cut flowers but no
+card. Not even a suggestion of the sender.
+
+“Well, it beats all. Why couldn’t our admirers have sent our flowers in
+the morning,” laughed Anne.
+
+Again the bell pealed. “It surely can’t be more flowers!” laughed Polly,
+running to the door. But it was. A card on the outside read: “Say it
+with Flowers,” to Miss Anne Stewart.
+
+By this time everyone was laughing and trying to guess who could have
+sent the blossoms. And had the bell sounded again, no one would have
+been surprised. But it didn’t, and after guessing of all impossible
+persons who might be the senders of the flower-valentines, Anne
+ventured: “Someone may have telegraphed to New York this morning, you
+know, to send us these flowers, at once. I’ve heard said, the florists
+were so rushed to-day with valentine orders that they couldn’t secure
+enough flowers from the wholesale shops.”
+
+“That’s about it!” declared Eleanor. “John sent you this last box, and
+maybe Daddy sent us each the smaller boxes. But _who_ could have sent
+Polly a hundred dollars’ worth of American Beauties?”
+
+Finally they went to bed with the great question still unsolved; and
+Polly often wondered, thereafter, if Mr. Dalken could have sent her
+those roses? Had she guessed the truth, would she have been content to
+go on so serenely with her studies of interior decorating?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII—MR. FABIAN PLOTS FOR FACTS
+
+
+The roses kept for more than two weeks, filling the Studio rooms with
+fragrance, but keeping their secret as to who had sent them to Polly.
+She had gone to everyone she knew and tried to find out who had given
+them to her. Then she beguiled Mr. Ashby into finding out if Mr. Dalken
+was the guilty one. And when he was found innocent, she bribed Mr.
+Dalken to find out if the Latimers or the Evans sent them—but she could
+not see why anyone should spend so much money on her, and try to hide
+the fact.
+
+When Mr. Fabian was satisfied that it was not one of their old friends
+who had sent the roses, he thought of a way to find out. The box had had
+the name on its cover, of one of Fifth avenue’s most fashionable
+florists, so he went there and tried to learn what he wanted to know, by
+asking the proprietor.
+
+But the man smiled and shook his head. “We are never allowed to divulge
+state secrets, Mr. Fabian.”
+
+“Not even when that secret concerns a protegée of mine? I do not wish to
+use the knowledge, but merely to relieve my mind.”
+
+“If I were to tell you, Mr. Fabian, I should have to also tell the six
+other individuals who begged me to tell them confidentially who ordered
+the roses.”
+
+“Six others! Have others been here to ask this same question?” asked Mr.
+Fabian, amazed.
+
+The florist laughed. “Yes, that pretty miss seems to be very popular.
+Who is she, anyway?”
+
+“A little girl that attends my art class, and I am bound to keep her
+mind free from nonsense until her education is finished.”
+
+“Can you keep a secret—on your oath?” asked the florist.
+
+“Yes, yes!” eagerly agreed Mr. Fabian, thinking he was now going to hear
+who sent the roses.
+
+“Well, then, this much I may tell you—just to ease your fears: the
+individual who sent those roses is as anxious as you can be, to keep the
+girl’s heart and mind free from nonsense and to allow her to complete
+her art education without thoughts of beaux.”
+
+“Is that all you’ve got to say?”
+
+“My goodness, don’t you appreciate that much! You only wanted to know
+something to ease your mind, and now I have told you.”
+
+“How do _you_ know what the gentleman thinks or wants?”
+
+“I was told so by the one who ordered the roses. But I did not tell you
+it was a gentleman.”
+
+This was still more disconcerting to Mr. Fabian, but he never told a
+soul that he had visited the florist. He did wonder, however, if the man
+had given the others the same confidence he had imparted confidentially
+to him.
+
+Polly, the cause of all this secret concern of her friends, had
+forgotten all about the valentine, and was devoting her entire time and
+attention to the absorbing lessons at art school.
+
+Easter Week came early, and the term beginning immediately after the
+Easter Holidays, would start a course on mural decorations, and the
+study of tapestries. So interesting had their night-classes become, that
+Polly and Eleanor neglected their studies at day-school. Anne noticed
+their daily marks and worried over it. At last she consulted with Mr.
+Fabian.
+
+“You must realize, Mr. Fabian, that the girls are still young. Even if
+they were prepared to enter the profession they are proposing to follow
+they would be too young in years to make a success of it. People are not
+apt to turn over contracts for art or decorating, to girls under twenty.
+Therefore I advise you to make them drop their night school until after
+they have caught up in their day classes.”
+
+Mr. Fabian was secretly pleased at the news that his two pet scholars
+preferred _his_ teachings to the dry high-school lessons. But he dared
+not express his satisfaction to Anne.
+
+“All you say is true, but there is no need for my girls to give up their
+art class. The night school closes for a two weeks’ holiday at Easter,
+and then, as warm weather comes on apace, I find my pupils begin to lose
+zeal in their constant attendance at class. You will see that Polly and
+Eleanor will turn more to their day studies, then. But I would not
+advise you to cut off their pursuit in art work, now. It will only
+create deeper zest for it, and turn their thoughts completely from
+day-studies.”
+
+Anne replied that this was logical, and so the girls never knew that
+they had been standing upon the danger-line of having to suspend their
+favorite studies.
+
+Mr. Fabian was roused to a more temperate art “diet” for the two girls,
+thereafter. And Polly and Eleanor found, as Spring advanced, that
+lessons in night school were simpler and not quite so absorbing to their
+time, as those of the recent weeks had been.
+
+In the mural decoration study that began with the new Spring term, the
+pupils found that, beginning with the order of antiquity, Egyptian
+first, and then Greek, Roman, Medieval, Moresque and Persian
+styles—much of their work done in the other classes now proved useful.
+In fact, the historical studies of these races of people and their
+periods of time, proved valuable in review, for the further perfection
+of mural art.
+
+So when they were given a design to do in “wave ornament” it was at once
+recognised as Egyptian art. Or should a wall decoration be required
+where geometrical forms were the principle, the pupils remembered the
+religion of the Arabs and Moors which restricted them to the use of
+natural forms which would not conflict with their worship.
+
+Thus Polly and Eleanor began to understand how important their previous
+lessons had been, and how necessary it was for every earnest student of
+art to be present at each class, that no connecting link in instruction
+might be dropped and lost.
+
+As the weeks went by, and the end of the term drew near, the night
+classes thinned out perceptibly, many of the less enthusiastic pupils
+preferring outdoor sports to close application to art pursuits. But
+Polly and Eleanor found their pleasure in hearing all Mr. Fabian had to
+say to them on various subjects.
+
+Perhaps the girls might not have been so keen for school during the warm
+evenings, had not Mr. Fabian’s knowledge and fascinating descriptions of
+anything pertaining to his profession, been so freely given them at all
+times. He continued to discover exhibits, lectures, and other
+educational pastimes, to which he conducted his favorite pupils, so that
+there was no dearth of material to aid and demonstrate his teachings.
+
+As June came in, Polly found New York not nearly as cool and pleasant an
+abode as Pebbly Pit with its altitude upon the crests of the Rockies.
+And she longed for a breath of the mountain air that would renew jaded
+senses. Both Eleanor and Polly began to show the strain of the close
+application to study that they had had since October, so Anne was
+thankful that the schools would soon close for the Summer.
+
+Then the last class in Cooper Union ended, and Mr. Fabian escorted his
+girls to their home. Already, they were planning for the coming year of
+work, but their instructor smiled and interrupted.
+
+“I have refused an offer to continue my classes in the school, so I will
+not be there next year.”
+
+“What!” gasped Polly.
+
+“Not teach us!” cried Eleanor.
+
+“Not teach at Cooper—no. I feel that I am not strong enough to keep up
+such arduous labors; and so many there do not seem to appreciate what I
+am sacrificing for them. I find there are some people who think that,
+because a thing is free, it is not as valuable as if they had to pay for
+it. You can see, for yourselves, how many scholars dropped out of the
+classes when other diversions offered themselves. They join an art class
+and attend it when nothing else can be had. They take my thought and
+time, and when they weary of the routine, they fail to appear. It is
+very disheartening. But it is so every year, and I am tired of trying to
+keep up the interest of such lazy leeches.”
+
+Polly and Eleanor heard their dear professor’s words in sorry silence.
+What would night school be without him?
+
+“But I have planned a far different school beginning with next October.
+I have chosen the faithful few who really mean business, and to these I
+shall offer my services for a small return. I feel sure that this will
+mean greater benefit to individuals in a small class, as I can devote
+much more time to each student and give better advice wherever it is
+needed. I have thought of seven scholars for my little school.”
+
+“Oh, Mr. Fabian—I do hope Polly and I are among them!” exclaimed
+Eleanor, anxiously.
+
+Mr. Fabian smiled. “Perhaps it was because of Polly and you that I
+thought of this idea. You two girls really should have personal
+instruction, instead of having to waste hours in a general class waiting
+for delinquents to catch up with you.
+
+“That has always been the weak spot in any large class; there are those
+who forge ahead eagerly, and the lazy ones who miss a class every few
+nights, causing the whole body to delay and wait while they work to
+catch up on what they have missed.
+
+“When the few ambitious workers can be grouped together and not hampered
+by the leeches, one can readily see how much better it is for all
+concerned. This is what I propose doing.”
+
+“Oh, it will be splendid! and I am glad, for one, to be able to look
+forward to such teachings. To know that we can ask all the questions
+freely, and not have to wait to have the easiest lesson explained to the
+thick-headed, will be a great relief,” said Polly, gratefully.
+
+At the door of the Studio, Mr. Fabian said good-by. “I am planning to
+sail for Europe very soon, my dears, and I am looking forward to a good
+time with my little family. We intend visiting all the famous places of
+interest to an artist, and when I return in the Fall, I will be able to
+tell you about the great cathedrals, the wonderful collections of
+antiques, and other sights.”
+
+“As for Polly and me—we won’t be able to give you any such tales, as we
+are going to spend our vacation at Pebbly Pit, again. But we will bring
+back plenty of health and renewed zeal,” laughed Eleanor.
+
+“Ah! That is what I need of you now, children. See that you fill out the
+hollows in your cheeks, and gather ample strength and health for another
+strenuous year in New York. I plan to put both of you on the firing-line
+next school-year.”
+
+“We’ll not fail you, Mr. Fabian,” promised Polly, taking his hand a
+second time and patting it fondly.
+
+“Then I’ll not fail _you_, dear students!” responded Mr. Fabian,
+stooping and kissing each girl affectionately on the forehead, then
+taking his leave.
+
+A few days after this the Studio was swathed in dust-covers, the windows
+locked and shuttered, the burglar alarm attached, and at last the front
+door was closed by a representative from the insurance company. The four
+tenants were on their way to Grand Central where Jim Latimer and Kenneth
+Evans were to meet them. They then were going to take the Twentieth
+Century Limited to Chicago.
+
+Jim and Ken had been engaged by Carew, to join his camp of surveyors in
+the mountains for this second season’s work; and, as Polly and her
+friends were to spend the summer vacation at Pebbly Pit, it was quite
+natural that all six should journey westward, together.
+
+Mr. Dalken and the Ashbys came to see the friends off, and as the parent
+Latimers and Evans were with their boys to the last, there was a large
+merry party to accompany the travelers to the Pullman.
+
+“Don’t be surprised to see me bring the Ashbys to Pebbly Pit in my
+touring car, some fine day, soon,” announced Mr. Dalken.
+
+“Oh, that would be lovely!” cried Polly, eagerly.
+
+“And leave Ruth with us for the Summer?” added Eleanor.
+
+“Yes, yes, Daddy—I’d love to spend my vacation with Polly and Eleanor
+at the ranch!” exclaimed Ruth Ashby.
+
+“Where would you put us all—even if we did come?” asked Mrs. Ashby, who
+had heard of the limitations of the ranch-house.
+
+“Oh, you forget! John writes that we will be surprised to find the
+marvelous work that has gone on at the Cliffs. Not only is the great
+road down through the Devil’s Causeway completed for heavy traffic, but
+rows and rows of buildings back of the Imps are ready for occupancy, the
+moment the machinery is set up for work on the lava. If the miners have
+not yet taken possession of the barracks we could invite loads of people
+to visit the ranch.”
+
+Polly spoke eagerly, and her eyes shone as she beheld her friends
+enjoying the Brewster hospitality.
+
+Everyone laughed at her anxiety to have them visit her, and Mr. Dalken
+promised: “I’ll do my best to bring my friends, Polly.”
+
+A quizzical look in his eyes suddenly caused Polly to remember the
+valentine she had sent him. She smiled back at him, but as suddenly
+another thought flashed into her mind.
+
+“Oh, Mr. Dalken, I’ve wanted to ask you for the _longest_ time! Now that
+it is ancient history, you won’t mind confessing, will you?”
+
+Mr. Dalken shook his head as a concession to her eager look. And Polly
+continued: “_Did_ you send me those American Beauties’ valentine?”
+
+A roar greeted this question, as everyone of the grown-ups had asked the
+same question of Mr. Dalken months before. And Mr. Dalken not only
+repudiated any knowledge of the valentine but told how he had visited
+the florist and had not been able to ascertain who the Cupid really was.
+
+“Polly, I will confess, as they say that open confession is good for the
+soul. I was guilty of sending four boxes of flowers to the Studio on
+Valentine Day, to four charming friends, but I showed no partiality, I
+think, in the bouquets. I would like to know, myself, who the Cupid was
+who sent such gorgeous roses as you received.”
+
+“I wonder! I’m sure it wasn’t Jim,” here Polly looked searchingly at the
+young student, and he shook his head laughingly.
+
+“I couldn’t have, had I wanted to. My pocket money went for that
+love-sonnet that was so harshly condemned,” said he.
+
+“And I’m sure Ken never dreamed of doing it. Then there is Mr. Latimer
+and the doctor—they are both innocent, I know, as they never think of
+anything other than the old patented jewel cutter.”
+
+As Polly explained thus in earnest tones, everyone laughed at the two
+men so calmly criticised for their absorption in patents.
+
+“So I am inclined to believe it was my _own_ Daddy. He always did send
+me the cutest valentines each year, and I received no card from him this
+year—so that is who it was!” declared Polly.
+
+“And the only kind of a Cupid to have, these days, Polly,” approved Mr.
+Dalken.
+
+But the happy circle standing on the platform of the train-shed were now
+notified that the passengers must get on as the train would leave in a
+few moments.
+
+Good-bys were said, hands shaken, kisses wafted from the girls to the
+group remaining in New York, and then the travelers were gone.
+
+Scarcely had the train slowed up in the Chicago Terminal before John and
+Tom Latimer were on board, pushing a way through the Pullmans, in search
+of familiar faces.
+
+“There they are—there comes John!” cried Polly, excitedly, jumping up
+and pointing to the other end of the coach.
+
+“Oh—!” sighed Anne, flushing joyously as her glance rested upon her
+fiancé.
+
+But John had no eyes for anyone but Anne. Polly was left standing with
+hands out-stretched, her whole soul quivering with anticipation of her
+beloved brother’s greeting, and now he forgot she was alive! Then Paul
+Stewart and Pete Maynard ran in.
+
+Mrs. Stewart was embraced by Paul, and Pete hugged his sister Eleanor.
+Tom Latimer stood a pace apart, his features working desperately to
+control his feelings as he saw John joyously scanning Anne’s face, and
+Polly limply sitting down in the parlor chair. Then he quickly went over
+and greeted her.
+
+“Polly, and you boys”—turning to Jim and Kenneth—“we sure are happy to
+see you-all again. My, what a change New York has made in you. I see
+quite a wonderful young lady, where once I remember my little ranch pal
+with pigtails.” Tom tried to laugh merrily.
+
+Kenneth suddenly launched into a silly conversation to cheer Polly. But
+Polly never could dissimulate, and she was too deeply hurt at her
+brother’s neglect to pretend to be merry. John, however, now turned to
+embrace and kiss his sister, and evidently had had no thought of
+neglecting her.
+
+“Come, children, we must get out or we’ll be carried to the
+round-house,” suggested Jim Latimer, taking up certain bags.
+
+Once on the platform where Mr. Maynard welcomed them, Tom said: “When do
+Ken and you go on to Denver?”
+
+“On the next train, leaving here at two. That gives us an hour and a
+half with you.”
+
+“Anyone want dinner, or did you eat on the train?” now asked Paul
+Stewart.
+
+“All dined, but now waiting for someone to suggest a party for Ken and
+I, as we go on in a little while,” said Jim.
+
+“Here!” offered Mr. Maynard. “Pile into taxis and we’ll be at the house
+in a jiffy. No place like home when there’s no other place to go to.”
+
+So, laughing, the entire party bundled itself into cabs, John managing
+to get Anne and her luggage to himself. Immediately, he signalled the
+driver to start off.
+
+Mr. Maynard, Paul and Mrs. Stewart got in another cab and Jim, Ken, and
+Eleanor in another. That left Polly and Tom Latimer, with the remaining
+bags, to get in the last taxi. It was all done in such noisy confusion,
+that no one dreamed how one clever manager had so manipulated matters as
+to have Polly alone in the last cab.
+
+“Well, Polly, I hear you are soaring in your ambition. Mr. Fabian wrote
+me how interested he was in Nolla and you.”
+
+“Oh, did the dear man write you? I didn’t know he and you corresponded.”
+
+“I took a great fancy to the idealist, and having always loved art for
+itself, I told him I would consider it a great pleasure if he would
+exchange letters with me when he had the opportunity. He has done better
+for me than I had any right to expect. He writes the most interesting
+letters—just as clever as his talks on art.”
+
+Having found a willing listener in Tom, Polly expanded on her private
+opinion of such a wonderful teacher as Mr. Fabian was, and before the
+taxi drew up in front of the Maynard’s brown-stone mansion, Tom had the
+comforting assurance that Polly had quite forgotten her brother John’s
+unintentional neglect.
+
+Jim and Ken enjoyed their hasty visit and then took their departure to
+catch their train going west. When Mrs. Maynard and Barbara dispensed
+tea, the three young men, John, Tom and Paul, had to enter into service
+for the hostess; but they would greatly have preferred to enjoy their
+time as each inclined—John alone with Anne in the conservatory, Tom and
+Polly talking art, and Paul making merry with Eleanor.
+
+Barbara, who a year ago would have resented oblivion for herself, now
+smiled contentedly and gazed upon a huge solitaire.
+
+“Bob, shall we announce it?” whispered her mother.
+
+“No, they do not know Percival, and, moreover, not one of these people
+appreciate his social standing.”
+
+So the young people now gathered about Mrs. Maynard’s tea-table were
+deprived (so Bob thought) of the greatest event of the past social
+season—her engagement to one of the most aristocratic and wealthiest
+eligibles on the market, Percival Weston.
+
+Barbara twirled her solitaire smilingly, nor cared that her Percival was
+bald and diminutive, past the prime in life, and not over-brilliant. Had
+he not been the catch at Newport the previous Summer? And had he not
+attached himself to her as soon as she appeared in the Adirondack Camp
+presided over by the famous society leader of New York?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII—BACK AGAIN AT PEBBLY PIT
+
+
+“Oh, Nolla! Isn’t this great after old New York?” cried Polly, as they
+were all jostled in the big ranch-wagon driven by Mr. Brewster, as it
+rumbled over the trail to Pebbly Pit.
+
+“We-all think it’s great, Poll; but wait till you see what your going to
+New York did to the old Pit! No one to blame for it but yourself,”
+laughed her father.
+
+“We heard there was a row of buildings down behind the Imps, and that a
+fine roadway was constructed through the Devil’s Causeway,” said Polly,
+eagerly.
+
+“But no one told you how John and Tom came here as soon as college
+closed, and brought a railroad man with them to see about building a
+spur from Bear Forks to the valley at the foot of Grizzly Slide. It’s
+twenty miles nearer Denver than Oak Creek, so the company agreed to risk
+the work if Pebbly Pit would guarantee a certain amount of travel and
+freight over the road.”
+
+“Well—did you, Daddy?” asked Polly, eagerly.
+
+“Tom Latimer did. Agreed to put up bonds for same.”
+
+“Tom? Why Tom Latimer?” asked Eleanor.
+
+“Oh, Tom is mighty ambitious, you know, and seems as if he liked this
+section better than the East. However, it is Tom we-all can thank for
+that new railroad. When you-all come home next year, you-all will be
+riding over your own tracks.” Mr. Brewster chuckled.
+
+“Is Tom going to join that crew of engineers that John and he were with
+last year?” now asked Eleanor.
+
+“No, indeed! Tom and John will be right here with us this summer. We-all
+need their help in working out the problems of the mine and Rainbow
+Cliffs,” responded Sam Brewster.
+
+“I don’t suppose we’ll see a bit of John as long as Anne and her mother
+remain in Denver, visiting their old friends,” pouted Polly, jealously.
+
+Her father glanced slyly at her, and smiled. He felt sorry for his
+little girl who had always felt that her brother John was her own
+personal property. Now that someone claimed first love and attention
+from him it was mighty hard for her, as well as for Mrs. Brewster.
+
+“Ah should wonder at John if he failed in gallantry to his sweetheart,”
+was all Sam Brewster said aloud.
+
+“Oh! Everyone makes me tired! Anyone’d think Anne Stewart was a saint.
+She’s only a girl the same as Nolla, or me. And no one is found going
+mad over either one of _us_!” cried Polly, pettishly.
+
+Eleanor laughed. “Give us a few years and then see!”
+
+Polly curled her lip impatiently. “A few years from now and I’ll be in
+Europe with dear old Fabian, studying art. I won’t want attention from
+anyone, then.”
+
+“Seems to me,” ventured Mr. Brewster, gently, “my little girl is
+hankering for homage or a beau—which is it?”
+
+Polly stared aghast. “Neither one! How dare you say so.”
+
+“You-all were speaking of attention.”
+
+“But I was only thinking of _John_. He’ll have Anne for a wife all his
+life long—after next year. But he won’t have _me_ after I finish
+school.”
+
+In spite of the tearful tone, Mr. Brewster had to laugh. “Don’t waste
+your time on John, Polly girl. Let me make up for him and be your
+devoted attendant. Ah’ll always be at your beck and call!”
+
+“Oh, Dad! That reminds me!” exclaimed Polly, turning square around to
+face her father, and forgetting her recent misery over John. “_How_ did
+you ever manage about that rose valentine you sent me?”
+
+Sam Brewster let the reins dangle recklessly as he, in turn, stared at
+his daughter. “What valentine?”
+
+Polly winked roguishly and laughed. “You can’t pull the wool over my
+eyes, Daddy. I’ve spent a whole year in New York to some advantage, you
+see. I have seen lots of such feigned innocence as yours.”
+
+“But honest, Poll, Ah don’t even know what you-all are talking about; Ah
+got your sweet valentine, and so did maw.”
+
+Polly frowned at her father. “Didn’t you wire to a florist in New York
+and order a dozen great roses for my valentine? And tie the two hearts
+pierced by a golden arrow, about the center of the flower-stems?”
+
+“Positively, this is the first word Ah’ve heard of it!” declared Sam
+Brewster so emphatically, that the girls believed him.
+
+“Now, Polly, the hunt is narrowing down,” laughed Eleanor. “We know it
+was no one in New York, and it wasn’t Jim or Ken. Your father says he
+didn’t do it, so it leaves only a few more to ask.”
+
+Suddenly Polly clasped her hands. Her face was radiant. “Why, of course!
+How could I forget? It was dear old John! He, too, always remembered me
+on Valentine Day.” Then turning to her father, and shaking a finger at
+him, she added: “But you didn’t remember me, this year, bad man.”
+
+“Tell truth, Polly, there was so much to think about and so much to do,
+over the buildings and mines, that Ah clean forgot there ever was such a
+day, until I got your card. Then I felt sorry.”
+
+“Well, thank goodness, John remembered!” sighed Polly. And Eleanor
+noticed that she smiled again in forgiveness of her brother’s
+shortcomings.
+
+When the wagon stopped at the porch of the ranch-house, Eleanor laughed:
+“Just as we drove up last year—but oh, how different this year!”
+
+Mrs. Brewster hurried out to welcome her dear girls, and laughed at
+Eleanor’s remark. “Still making Irish bulls, Nolla!”
+
+They all laughed merrily, and then Sary rushed from her kitchen, and
+clasped Polly to her ample bosom. Eleanor came in for her share of the
+maid’s embrace before she had to hurry back to the dinner.
+
+“Ah’se cookin’ cabbige soup, Miss Nolla,” she explained.
+
+“Why, Sary, that first night we were here last summer, you had
+‘cabbidge’ soup, too!”
+
+“We-all has to hev it once a week reg’ler now, ’cause Jeb loves it, an’
+he is a foreman, you know.” Sary’s pride in her spouse’s promotion was
+most evident.
+
+While Polly and her mother cozily sat together on the porch and smiled
+happily to be in each other’s company, once more, Eleanor walked to the
+barns with Mr. Brewster. She had an object in view, and she never
+delayed in finding out what she wanted to know, should the opportunity
+come and offer itself to her.
+
+“Mr. Brewster, do tell me honestly—_did_ you send the roses, or do you
+know who did send them to Polly?”
+
+“Nolla, Ah never heard of them until to-day. Ah’m as curious as you, to
+know who sent them. What were they like, anyway?”
+
+“Well, you must know, Mr. Brewster, that American Beauty roses like they
+were, cost a small fortune in New York, at that time of the year. Each
+one of those roses cost not less than five or six dollars. And the
+trinket that was bound to the stems was not a cheap thing, either. In
+fact, the chain was of fine, gold-plated links, and the arrows were
+gold-plated, too. It was an imported curio.”
+
+“By the Great Horned Spoon! Roses that cost like that! Why, they wilted,
+didn’t they?” gasped Sam Brewster.
+
+Eleanor laughed merrily. “Sure thing! But we kept them as long as
+possible. That is just where the joy comes in of getting costly
+roses—they wilt. And anyone, who will spend that much money on one,
+must think a heap of her first—see?”
+
+Mr. Brewster stood stock-still. He caught at Eleanor’s arm. “Ah’ve got
+it!”
+
+“What—who?” Eleanor was breathless in her eagerness.
+
+“Find the silly swain that’s making eyes at my Polly, and you’ve caught
+the rascal who sent the roses.”
+
+Eleanor screamed with laughter. “Oh, you’re funny! But isn’t that
+exactly what everyone’s been doing?”
+
+“Oh—have they?”
+
+“Sure! I learned that Mr. Fabian tried to find out who the fellow was.
+And then Mr. Dalken wanted to know. The Latimers and Evans put Jim and
+Ken through the third degree, but no one confessed to it. Now do _you_
+believe John sent them?”
+
+“I do not!” was the positive reply.
+
+“Neither do I! Because John sent Anne a bunch of roses for _her_
+valentine but they were only seven dollars. She got a dozen, the usual
+short-stemmed Bride Roses. He wouldn’t dare send his sister such
+gorgeous ones and only give his fiancée cheaper ones.”
+
+Sam Brewster smiled at his companion. “Nolla, you’re a wise little owl.”
+
+“Anyone would be, after having had the social training that was fed to
+me from the bottle up!”
+
+Mr. Brewster laughed at this, and Eleanor then said: “Guess I’ll be
+going back, now, Mr. Brewster. I wanted to know your opinion about John
+and the roses.”
+
+“Wait, Nolla. Have you any answer to it yourself?”
+
+“U—m, yes—I have a sort of a suspicion. But it isn’t fair to anyone to
+even hint at it. So don’t ask me.”
+
+“This much you might answer, however, seeing that Ah’m Polly’s father
+and the most concerned in the beaux she has. Do you fancy it might have
+been your brother Pete?”
+
+“_Pete!_” The very tone made Mr. Brewster smile as he saw that Eleanor
+had never thought of him. “Anyway, Pete and Poll hardly know each
+other.”
+
+“Ah wonder if it could have been Paul Stewart—he seemed dreadfully
+attentive to her that time when we-all were visiting you-all in New
+York.” Mr. Brewster watched Eleanor shrewdly.
+
+“I just guess it _wasn’t_ Paul! He sent me a lovely card for a
+valentine; and while we were home in Chicago, I asked him about flowers.
+He never thought to wire a florist about sending me any flowers, he
+said. So I know Paul hadn’t anything to do with it.”
+
+“Ah! Well, Nolla, now we know who he was, eh?” laughed Sam Brewster,
+tweaking Eleanor’s ear and hastening away to the barns.
+
+Eleanor stood watching him. Then she laughed softly: “He sure did put
+one over on me, that time!”
+
+As she walked slowly back to the ranch-house she soliloquized to
+herself. “That’s just who it was. Gee! It’s almost as fine as having a
+romance of my very own. But Polly doesn’t want it so.
+
+“All the same, when John and Tom come down here, I’m going to tease Tom
+about the wonderful roses Polly’s brother sent her. Then we’ll see what
+we’ll see!”
+
+Eleanor could keep her own counsel as well as Sam Brewster, but the two
+exchanged wise looks, now and then, when no one was watching. Still,
+never a word was said again on the rose subject.
+
+A week after the two girls got home, the others in the party came down
+from Denver. Mrs. Stewart was to be Mrs. Brewster’s guest that Summer,
+Eleanor was Polly’s, and Anne said she was John’s visitor. Then Tom
+Latimer laughed and said: “I’ll have to be Mr. Brewster’s pal.”
+
+“I can promise you that you won’t have your head turned by any pretty
+school-girl, Tom, if you are _my_ guest,” chuckled Sam Brewster.
+
+Eleanor tittered, Tom flushed, but the others laughed at such a speech.
+
+Plans had been made to take a three-day trip up over Top Notch Trail,
+and inspect the progress on the mine, but Mrs. Brewster and her guest
+would remain at home, by preference.
+
+The merry cavalcade started out, Polly on her beloved Noddy as usual,
+and Eleanor on Choko. The others rode their horses, and Jeb led an extra
+horse with the packs.
+
+There was no planned order in riding; first one girl would have one of
+the escort, and then another would ride up and “cut in” to urge the
+other onward. Thus everyone was laughing and teasing and talking merrily
+until they reached the falls on top of the mountains. Here, where Polly
+had caught the trout, the year before, they all had dinner.
+
+“My goodness! Folks in New York never know what they miss by never
+coming to the Rockies,” declared Polly, her eyes wandering to the
+far-off line of mountain-ranges.
+
+“And folks who live near these mountains are never happy until they get
+to New York,” remarked Mr. Brewster.
+
+Polly laughed. “Oh, that is when one needs education. I have always had
+too _much_ mountain and not enough of other good things. But now that I
+am tasting a little of everything, I like my mountains as well as
+anything I’ve seen.”
+
+“D’ye think you-all will stay at home after this?” eagerly asked her
+father.
+
+“Double no!” affirmed Polly, emphatically.
+
+Everyone laughed at the expressive slang, and Polly added: “At least,
+not until I have seen Europe, year after next, and tried a hand in my
+profession. Maybe—if I fall in love, some day—I’ll come back to Pebbly
+Pit to raise my family.”
+
+John Brewster thought this so funny that he ha-ha-haed loudly, but the
+others smiled doubtfully. Eleanor could not help sending a swift look at
+Tom Latimer to see how he received the information. But Tom was
+scrambling to his feet, so his face could not be observed. Eleanor
+glanced away from him to Sam Brewster, and saw the latter with a twinkle
+cornering his eyes as he noticed Tom’s awkward movement.
+
+“U—m!” muttered Eleanor. “I’ve got your number, Tom Latimer!” But no
+one overheard her whispered thought.
+
+As the riders proceeded on their way, Paul Stewart said: “I don’t see
+why you folks should think this such a tough trail. I consider it rather
+broad and good.”
+
+“Humph! It’s a highway these days, what with all the riding up and down.
+But last year you wouldn’t have been able to see any thing but trees and
+rocks,” Polly returned.
+
+It was as Polly said: almost as clear a trail as any woodland road. At
+Four-Mile-Blaze where the girls were well-nigh lost on their first ride
+over the trail, there now was a good but narrow bridle-path. Thence it
+was easy going up the steep side to Grizzly Slide.
+
+“W-ell! See the crowd of men working up there? And hear the sound of
+tools and machinery!” exclaimed Polly, as she rode out of the screening
+forest, and came to a man-made clearing.
+
+“Of all things! Trees chopped down and turned into huts; an army of
+workmen living here as if they belonged,” added Eleanor.
+
+“We are blasting and clearing away the rubble that hides your mine. We
+had both ends working a few weeks ago, but now we are trying to drop a
+shaft from the top,” said Mr. Brewster.
+
+The visitors camped at the miners’ settlement, that night, and the next
+day the girls were taken about to see the great progress made according
+to the plans to mine the ore.
+
+A cable-road was being built from Choko’s Cave down the steep
+mountain-side, to the valley, and this was to be used to carry the
+ore-cars up and down. As the girls stood on top of the ledge that
+overhung the cave, they could look straight down the awesome
+mountain-side, where the forest had been cleared for the cable-line.
+
+“It looks as if it all cost a heap of money,” said Polly.
+
+She had been so engaged in looking at the change wrought in her beloved
+mountain, that she failed to see that the others had wandered away. But
+someone stood behind her. She felt it. As no reply came to her
+statement, she turned and found Tom Latimer waiting for her.
+
+“Oh, where are the others?”
+
+“Gone over to the other side where the underground river comes out, you
+know.”
+
+“I was saying, Tom, that this must have taken a lot of money.”
+
+“More than we figured on, but once we begin to get out the ore, it will
+roll back four-fold.”
+
+Polly was impressed, but still wondered “Where did all the money come
+from, Tom?”
+
+“Stocks. We wanted to keep most of the Capital for you and the first
+owners, you know; but investors wouldn’t put up so much money without a
+vote. So we had to sell out some of the voting shares. That’s where Mr.
+Dalken came in—he bought a big block of your stock, and it is his money
+that’s doing this.”
+
+“I think he is the nicest man! I used to think he sent me a wonderful
+bunch of American Beauty roses for a valentine, but I only learned the
+other day that it was John! Wasn’t it funny?”
+
+Tom laughed with Polly, and said: “What made you think Mr. Dalken sent
+them?”
+
+“Oh, something happened once to Nolla and me, in New York that nobody
+knows—so don’t you go and tell on us, Tom!” Polly waited anxiously to
+get Tom’s promise, then she proceeded.
+
+“And Mr. Dalken happened along in time to save us from the beasts. After
+that he made us use his small automobile when we went to night-school.
+We were awfully grateful to him for it.
+
+“Then when Valentine Day came along, I suggested to Nolla that we send
+him a lovely card telling him how good he was to us. I sent it, and late
+that night the roses came. I felt sure, all the time, that he sent them;
+I thought he had forgotten it was Valentine Day until after my card
+reached him. I always wondered why he didn’t put Nolla’s name on the
+card, too, as well as mine. But now I know he never sent them.”
+
+“Does John know you’ve found him out?” asked Tom.
+
+“No, not yet; but some day I’ll tease him about it.”
+
+“Don’t! let him think you are still trying to guess who sent the roses.
+It will tickle him to pieces to believe you think it is an ardent
+admirer of yours.” Tom laughed merrily with Polly at the very idea.
+
+“That’s just what I will! And you and I will sometimes pretend _you_
+sent the roses to me, and then we will watch John’s face. Maybe he will
+up and tell the truth!” added Polly.
+
+“No, I doubt it. You see, Polly, John is a wonderful actor, and one
+never knows just what he thinks. If he managed to keep a close mouth to
+me, his best friend, all this time, it must be because he didn’t want
+Anne to find out he sent you such roses.”
+
+Then the two conspirators walked back to join the others, but Polly and
+Tom felt that they had a good joke between them, thereafter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV—ANOTHER YEAR AT SCHOOL
+
+
+The summer vacation passed quickly for Polly and Eleanor, and September
+came in with wonderful Autumn weather, when riding and mountain-climbing
+were just the thing. However, all such outings ended to plan for the
+return to New York.
+
+A letter had arrived from Mr. Fabian, in which he spoke of his
+delightful visit with his wife and daughter. They had gone to various
+places in Europe and England, inspecting and studying all the famous old
+works of art, and the ancient buildings that made fitting caskets for
+these rare curios.
+
+“When I read this letter, of all Mr. Fabian has done with his Summer, I
+feel guilty,” said Polly to her friend, Nolla.
+
+“Why should you? We had to rest and drop all idea of study so’s to be
+fresh for this year’s work. Didn’t we do it?”
+
+“Yes, we rested, all right, Nolla; but it seems we might have done some
+of the work we planned to do, before we left New York. There is that
+chest with our colors, paper and other things—we never as much as
+unlocked it.”
+
+“Polly, I can paint any sort of drapery you want, and in any light or
+shadow. I can paint a vase, a chair or a lamp; I can draw a hall, or a
+room, or a window. What more do you want? Why should we sit down and
+make loads of these things all summer, when we know how to do the work,
+already?”
+
+“I don’t know, Nolla, except that we ought to practise!”
+
+“Pooh! I’m ready for all the work they want to pile up on me, now and
+I’m glad I’ve been so lazy all summer.”
+
+“To tell the truth, Nolla, _I_ am more than ready to work with all my
+heart. I feel as if I would dry up if I played any more,” admitted
+Polly, laughingly.
+
+With this desire to again take up their studies in New York, the girls
+left Pebbly Pit the second week in September. By the last of the month,
+they were eagerly planning with Mr. Fabian for the new year’s school
+work in art and decoration.
+
+“I have a pleasant surprise for you, girls,” announced Mr. Fabian, after
+greetings were exchanged. They all sat under the locust tree in the
+little yard of the Studio.
+
+“‘On with the dance,’” laughed Eleanor.
+
+“As you know, I landed in New York the first week of September, and
+found most of my friends still away in the country. But Mr. Dalken was
+in evidence, as ever, eager to offer me his hospitality, until I located
+for the Winter.
+
+“We sat in the medieval library of his apartment, and I remarked,
+casually, at the unusual size of his rooms.
+
+“‘Yes,’ replied he. ‘That’s the advantage of leasing one of the
+old-fashioned apartments not so far uptown. One gets the benefit of
+being near the center of activities in the city, and at the same time
+one can have the great rooms once occupied by the old gentry of the
+town.’
+
+“‘What a splendid room for gatherings,’ I said, never dreaming of his
+inspiration.
+
+“‘Seeing that you are looking for a suitable room in which to conduct
+your little private class of art decorators, why not use this library? I
+have all kinds of reference books in the cases and I am so seldom at
+home in the early part of the evening that you will be undisturbed.’
+
+“I was astonished, as you may imagine, and I said, ‘But, Mr. Dalken, we
+couldn’t think of using this room and the apartment, without some return
+for your kindness.’
+
+“He laughed. ‘What do I want of rent or its equivalent? I am only too
+glad to do you and those charming students of yours a good turn. You
+see, I still owe Polly and Eleanor a great balance which can never be
+paid. Were it not for those two girls I would not have a child—even
+though I seldom see my little one.’
+
+“I felt that he was so earnest about the offer that I said we would talk
+it over with Mr. Ashby and let him judge. Not that I did not see the
+advantage of using the rooms, but I wanted an impartial friend of Mr.
+Dalken’s to decide whether or no he might regret the generous offer,
+later; and then not care to tell us that we bothered him with our
+regular classes three nights a week.
+
+“So we visited the Ashbys the following evening, and to my amazement,
+Mr. Ashby was enthusiastic over the plan. He said: ‘Now you’ve started
+out right, Dalk, and to prove how much I think of your offer, I am going
+to have Ruth join the class this year—if Mr. Fabian will take her. It
+might be rather nice to have Elizabeth join the class, also, even though
+she may not show any talent for the work.’
+
+“‘Now, Ashby, you must pardon me if I speak frankly,’ Mr. Dalken then
+said. ‘One of the main reasons for Mr. Fabian’s resignation from Cooper,
+and giving all his valuable time to a small class, is to urge those
+talented ones forward. If my little girl, who detests application to
+study of any sort, were to join this class, the basic idea would be
+ruined. The class would be held back by one delinquent. But I appreciate
+your motive in suggesting a way that I might enjoy the companionship of
+Elizabeth so often, without the tyranny and incompatibility of her
+mother’s temper.’
+
+“Mr. Ashby colored, as he thought he had been diplomatic in his hint,”
+concluded Mr. Fabian. “So now it is settled that Ruth Ashby joins our
+art class, this year, and we will meet at Mr. Dalken’s rooms for our
+work. That is nice for you girls, as it is only a short walk of a few
+blocks from the Studio.”
+
+“_Nice_ for us—why, it is just scrumptious!” exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+“And such a wonderful environment as that library, will give us
+inspiration, too,” added Polly. “I never _did_ see such a kind man as
+Mr. Dalken! If I had my way to accomplish it, I’d shower all the joys
+and successes in heaven or earth upon his generous heart.”
+
+“He _is_ great and good, and it seems as if justice must be sleeping,
+when such a man must suffer alone because of a silly moth of a wife. If
+he would only hearken to his friends and seek freedom from such galling
+bonds! but he doesn’t think divorce ever righted a wrong, and he still
+hopes he can bring Mrs. Dalken to a sense of her family-obligations and
+gratitude, for all she has been so unselfishly given. Poor fellow!” Mr.
+Fabian shook his head despondently over their benefactor’s future.
+
+“Polly and I never knew what was the trouble in the Dalken family, Mr.
+Fabian, but what we have seen and known of our dear friend, I’m sure
+that _he_ was never to blame for it,” said Eleanor, defensively.
+
+“I never care to gossip or to repeat a story, children, but now I think
+you ought to know why Mr. Dalken lives alone so much as he does. If we
+are to use his rooms, you must know what a magnificent character he is,
+and then should you hear any disagreeable gossip that can be traced to
+his wife, you will understand the situation.”
+
+“Whatever you say, Mr. Fabian, will never be repeated by either Nolla or
+me,” promised Polly, solemnly.
+
+“I know it, that is why I feel I ought to tell you.
+
+“Mr. Dalken, as you know, is a descendant of one of the oldest Dutch
+Settlers in America. His family, from olden times down to the present
+day, were patriotic and loyal Americans. He is as staunch an American as
+you will find, anywhere.
+
+“Mrs. Dalken was a poor girl, and not over-brilliant. But Mr. Dalken
+admired her prettiness when she was a young miss, and when he was but a
+slip of a youth. They went to entertainments together in the small town
+where they both lived, and enjoyed each other’s company for two or three
+years.
+
+“Then the young man went to college and saw the world. He realized how
+superficial Amy Lathrop was, and as time went by, he would have
+forgotten her completely, had she not kept up her side of the
+correspondence. And gradually a suggestive note crept into her letters.
+
+“When his college days were over, young Dalken returned to his
+birth-place to settle the country estate that was his. Then he met Amy
+again, and she found him so chivalrous that it was an easy matter to
+give him to understand that she had waited for him these five
+years—that she had been the soul of faithfulness.
+
+“Without consulting his friends, or mentioning the matter to others in
+the town, he became engaged to her on the claim from her, that it had so
+been understood before he went to college.
+
+“Well, they were married, one day, and then our poor friend’s martyrdom
+began. Amy Dalken was of no use in anything or in any way. True, she had
+two children, but it may have been much better had she never become a
+mother. She had no affection for them or the father, and only thought of
+spending money and enjoying herself to the utmost.
+
+“Dalken was wealthy before he married Amy, and his alert mind coupled
+with his unusual foresightedness in finance soon rolled up fortunes for
+him. His wife spent money like water, and was sought after by the
+vultures of society—those who fawn and fondle as long as they can get
+something out of the victim.
+
+“Mrs. Dalken’s balls and bridge-parties were famous—I might say,
+notorious—for at the former the extravagance was a matter of newspaper
+comment, and at the latter, the stakes were so high that others lifted
+their eyebrows at the losses and gains.
+
+“Little Billie Dalken was eighteen months old, and the joy of our good
+friend’s life, when a dreadful thing happened. Billie was a chubby,
+handsome little chap exactly like his father—the same intelligent brown
+eyes, the same fine features, and he was unusually clever and large for
+his age.
+
+“Mr. Dalken had been called to Washington on business one day, and that
+same day his wife was about to give a grand dinner and bridge, later.
+There were plenty of servants in the household, but on such an occasion
+everyone was busy with the extra work. Billie’s own nurse gave him his
+supper and was about to put him to bed when she discovered a wheezing
+sound in his throat. She feared another attack of croup. She was about
+to apply the remedies she knew of, when Mrs. Dalken’s maid came to the
+nursery.
+
+“‘The mistress says you are to go to her at once and I am to sit with
+the baby for a while. She wants her head massaged because it aches so!’
+
+“And the nurse answered as she thought proper, ‘Go and tell your
+mistress that Billie has a bad cold and I must remain to take care of
+him.’
+
+“The maid tossed her head and left the room. She hadn’t any desire to
+remain with a baby, especially if it was wheezing and beginning to
+cough. So she may have exaggerated the reply somewhat. However, that did
+not excuse Mrs. Dalken from her next act. She was furious and sent the
+butler to the nursery to pay off the nurse and see that she left the
+house at once!
+
+“Then she sent the parlor-maid to sit in the nursery with the child.
+That dinner was a great success, but just before the card-party began,
+the maid sent down word that Mrs. Dalken was to come up to the nursery
+at once, and see what ailed the baby—he was so red in the face and had
+a fever, she said.
+
+“Mrs. Dalken whispered a reply: ‘I’ll be up as soon as I can get the
+tables started.’ Then she never gave it another thought.
+
+“Three times during that evening the frightened parlor-maid sent down
+for the mother to come up. And three times the hostess smiled and nodded
+and then forgot all about the call. Before midnight, the boy began
+choking and gagging and the hysterical maid ran back and forth hoping to
+find the butler, or someone, who would help in this extremity.
+
+“Every servant in the house was busy serving drinks, cards, or
+cigarettes, and none had time to call up a doctor. Then the daring maid
+telephoned for a doctor she knew. But he lived so far uptown that it
+took half an hour to arrive at the house.
+
+“Before he got there, little Billie Dalken was sleeping in the last long
+rest. No one was with him but the parlor-maid when he strangled to
+death; but the awful contortions of his face and body showed the
+suffering he endured during the convulsions.
+
+“Mr. Dalken came home early in the morning, the Washington business
+having been successfully consummated without any loss of time. It was
+not yet seven o’clock, but everyone in the house seemed astir. The heavy
+fumes of smoke and the aftermath of a riotous night’s play were evident
+throughout the first floor rooms. He smiled sardonically at it all, then
+rushed upstairs two steps at a time to peep at his beloved children.
+
+“Elizabeth was weeping fearfully in her little crib that stood in the
+room connecting with the nursery. The moment she saw her father she
+screamed with relief.
+
+“‘Oh, Daddy! Billie’s so twisted and queer—and he won’t answer when I
+call him.’
+
+“Poor Dalken had a sudden premonition of catastrophe and rushed into the
+nursery. He almost collapsed at what he saw there. A strange woman was
+about to take up the stiff little form and do for it what a loving
+mother should reverently insist upon doing.
+
+“The father, with a broken heart, took his beloved boy and prepared him
+for his last resting-place. All through the three days elapsing after
+the night of Billie’s death, Mrs. Dalken remained locked in her boudoir,
+her maid seeing that the smelling salts were handy whenever her lady
+called for them. Between the visits of condolence from her intimates,
+and the fittings of the deep mourning, the mother was kept too busy to
+meet her husband, or watch with the remains of her baby.
+
+“But after the funeral (that also buried most of Dalken’s joy in living)
+he insisted upon a serious talk with his butterfly wife. She promised
+everything, even to giving up her gambling games, if he would but
+refrain from the publicity of the cause of Billie’s death and the
+subsequent separation. She used her sharpest weapon to gain her
+point—Elizabeth.
+
+“So several more months went by, but the poor man was a mere
+money-machine in his own home. Even his little daughter began to believe
+that society was everything, and love or home-ties only a necessity that
+interfered with one’s pet pleasures and freedom.
+
+“Without consulting her husband, Mrs. Dalken planned to visit Europe
+with a party of friends. To keep her grasp on her money-supplier she
+took Elizabeth with her. A nurse looked after the girl. She remained
+abroad for more than a year, and when she returned she went directly to
+a fashionable hotel instead of seeing that her home was reopened in New
+York.
+
+“She had ordered everything swathed and packed for the time she was
+abroad, and had left but two rooms livable for the owner and master of
+the magnificent dwelling.
+
+“Dalken lived there in gloomy sorrow for a few months and finally his
+friends insisted upon his going to the Club where he could meet cheerful
+companions and stop brooding over his irreparable loss.
+
+“Mrs. Dalken was in no hurry to reopen her home, and all that Winter she
+remained at the hotel, while her husband stopped at his club. She
+allowed him to call upon her two or three times a week, when others were
+present, and she not only accepted all the checks he offered her, but
+ran up fearful debts everywhere. He was permitted to take Elizabeth out
+at certain times, but Mrs. Dalken was clever enough to keep hold on the
+girl, as she knew it was her only hope of keeping her clutch on her
+provider.
+
+“Just after the Holidays, that season, she went to Palm Beach, but she
+entered Elizabeth in a boarding school out of the city. Dalken tried, in
+many ways, to learn where his child was, but he had no success in his
+search.
+
+“Then he wired his wife that she must turn over the girl to him while
+she was running around, or he would instantly stop her income and sue
+her for desertion. Then she came back to New York and took Elizabeth out
+of school again, but matters got worse and worse for poor Dalken.
+Finally his dear friends, who loved him for what he was and is,
+persuaded him to sue for a legal separation. They hoped Mrs. Dalken
+would turn over the girl whom she had no natural love for, to the
+father, as a hostage.
+
+“But she was a wise woman, by this time. She accepted the separation
+without demur, but refused to give up Elizabeth. It was then agreed that
+the girl might choose which one of the parents she preferred to live
+with. Having had so many years of life with her mother, the girl became
+like her—selfish, vain, and arrogant. No love or gratitude was found in
+her character.
+
+“Just at this time, Mr. Dalken was taken very ill, and his mother (who
+is a dear, you will find, when you meet her) came from England to nurse
+him. He was ill for more than a year, so Elizabeth chose to remain with
+her mother for the time being.
+
+“Mrs. Dalken, Senior, took her only child back to England with her, as
+soon as he could travel, and there she kept him well-nursed and cared
+for, in her cousin’s English country-house, until he had regained his
+strength and fairly good health. Then mother and son went to the
+Continent to visit the scenes of the famous battle-fields, and then on
+to the Riviera for a month.
+
+“The wise mother knew that taking Mr. Dalken’s thoughts from his own
+miserable state, and making him think of other’s woes, would the sooner
+brace him up to face his life-problem. And so it was.
+
+“Elizabeth elected to remain with her frivolous mother but Mr. Dalken
+supports her handsomely, and often bribes her to spend an afternoon or
+evening with him, by having a valuable gift awaiting her coming. Mr.
+Ashby, and other friends, have advised Dalken against this pernicious
+way of baiting the inclinations of the girl, but he says they do not
+know his heart-hunger, and so cannot judge his actions.”
+
+“Oh, Mr. Fabian! Our poor, dear Mr. Dalken!” sobbed Polly, when the
+speaker had ended his story.
+
+“If I ever meet that horrid woman I shall tear her hair out, I know I
+shall!” wept Eleanor, vehemently.
+
+“If only we could do something, Nolla, to make up to our dear Dalk, for
+all his sorrow,” sighed Polly, drying her eyes.
+
+“You can love him the more for this story, girls, but do not refer to
+it, as he is still tender over his loss.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV—THE FOUNDLING
+
+
+The sad story told the girls, about their friend Mr. Dalken, filled them
+with love and compassion for the great-hearted man, and they wondered
+how they could do _something_ for him that would not only show their
+appreciation of his kindness to them, but at the same time give him
+pleasure or happiness. But there seemed no material thing that he
+needed, and really, nothing that one could do for him.
+
+“There must be times when he sits alone brooding over his boy and how
+different things might have been had he married a different type of
+woman,” remarked Eleanor, one evening, after leaving their new
+class-room.
+
+“Yes; but it seems to me he should have been able to see through such a
+shallow thing as that woman must have been, when he returned from
+college and found her apparently waiting for him,” Polly replied.
+
+“But he’s so tender-hearted, you see, he couldn’t bear to give her any
+pain or trouble. That must have been the only reason why he allowed her
+to get him.”
+
+“I suppose so. Why, even now, he is an easy prey to the scheming people
+who know he has barrels of money, and who simply pretend to be friendly
+for what they can get out of him.”
+
+“It’s too bad he can’t be satisfied with just Mr. Ashby and Mr. Fabian
+for man friends, and we few women for his women friends,” mused Eleanor.
+“We’d love him for himself.”
+
+Polly smiled. “Wouldn’t you and I give him a gay time—with high-school
+keeping us employed every week-day, and art class every other night in
+the week, to say nothing of lectures, exhibitions, and other things that
+Mr. Fabian has us do, in line with our work.”
+
+The two girls had crossed Madison and Fourth avenues by this time, and
+were slowly walking down the street towards the Studio. It was a
+beautiful Fall night, and the moon was almost full, hence they were in
+no hurry to reach home and go indoors.
+
+“I hear Anne singing—she must have company,” said Polly as they neared
+the house.
+
+[Illustration: HE WAS A CHUBBY LITTLE FELLOW.]
+
+“Yes; the windows are open in the living-room, and I can peep under the
+shades and see Anne at the piano,” whispered Eleanor.
+
+Just then the breeze wafted one of the shades back from the window, and
+the girls recognised Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Latimer as the guests of Anne.
+
+“Let’s hurry in!” exclaimed Eleanor, suddenly turning from the front
+window and darting into the vestibule.
+
+The outside door was open wide, and as Eleanor ran up the one step that
+raised the tiled entrance from the sidewalk, she stumbled over a soft
+bundle that seemed pushed against the wall.
+
+By this time, Polly also reached the vestibule, but the inside door
+being closed and locked for protection, it was too dark in the vestibule
+for either of the girls to see what the huge bundle contained.
+
+“It feels like a bundle of old clothes. Maybe some servant hid it here
+for a time—she may be going to come back for it,” observed Eleanor,
+prodding the bundle with her foot.
+
+But to the surprise of both girls, a little squeal issued from the roll.
+In the semi-darkness, they stood spell-bound and gazed at each other.
+
+“It’s a baby—of all things!” cried Polly, hastily trying the handle of
+the door.
+
+“Ring—ring the bell like mad. I’ll pick it up!” Eleanor exclaimed,
+excitably.
+
+“Open the door—Anne—hurry up! We’ve found a baby!” called Polly,
+leaning over the iron rail that projected over the area door, in front
+of the windows.
+
+Both girls forgot that they had latch keys, but Mrs. Evans sat nearest
+the window where Polly stood, and quickly answered her call. Eleanor,
+meanwhile, had carefully picked up the rolled-up baby and, the moment
+the door was flung open, carried it indoors.
+
+“Where did you find it?” exclaimed four amazed women.
+
+“Right at our door—in the vestibule,” said Eleanor, placing her bundle
+on the divan and proceeding to open it.
+
+“Wasn’t anyone in sight?” asked Mrs. Latimer, cautiously.
+
+“Not that we noticed; but, of course, we never thought to look, when we
+found what was in the bundle,” explained Polly, nervously eager to
+assist Eleanor in what she was doing.
+
+Before the swaddling blankets were released from the baby, it began to
+utter baby-talk. The females, grouped closely in front of the divan,
+smiled appreciatively.
+
+Finally the last wrapper, which was of mosquito netting, came off, and
+there lay a chubby little fellow of about fifteen months. He had a fist
+in his mouth, and with the other dimpled hand he clutched at Polly’s
+hair as she leaned over him.
+
+“Oh! Isn’t he a darling! He must belong to a neighbor!” exclaimed Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+“He certainly is not starved or poorly cared for,” added Mrs. Evans,
+with experienced voice.
+
+“But he only has on his nightie! Not another stitch to be found,” said
+Anne, carefully rolling the baby over to see if he had any clothes under
+him.
+
+“There’s a note—pinned on the blanket!” cried Polly, anxiously removing
+the pin and taking the paper over to the light.
+
+“It says—just one word—‘Billy.’ Did you ever!” exclaimed Polly,
+glancing from one to the other of the friends who were waiting
+expectantly to hear about the boy.
+
+“Let’s see!” demanded Eleanor, frowning at such a short explanation.
+
+Polly handed the slip of paper to her friend and joined Anne at the
+divan where she was divesting the boy of his nightie to see if further
+clues might be found. About his fat neck was a very fine gold chain, and
+suspended from that was a tiny flat heart-shaped locket. It did not
+open, but on the plain gold face was a monogram of three letters: B—
+D— W—.
+
+“Now we’ve got something to work on! ‘B’ stands for Billy, of course,
+but what can ‘D’ and ‘W’ mean?” Eleanor said excitedly.
+
+“No child is christened ‘Billy,’” Anne contradicted. “He would be
+‘William’—and that is what the ‘W’ is for. Children are nicknamed
+‘Billy’ or ‘Willy’ later. Now his middle and last name must begin with
+the ‘B’ and ‘D’—or vice versa.”
+
+“Shake out the blankets carefully—perhaps another paper is pinned to
+one of them,” said Polly, eagerly.
+
+But there was no other message in the blankets.
+
+“Let’s take off his flannel shirt! There may be something there,”
+ventured Mrs. Stewart.
+
+In less than a minute, the pins were out and the woven shirt of Merino
+was removed, but no further information rewarded the anxious seekers. So
+the shirt was carefully replaced and the boy’s nightie slipped over his
+head again.
+
+“It’s all hand-made of fine linen,” remarked Mrs. Latimer, as she felt
+of the hem at the bottom.
+
+“And one can see that he is no slum child,” added Mrs. Evans.
+
+“_Who_ can he be? and why should anyone want to leave him?” were the
+perplexing questions Polly asked of the others.
+
+They all shook their heads and wondered. But the boy had no use for such
+condolences; he crawled over the divan and when he found not what he was
+in search of, he screwed up his dimpled face and began a lusty call.
+
+Anne instantly took him up and began to chirp to him. He smiled a
+cheerful thanks and showed eight little front teeth. That brought all
+his new friends to his feet—metaphorically speaking.
+
+“_Isn’t_ he a dear!” declared Mrs. Stewart to no one in particular.
+
+“Yes, but we have to advertise him at once. It may be that a villain
+kidnapped him and ran away with him just to get a reward. He may have
+been seen, or chased by the police, and then dropped the baby in our
+vestibule,” said Mrs. Latimer.
+
+Anne laughed. “Which analysis shows that one of us married a
+lawyer—Mrs. Latimer gives us good advice.”
+
+“Or he may belong to a young mother who cannot longer earn a living for
+him,” added Mrs. Stewart.
+
+“That’s not likely, mother,” returned Anne. “As the child would look
+thin and sickly if a mother found it hard to support it. I rather think
+it is a babe that belongs to some distracted mother in the neighborhood.
+He has evidently been put to bed for the night. Possibly a vindictive
+nurse-girl took him from his home to make his parents seek for him and
+then left him at the most convenient door.”
+
+“Anne’s reason sounds the most plausible, and we’d better ’phone the
+police-stations at once. Billy’s parents may even now be wild with
+despair, for we do not know how long he was in the vestibule. All we
+know is, he was not there when we came in, about eight o’clock,” said
+Mrs. Evans.
+
+So she telephoned the police-stations, near by, and also asked the
+morning papers to run a short notice under a suitable caption. Before
+she had finished this work, however, Master Billy began his complaints
+again, and now he was beginning to look as impatient as such a
+good-natured baby could.
+
+“Maybe he’s hungry?” suddenly suggested Mrs. Stewart.
+
+“That’s just what ails him—but we haven’t any bottle!” exclaimed Mrs.
+Evans.
+
+“Perhaps he drinks from a cup—he is old enough to have been weaned, you
+know,” ventured Mrs. Latimer.
+
+A cup of warmed milk was brought in short order, and Mrs. Stewart held
+it out to Anne, as she was still holding the baby. The moment Billy saw
+the cup, he almost leaped from Anne’s arms, and immediately began
+gurgling for very glee.
+
+Everyone laughed at his antics, and Anne was about to hold the cup to
+his lips, when two fat hands clutched at it in a hungry endeavor to
+reach the contents. Of course, part of the milk spilled on his nightie
+but the remainder he drank greedily.
+
+“He’s well-trained—whoever he is. I should say that he has had every
+attention in the past, to have him act like this at his age,” said Mrs.
+Latimer.
+
+“But we don’t know how old he is. He may be months older than we thought
+for,” argued Mrs. Evans.
+
+“Well, he isn’t more than eighteen months at the most,” declared Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+Polly and Eleanor stood silently by listening to these experienced
+mothers, but Anne smiled indulgently at them, and kept her opinions to
+herself.
+
+Dr. Evans and Mr. Latimer stopped for their wives, and when they had
+heard and been shown the fine boy, they gave their masculine opinions.
+
+“A baby who was boarded out, and the parents hadn’t paid up recently. So
+the woman left him on the first door-step to get rid of him,” was the
+doctor’s verdict.
+
+“There spoke the doctor who knows of such cases,” said Anne.
+
+“That isn’t it, however,” remarked Mr. Latimer. “I am of the opinion
+that this child is of wealthy parentage. He likely is a stumbling-block
+for some heirs, who wish him safely out of the way so they may claim the
+estate.”
+
+Anne laughed again. “There speaks the attorney. But you should have had
+the jealous heirs remove this monogramed locket before they tried to get
+rid of all evidence of a barrier to their inheritance.”
+
+“Reckon we’d better stop romancing and put Billy to bed,” said Polly, in
+a matter-of-fact voice.
+
+Her common sense caused a general laugh, and Dr. Evans added: “Well,
+ladies! Come on, if we are to get home to-night.”
+
+With a last look at the sleepy cherub, and a good-night to the friends
+living in the Studio, the four New Yorkers went out.
+
+“Where shall he sleep to-night?” asked Anne.
+
+“Let me have him?” cried Polly.
+
+“Oh—I found him first—let me have him,” begged Eleanor.
+
+“No, girls; babies should sleep absolutely alone. I will get a drawer
+from the high-boy and rig him up a nice little bed therein. To-morrow
+night he will be in his own home, most likely,” explained Mrs. Stewart.
+
+So saying, she hurried upstairs, and in a short time returned, carrying
+the drawer. Anne and the two girls helped cushion it softly, and then
+they placed Billy in it.
+
+He was asleep almost before the bed was ready, and the moment his head
+sank into the soft pillow, he closed his eyes.
+
+“He seems unusually good, Anne,” ventured Mrs. Stewart, as the four
+foster mothers stood gazing down at the flushed little baby-face.
+
+“And very pretty for a young child,” added Anne.
+
+“Well,” sighed Polly, “I suppose we’ll have to hand him back in the
+morning.”
+
+“Some time during the night, most likely,” grumbled Eleanor. “The police
+will tell his folks where he is, and they will be at our door ten
+minutes later.”
+
+But no one called for Billy, that night, and in the morning the papers
+told the story of the foundling. A minute description of his appearance
+and clothing was given, and the telephone number of the family where he
+was to be found. Mrs. Evans had wisely refrained from giving any names
+of the tenants of the Studio.
+
+Before seven o’clock that morning, the telephone began ringing. Anne
+answered it, but described the baby left on their door-step differently
+from what the anxious mother on the other end of the wire had expected.
+
+By eight-thirty, the telephone had called Anne or Polly five times. At
+last Polly said: “My goodness! how can five mothers lose boys like ours
+in one evening? Can’t they take care of them?”
+
+Eleanor then said, “Why, in Chicago, there are records of more than a
+score of babies lost every day. Most of them find their parents again,
+but lots of them don’t.”
+
+“What happens to the poor tots who can’t find their folks again?” asked
+Polly, horrified.
+
+“They go to the orphan asylum—or the Children’s Home.”
+
+With a gasp, Polly glanced at their laughing little Billy. Then she
+looked anxiously at her three companions. They had all thought of the
+same thing, it seems.
+
+“I just couldn’t let him go to a foundling home,” Polly whimpered.
+
+“We can afford to keep him, Polly. You and I can adopt him,” declared
+Eleanor.
+
+But Anne did not seem to approve of the plan. She shook her head as she
+gazed at the curly-haired boy who was banging the breakfast table with a
+teaspoon. “That would never do for you, girls.”
+
+But another ring on the telephone interrupted further argument on that
+subject. Anne described Billy all over again—“Large brown eyes, very
+soft silky hair—yellow and curly. About thirty pounds weight, eight
+front teeth, aged about sixteen months.”
+
+Before she had completed her description of the foundling, the
+distracted mother at the other end of the wire sighed: “He’s not
+mine—thank you.”
+
+“Polly and I are not going to school this morning, Anne,” Eleanor now
+informed the young teacher.
+
+“I don’t see why not?” demanded she.
+
+“First, your mother can’t be chasing back and forth to the ’phone all
+day; and secondly, we do not propose having a stranger calling and
+stealing our baby. Unless the parents present perfectly satisfactory
+evidence that Billy is theirs, no one shall get him.”
+
+Anne smiled, but seeing that it was almost nine o’clock, she consented
+to the two girls remaining home that session; furthermore, she promised
+to explain to Mrs. Wellington about the magnet that had kept them at
+home.
+
+Later in the morning, Dr. Evans stopped in to see if any one had called
+for the baby. Polly and Eleanor were in the midst of giving Billy his
+bath in the large tub. Such laughing and shouting had never been heard
+in that bathroom before. Even Mrs. Stewart laughed in sympathy, as she
+told the doctor what a fine well-behaved child Billy was.
+
+“I’ll call again this evening, Mrs. Stewart. If he has not been claimed
+by that time, I will see what I can do to relieve you of his care.”
+
+“Oh—he is no care whatever, doctor; and I doubt whether the girls will
+consent to your taking him to a home—for a few days, at any rate. They
+think someone will call for him.”
+
+“But you haven’t any clothes or other necessities for him, have you?”
+asked the doctor.
+
+“We didn’t have at first, but Nolla and Polly ran to a department store
+on Fifth avenue—it’s only a few blocks over, you know,—and bought him
+everything he needs. When he had his shoes on he stood up and began
+walking about while he held fast to the chairs. He certainly is a bright
+child.”
+
+“Well, the girls ought not to go silly over him. Buying clothes and
+shoes and everything—until they know who he is.”
+
+“If no one ever calls, Billy has to have clothes; anyway, we thought we
+ought to get them, now, instead of later.”
+
+“I can see, Mrs. Stewart, that you are as foolish about the baby, as the
+two girls are themselves,” laughed Dr. Evans, as he took up his hat to
+depart.
+
+Mrs. Stewart laughed, but the moment the doctor was out of the front
+door, she hurried upstairs to help dress the boy after his bath.
+
+Once he was dressed in his new clothing, and had had a full cup of warm
+milk and gruel, he cuddled down for his nap.
+
+“Now, no use talking! he is a wonder!” declared Eleanor.
+
+“We can keep him, as well as not. He isn’t one mite of trouble,” added
+Polly.
+
+Having waited until Billy was fast asleep, Mrs. Stewart tip-toed from
+the bedroom, beckoning the girls to follow her out.
+
+The police-department had sent their detective to get all the facts from
+Eleanor and Polly, and the press had sent to find out if there was any
+other clue or information about the boy; then, no further interruptions
+took place that day.
+
+The two girls sat out under the locust tree in the yard, because there
+they could hear the first whimper from Billy, when he awoke from his
+nap. As they sat there, they discussed his future.
+
+“If no one ever calls for him, what _shall_ we do with him?’ asked
+Polly, giving Eleanor a penetrating look.
+
+“You’ve got something on your mind—what is it?” countered Eleanor.
+
+“Yes, I have, but I want to hear what _you_ have to say.”
+
+“I’d love to keep him, Polly—at least as long as we are in New York. I
+suppose it would be impossible to take him abroad with us, next summer,”
+returned Eleanor.
+
+“Yes—impossible. And if we keep him with us, we will have to hire a
+nurse-maid, as poor Mrs. Stewart can’t look after a lively youngster all
+day, while we are at school.”
+
+“What was your idea, then?” wondered Eleanor.
+
+“Can’t you guess, Nolla? And his name is Billy, too!”
+
+For an instant Eleanor’s face looked too surprised to allow her to
+speak. Then she stammered: “Well—of all things!”
+
+“What do you make of it?” laughed Polly.
+
+“Wonderful—but what is your plan?”
+
+“Seeing his name is Billy, and his eyes are dark brown and his hair
+golden curls, and he is about sixteen months old—all of which are in
+his favor to advance my little scheme, I should say that we try to keep
+him a few weeks, right now, and see if we can add to Billy’s winsome
+ways. Meanwhile, we will use every effort to find if he has any
+relatives; then should he be a veritable foundling, we will present him
+to dear Mr. Dalken for his very own.”
+
+“Splendiferous! Perfectly great!” cried Eleanor, slapping her friend on
+the back in her delight.
+
+“We will quietly advertise for and select a fine elderly nurse for
+Billy, right off, and when we have him all ready to be given away, he
+will be a little wonder that no one can refuse.”
+
+“Oh, Mr. Dalken won’t think of refusing him, I know! He will be so happy
+to have a boy again,” Eleanor said, enthusiastically.
+
+Several times during the day, the telephone rang and someone asked for a
+description of the baby. Also a number of wild looking people called at
+the address to have a look at the child, but all departed with forlorn
+hopes.
+
+As that night was not a class-evening, the girls were free to do as they
+liked with their time. Anne and her mother were amusing themselves, as
+much as the baby, by teaching him to say ‘Billy.’ Polly and Eleanor were
+eagerly watching results. But harshly upon this sweet scene, the
+door-bell jangled.
+
+“I’ll go!” called Eleanor, and in another minute she had opened the
+door.
+
+“Oh, Mr. Fabian. Do come in and see our baby!”
+
+Then another admirer joined the circle of worshippers around Billy’s
+feet. Mr. Fabian had heard the story from Dr. Evans and dropped in to
+see if the boy was still with his friends.
+
+“He is a dear little shaver, isn’t he?” laughed Mr. Fabian. “But what
+will you do with him if no one claims him?”
+
+“We really haven’t thought of that,” said Anne.
+
+“I’m afraid, if we keep him here with us a week, or more, we won’t want
+to give him up again,” added Mrs. Stewart.
+
+Mr. Fabian saw, from the corner of his eye, that Polly was behind him
+trying to draw his attention. So he managed to turn his head without
+attracting Anne’s or Mrs. Stewart’s attention, and saw the two girls
+shake their heads wisely, meantime their fingers rested upon their lips
+in sign of keeping silence.
+
+Consequently no more was said, that evening, about Billy, and when Mr.
+Fabian was ready to leave, Polly and Eleanor said they believed they
+would walk to the corner with their old friend. The baby had been in bed
+for some time, and Anne was busy writing manuscript, so no one objected
+to the proposal. Mrs. Stewart merely remarked: “Don’t go any farther
+than the corner, dearies. And hurry right back home.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI—BILLY FINDS A FATHER
+
+
+The moment the two girls had Mr. Fabian outside of the Studio, where
+they could talk in perfect freedom, they told him of their secret plan.
+
+“We are going to keep the baby for a few weeks and see that he is
+perfectly trained, then we are going to present him to dear Mr. Dalken,”
+began Polly, eagerly.
+
+“Oh, but we will try and find a sensible woman who will take all care of
+him, and Mr. Dalken can enjoy Billy when he is at home with nothing else
+to do,” added Eleanor.
+
+Mr. Fabian was speechless, then he smiled. “Does our friend know about
+this?”
+
+“Mercy sakes, no! We want to surprise him. We thought it would be fine,
+if we could keep the baby that long, to leave him at Mr. Dalken’s
+apartment on Thanksgiving morning,” returned Polly.
+
+“Don’t you think he would like that?” from Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+“Mr. Dalken is now out west on important business, so of course, he
+doesn’t know a thing about Billy, unless he read about it in the New
+York papers,” remarked Mr. Fabian, thoughtfully. “I don’t suppose he
+will take time to glance over every news item in the papers, as he is
+too preoccupied, at present, with the financial pages.”
+
+“Well, what has that to do with our plan?” asked Eleanor.
+
+“He won’t know a thing about the baby, and you can easily keep the idea
+secret until Thanksgiving, if you can get the right kind of a woman to
+take daily care of the boy. Of course, you were going to do that,
+anyway, were you not?”
+
+“I suppose so—we really hadn’t got as far as that in our planning,”
+admitted Polly.
+
+“But we will, Mr. Fabian, now that you have mentioned it. How shall we
+know if we have the right sort of nurse?” added Eleanor.
+
+“I’ll call up Ashby. I was there for dinner to-night, and they told me
+of a woman they know well, who is compelled to earn her living, because
+of family reverses. Shall we stop in the hotel across the street and use
+the booth there?”
+
+“Oh, yes! Let’s, Mr. Fabian!” exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+“No time like the present when you have any important work to do,” added
+Polly.
+
+Mr. Fabian left the door of the telephone booth slightly ajar so the two
+girls could assist in the conversation. He soon had Mr. Ashby’s house
+number and asked if Mr. or Mrs. Ashby were in.
+
+Shortly thereafter a man’s voice was heard talking on the wire. “Is this
+Fabian—oh, yes. What can I do for you, old man?”
+
+Then Mr. Fabian replied: “Why, I called upon my girls at the Studio this
+evening, after I left you, and I found the most astonishing addition to
+their family circle. A little baby boy was left on their door-step, it
+seems. A fine little fellow, too.
+
+“So far, no one has called to claim him, and should no one come, the two
+girls have a plan to place him in a good home. They told me all about
+it, and I rather approve of the idea, too. But what they need, at once,
+is an experienced, capable woman to take care of the boy, until
+Thanksgiving Day—perhaps after that, if she is found to be
+satisfactory.
+
+“I thought, at once, of that woman that Mrs. Ashby and you were speaking
+of, at table, to-night. Do you suppose she would consider a position as
+second-mother to a baby?”
+
+The girls strained their ears to hear the reply but Mr. Ashby spoke too
+low, and they could but judge what he said by Mr. Fabian’s words
+afterward.
+
+“Fine! If Mrs. Ashby will not consider it too much trouble. And she will
+bring Martha down to-morrow afternoon when the girls are home from
+school?”
+
+Polly and Eleanor smiled with relief, and Mr. Fabian said over the
+’phone, “All right! Thanks, Ashby. And thank your wife for the two
+girls, too, who are waiting here for the verdict.”
+
+As the three left the hotel again, Mr. Fabian said: “Now that much is
+satisfactorily settled for you, and Billy shall have a good woman to
+look after him, if he is still unclaimed to-morrow afternoon.”
+
+The girls were altogether too inexperienced to realize that it was
+curious how easily the Ashbys, Mr. Dalken’s most intimate friends, and
+Mr. Fabian agreed to such a strange plan as trying to saddle a foundling
+baby on a man who lived a hermit’s life when in his own home.
+
+They never questioned the readiness with which these friends accepted
+their proposition, but they were delighted at the “lucky chance” that
+brought a woman to Mrs. Ashby on the very day that they began to think
+of employing a woman-nurse for the baby.
+
+Mr. Fabian walked back to the Studio door with them, smiling at their
+dreams of future bliss for Mr. Dalken. In fact, their thoughts traveled
+so far into the future, that they saw Billy a fine young man and Mr.
+Dalken, white-haired and bent, depending on his beloved adopted son for
+everything.
+
+The four inmates of the Studio were not aware that they had been kept
+singularly free from constant annoyance from reporters and police. Nor
+did they realize that the short news article that had appeared in the
+papers, had been a wonderful story to catch the eyes of curious readers,
+but _some_one in authority had ordered it “cut” to an inch.
+
+The afternoon following Mr. Fabian’s visit to the girls, they hurried
+home from school and found Mrs. Ashby’s car in front of the house. They
+quickly entered the front door and greeted her with a smiling welcome.
+
+“I see you have Billy in hand, already,” laughed Polly.
+
+“Yes; isn’t he a friendly little fellow?” replied Mrs. Ashby.
+
+“Wonderful! We never knew babies were so easy to live with,” added
+Eleanor.
+
+“Mrs. Stewart took Martha upstairs to show her how you managed for the
+baby. He may need extra things, or other conveniences,” suggested Mrs.
+Ashby.
+
+Even as she spoke, the sound of steps was heard descending the front
+stairs, and soon after, Mrs. Stewart led Martha in, and introduced her
+to Polly and Eleanor. The girls liked the refined look and quiet
+sensible words and manners of the nurse-to-be.
+
+“Isn’t it splendid that Martha should have been relieved, last week, of
+just such a position as we now need her for? She was in the country
+taking charge of a baby of about this boy’s age, but some friends came
+and took him away, so she was free to find another position,” explained
+Mrs. Ashby.
+
+Martha handled Billy as if she was an expert, and the boy crowed and
+tried to talk to her, as if he had known her all his life.
+
+“I never saw a friendlier baby than this one. He smiles and is contented
+with anybody, and that will make it fine for Martha,” remarked Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+So it was immediately decided to retain Martha during the day, but she
+would have to find a place to lodge, nearby and leave Billy with the
+girls during the night. This pleased them well, for they did not wish to
+relinquish all rights of attendance on their baby to a stranger.
+
+“I may as well remain for the rest of this afternoon, Madam,” said
+Martha, speaking to Mrs. Ashby, “as I have no other place to go.”
+
+“How about seeking for a room in the neighborhood and taking it to-day?
+You may not have a free half hour, like this, again,” suggested Mrs.
+Ashby.
+
+Martha silently acquiesced but she cast a troubled gaze at the child;
+when Eleanor picked him up by the arms, she immediately corrected the
+mistake, by saying, “Miss, you should always hold a baby at his age,
+about the waist—a hand on each side of him. _Never_ by the arms!”
+
+Mrs. Ashby offered to drive Martha about to hunt up a furnished room, so
+the girls said good-by to their callers.
+
+That evening was school-night again, and Mr. Fabian was interested in
+hearing if Martha had proved satisfactory. Even Ruth Ashby took a
+personal interest in the baby-boy, now that Martha was to be his nurse.
+
+“Do you know Martha?” asked Polly, surprised.
+
+“Of course. Wasn’t she mother’s nurse, years ago?”
+
+“Oh—I thought she was a lady of means who had just lost everything,”
+remarked Eleanor.
+
+“Well, it is this way. When mother was a little mite Martha was a girl
+of about fourteen. Grandma engaged her to push mother’s carriage out for
+a walk every day. Then Martha grew up and married and mother never saw
+her again, for a long time.
+
+“Her husband’s nephew came to live with them, as Martha never had any
+children, but her nephew grew up and married. Then Martha’s husband
+died, and she went to live with the nephew and his wife. They were
+well-to-do young people, and Martha had an easy life there.
+
+“They had a baby, and Martha took care of him, as if she was his own
+mother. Then the nephew enlisted in the war and was killed ‘over there.’
+His wife pined a lot, and during the epidemic of the flu, last Winter,
+she took it and died, too.
+
+“That left Martha with the baby, but she hadn’t a cent to live on,
+because there was only the money the baby ought to have had from the
+Government, because of losing his father in battle. But Martha didn’t
+understand how to go about getting it, and when a friend of hers offered
+to find a good home for the baby, the poor great-aunt consented. She had
+no other choice, as she would have to work herself, and could not be
+hampered by a little boy.
+
+“Then she came to mother and that is how it all happened.”
+
+“I wonder what became of her grand-nephew?” asked Polly.
+
+“Mother begged of me not to mention it, and never to refer to the past,
+when Martha was about,” said Ruth, seriously.
+
+“I suppose the poor thing misses her little nephew so much!” observed
+Polly, sympathetically.
+
+“Yes, that must be the reason,” agreed Ruth.
+
+Mr. Fabian listened attentively and approved of Mrs. Ashby’s advice to
+her daughter.
+
+No one came to claim Billy, and the days passed swiftly for the
+self-appointed mothers of the boy. He was so merry and good-natured a
+child, that Mrs. Stewart sighed when she thought of the Studio without
+him. Before November passed, he could walk all alone and even tried to
+climb the stairs.
+
+Martha was a jewel with him. She never seemed too tired to do things for
+him. She it was, who taught him his table manners and insisted upon his
+saying “Plee” and “Tant” for anything. He could say “Dadda” and
+“Biddy”—the latter meaning himself.
+
+Polly and Eleanor spent every spare moment teaching him new
+accomplishments, so that before the middle of Thanksgiving month, the
+boy really was unusually precocious and well-behaved.
+
+Mr. Dalken returned to New York the third week in November and
+immediately sent out cards to his friends for a dinner-party. It was
+very private, only the circle acquainted with Polly and Eleanor were to
+be his guests. But they had a good time, nevertheless, and Mr. Dalken
+appeared more cheerful than of yore.
+
+“Now what do you suppose I called you together for?” said he, after the
+table had been cleared of the roast and everyone was ready to listen
+while waiting for salad.
+
+“Dear me, I hope you are not going to spring a sensational surprise on
+us!” Eleanor said, her face expressing worry.
+
+Everyone laughed, but Mr. Dalken said: “What would you call a
+sensation?”
+
+“Oh, well! in case you were married while in Chicago! That would ruin my
+hopes,” interpolated Polly, anxiously.
+
+A general laugh greeted this, and Mr. Dalken retorted:
+
+“I hadn’t even dreamed of such a possibility, but now that you plainly
+show me how you have been hoping I would propose to you, I may as well
+take my medicine like a man!”
+
+“Me—you—propose! What _are_ you talking of?” cried Polly, aghast.
+
+Everyone laughed teasingly, but Eleanor explained quickly. “He
+misunderstood your reason for worrying, Polly. Just like a man—they
+think one is always thinking of marriage, even when there are great
+charities being perfected.”
+
+Mr. Dalken now showed his surprise, and asked what really was the cause
+of Polly’s anxiety.
+
+“Oh, you’ll see some day. We can’t tell you now!” laughed Eleanor.
+
+“Then I may as well confess to you-all and tell you what my surprise is.
+
+“I finished my business in Chicago much sooner than I had hoped for, and
+went on to Pebbly Pit to see how things were progressing. I had a
+delightful visit at the ranch, and am able to say that work has reached
+the point, now, where the mining machines will start working next week,
+unless snow stops everything.”
+
+“Oh, then you saw father and mother!” cried Polly, eagerly.
+
+“Yes, and I have all sorts of good things for you from home. A jar of
+preserves, and a dozen or more of glasses filled with jelly and other
+delectable sweets that Sary insisted that I carry to you. I did my best
+to explain that it would be cheaper and safer if she sent them by
+express or parcel post—but no! She told me ‘A bird in th’ hand is wuth
+two er three in a bush.’”
+
+Polly and Eleanor instantly visualized Sary as she made this remark, and
+they laughed merrily.
+
+Mr. Dalken then repeated minutest details of the work on Rainbow Cliffs,
+and the gold mine on Grizzly Slide. As everything promised so well, the
+girls felt elated at their future prospects.
+
+Mr. Ashby wanted to know if his friend had succeeded in buying any more
+stock for him, and Mr. Dalken replied: “You’ll have to wait until
+Latimer issues another block. No one I know of will sell any of what
+they hold.”
+
+The evening passed pleasantly with intimate matters to speak of, and at
+last Anne said: “We must be going, Mr. Dalken. The girls have one of
+their long class days, to-morrow, you know.”
+
+“Yes, and Martha will want to go to bed,” added Mrs. Stewart.
+
+“Who’s Martha? Got a servant at last?” asked Mr. Dalken.
+
+“Why, no, Martha—” Mrs. Stewart began innocently, but the two girls
+wildly interrupted her. Polly shouted unusually loud for her, “Oh, I am
+so tired!”
+
+Eleanor had managed to wink her eyes warningly at Mrs. Stewart, and that
+lady realized that she had almost “put her foot in it.” Mr. Dalken
+noticed something was disturbing the two girls, but he never dreamed
+what it was.
+
+The following evening, at art class, Mr. Fabian had news for the two
+girls. “Mr. Ashby has invited Mr. Dalken to have his Thanksgiving Dinner
+with his family, and that will give you the opportunity you need, to get
+Billy settled in his new home.”
+
+“Oh, how can we part from him!” sighed Eleanor, wiping an eye, as she
+pictured the lonely rooms.
+
+“Yes—” sighed Polly, mournfully. “That’s the worst of having a dog or a
+baby that you become so fond of.”
+
+“But you will see Billy three nights a week, and you never could have
+kept him for yourselves, you know,” said Mr. Fabian.
+
+Thanksgiving Day Martha seemed all upset. The idea of moving the baby to
+a new home, and perhaps not being welcome, made her cry softly, now and
+then. The little family at the Studio, instead of being very grateful
+for all the blessings they had had during the past year, went about
+looking forlorn and miserable.
+
+They went to the Latimers for dinner that noon, and left Martha with the
+baby. It had been planned that they would get back home by eight o’clock
+and accompany their baby-gift over to Mr. Dalken’s apartment. Billy
+would be placed in bed where his new foster father would find him, and
+then would come the joy of it all.
+
+The plans worked out as expected to a certain degree. Mr. Dalken went up
+to the Ashbys for dinner, and a little after eight o’clock, a mournful
+procession wended its way from the Studio door. Martha carried Billy
+carefully. Polly and Eleanor carried the tub, chair, and other articles
+of use for the baby. Anne carried the bundles of clothing, and Mrs.
+Stewart carried the milk-warmer, the other food-equipment, and the extra
+blankets.
+
+Mr. Dalken’s chauffeur opened the door to admit the visitors, but when
+he saw the burdens the ladies carried, he was speechless. Eleanor tried
+to explain that they had a new boy for Mr. Dalken, but Henri seemed not
+to appreciate the fact.
+
+Billy was gurgling and trying to get his active fists out of the quilted
+blanket, but Martha held him firmly until she had him in the bedroom
+where Mr. Dalken slept.
+
+“We are going to leave him right in the middle of this big bed, Henri,
+so his new father will find him when he comes in to-night,” explained
+Eleanor, arranging the baby’s bedding on the large expanse of
+bed-spread.
+
+Billy was arrayed for the night, and everyone kissed him tearfully, as
+if he was about to be placed in his coffin. Then Martha gave him a drink
+of warm milk and placed him in his blankets.
+
+Hardly had they tucked him up, before the bell at the entrance rang
+imperatively. Henri glanced distractedly at the baby and then at the
+other visitors, before he turned to answer the call. It rang a second
+time before he opened the door.
+
+“Let’s turn down the light and hide behind the velour portières,”
+whispered Anne, anxiously.
+
+The five guilty members of the surprise-party quickly hid themselves as
+best they could, but not so soon, but that they heard Henri returning.
+He was talking, and other voices were replying.
+
+“I donno why the missee’s come in an’ fetch a bebby. Dey say ‘He a big
+surprise,’ Mr. Dalken.”
+
+To the amazement of the hidden ones, Mr. Dalken’s voice now replied:
+“Never mind, Henri. I’ll be out with my visitors, in a moment. I only
+want to get a handkerchief from the dresser.”
+
+The five culprits saw him switch up the lights and they then heard Billy
+welcome the unusual privilege with a gurgle. Not a sound came from the
+man who must have heard the baby-voice and seen the occupant of his
+massive four-poster.
+
+Polly could stand it no longer. She had to peep out at what was going
+on. The first thing she saw, was Eleanor’s head showing from the side of
+the other portière. Both girls watched the scene with bated breath.
+
+Mr. Dalken stood beside the bed, looking down at the little bundle that
+made a dent in the middle of his comfortable mattress. Billy was waving
+his fists invitingly, as if to say, “Come on and fight!”
+
+As the two girls watched him, Mr. Dalken smiled and said: “So _you_ are
+Billy Martin, are you?”
+
+The two eaves-droppers glanced at each other in consternation. “How and
+why did Mr. Dalken call _their_ baby Billy Martin?”
+
+“Well, Billy, suppose we go out and see what your Daddy thinks of you.
+For my part, I say you’re just about perfect.” As Mr. Dalken spoke, he
+carefully lifted the willing baby from the bed and cuddled him in his
+arms. Then he went from the room.
+
+“Polly!” hissed Eleanor, anxiously, “did you hear what he said?”
+
+“S-sh! let us follow and see what’s the matter. Someone came in with Mr.
+Dalken, you know,” returned Polly in a low voice.
+
+Mrs. Stewart and Anne now crept from behind the heavy window curtains
+and tip-toed after Polly and Eleanor. And, last of all, Martha came from
+behind the door and followed in the wake of the other four. Then they
+heard Mr. Dalken talking.
+
+“Well, here’s the boy, but how he ever got into my rooms I cannot say.
+Mrs. Ashby will have to explain that, in a minute, as she is the one who
+seemed to know where to find Martha and the baby.”
+
+Martha was still in the hall and could not see who was in the
+living-room with Mr. Dalken, but the four conspirators now stood staring
+at the group in the center of the lighted room.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Ashby were seated in comfortable armchairs, smiling happily
+at the two standing men and about to make the baby comfortable. He had
+been transferred from Mr. Dalken’s arms to those of a younger man who
+was trembling with joy at beholding Billy’s smiling little face.
+
+“There, now, Martin. Isn’t he worth living for? You said you wanted to
+die, when you found your wife was gone. But let me tell you, my boy,
+this baby ought to make you brace up.” Mr. Dalken patted the strange
+young man on the shoulder, and just then Martha burst into the room.
+
+“Jimmy! Oh, Jimmy—is it you, or is it someone who looks like my dead
+Jimmy?”
+
+“Aunt Martha—Dear Aunt Martha—it is your own Jimmy. I was a long time
+coming home, but here I am at last!”
+
+Then Polly and Eleanor learned the true story about their precious Billy
+who was, according to them, to have adopted Mr. Dalken for a father.
+
+“Girls, I appreciate your great sacrifice to try and make me happy, for
+I have heard from the Ashbys how much you wanted to keep Billy, but you
+felt that he ought to belong to me. Seeing that he came so near to being
+mine, I shall always take a great interest in him and his relatives,”
+began Mr. Dalken, while Jimmy Martin and Martha went into the other room
+to be alone with the baby.
+
+“You see, Mrs. Ashby is at the bottom of this plot and having roped in
+her husband to believe just as she did, the next step was to make the
+whole plan seem accidental.
+
+“So, when Martha was left with the baby, she called on Mrs. Ashby for
+help. Seeing that the boy had brown eyes and was named Billy, my anxious
+friend decided that he was what I ought to have to cheer me. Martha was
+boarded in a country home until I prepared to go west on my business
+trip.
+
+“Just about that time, you found an unknown babe on your door-step, but
+had we been able to look behind the scenes, I think you would have seen
+the Ashby’s car down on the corner, and Martha anxiously waiting to see
+if you took Billy in, all right.
+
+“After that, Billy made his own way with you people, as he is apt to
+make it with everyone. And what was so natural, as that you should fall
+in with Mr. Fabian’s well-learned lesson. The Ashbys made him memorize
+just what to say and to do it every day.
+
+“All went as had been planned, and my dear friends here were so pleased
+with themselves at the little scheme, that they planned to return home
+with me to-night and see how I liked the baby-surprise. But this is
+where an unexpected and unknown actor entered upon the stage.
+
+“James Martin was not killed in battle. He was wounded and taken
+prisoner by the Germans. He was so dangerously injured that he was left
+to die in a small town in the interior. But he managed to pull through,
+and after many months of convalescence, he worked his way from Germany
+back to Paris.
+
+“It took several months more to identify him and get a passport for him
+to America. When he went to his old home town to find his wife and
+child, he learned that one was dead and the other was taken away by the
+aunt. The shock sent him to the county hospital again, and it was
+several months before he could get out to start a hunt for his boy.
+
+“He learned where Martha had gone, and to-night, James called at the
+house to ask Mrs. Ashby if she knew anything about his boy and aunt. I
+happened to be in the hall when he came in.
+
+“So here we are, girls; you lose a protegé and I lose a boy.”
+
+“Oh, but James wins back his boy again!” cried Polly, delightedly.
+
+“I want to know, Mr. Dalken,” demanded Eleanor, frowning, “did Ruth
+Ashby know the truth about this when she told us that yarn about
+Martha?”
+
+Mr. Dalken laughed. “No, girls. Poor Ruth is as upset about it as you
+could wish her to be. She wants me to adopt Billy, anyway, even with his
+real father on hand to claim him. I really think Mrs. Ashby is the one
+we have to put through the third degree on this whole plot.”
+
+Mrs. Ashby looked up and smiled. “Well, I told the truth about the
+matter, didn’t I? But I refrained from telling Ruth that Martha was the
+same woman who was aunt to Billy, and I withheld the facts that Billy
+was the same baby that you girls found on your door-step—that’s all.”
+
+“That’s all——” laughed Mr. Dalken. “As if that was not enough! To
+deprive me of the son my two pet girls tried to place in my arms.”
+
+Polly flung herself in his arms and hugged him as she said, “Nolla and I
+will have to adopt you ourselves, now.”
+
+And he whispered in her ear, so only she could hear: “You haven’t any
+idea how happy you girls make me. I have found something in life worth
+while, since I found all of these good friends.”
+
+Then Mrs. Ashby said: “Dalk, you have been hunting for a reliable man
+and wife to take charge of your apartment, so I think it is Providence
+that sent Martha and James to you. You will have admirable help in them
+and little Billy, too.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII—POLLY AND ELEANOR LEAVE FOR EUROPE
+
+
+“I do declare! here it is the first of May, and it seems as if it were
+but yesterday that we came back to New York to study,” exclaimed
+Eleanor, as Polly and she were returning from art class one evening.
+
+“And we are no more decided about what we shall do this Summer, than we
+were last Fall. If only Dad would consent to our joining the Ashbys and
+Mr. Fabian on the European trip, in June,” returned Polly.
+
+“I’m glad father says _I_ may go if your father consents. Of course we
+shall have to go, some time or other, Polly, before we could settle down
+as experienced decorators; but this is a fine opportunity—to be members
+of a party of appreciative people such as is seldom offered to young
+beginners as we are.”
+
+“Eleanor, have you thought of what we shall do, next year of school, if
+Anne marries John? You know, Mrs. Stewart says she is going back to
+Denver to keep house for Paul, as he will graduate with the other boys,
+next month.”
+
+“Uh-huh! John and Tom will settle down at Pebbly Pit to superintend the
+mine and jewel cliffs, and Paul will join the survey crew in Denver. I
+suppose my brother Pete will be hanging about them, somewhere, doing odd
+jobs, now and then.”
+
+Eleanor spoke in a half-humorous tone, but Polly was in earnest.
+
+“Well, then, if Anne is John’s wife, and Mrs. Stewart in Denver, where
+do we fit in?”
+
+“I’ve thought it all out, Polly—never fear! You see Mr. Fabian expects
+to bring his wife and daughter back to America this year, as Nancy has
+finished her art studies abroad. If we make ourselves agreeable to them,
+and then hint gently, on the trip back home, that we have no place to
+live in, the coming winter, they’ll take us right in with them. How’d
+you like that!”
+
+“Oh, it would be great, Nolla, but would it be quite the proper thing
+for us to do—to throw ourselves upon their hospitality?”
+
+“Polly, they ought to be thankful to have two such nice girls with them!
+To say nothing of our eventually becoming the greatest interior
+decorators of the present day,” exclaimed Eleanor, her well-shaped
+little head rearing itself in conscious pride.
+
+Polly laughed. “Well, Nolla, we will never suffer for lack of
+self-esteem. Even if others declare we know nothing, you will be able to
+keep the family pride up to high-water mark. If we knew but one-third of
+all you _think_ we do, we could take Mr. Ashby in partnership with us,
+now.”
+
+“There’s another thing, Polly, that is a golden opportunity for us. The
+idea of having a successful decorator like Mr. Ashby plan to take us in
+his business when we are through school, is enough to turn anyone’s
+head. But not ours, Polly—we are too sensible!”
+
+Again Polly laughed at her friend’s meekness—so-called. “Mr. Ashby may
+change his mind before we are ready to accept his offer. We have two
+years still in which to study, you know.”
+
+“That will fly like these past two years have. Why here we are only
+sixteen and just see all we know!”
+
+“Yes, and just see all we have yet to know!” retorted Polly.
+
+“I tell you what, those Saturday mornings we spent in Mr. Ashby’s
+sales-rooms were a wonderful help, eh?”
+
+“Yes; I really believe, Nolla, that I learned as much of textiles, and
+fabrics, by simply handling and selling the materials, as if I had given
+days to the study of them.”
+
+“It was not only a brilliant idea of Mr. Fabian’s, to suggest to Mr.
+Ashby that Ruth and we two girls be permitted to act as clerks in his
+rooms, but it was as kind and generous of Mr. Ashby to take us. The way
+he taught us all about different factories and their best and weakest
+points in manufacture; the time he took to demonstrate differences in
+lace and silk curtains, the best style of linen for covers and
+draperies, the tapestries and carpets of modern factories—why, I can
+tell at a glance now, just whose goods I am handling.”
+
+“Yes,” admitted Polly. “How many decorators’ assistants know the style
+of upholstery buttons that ought to be used on a French divan? Or what
+shaped button ought to go on a Turkish chair? I never dreamed that there
+was any difference, according to art, between a tufted wing-chair and
+one that was smoothly upholstered. I bet the majority of people select
+one or the other because they like the looks, but very few know that
+certain lines in a fireside chair demand tufted upholstery, and another
+period must never have buttons or fringe.”
+
+“Exactly! That is what I mean, Polly, when I say I am sure we two know
+an awful lot about decorating, already. It is so.”
+
+“Dear old Fabian says, this is our critical year—if we can manage to
+pass through the period between second and third years of study without
+discovering that we know it all, we may eventually hope to become
+average decorators,” Polly laughed.
+
+“Pooh! We both know Mr. Fabian is a dotard about us. If anyone dares to
+hint that we are not as advanced as he says we are, he glares like a
+jealous cat over her kittens.”
+
+Polly and Eleanor reached the Studio by this time and found Anne reading
+a long letter from John. She was smiling happily as she read, and
+Eleanor grinned charitably at her.
+
+Polly sat down to wait till the letter was read. Then Anne glanced over
+at the girls.
+
+“Well, dears, John has definitely settled everything. Tom Latimer and he
+are coming on to New York directly their college commencement is over.
+Polly’s father and mother _may_ decide to come, but that is not yet
+certain. As soon as you two girls are off, we will all go back home and
+stay.”
+
+“‘And they lived happily ever after,’” quoth Eleanor, teasingly.
+
+Anne smiled. Polly seemed dissatisfied.
+
+“What do you mean ‘as soon as you girls are off?’”
+
+“Why, off on the European trip. The Ashbys were here to-night and it is
+all settled. Mr. Brewster wrote a fine letter and thanked them for their
+wonderful offer to chaperone you girls.”
+
+“Oh, oh!” shouted Eleanor, springing up and throwing her arms about
+Polly’s neck.
+
+Anne and her mother laughed as the impulsive girl whirled Polly around
+and around, until both, exhausted, fell upon the divan. Then Polly asked
+the question Eleanor had choked in her throat.
+
+“What about John, Anne? Are you going to Denver or to Pebbly Pit?”
+
+“I expect to go to Pebbly Pit, dear,” said Anne, blushing.
+
+“No need to feel embarrassed over it, Anne,” laughed Eleanor. “It isn’t
+as if we had never heard of your plan. Besides we are all in the family,
+now—or at least we will be.”
+
+“Where does your relationship come in, Nolla?” asked Mrs. Stewart,
+quizzically.
+
+“Why, didn’t you know, Mother Stewart? I propose to become Paul’s bride,
+some day, but he doesn’t know it, either!” and the irrepressible girl
+laughed madly as she ran upstairs to her room.
+
+Her friends in the living-room laughed also, but Polly doubted that it
+was said in fun. She rather suspected Eleanor of receiving many nice
+letters from Paul Stewart, during her second year in New York. But
+Eleanor kept her own secret.
+
+As June entered and schools were all beginning their examinations, Mrs.
+Stewart began to clear up the rooms in the home they had occupied for
+two years. Anne’s and her own personal property were to be packed and
+sent to Denver. Polly and Eleanor’s had to be sorted and packed and
+stored; the winter clothing in strong moth-proof chests, and the things
+they proposed taking abroad with them, in small steamer trunks.
+
+Mr. Fabian had spoken for the lease on the Studio when Mrs. Stewart’s
+time expired, and until then, most of the furniture could remain as it
+was. Polly and Eleanor were to have the two small rooms and live with
+the Fabians, and Mrs. Fabian had written that she would buy back the
+things as they stood, thus saving everyone trouble and time.
+
+As the days of June passed, Anne had another letter from John, begging
+her to come to the graduation in Chicago. But Polly and Eleanor needed
+her in New York, as everything was in a panic preparing for the ocean
+voyage, and working so hard at school, too.
+
+Before the girls knew it, therefore, the westerners were with them in
+New York. Mr. and Mrs. Brewster expected to see Polly off on the
+steamer, and John said he had unexpectedly planned to have Anne marry
+him before Polly sailed.
+
+“Oh, that will be great! A wedding and a farewell party all in one,”
+cried Eleanor.
+
+But John took Polly aside and whispered: “Polly, I want my only sister
+to witness my marriage to the best girl living, so you will have to
+persuade Anne to look at it as I do.”
+
+“All right, John,” laughingly replied Polly. “I’ll do my best to make
+her steal my only brother from me.”
+
+Tom Latimer joined them at this moment, and said to Polly: “You have
+grown so tall and look such a fine young lady, that I wonder how Anne
+can steal any man from you. Now if I were John, I should never _want_ to
+be stolen from you.”
+
+“Oh, Tom!” laughed Polly, greatly amused at his words. “You talk exactly
+like Winnie Trevors. He’s the society pet that expects to marry
+Elizabeth Dalken. But you should see him—and hear him talk!”
+
+“Tom Latimer would never thank you for that left-handed compliment,
+Polly, if he could but see the slim little dude you compared to him,”
+said Eleanor, joining the group.
+
+“I believe I do know him, Polly—If he is the silver-haired lap-dog I
+went to grammar-school with.”
+
+“Yes—he _has_ got whitish hair, Tom!” laughed Eleanor.
+
+Polly smiled but said nothing. Then Tom said, “Will you take all that
+back, Poll, or must I punish you severely, some day?”
+
+“I never take back a word I once have said—unless I can see where I can
+benefit myself. You see, Tom, I have changed woefully, since living in
+New York. I am exactly like other citizens here—I am supremely selfish,
+these days.”
+
+Tom smiled. “I can offer you a bite of attractive bait. Will you
+apologise for calling me ‘exactly like Winnie’ if I tell you a profound
+secret?”
+
+“That depends! What do you call ‘profound,’ and will I be concerned in
+hearing it?” teased Polly.
+
+Eleanor had never known Polly to behave so coquettishly before, and to
+her astonishment, she beheld her little model of virtue flirt
+distractingly with Tom. Or Eleanor _thought_ Polly was flirting, when
+she sent a dazzling look at him from her wonderful eyes.
+
+“It is the secret about the Valentine Roses. At last I have managed to
+learn who really sent them to you.”
+
+Eleanor perked up. Here was a delightful situation. Polly had never been
+able to find out who had sent the roses, and Tom was ready to confess.
+
+“Oh, really!” exclaimed Polly, eagerly inquisitive.
+
+Tom laughed. “Are you concerned? Is it a profound secret?”
+
+“Yes, oh, yes, Tom!” cried Eleanor, excitedly. “Do tell us what you
+know.”
+
+“But Polly has to show her interest, too. If she says she is sorry for
+likening me to Winfield, I will tell her who sent the roses.”
+
+“Is he nice, Tom?” asked Polly, anxiously.
+
+“I have heard people _say_ he is, and _I_ think him great!”
+
+Eleanor chuckled. This was a scene after her own heart.
+
+“Is he old—or ugly, Tom?” added Polly.
+
+“No—he is young, and not _very_ bad-looking.”
+
+Polly thought seriously, then said: “Does he live in New York?”
+
+“I won’t answer any more such questions, Polly, it isn’t fair unless you
+do your part,” laughed Tom.
+
+“Oh, well, then, please excuse me for ever mentioning you in the same
+_breath_ with Winnie,” giggled Polly. “Now tell me who sent those
+roses.”
+
+“I will, Polly, but not to-day. I did not promise to tell you, at
+once—so I will wait until after John’s wedding.”
+
+Polly stamped her foot as Tom hurried away, and Eleanor laughed merrily
+at the hoax. But there was too much going on all about them, to bother,
+now, about roses that were almost two years old.
+
+Mr. Maynard arrived from Chicago in time for the quiet little wedding at
+“The Church around the Corner,” and then everyone went to the Studio for
+a reception. John and his bride left for a very short honeymoon, and
+later, all thoughts centered on Polly and Eleanor. It would be their
+turn to say good-by in a few days.
+
+Tom Latimer outdid himself during the days intervening between John’s
+wedding and Polly’s sailing. Jim and Ken were back from college, but
+somehow the two girls who had been such fine young pals out in the
+Rockies, and on that Coney Island trip, now seemed several years older
+than these boys. They couldn’t understand it.
+
+Mr. Fabian could have explained the change. It was mostly psychological,
+due to the advanced mental training his girls had received in their
+study of a chosen high profession. They truly were far superior, now, to
+either of the two boys at Yale, although they were not aware of it at
+the time.
+
+The day for the sailing of the steamer arrived, and a gay party stood on
+the pier just before the good-bys had to be said. Mrs. Brewster gave
+Polly many warnings and advices, and Mr. Maynard begged Eleanor not to
+bankrupt him during her stay in Paris.
+
+Books, flowers, fruit and candy, had been piled up in the arms of Ruth
+Ashby, Polly and Eleanor, until they could not shake the extended hands
+of their friends when the time came to really say good-by.
+
+“Never mind your hands, we’ll kiss your faces!” laughed Mr. Maynard, and
+straightway began kissing the pretty struggling girls.
+
+As everyone in the group was an old friend, each one took toll of the
+girls’ cheeks, and just as Jim Latimer, the last in the line, caught a
+swift brush of Ruth’s ear, Tom Latimer strolled up.
+
+“Hello, Tom! Where have you been?” called his father.
+
+“Better get your kiss, Tom, or you’ll be left,” added Jim.
+
+So Tom managed to get his “good-by” from Ruth and from Eleanor, but
+Polly blushed furiously, and reared her head.
+
+“If another silly man kisses me, I’ll—I’ll—slap him!”
+
+Of course everyone laughed uproariously at this, but the guard suddenly
+shouted, “All aboard.” And the sailing party rushed up the gang-plank.
+
+Once on deck, however, Polly remembered something she had meant to ask
+Tom Latimer. She leaned over the rail and called back:
+
+“Oh, Tom! you never told me who sent the roses!”
+
+“You’ll find out about it when you reach your stateroom,” shouted Tom,
+making a megaphone of his hands. “I met him there, talking to the
+steward, and you will know as soon as you go down.”
+
+Eleanor giggled. “That’s where Tom was when Mr. Dalken dared anyone to
+take one of his girls away from him.”
+
+“But who could Tom have met in our stateroom, Nolla? I thought everyone
+was on the pier with us?”
+
+The steamer had already swung down-stream, and the friends on the pier
+were mere dots, so the curious girls hurried down to see who had sent
+Polly the Valentine roses. Ruth accompanied them, as she felt she should
+have been the third in this girl relationship—like triplets, she said,
+one day, to her father.
+
+Then the door was opened, and sweet fragrance greeted the girls. There
+in a corner of the stateroom stood a dozen American Beauty roses, each
+with a stem almost four feet long. And about the stems a golden cord was
+tied, and upon this cord hung a card.
+
+The three girls stood admiring the great crimson beauties and then Ruth
+said: “See who they are from—and who for?”
+
+“Why, they’re Polly’s, of course. The same ‘old valentine’ sent them!”
+laughed Eleanor.
+
+Polly’s fingers trembled as she bent forward and read what was written
+on the card: “Your Valentine that was, and is, and always will be, in
+this world, and in the next, and forever, Tom.”
+
+“Oh, no! No! No! No! I won’t have you so, Tom!” cried Polly, throwing
+herself in the chair and covering her face with her hands. Eleanor and
+Ruth stood perfectly still, not knowing what to do or say.
+
+Then Polly lifted her face. She was trying to smile. “Dear old Tom only
+did that to tease me. Isn’t he an old plague?”
+
+“I should say he was!” exclaimed Ruth, innocently.
+
+Eleanor with the worldly wisdom learned from her mother, added
+guilefully: “He sure is. But you tricked him, Polly.”
+
+“How?” eagerly inquired Polly.
+
+“He was the only one in the party who didn’t get a kiss from you!”
+laughed Eleanor.
+
+“That’s so!” admitted Polly, but Eleanor was not sure whether her friend
+was sorry or satisfied at the result.
+
+Then, as the days passed, Eleanor noticed that Polly never mentioned the
+roses again, but they were kept as fresh as possible, and weeks later,
+Eleanor found one of them carefully pressed with the card still tied to
+it.
+
+But this discovery, and all that happened during that Summer in Europe,
+while visiting famous places and viewing rare objects of antiquity, are
+told in another volume called “Polly and Eleanor Abroad.”
+
+                                THE END
+
+
+
+
+                           _This Isn’t All!_
+
+Would you like to know what became of the good friends you have made in
+this book?
+
+Would you like to read other stories continuing their adventures and
+experiences, or other books quite as entertaining by the same author?
+
+On the _reverse side_ of the wrapper which comes with this book, you
+will find a wonderful list of stories which you can buy at the same
+store where you got this book.
+
+                     _Don’t throw away the Wrapper_
+
+Use it as a handy catalog of the books you want some day to have. But in
+case you do mislay it, write to the Publishers for a complete catalog.
+
+
+
+
+THE POLLY BREWSTER SERIES
+
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+A delightful series for girls in which they will follow Polly and
+Eleanor through many interesting adventures and enjoyable trips to
+various places in the United States, Europe and South America.
+
+    POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT
+    POLLY AND ELEANOR
+    POLLY IN NEW YORK
+    POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD
+    POLLY’S BUSINESS VENTURE
+    POLLY’S SOUTHERN CRUISE
+    POLLY IN SOUTH AMERICA
+    POLLY IN THE SOUTHWEST
+    POLLY IN ALASKA
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of the “Bobbsey Twins,” “Bunny Brown” Series, Etc.
+
+Uniform Style of Binding. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+These are the tales of the various adventures participated in by a group
+of bright, fun-loving, up-to-date girls who have a common bond in their
+fondness for outdoor life, camping, travel and adventure. They are clean
+and wholesome and free from sensationalism.
+
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN ARMY SERVICE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT THE HOSTESS HOUSE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT BLUFF POINT
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT WILD ROSE LODGE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN THE SADDLE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON CAPE COD
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT FOAMING FALLS
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ALONG THE COAST
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT SPRING HILL FARM
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS BOOKS
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations by
+
+THELMA GOOCH
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself
+
+The Blythe girls, three in number, were left alone in New York City.
+Helen, who went in for art and music, kept the little flat uptown, while
+Margy, just out of a business school, obtained a position as a private
+secretary and Rose, plain-spoken and business-like, took what she called
+a “job” in a department store.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN, MARGY AND ROSE
+
+A fascinating tale of real happenings in the great metropolis
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY’S QUEER INHERITANCE
+
+The Girls had a peculiar old aunt and when she died she left an unusual
+inheritance.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE’S GREAT PROBLEM
+
+Rose, still at work in the big department store, is one day faced with
+the greatest problem of her life.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN’S STRANGE BOARDER
+
+Helen goes to the assistance of a strange girl, whose real identity is a
+puzzle. Who the girl really was comes as a tremendous surprise.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: THREE ON A VACATION
+
+The girls go to the country for two weeks—and fall in with all sorts of
+curious and exciting happenings.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY’S SECRET MISSION
+
+Of course we cannot divulge the big secret, but nevertheless the girls
+as usual have many exciting experiences.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE’S ODD DISCOVERY
+
+A very interesting story, telling how Rose aided an old man in the
+almost hopeless search for his daughter.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+GIRL SCOUTS SERIES
+
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+Author of the “Polly Brewster Books”
+
+Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated
+
+Each Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Here is a series that holds the same position for girls that the Tom
+Slade and Roy Blakeley books hold for boys. They are delightful stories
+of Girl Scout camp life amid beautiful surroundings and are filled with
+stirring adventures.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS AT DANDELION CAMP
+
+This is a story which centers around the making and the enjoying of a
+mountain camp, spiced with the fun of a lively troop of Girl Scouts. The
+charm of living in the woods, of learning woodcraft of all sorts, of
+adventuring into the unknown, combine to make a busy and an exciting
+summer for the girls.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ADIRONDACKS
+
+New scenery, new problems of camping, association with a neighboring
+camp of Boy Scouts, and a long canoe trip with them through the Fulton
+Chain, all in the setting of the marvelous Adirondacks, bring to the
+girls enlargement of horizon, new development, and new joys.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES
+
+On horseback from Denver through Estes Park as far as the Continental
+Divide, climbing peaks, riding wild trails, canoeing through canyons,
+shooting rapids, encountering a landslide, a summer blizzard, a sand
+storm, wild animals, and forest fires, the girls pack the days full with
+unforgettable experiences.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO
+
+The Girl Scouts visit the mountains and deserts of Arizona and New
+Mexico. They travel over the old Sante Fe trail, cross the Painted
+Desert, and visit the Grand Canyon. Their exciting adventures form a
+most interesting story.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE REDWOODS
+
+The girls spend their summer in the Redwoods of California and
+incidentally find a way to induce a famous motion picture director in
+Hollywood to offer to produce a film that stars the Girl Scouts of
+America.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE LILIAN GARIS BOOKS
+
+Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Lilian Garis is one of the writers who always wrote. She expressed
+herself in verse from early school days and it was then predicted that
+Lilian Mack would one day become a writer. Justifying this sentiment,
+while still at high school, she took charge of the woman’s page for a
+city paper and her work there attracted such favorable attention that
+she left school to take entire charge of woman’s work for the largest
+daily in an important Eastern city.
+
+Mrs. Garis turned to girls’ books directly after her marriage, and of
+these she has written many. She believes in girls, studies them and
+depicts them with pen both skilled and sympathetic.
+
+    CLEO’S MISTY RAINBOW
+    CLEO’S CONQUEST
+    BARBARA HALE: A DOCTOR’S DAUGHTER
+    BARBARA HALE AND COZETTE
+    GLORIA: A GIRL AND HER DAD
+    GLORIA AT BOARDING SCHOOL
+    JOAN: JUST GIRL
+    JOAN’S GARDEN OF ADVENTURE
+    CONNIE LORING’S AMBITION
+    CONNIE LORING’S DILEMMA
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+AMY BELL MARLOWE’S BOOKS FOR GIRLS
+
+Charming, Fresh and Original Stories
+
+Illustrated. Wrappers Printed in Colors with individual design for each
+story
+
+Miss Marlowe’s books for girls are somewhat of the type of Miss Alcott
+and also Mrs. Meade; but all are thoroughly up-to-date and wholly
+American in scene and action. Good, clean absorbing tales that all girls
+thoroughly enjoy.
+
+THE OLDEST OF FOUR; Or, Natalie’s Way Out.
+
+A sweet story of the struggles of a live girl to keep a family from
+want.
+
+THE GIRLS AT HILLCREST FARM; Or, The Secret of the Rocks.
+
+Relating the trials of two girls who take boarders on an old farm.
+
+A LITTLE MISS NOBODY; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall.
+
+Tells of a school girl who was literally a nobody until she solved the
+mystery of her identity.
+
+THE GIRL FROM SUNSET RANCH; Or, Alone in a Great City.
+
+A ranch girl comes to New York to meet relatives she has never seen. Her
+adventures make unusually good reading.
+
+WYN’S CAMPING DAYS; Or, The Outing of the GO-AHEAD CLUB.
+
+A tale of happy days on the water and under canvas, with a touch of
+mystery and considerable excitement.
+
+FRANCES OF THE RANGES; Or, The Old Ranchman’s Treasure.
+
+A vivid picture of life on the great cattle ranges of the West.
+
+THE GIRLS OF RIVERCLIFF SCHOOL; Or, Beth Baldwin’s Resolve.
+
+This is one of the most entertaining stories centering about a girl’s
+school that has ever been written.
+
+WHEN ORIOLE CAME TO HARBOR LIGHT.
+
+The story of a young girl, cast up by the sea, and rescued by an old
+lighthouse keeper.
+
+WHEN ORIOLE TRAVELED WESTWARD.
+
+Oriole visits the family of a rich ranchman and enjoys herself
+immensely.
+
+WHEN ORIOLE WENT TO BOARDING SCHOOL.
+
+How this brave girl bears up under the most trying experiences, makes a
+very interesting story.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS
+
+Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
+
+THE MARJORIE BOOKS
+
+Marjorie is a happy little girl of twelve, up to mischief, but full of
+goodness and sincerity. In her and her friends every girl reader will
+see much of her own love of fun, play and adventure.
+
+    MARJORIE’S VACATION
+    MARJORIE’S BUSY DAYS
+    MARJORIE’S NEW FRIEND
+    MARJORIE IN COMMAND
+    MARJORIE’S MAYTIME
+    MARJORIE AT SEACOTE
+
+THE TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES
+
+Introducing Dorinda Fayre—a pretty blonde, sweet, serious, timid and a
+little slow, and Dorothy Rose—a sparkling brunette, quick, elf-like,
+high tempered, full of mischief and always getting into scrapes.
+
+    TWO LITTLE WOMEN
+    TWO LITTLE WOMEN AND TREASURE HOUSE
+    TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY
+
+THE DICK AND DOLLY BOOKS
+
+Dick and Dolly are brother and sister, and their games, their pranks,
+their joys and sorrows, are told in a manner which makes the stories
+“really true” to young readers.
+
+    DICK AND DOLLY
+    DICK AND DOLLY’S ADVENTURES
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE HONEY BUNCH BOOKS
+
+By HELEN LOUISE THORNDYKE
+
+Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations Drawn by
+
+WALTER S. ROGERS
+
+A new line of fascinating tales for little girls. Honey Bunch is a
+dainty, thoughtful little girl, and to know her is to take her to your
+heart at once.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: JUST A LITTLE GIRL
+
+Happy days at home, helping mamma and the washerlady. And Honey Bunch
+helped the house painters too—or thought she did.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE CITY
+
+What wonderful sights Honey Bunch saw when she went to visit her cousins
+in New York! And she got lost in a big hotel and wandered into a men’s
+convention!
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS ON THE FARM
+
+Can you remember how the farm looked the first time you visited it? How
+big the cows and horses were, and what a roomy place to play in the barn
+proved to be?
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE SEASHORE
+
+Honey Bunch soon got used to the big waves and thought playing in the
+sand great fun. And she visited a merry-go-round, and took part in a
+seaside pageant.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST LITTLE GARDEN
+
+It was great sport to dig and to plant with one’s own little garden
+tools. But best of all was when Honey Bunch won a prize at the flower
+show.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS IN CAMP
+
+It was a great adventure for Honey Bunch when she journeyed to Camp
+Snapdragon. It was wonderful to watch the men erect the tent, and more
+wonderful to live in it and have good times on the shore and in the
+water.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE BOBBSEY TWINS BOOKS
+
+For Little Men and Women
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of “The Bunny Brown Series,” Etc.
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+These books for boys and girls between the ages of three and ten stands
+among children and their parents of this generation where the books of
+Louisa May Alcott stood in former days. The haps and mishaps of this
+inimitable pair of twins, their many adventures and experiences are a
+source of keen delight to imaginative children everywhere.
+
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOW BROOK
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN A GREAT CITY
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON BLUEBERRY ISLAND
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON THE DEEP BLUE SEA
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE GREAT WEST
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CEDAR CAMP
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE COUNTY FAIR
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS CAMPING OUT
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AND BABY MAY
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS KEEPING HOUSE
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CLOVERBANK
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of the Popular “Bobbsey Twins” Books, Etc.
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+These stories are eagerly welcomed by the little folks from about five
+to ten years of age. Their eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively
+doings of inquisitive little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful
+sister Sue.
+
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA’S FARM
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP-REST-A-WHILE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU’S CITY HOME
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE SUNNY SOUTH
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE KEEPING STORE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR TRICK DOG
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT A SUGAR CAMP
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON THE ROLLING OCEAN
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON JACK FROST ISLAND
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+SIX LITTLE BUNKERS SERIES
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of The Bobbsey Twins Books, The Bunny Brown Series, The Blythe
+Girls Books, Etc.
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding. Every Volume
+Complete in Itself.
+
+Delightful stories for little boys and girls which sprung into immediate
+popularity. To know the six little Bunkers is to take them at once to
+your heart, they are so intensely human, so full of fun and cute
+sayings. Each story has a little plot of its own—one that can be easily
+followed—and all are written in Miss Hope’s most entertaining manner.
+Clean, wholesome volumes which ought to be on the bookshelf of every
+child in the land.
+
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDMA BELL’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT AUNT JO’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COUSIN TOM’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDPA FORD’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT UNCLE FRED’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT CAPTAIN BEN’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COWBOY JACK’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MAMMY JUNE’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT FARMER JOEL’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MILLER NED’S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT INDIAN JOHN’S
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB BOOKS
+
+By ALICE DALE HARDY
+
+Individual Colored Wrappers. Attractively Illustrated.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Here is as ingenious a series of books for little folks as has ever
+appeared since “Alice in Wonderland.” The idea of the Riddle books is a
+little group of children—three girls and three boys decide to form a
+riddle club. Each book is full of the adventures and doings of these six
+youngsters, but as an added attraction each book is filled with a lot of
+the best riddles you ever heard.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB AT HOME
+
+An absorbing tale that all boys and girls will enjoy reading. How the
+members of the club fixed up a clubroom in the Larue barn, and how they,
+later on, helped solve a most mysterious happening, and how one of the
+members won a valuable prize, is told in a manner to please every young
+reader.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB IN CAMP
+
+The club members went into camp on the edge of a beautiful lake. Here
+they had rousing good times swimming, boating and around the campfire.
+They fell in with a mysterious old man known as The Hermit of Triangle
+Island. Nobody knew his real name or where he came from until the
+propounding of a riddle solved these perplexing questions.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
+
+This volume takes in a great number of sports, including skating and
+sledding and the building of a huge snowman. It also gives the
+particulars of how the club treasurer lost the dues entrusted to his
+care and what the melting of the great snowman revealed.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB AT SUNRISE BEACH
+
+This volume tells how the club journeyed to the seashore and how they
+not only kept up their riddles but likewise had good times on the sand
+and on the water. Once they got lost in a fog and are marooned on an
+island. Here they made a discovery that greatly pleased the folks at
+home.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+JERRY TODD AND POPPY OTT SERIES
+
+By LEO EDWARDS
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Hundreds of thousands of boys who laughed until their sides ached over
+the weird and wonderful adventures of Jerry Todd and his gang demanded
+that Leo Edwards, the author, give them more books like the Jerry Todd
+stories with their belt-bursting laughs and creepy shivers. So he took
+Poppy Ott, Jerry Todd’s bosom chum and created the Poppy Ott Series, and
+if such a thing could be possible—they are even more full of fun and
+excitement than the Jerry Todds.
+
+    THE POPPY OTT SERIES
+      POPPY OTT AND THE STUTTERING PARROT
+      POPPY OTT AND THE SEVEN LEAGUE STILTS
+      POPPY OTT AND THE GALLOPING SNAIL
+      POPPY OTT’S PEDIGREED PICKLES
+
+    THE JERRY TODD BOOKS
+      JERRY TODD AND THE WHISPERING MUMMY
+      JERRY TODD AND THE ROSE-COLORED CAT
+      JERRY TODD AND THE OAK ISLAND TREASURE
+      JERRY TODD AND THE WALTZING HEN
+      JERRY TODD AND THE TALKING FROG
+      JERRY TODD AND THE PURRING EGG
+      JERRY TODD IN THE WHISPERING CAVE
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Polly in New York, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POLLY IN NEW YORK ***
+
+***** This file should be named 37459-0.txt or 37459-0.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/4/5/37459/
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/37459-0.zip b/37459-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7d1d351
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-0.zip
diff --git a/37459-8.txt b/37459-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a9cb0ab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,8081 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Polly in New York, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Polly in New York
+
+Author: Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+Illustrator: H. S. Barbour
+
+Release Date: September 17, 2011 [EBook #37459]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POLLY IN NEW YORK ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ELEANOR HELD OUT THE SEAL, BUT JIM LOOKED FORLORN.
+(_Page 77_)]
+
+
+
+
+                                 POLLY
+                              IN NEW YORK
+
+                                   BY
+                         LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+                              _Author of_
+
+                POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT, POLLY IN NEW YORK,
+                 POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD, POLLY'S
+                           BUSINESS VENTURE.
+
+                             ILLUSTRATED BY
+                             H. S. BARBOUR
+
+                                NEW YORK
+                            GROSSET & DUNLAP
+                               PUBLISHERS
+
+                  Made in the United States of America
+
+
+
+
+POLLY IN NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I--IN THE BIG CITY
+
+
+The long Pullman train, that left Denver behind and carried Polly
+Brewster away on her first venture from the ranch-home, was fitted up as
+luxuriously as capital could do it. Eleanor Maynard, Polly's bosom
+friend, enjoyed her companion's awe and wonderment--that a mere _car_
+should be so furnished.
+
+"Nolla," whispered Polly, furtively glancing about, "how different are
+these cars from the ones that come in and go out at Oak Creek!"
+
+Eleanor, whose pet name was Nolla, laughed. "I should think they would
+be, Polly. Why, those 'ancients' that rock back and forth between Denver
+and Oak Creek, are the 'only originals' now in existence. They'll be in
+Barnum's Show next Season as curios."
+
+Polly seemed to fully appreciate the comfort of her traveling carriage,
+and remarked, "One would hardly believe these cars are going at all!
+They run so smoothly and without any awful screeching of the joints."
+
+Anne Stewart, the teacher to whose charge these two girls had been
+committed, had been studying the time-table, but she smiled at Polly's
+words. Then she turned to her mother, a sweet-faced woman who was
+enjoying the trip almost as much as the young girls were, and said:
+"Mother, we'll have at least seven hours in Chicago before we have to
+take the New York train. We can visit Paul all that time."
+
+"Goody! Then Poll can visit John and I can see Daddy," exclaimed
+Eleanor, eagerly. "But we must first charter the wash-room to turn
+ourselves from dusty travelers into respectable citizens."
+
+"There isn't a fleck of dust to be seen, Anne," objected Polly, glancing
+around the tidy interior, then at herself and friends.
+
+"Wait till after we have crossed the plains and passed through all kinds
+of towns--we won't look like the same people."
+
+To Polly, that journey was a source of great interest and fun. The
+dining-car, the folding tables for games or work, the sleeping
+arrangements--all were so strangely different from the vast open-air
+life of the ranch.
+
+Then the express train reached Chicago and the recess hours were filled
+with greetings, visits and then good-bys, before the little party of
+four was on its last lap of the journey.
+
+After leaving Chicago, Eleanor asked curiously: "What did you think of
+our city, Polly?"
+
+"I never saw such crowds of troubled people! Everyone looked as if the
+worries of the universe rested upon his mind. And not one soul walked or
+acted as if there was a moment to spare before the end of the world
+would throw everything into chaos!"
+
+Polly's graphic description caused her companions to laugh, and Eleanor
+added: "If that is what you think of Chicago, just wait until you reach
+New York. The folks, there, are simply wild! Now Chicago is considered
+quite slow, in comparison."
+
+Polly stared unbelievingly at Eleanor, and Anne Stewart laughed. But
+Mrs. Stewart placed a calm hand over the amazed girl's throbbing wrist,
+and said sweetly: "Nolla is joking as usual."
+
+The four members which composed this little group of travelers arrived
+at Grand Central just before noon. Polly gazed in consternation at the
+vast station where the constant going and coming of trains and people
+made a most interesting sight for her.
+
+"We'll stop at the Commodore for a few days, girls, as it is so
+convenient for us," remarked Anne, telling a porter to conduct them to
+the hotel mentioned.
+
+Placed in a comfortable suite, Anne remarked: "I think we will call up
+the Evans or the Latimers, next. You remember, we were told to let them
+know the moment we arrived."
+
+The others agreed to this suggestion, so Anne telephoned the two
+families. Mrs. Latimer was out, but Mrs. Evans said she would come right
+down town to meet the new-comers.
+
+"Well, we can unpack our bags while we are waiting for her," suggested
+Anne. "But we must manage to get to a store this afternoon, and do some
+shopping for Polly."
+
+"Dear me! I was hoping you would show us all the sky-scrapers I've read
+about," said Polly, eagerly.
+
+"I planned to let the sight-seeing wait for a few days, as we _must_
+secure a place to live in, first of all. Here it is the middle of
+September, and I have to start school work the first of October, you
+know. In a great city like New York, the desirable apartments are
+generally taken as early as July and August. So we are up against it, in
+beginning to seek so late in the season."
+
+"But we can't hunt at night, Anne, and you might take us out to show us
+the Great White Way--as the boys call it," urged Eleanor.
+
+Mrs. Evans came down in time to have luncheon with the Westerners, and
+in the hour she visited with them, it was learned that Mrs. Latimer and
+she had scoured the uptown west-side for suitable apartments for Mrs.
+Stewart, but everything had been leased long before. She concluded with:
+
+"So I really do not see what you are going to do, unless you just happen
+to stumble over a place which has recently been resigned. There is
+absolutely no use in doing any place above Ninety-sixth street, as we
+sought diligently from that street up as far as One Hundred and
+Sixty-eighth street, and not a decent thing to be seen or had!"
+
+"But Ninety-sixth street is awfully far uptown, isn't it?" asked Anne,
+to whom the city was as yet a small middle-west town.
+
+"Oh, dear, no! It is about the center of the city, between North and
+South, these days."
+
+"I'm sure we will find just what we want, dear Mrs. Evans, but we are
+grateful to you for being so kind to us," said Polly.
+
+"My dear child, I feel that I have done _nothing_ in comparison to all
+you have done for me and mine. To know that my dear brother had friends
+during the last days of his life, means so much to me. I always had a
+horrible feeling that he died in the Klondike without money or friends;"
+and Mrs. Evans hurriedly dried the tears welling up in her eyes.
+
+Of course, that launched the conversation about Old Man Montresor, and
+so interested were all concerned, that Mrs. Evans started when she heard
+the mantel clock chime the hour.
+
+"Merciful goodness! Here am I--my first call, and staying all day!" she
+laughed.
+
+"It's not late, Mrs. Evans. We were only going to look up a first-class
+shop where Polly can buy a few things," replied Anne.
+
+"Perhaps I can be of service in recommending a place?"
+
+Several shops of quality were spoken of, and as these were located on
+Fifth avenue, not far from Forty-second street, everyone felt relieved.
+It would not take much time to do this necessary shopping, but Mrs.
+Stewart preferred to remain at the hotel.
+
+Mrs. Evans said good-by and the three young folks walked to Fifth
+avenue. It was about four o'clock and the avenue presented an endless
+stream of automobiles--one line going down, and the other line going
+uptown. The crowds of people hurrying to and fro made Polly tremble.
+
+"For goodness' sake, Anne, where _do_ all these folks come from, and
+where are they rushing to?"
+
+Anne and Eleanor laughed.
+
+"Well! If this is your wonderful Fifth avenue, I don't think much of
+it," declared Polly, a few moments later.
+
+"Why--it's simply great!" exclaimed Eleanor, having a far different
+view-point of the city.
+
+"Great! Why, just look how narrow the street is? Main street, in Oak
+Creek, is twice as wide. And Denver has nicer streets than this famous
+alley you hear so much about," scorned Polly.
+
+Again her companions laughed merrily. At this moment a traffic policeman
+sounded a shrill whistle. Instantly the mass of pedestrians, backed up
+on the curbs, started to cross. Or to use Polly's own description in the
+letter she wrote home that night: "Really, dearies, they catapulted back
+and forth like rockets! We had to rush with them, or be trampled upon.
+It is just awful!
+
+"And such freaks, mother! Nolla says it is style. Well, all I can say
+is, spare me from such outrageous styles! Most every woman and girl I
+met had faces covered thick with layers of white chalk, with a daub of
+red on each cheek, and lips as scarlet as a clown's. In fact, I had to
+stand stock-still and look at one queer creature--she looked exactly as
+if she was made up for a circus. Anne and Nolla laugh at me, all the
+time. But I don't care, so! These horrid painted things are not _nice_!
+
+"If I hadn't set my heart on being an interior decorator, I'd take up
+lecturing, and teach these crazy New Yorkers how to look and enjoy a
+simple life."
+
+From the above account you can see how one day's experience in New York
+impressed the girl of the Mountain Ranges in the West.
+
+Polly, accustomed as she was to the overstocked store in Oak Creek,
+where shelves were stacked high with all sorts of merchandise, opened
+her eyes as Anne led her into a quiet parlor-like room that opened
+directly from Fifth avenue. She stared around for a glimpse of the gowns
+she expected to see; but nothing like one was to be seen. The dignified
+lady who met Anne, and a few other well-dressed women who conversed in
+low tones with each other, did not look like Polly's idea of shop-girls.
+
+Anne's lady conducted them to a lift, and they shot up two stories.
+Again they came out into a lovely lounging-room, but still no sign of
+dresses. The lady pushed a button, and another woman hurried in.
+
+"Measurements of this young lady. She will need several gowns for
+afternoon and street wear; possibly, an evening dress."
+
+Then Polly was scientifically measured, and in a short time a number of
+models were brought for her inspection and approval. These were placed
+upon forms, and every desirable detail of the gowns was pointed out to
+Anne and the girls.
+
+"Oh, I just love that one, Poll!" cried Eleanor, gazing with rapt eyes
+at an imported model.
+
+"Isn't it clumsy at the back? And see how narrow the bottom of the skirt
+is. Maybe they didn't have enough goods to make it any wider?" commented
+Polly.
+
+Eleanor giggled but Anne explained to Polly. The saleslady seemed not to
+have heard the western girl's objection to the gown.
+
+Then it was tried on Polly, and she saw how very becoming it was. But
+when she endeavored to walk over to the full-length mirror, she almost
+fell down upon the rug.
+
+"Mercy, Anne! I never can amble about in this binder! Get me something
+sensible," complained Polly.
+
+But Eleanor liked the dress and as it fitted her, also, she said she
+would take it as long as Polly didn't.
+
+"Take it and welcome, Nolla! but I pity _you_ if you try to scoot over
+the crossings of Fifth avenue in _that_ skirt," laughed Polly.
+
+Other gowns were brought and Polly finally found several that she liked,
+with wide enough skirts to suit her comfort. Then Anne asked for the
+bills. The list was added up and when the total was mentioned Polly
+almost fainted. If she had not been seated, she might have crumpled to
+the floor.
+
+"We'll take that gown with us, the others you may send," said Anne,
+taking up the one to be wrapped. Then she gave the name and address
+where the other dresses were to be sent. A fat roll of yellow bills now
+came from Anne's hand-bag, and she paid the enormous sum--or, at least,
+Polly thought it was enormous for so few dresses.
+
+Safely out of hearing of the fashionable sales-ladies, Polly whispered:
+"Anne, you paid _hundreds_ of dollars for those things!"
+
+Anne nodded, smilingly. Eleanor said: "Why, that wasn't much for what we
+got, Poll. The dress I bought is _imported_! And a model, at that. It
+was a bargain at that price."
+
+Polly sighed. Would she ever be able to accommodate herself to such a
+changed life as this one now seemed to be? Her friends laughed at the
+sigh and expression of doubt on her face.
+
+As Anne led her proteg�es past the hotel desk, a very polite clerk said:
+"A 'phone call for you, Miss Stewart, at five-ten P. M."
+
+Anne was handed the slip and read: "Mr. Latimer called up. Said he would
+call again at six-thirty."
+
+"Maybe he wants us to go somewhere, to-night!" suggested Eleanor,
+eagerly.
+
+"Well, you won't go to-night, if he does ask you. It's bed at nine, for
+everyone of us, because we have a hard day of house-hunting before us,
+to-morrow," decreed Anne, courageously.
+
+But Eleanor was given no cause to argue that evening, for Mr. Latimer
+called up to invite them all to go to the Mardi Gras at Coney Island the
+following evening. He said the Evans and Latimers would call at the
+hotel, in two cars, about six o'clock and take them to supper at the
+Island.
+
+"Oh, goody! I never saw Coney Island but I've heard so much about it!"
+cried Eleanor, dancing about the room.
+
+"I have read how dreadful a place it is," ventured Polly.
+
+"That's another point of view, Polly. If you go down there to enjoy the
+fun and games, and see the ocean, then you will have nothing but frolic
+and sea. But if one is in quest of crime, then it can be found festering
+there, just as it is in every other section of a large city," explained
+Anne.
+
+"But we are only going for a frolic," added Eleanor.
+
+"I should hope so!" Polly said, so fervently, that Anne had to laugh
+heartily.
+
+After dinner that night, Anne said: "I think Polly ought to see a sight
+that no other city can offer--that is the wondrous advertising signs on
+Broadway about Times Square, at night."
+
+"I am too weary to go out, daughter, but you take the girls," Mrs.
+Stewart remarked, so they hurriedly donned their hats and gloves.
+
+When they reached the famous corner of Forty-second street and Broadway,
+and stood at the uptown side of Times Square Triangle to look at the
+lights, Polly was speechless.
+
+"Why, it's as bright as day, everywhere," whispered she.
+
+"And just see the moving ads. up on the roofs!" cried Eleanor,
+delighting in the scene.
+
+"I thought there were hordes of mad folks on the streets this afternoon,
+but this beats everything!" exclaimed Polly, watching both sides of
+Broadway from her vantage ground. "Honestly, Anne, do they not act
+obsessed, jostling and rushing as if Death drove them? They never seem
+to mind trolleys, autos, or policemen. They swirl and fly every which
+way, regardless of everyone and everything."
+
+"I just love this excitement!" sighed Eleanor, smiling.
+
+"Well, I hope to goodness we will live far enough away from all this to
+let me forget it once in a while," said Polly.
+
+"Oh, you'll love it, too, pretty soon," Eleanor said, confidently.
+
+"Never! This is Bedlam to me. When I write home about it, I shall tell
+father that it reminds me of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah when fire
+and brimstone fell and destroyed those cities. I bet the folks never
+acted any wilder, there, than these New Yorkers do, here."
+
+Anne laughed at Polly's vivid disgust, and suggested that they return to
+the hotel.
+
+"Oh, no, Anne! It is only eight-thirty. And for New York that only
+begins an evening, you know. Let's get up on top of one of the buses on
+Fifth avenue and take the round trip. That ride will show Polly lots of
+sights: the Flat Iron Building, Riverside Drive and the Hudson, and
+heaps of things."
+
+Eleanor prevailed, and after a delightful drive of an hour, the little
+party was glad to get to the hotel and drop into bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II--HOUSE HUNTING IN NEW YORK
+
+
+Before the westerners awake to the new day, let us renew our
+acquaintance with them.
+
+Polly Brewster, of Pebbly Pit, born and reared on that wonderful ranch
+in Colorado where the lava-jewels were found, is for the first time in
+her fourteen years, away from home. As she is at the most impressionable
+age, her wise mother authorized Anne Stewart, the young teacher who had
+spent the summer with the Brewsters and who was engaged to John
+Brewster, to spare no money when fitting Polly out for her life in New
+York. Mrs. Brewster wished Polly to feel herself the equal of anyone she
+met, if it pertained to dress. And style was about the only thing that
+Polly lacked, having all fine qualities in her character.
+
+Eleanor Maynard, of Chicago, now Polly's dearest friend, never had to
+count the cost of anything, as her father was the best known and richest
+banker of that great city. But because of her ill health, being a
+proteg�e of Anne Stewart for the past two years, this association had
+taught Eleanor to think twice before she wasted her allowance.
+
+And Anne Stewart, just past twenty-one, was experienced for her age,
+because of her mother's dependence on her for most things, since the
+father died many years before this story opens. And Paul, her younger
+brother now at college in Chicago (where the other boys also studied),
+was there because his sister earned the money with which to pay his
+expenses. Now that Anne would participate in the shares of the gold mine
+that had been discovered the day of the escape on Grizzly Slide, the
+Stewarts had no need to practise such strict economy as hitherto.
+
+In the morning Polly was awakened by a knock at her door. "Poll, someone
+wants to speak to you over the 'phone," said Anne.
+
+"Me? Why, who can it be? I never talked into one of those funny little
+black horns in my life, Anne. Wait, and help me."
+
+In another moment Polly, in a pretty neglig�e--one of the purchases of
+the previous afternoon--ran out of her room. Anne sat her upon a stool
+before the small stand and showed her how to hold the instrument.
+
+"Hello!" whispered Polly, half afraid that something would pop out at
+her.
+
+Eleanor had crept out of her room by this time, and stood back of Polly,
+grinning at her friend's nervousness.
+
+"Speak louder," admonished Anne in Polly's ear.
+
+"Hello!" shouted Polly, trying to adjust her senses to the unfamiliar
+method of conversing with an unseen individual.
+
+Then a merry laugh and a familiar voice sounded in her ear. Her face
+expressed amazement, then pleased surprise, and then excitement. She
+glanced up at Eleanor as the voice continued speaking.
+
+"Oh, we're _so_ glad to hear you are in the city. Now we shall have
+_lovely_ times!" exclaimed Polly, finally.
+
+A joyous boy's voice continued talking but suddenly it ceased, and Polly
+looked at Anne for an explanation. The telephone receiver began clicking
+strangely in her ear, and she held it at arm's length in fear of what
+might be going to explode inside that queer tube.
+
+Eleanor laughed and said, "Let me do the talking--it sounds like Jim
+Latimer--is it?"
+
+"Yes, Ken and he landed from the West at midnight, and they are going to
+the Mardi Gras with us to-night."
+
+Eleanor now took the telephone, and by the time the operator managed to
+connect the interrupted wires, she was ready to chat as if she had
+nothing else to do. After ten minutes of silly boy and girl talk, Anne
+whispered: "Oh, do stop, Nolla! It is eight o'clock and we want to fill
+a good day with work."
+
+"I've got to ring off, now, Jim, but we'll see you to-night. Good-by!"
+Then Eleanor turned to her companions, and said:
+
+"Well, that's good news, Polly! To have the boys in the city to show us
+a good time before we start school."
+
+Without saying anything to cause the girls to object because this "good
+time" with the boys might be indefinitely postponed, Anne made up her
+mind that a home would and _must_ be secured before anyone planned for
+pleasure or fun.
+
+That day, they sought in buildings on every block uptown that had been
+left uninspected by Mrs. Latimer and Mrs. Evans, but with no success. If
+an apartment of five to seven rooms was found, it would be found to be
+dark, dirty, or in an objectionable neighborhood. They were ready to pay
+a high rent for six or seven rooms, but nothing suitable could be found.
+
+When they returned to the hotel, at five o'clock, to wash and dress for
+the outing that evening, everyone felt discouraged. "And these poor
+deluded New Yorkers call the band-boxes we saw to-day, apartment rooms?"
+said Polly, sneering at the homes but not at the poor inmates.
+
+"Owners dare not build the rooms larger, Polly, because real estate in
+this city is so valuable and taxable. Every inch of property has to be
+made the most of. You know, that is why a builder, in large cities, runs
+his structures up in the sky--the sky doesn't charge taxes on so much
+per foot, but the ground the building stands on does."
+
+"Oh, I never thought of that! So that is why New York houses go up
+twenty and thirty stories, eh? The owner has to get his rents out of the
+air and sky, and pay it over to the land-assessor," Polly exclaimed, in
+a tone of understanding.
+
+Her friends laughed. "You are an apt pupil, Poll," said Anne.
+
+When their hosts for the evening called for Anne and her party, they
+were all ready and eager to start. So they were soon seated in the two
+cars; Jim driving one, with Polly seated beside him, and Ken, Eleanor
+and Anne in the back seat. Mrs. Stewart was welcomed with the two ladies
+and the two men in the other car.
+
+"Now, Jim," called Mr. Latimer, "you be sure and trail me. I'll go
+first, as I know every foot of the road to Coney Island."
+
+Polly had never been in an automobile before, and at first she felt
+frightened; but Jim chatted as he drove, and seemed to take it all so
+naturally, that she soon overcame the desire to clutch hold on the side
+of the car.
+
+There were hundreds of other automobiles all going in the same
+direction, and when our two cars reached the Boulevard, there was such a
+gay stream of machines and people as the girls never dreamed of before.
+Confetti, paper ribbons, horns and what-not, were used by the passengers
+on trolleys and in automobiles along the road until the lighted spires
+of The Park, and other pleasure-giving resorts of Coney Island were
+seen.
+
+Polly looked so different in her smart clothes that Jim Latimer wondered
+what had happened to turn this pretty ranch girl into such a stunning
+city girl in so short a time.
+
+He kept glancing at her oval face, rounded with health and vigor; at her
+straight little nose, her wide-open, deep, soulful eyes that seemed to
+weigh all things wisely; the heavy wavy hair that was becomingly looped
+back from her face, and above all, the rich glow in her cheeks, and the
+creamy complexion and fine texture of her skin. "Nothing made-up there!"
+thought Jim.
+
+But Polly was happily unaware of Jim's wondering approval, for she was
+too completely absorbed in the sights about her. She could not have told
+anyone what Jim looked like in his city clothes. In fact, after the
+first hasty glance at Ken and him, and the realization that they had
+doffed their mountain outfits, she gave no second thought to their
+clothes.
+
+At Coney Island, that night, the girls enjoyed one continual lark. Even
+Mrs. Stewart was urged to go with the elder Latimers and the Evans upon
+the chutes, the merry-go-rounds, the Twister, the Winsome Waves, and
+what-not. Such a reckless spirit of fun seemed to possess everyone in
+the place, that it was contagious.
+
+When the evening was almost over, and Polly sighed with very surfeit of
+so much fun, the boys managed to "lose" the elders and took the two
+girls to the beach.
+
+"Oh, how wonderful! I never thought of the ocean. There was so much to
+see and to do that I forgot Coney Island was right on the sea,"
+exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+But Polly said not a word. She was suddenly confronted with the restless
+mighty ocean that she had always longed to see. The sense of frivolity
+that had filled her for the last few hours vanished, and she gave
+herself up to the power of that calm, never-ceasing roll of water. A few
+minutes before and she had been weary from so much laughter and sport,
+but now a wonderful peace and rest pervaded her being.
+
+The boys understood this unusual effect of the ocean upon one who had
+never seen anything like it, and finally Polly heaved a sigh.
+
+"Well, this is better than all else. It's worth coming so far east to
+see. It's the only decent thing of which New York can boast."
+
+Her companions laughed; after digging in the soft sand for a short time,
+and exchanging youthful view-points about everything in the universe,
+they all sauntered back to the place where the two cars had been parked.
+
+A shout greeted them. "There, I _knew_ you boys had dodged us on
+purpose. But Miss Stewart thought you were lost in this crowd."
+
+As everyone felt tired before the cars reached New York City again, the
+conversation was intermittent. But just before Mr. Latimer drove his car
+up to the hotel, Mrs. Stewart learned how Dr. and Mrs. Evans, Mrs.
+Latimer, and the two boys, Jim and Ken, had spent that entire day
+home-hunting for the westerners with no success.
+
+"It seems very strange that in such a vast city one is not able to find
+a decent apartment," complained Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"We are told 'because of the war.' The war is blamed for everything
+these days, but the real excuse for owners not building now is because
+of the high cost of material and labor. They are all waiting for better
+times; meantime people must take what can be had, or go without," said
+Mr. Latimer.
+
+"After hunting the way we have for more than a week, and not having
+found a suitable place, Mrs. Stewart, I would suggest your finding a
+nice boarding-house for the winter. If you put it off too long, even
+those places will be filled," advised Mrs. Latimer.
+
+"Dear me!" sighed Mrs. Stewart. "That was suggested this morning, but I
+said it seemed dreadful, when I came East just to make a home and keep
+house for the three girls."
+
+"Yes, it would be much pleasanter for everyone to have a home, but in
+cases like this Fall's shortage of apartments, one must do what is most
+expedient," returned Mrs. Latimer.
+
+Mrs. Stewart told the girls, that night, what had been said, but they
+all felt sure something _must_ turn up in the next day or two. So the
+next morning before starting out, they laid out a regular plan of work.
+
+"Mother and Eleanor will start where we left off, yesterday, and weave a
+search back and forth downtown until they reach the hotel. I will take
+Polly and, beginning at Washington Square, work uptown until we finish.
+If either of us find anything at all decent, and in an agreeable
+neighborhood, pay down a deposit to hold it and be sure to get a receipt
+as a binder--Mr. Latimer told me that much. Then we will all go for the
+second inspection and decide. Dr. Evans said we'd better pay down
+several deposits rather than lose a place, as we can quickly sell out
+any option we have for more than we paid down."
+
+Having instructed her friends, Anne added one last bit of advice: "We
+will go as high as $3,000 a year for seven rooms, or $1,500 for four to
+five rooms--no more, as that is all shelter is worth. If we can't find a
+place at that price, we'll stay in a hotel!"
+
+So the second day of house-hunting went forward by two divisions instead
+of one, and all that day Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor experienced the same
+snubs, weariness, and failures, as thousands of other home-hunters in
+New York had. And at evening they returned wearily to the hotel to hear
+what Anne had accomplished.
+
+"Polly and she have not yet arrived," announced Eleanor, as Mrs. Stewart
+and she entered their suite.
+
+"I hope she has had better luck than we can brag about," added Mrs.
+Stewart, dropping into an easy chair.
+
+A long time after the "first division" had returned, baffled, to the
+hotel, Anne and Polly burst into the room with happy faces.
+
+"Oh, we just found the most wonderful place! Polly and I actually
+_discovered_ it. We were giving up all hope of ever finding a decent
+apartment at any reasonable figure, and had started for the subway when
+we saw this one. The flower-boxes caught Polly's eye, so we are really
+indebted to her for having secured our home."
+
+Anne's enthusiasm was contagious, and instantly Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor
+wanted to know where it was located.
+
+Anne and Polly exchanged smiling glances, as if the secret was too
+precious to impart to others.
+
+"I suppose you two did up the entire upper sections, to-day, eh?" asked
+Anne, countering their eager queries.
+
+"Did we? I should say we did! I got a taxi for the day and we flew from
+one pile of stone and marble to the next, and so many rides up and down
+in gorgeous elevators all day has kept my head still spinning. But we
+had the same results as yesterday. When you inspect one of these modern
+honey-combs you see them all. The only difference being that a few
+owners manage to retain the elevator and telephone operators, while the
+majority of superintendents apologise by saying, 'My help went on a
+strike, to-day.'
+
+"It really looks, Anne, as if these poor New Yorkers will have to move
+out to the country if they want to live this year," remarked Mrs.
+Stewart, earnestly.
+
+Her companions laughed and Anne said: "Mother, you are too precocious.
+But now listen to our 'find'!
+
+"As I planned, you two went uptown while Polly and I went downtown from
+here. We covered all the lower sections by criss-crossing back and
+forth, but we came away from the Gramercy Park section, late this
+afternoon, with an utter sense of failure. In fact, I was silently
+planning to inquire about good boarding-houses, when we hailed a
+Lexington avenue car, going north.
+
+"Being woolly westerners, we failed to ascertain how far northwards the
+car went, and having paid our fares, sat down. I remember turning to
+Polly and saying, 'This is actually the first car in New York that I
+have been on that wasn't crowded to the platforms.'"
+
+Polly laughed at the remembrance, and Anne smiled. "But it was our
+salvation, Anne," ventured the former.
+
+Anne nodded and continued her story. "Then we soon learned why there
+were vacant seats on that car. A pleasant-faced, grey-haired man of
+about fifty, must have overheard my comment because he spoke to us after
+we were seated.
+
+"'Perhaps you did not know that this car goes no farther north than the
+next block? It is switched back downtown, from that point. Did not the
+conductor mention it to you?'
+
+"I was furious, and I replied: 'No! he never said a word when I paid the
+fares.'
+
+"By this time the car stopped and the conductor called out: 'All
+out--dis car goes no furder. We switch back next corner!'
+
+"So Polly and I had to get off with the others. When we stepped down
+from the car, the nice man lifted his hat to us and said: 'I judge you
+are strangers in the city. Can I direct you anywhere?'
+
+"I thanked him and told him we were only going as far as Forty-second
+street to the hotel. Then I added, sarcastically: 'But there may be no
+cars which run as far north as that street!'
+
+"He laughed and said: 'You had better walk over to Fourth avenue and get
+the car there. It takes you through the tunnel much quicker than the
+Lexington avenue car runs to Forty-second street. But be careful and do
+not board a car that stops at the car-house on Thirty-second street.'
+
+"We all laughed at that, as it would have been just like me to do so;
+then we thanked him and started along Thirty-first street to reach the
+car. And there we found our Haven of Hope!"
+
+"Where? Not on Thirty-first street, I trust!" exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+"Isn't that section of the city dreadful?"
+
+"Not the block where we found a home," explained Anne. "It has several
+remodeled houses and several other flat houses on it."
+
+"But just wait until you see our house--it's fine!" said Polly, eagerly.
+
+"Polly caught hold of my arm and exclaimed: 'Oh, Anne! see the lovely
+flower-boxes in that cute little house!'
+
+"I saw three narrow windows on the second floor with green flower-boxes
+on the outside sills, but then my eyes dropped lower and I spied a
+swinging sign at a side-door. It merely said: 'To Let' inquire, etc.
+Polly saw it at the same moment, so we stood and gazed at each other.
+
+"'Let's try and peep in at this window,' suggested Polly.
+
+"I agreed, and we did our best to see what was within; but the long
+iron-lattice that covered the four slits in the wide front doors, were
+covered from the inside. So we went to hunt up the agent.
+
+"His office was only a few blocks down Fourth avenue, so Polly and I
+hurried there before it should be closed for the day. A boy was told to
+accompany us and we were soon inspecting the premises. Our escort
+offered all the information he had heard in the real estate office.
+
+"'This hain't been on our books more'n a day. I just hung out the sign
+this morning. The last man what lived here was an artist and he fixed up
+everything like you see it now. But he wanted the owner to take out the
+stable doors and put in a studio-winder, and when the owner wouldn't
+spend a cent, the artist up and moved. My boss said the next tenant
+would insist on having the doors taken out, so you might as well kick
+about them being here, and see if you'se kin get the winder in.'"
+
+Anne's mimicry of the office-boy was perfect and her hearers laughed,
+but Mrs. Stewart had caught the significant words: "Stable doors," and
+now she looked deeply concerned. Anne hastened to end her narrative when
+she saw her mother's expression.
+
+"So Polly and I went back to the agent's, heard the price of the place,
+and paid down half a month's rent to hold it until you all can go with
+us to-morrow morning to approve of our selection."
+
+"Oh, Anne! how much was it a month?" exclaimed Eleanor, eagerly, while
+Mrs. Stewart looked dubious over such recklessness.
+
+"One-fifty a month, and we can have a straight lease--no humbugging
+about clauses."
+
+"And how many rooms, did you say, dear?" gasped Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"I didn't say, mother, and I told Poll not to say more until after you
+see it in the morning."
+
+"But I like it, and it really does seem as if Providence sent us through
+that street," added Polly, sighing with content.
+
+"Eleanor, did you hear Anne say it had stable-doors?" now ventured Mrs.
+Stewart, fearfully.
+
+"No! did you, Anne? Why would it have stable-doors?"
+
+"Because in the days of horses and carriages, it was some rich man's
+private stable," laughed Anne, enjoying the horror on her mother's face.
+
+"A stable! Ha, ha, ha--for a Maynard of Chicago! Oh--ha, ha, ha!"
+laughed Eleanor, rocking back and forth.
+
+Even Mrs. Stewart had to laugh at the picture Eleanor's exclamation
+suggested--Mrs. Maynard and Barbara calling upon a member of their
+family who was living in an East Side stable!
+
+Any doubt of this being just the place they wanted vanished in the
+morning when Anne and Polly proudly escorted Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor
+about their future domicile. True, it had all the ear-marks of a stable
+from the _outside_, but once you were within, there was only an artistic
+home to be seen. The ground-floor which had once held four stalls and a
+harness-room, with space for two carriages, was now partitioned off in a
+manner that made the most of the space. A large living-room across the
+front acted as entrance-hall and passageway to the rear rooms and second
+floor. In the corner of the living-room, where the small brick chimney
+had served as smoke-vent for the stove of former days, there now was a
+wide tiled fire-place which would hold great logs.
+
+Double glass-paneled doors led from the front room to the dining-room
+with its two high-set square windows opening to the sunlight in the
+rear. Also a single door went to the kitchen, which also had two high
+windows like those in the adjoining room. From the kitchen, a back door
+opened upon a tiny grass-platted garden of about twenty feet square. A
+fine locust tree grew in one corner of the plot and gave shade in the
+afternoon.
+
+Anne explained certain peculiar features regarding the windows of the
+back-rooms. "Don't you see why they are so high? It is because they were
+once the ventilators to the stalls. Each horse had his own window for
+air. But I think they now make the rooms look quaint, don't you?"
+
+The others agreed with her, and Eleanor said: "If we had a shelf running
+along under the windows, it would look better."
+
+"And we can use it for china," added Polly.
+
+Anne now started to go upstairs, followed by the other three; they all
+examined the bedrooms and were delighted with them. There were two large
+front and two smaller rear rooms, with a fine tiled bathroom between the
+back rooms. Not one of the rooms was as small as the largest chambers
+seen in the modern apartments.
+
+"And all for a hundred and fifty a month!" exclaimed Eleanor, joyously.
+
+"I reckon we'd better take it at once, children," said Mrs. Stewart,
+approvingly.
+
+"But remember," said Anne, on the way to the agent's office, "we have to
+make all inside repairs, or redecorate as we want. There is no steam
+heat or hot water supplied, either, like the swell apartment houses,
+uptown, offer us."
+
+"I'd rather have it so, Anne dear," replied Mrs. Stewart. "I've always
+been used to a coal range and those fandangled gas ideas worried me, but
+I didn't say anything to you-all. I noticed what a fine little kitchen
+stove this one has, so you'll always have hot water--never fear. As for
+heat! Well, a great open fire-place in the front room will help heat
+upstairs, and there is a register in the bathroom that comes from the
+kitchen stove-pipe."
+
+"We can use electric or gas radiators, Anne," added Eleanor, eagerly,
+"in very cold weather."
+
+"I never knew what heated bedrooms were like, in Pebbly Pit, Anne,"
+Polly said, anxious to have a word.
+
+"Besides we may have a very mild winter," remarked Anne.
+
+So the lease was signed and the first month's rent paid. "We'll give you
+any assistance you may need in getting the place in order, Mrs.
+Stewart," said the agent, as he handed the papers to his new tenant.
+
+"That will be very nice, and we will take advantage of your offer, at
+once. I want the kitchen range and stove pipe put in perfect working
+order, and please see that the radiator in the bathroom is not
+obstructed in any way," said the lady.
+
+Anne and the agent exchanged looks and laughed. "I can see where Mrs.
+Stewart expects to enjoy herself this winter. Well, I told my wife the
+other day, we were more comfortable when we had an old-fashioned flat
+with a kitchen range, than we now are with all the latest modern
+improvements," returned the agent.
+
+"Anne, Polly and I want our rooms repapered and painted," whispered
+Eleanor, tugging at Anne's sleeve.
+
+"I was about to suggest that you have all the woodwork given one coat of
+nice fresh paint, but the paper now on the walls is very expensive and
+artistic, so I wouldn't be in too great a hurry to have it done over.
+The last tenant imported his own paper at a great expense for that
+place," explained the agent.
+
+"I think you are very kind and sensible to advise us in this way. So
+we'll have the men do the paint but not touch the paper until we have
+had time to look it over again," said Anne.
+
+"When can we move in?" questioned Polly.
+
+"Any time you like; but I would advise having the painters out first. I
+will send two men to begin work in there to-morrow."
+
+Then the four delighted tenants left the office, and on the walk back to
+the corner where they wished to board the car they eagerly planned how
+they would furnish their home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III--FURNISHING THE STABLE
+
+
+"Anne, if we hurry and get the furniture, we can settle our home before
+school starts," suggested Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+"If you-all had only let me ship my stuff from Denver you wouldn't have
+to buy a stick!" declared Mrs. Stewart.
+
+They were standing on the corner waiting for an uptown car but not one
+was in sight. Anne showed signs of impatience but exclaimed at her
+mother's remark:
+
+"Mother, you know very well what the crating and freight would have
+cost, and you sold your stuff for more than it was worth. I think you
+are most fortunate to have that little roll of money on hand, when you
+consider the wear and tear your furniture has had in the last thirty
+years."
+
+"Anyway, Mrs. Stewart, I don't want Victorian period in our house. Polly
+and I want to furnish and decorate our own rooms as we like. This is to
+be our first experiment in real artistic work," said Eleanor,
+comfortingly.
+
+Polly nodded her head at these words; but standing with her back to the
+curb, her face was opposite a large show-window in the corner building.
+Now, as if by some magnet, her eyes were attracted to what that window
+contained.
+
+"Why, just see there! Right near our street is a furniture shop!" With
+this exclamation, Polly ran over to inspect the objects displayed in the
+window. A carved four-poster, and other rare antiques, drew the
+attention of the little group.
+
+Polly glanced around to see what furniture shop it was that was so near
+their new home.
+
+"Why! It's an auction place. Surely, it cannot be that such wonderful
+things are sold in a junk room," exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+
+That made the other three look also, and Eleanor added: "It doesn't
+follow that just because this is an auction house, that it must be a
+junk room."
+
+"Well, I never saw anything but awful junk in the second-hand place in
+Oak Creek," explained Polly.
+
+"Even the Denver dealers sell only junk, Nolla. But it may be different
+in New York. Everything seems to be different," said Anne.
+
+"Of course it is! Why wouldn't it be when you stop to think of it. In
+the first place, no one in Oak Creek ever had anything but junk to sell.
+And in Denver, where everyone hangs on to every stick they have, simply
+because it is so difficult to get anything worth while, the poor
+second-hand dealer starves for want of trade. But here, as well as in
+Chicago, folks send stuff to places like this for sale, when they can't
+find a place to move into. I just bet there will be thousands of
+families that will have to sell out this year just because there are not
+enough homes for all of them." Eleanor's logic was sound, and Polly
+ventured a suggestion.
+
+"I'd love to go in there and see what they do with such pieces. There
+are lots of well-dressed people going in--come on."
+
+Nothing loath to see the interior of a New York second-hand shop, the
+westerners went to the front door. There a colored porter stood and
+bowed politely.
+
+"Sale goin' on in third room, right, ladies; have a catalogue?"
+
+As the uniformed attendant offered Anne a pamphlet of about twenty
+pages, he waved them inside out of the doorway. Then he repeated his
+directions to the next couple who followed directly after Mrs. Stewart's
+party.
+
+To say the four friends were astonished at the size and quality of the
+auction-rooms is speaking mildly. Not a piece of furniture but looked
+rare and expensive. It seemed improbable that it all was for sale.
+
+A second attendant now came up and said: "Sale now going on in south
+gallery, ladies."
+
+Then Anne took her courage in her hands. "We have never visited a sale
+before, so you will confer a favor by showing us where to go, or what to
+do. We are about to furnish a house."
+
+The man sensed a good customer, and gallantly showed them through
+several well-stocked rooms until they reached the last, where a smiling
+smooth-tongued individual sat behind a raised desk and spoke
+conversationally to the crowd which sat in rows before him.
+
+"Jake, find me four chairs, in a hurry," whispered the man who was
+conducting Anne's party.
+
+Without confusion and in a moment's time, Jake carried over four
+wonderful Jacobean chairs, two in each hand, their backs to each other,
+and handled as recklessly as if the fine carving was made of unbreakable
+metal.
+
+"Now, ladies, enjoy yourselves," the smiling attendant said; then he
+stopped for a moment at the desk to say a word to the auctioneer who
+continued his selling as if no new victims had been introduced.
+
+One marvelous article after another was brought forth and placed for
+exhibition upon the Persian rug that covered the platform in front of
+the audience. And one after another, the objects of art and beauty were
+sold to different buyers at a preposterously low figure.
+
+But the wily auctioneer took notice that not a member of the newly
+arrived party was bidding on anything. He decided that this must not be,
+so he stood up to address the assembly.
+
+"Friends, I know that you are here to buy and not to waste your time in
+mere curiosity. If there is any particular article you need, or have
+seen on the premises, speak out and I will oblige you by introducing it
+in this sale."
+
+He glanced over the crowd and finally allowed his gaze to rest upon the
+four who sat in the front row. They all felt guilty of using his time
+and room when they had no idea of buying any particular thing. Mrs.
+Stewart was about to whisper to Anne that they had better go when
+Eleanor spoke up fearlessly.
+
+"I saw a four-poster in the show-window before I came in. Is it for
+sale?"
+
+Her three companions felt the shock that is experienced when one does an
+unusual or unexpected thing. But they each felt thrilled, too, at the
+courage of that one.
+
+"I regret exceedingly, my dear young lady, that that particular set of
+antique mahogany cannot be sold until day after to-morrow. In fact, only
+the contents of _this_ vast room is for sale to-day. We take them in
+turn, you see. To-morrow the adjoining room goes, and the day following
+that everything is sold and cleared out of the third room--where the bed
+is."
+
+"But we have a four-poster in this sale, Mr. Winters," quickly said one
+of the floor-men.
+
+"Ah, indeed! Perhaps the young lady will like it as well as the other
+one. Bring it forward, Joe."
+
+Without the slightest delay, the floor-men then pulled and pushed a very
+elaborately carved four-posted bed out upon the dais. It was similar to
+the one in the window but it was smaller, this one being four feet wide
+while the one on exhibition for Friday's sale was full sized.
+
+The auctioneer spoke of all the points about this particular piece of
+furniture, and then began to offer it for sale. The four visitors in the
+front row sat as if hypnotized at his manner.
+
+"What, no one here to appreciate this marvelous work of other days, now
+to be sold for three hundred dollars?"
+
+Not a sound encouraged him, so he sighed and said: "Well, is there
+anyone who will give two hundred for it?"
+
+Eleanor's heart thumped. She was willing to give it but she found her
+tongue cleave to the roof of her mouth at the very idea of securing the
+bed at such a price.
+
+"Too bad! Then I shall have to ask if anyone will pay me one hundred
+dollars? Is this bed not worth that to you, young lady--or perhaps you
+need a full-sized bed?" The auctioneer looked at Eleanor but failed to
+see the dazzling glint that shot into her eyes when he offered the bed
+for one hundred. He really had no hope of starting it at that figure so
+he over-did it that time.
+
+"All right, friends, I am perfectly willing to have you set your own
+price on this magnificent piece of carving that is no less than a
+hundred and fifty years old. Now what is your pleasure? Fifty, forty,
+thirty--what? did I hear a bargain-hunter say twenty-five? Oh,
+impossible?"
+
+Eleanor almost fainted at such a dreadful sacrifice, and would have
+stood up to offer him the hundred, had not a man in the rear called out
+"Fifty."
+
+"Ah, that is better--thank you. Now, fifty, fifty, fifty--who says
+seventy-five? I want seventy-five--fifty, fifty, fifty, fif--fif-tee,
+tee, t-e-e--what, no one here willing to pay more than fifty dollars for
+this bee-u--utiful bit of antique mahogany? Fif-fif-fif--Ah!"
+
+Eleanor swallowed hard, half-stood up, and the auctioneer caught her eye
+at last. He smiled, acknowledged her expression, and now called:
+
+"Seventy-five! I now have seventy-five, seven, seven,
+sev-sev-seventy--seventy-fi-ifvvve! I have seventy-five dollars for this
+wonderful mahogany bed that is really worth seven hundred dollars in any
+store to-day. And I only have seventy-five dollars bid. Seven-tee----"
+
+Again Eleanor half-stood up and this time she managed to say "One
+hundred, please!"
+
+"Thank you, young lady--you certainly understand fine furniture. I am
+now offered one hundred dollars by one who knows the value of this
+bed--one hundred, one hundred--hundred--one, h-u-ndred dollars
+offered--who will give a hundred and ten--only ten more gets it?"
+
+Polly was so amazed when Eleanor said "One hundred dollars" that she
+giggled hysterically; but not wishing to have her friend brag how "she
+bid at this auction and her friends were too shy," Polly looked
+anxiously at the auctioneer. He saw that look and understood.
+
+"Don't hesitate, young lady. You know 'he who hesitates is lost'--in
+this case, loses a great bargain. If you wish to bid, never fear
+competing with a friend. In this business there are no friends--all men
+are strangers. Shall I say one hundred and ten for you?"
+
+Polly nodded eagerly and smiled broadly at Eleanor. The two girls were
+so delighted with themselves at daring to speak out so bravely in a city
+like _New York_ that they failed to realize the auctioneer had knocked
+down the bed to Polly.
+
+"This young lady in front. I _must_ say she appreciates fine furniture!"
+declared the suave auctioneer to everyone in general.
+
+"W-h-y, Pol--le-ee! Is that your bed?" gasped Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know. Is it, Nolla?" laughed Polly.
+
+Just then a brusque voice said: "Name and address please--and
+twenty-five per cent deposit money." The girls looked up in
+bewilderment. Who was the man?
+
+He seemed to read their thoughts, for he smiled. "I am the cashier.
+Everyone has to pay down a cash deposit on their bids. Everything you
+buy has to be removed by Saturday, or we are not responsible for it
+after that."
+
+"Oh!" Polly and Eleanor looked at each other. They were trying to figure
+out how much money he wanted.
+
+"Here--I'll pay the deposit. About thirty dollars, isn't it?" said Anne,
+in a business-like tone.
+
+"Yes, thank you. Now name and address, please?"
+
+"What's the number of our stable, Anne?" laughed Eleanor.
+
+When Anne gave the address the cashier looked surprised. "Oh, have you
+rented the Studio down the street?"
+
+The girls bowed wonderingly, and he added: "The artist who lived there
+for a number of years, used to drop in here every week just for the
+entertainment of picking up curios. In fact, I saw him here a few
+minutes ago. He told me he would give fifty percent advance to the
+tenant who leased that place. Here's a chance for you to make money if
+you want to give up the Studio."
+
+"We want a home more than money, mister!" declared Polly.
+
+"You've said it, Poll! If we give up this studio we may have to go back
+and live in our gold mine, because New York hasn't any homes left, this
+year," laughed Eleanor.
+
+The cashier had not missed the mention of "our gold mine" and determined
+to do his utmost to please these ladies. Hence he whispered: "I'll look
+after everything you buy here, and don't worry about moving it away on
+Saturday. Next week will do, if you are not ready to get things out this
+week."
+
+"Polly, Polly! There goes a high-boy that matches the bed you got!"
+cried Eleanor, at this moment.
+
+"They are pieces of the same set. Strange to say, they came from the
+very place you rented. The artist has to sell out because he cannot find
+an apartment, and there is no storage room for his furniture," explained
+the cashier.
+
+So Polly secured the high-boy for sixty dollars and felt very proud of
+her purchases. Eleanor bought a pair of brass fire-dogs and irons, and
+Anne bid on a large etching. When it was knocked down to her, she turned
+to her mother and said: "I really do not want it. What under the sun did
+I get it for?"
+
+And Mrs. Stewart laughed. "It's always the way at these vendues. One
+gets all kinds of things one never needs."
+
+"Then let's get out. Girls, I'm going now," whispered Anne, rising to
+leave.
+
+The cashier hurried over when he saw the four new customers about to go,
+and said, "The artist would like very much to meet his successors to the
+Studio."
+
+At the same moment, a grey-haired gentleman bowed and smiled, and the
+group waited expectantly. Anne and Polly smiled also.
+
+"You are the kind friend who advised us, yesterday, when we had to leave
+the car," Anne said, pleasantly.
+
+"Yes, but I never dreamed I was directing you right to my front door,"
+rejoined the artist.
+
+"Well, Mr. Fabian, as long as you've met before, I'll go about my
+business," and the cashier hurried away, leaving the five people in the
+adjoining room.
+
+Anne proceeded to introduce her friends and then added: "It was
+providential that we went through that street. Now we have a home to our
+liking."
+
+"I am delighted that my successors will appreciate the place, but I am
+still seeking for quarters. Had I choked my anger and swallowed my
+pride, when the owner refused to keep his word about the stable-doors, I
+would still be enjoying my cozy Studio."
+
+Mr. Fabian then told the ladies how he had taken the stable in its raw
+state and turned it into the lovely dwelling it now was. He had paid for
+all the hardwood floors, for the partitions on the ground-floor, and for
+the kitchen plumbing.
+
+"Why, it must have cost you a small fortune," ventured Anne. "And now it
+seems too bad that you can't enjoy it."
+
+"But I did enjoy it, my dear young lady--for five years. And I only paid
+sixty dollars a month, during that time, too. When the owner raised me,
+this year, to ninety I rebelled, because I had spent so much money on
+beautifying the rooms. I thought he would really relent and say I could
+have it for about seventy-five a month. I was mistaken."
+
+"We're paying a hundred and fifty a month and make all repairs,
+ourselves," Anne ventured.
+
+"He took advantage of the unusual conditions. But you have a better
+bargain, even so, than if you had rented a seven-room apartment, uptown,
+for two or three thousand a year."
+
+By this time they were standing on the corner once more, and Mr. Fabian
+seemed ready to leave them. Then Polly remembered that the cashier had
+said the bed and high-boy she just bought had come from the Studio.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Fabian, excuse me for speaking of it, but did you really own
+the four-poster I got at the sale just now?"
+
+"Yes, my dear. It was in the room my little daughter occupied when she
+was home. She is now in Paris taking an art course." The girls were
+deeply interested in this intimate information. "That box-spring with
+the mattress on the bed was made to order of the best material I could
+buy. You'll find the silk-floss in that mattress is so soft you'll never
+care to get up, once you rest upon it."
+
+"But I didn't know the spring and mattress went with the bed," Polly
+said, amazed.
+
+"Oh, yes. That is the way they generally sell other folks' goods. But I
+wish to say, that Nancy only used the bed a few weeks, as she had a
+splendid opportunity to enter a class in a friend's school in Paris, so
+we started her across without delay. My wife went, too, to look after
+her; that is one reason I refused to pay the increased rent; I thought
+it was too much for one lone man to pay."
+
+"It almost makes me feel as if we ought to take you in to live with us,"
+said Mrs. Stewart, sympathetically. "If there only was one extra
+bedroom, now, we could make you a member of our family just as well as
+not."
+
+"But we haven't that extra room!" laughed Anne, wondering what this
+stranger would think of her mother's free western hospitality.
+
+What he thought was soon expressed. "I certainly appreciate such unusual
+kindness and I see it is genuine. So I will dare to do this: I shall
+love to drop in, now and then, and see how you all are doing. Perhaps I
+can be of some assistance to you, in various ways."
+
+"I know you can!" declared Eleanor, eagerly. "Polly and I are taking up
+art and interior decorating and we need lots of ideas from grown-ups who
+have had experience. You can advise us that way."
+
+"Begin your regular home visits a week from Sunday, Mr. Fabian. We will
+be settled then and ready to welcome you to our house," added Anne.
+
+Then they parted and Mr. Fabian went downtown, while the four companions
+walked northwards to the hotel. As they walked, Anne said: "It certainly
+was queer how that gentleman sent us past his own home and we saw it.
+Now, he turns out to be just the kind of a friend Polly and Eleanor will
+need to advise them about art school."
+
+"Anne, what shall we do with the rest of the afternoon? We still have
+two hours before dinner-time," said Eleanor, glancing at her wristwatch.
+
+"We can go over to the nearest shop and get Polly an everyday hat. I
+can't bear to see this lovely one hacked out at auction rooms. She needs
+complete outfits of underwear, too, but we may be too late at the shops,
+for that."
+
+"Anne, I saw in the paper this morning, when you were looking for
+apartments, that a fine Fifth avenue shop is having a sale of early fall
+models. Let's go up and get Polly's hat there," advised Eleanor,
+eagerly.
+
+Anne laughed. "You are willing to get one for yourself, too, eh?"
+
+So both girls were supplied with chic hats before they returned to the
+hotel. There they found an invitation from the Latimers to come,
+informally, and dine with them that night. Dr. and Mrs. Evans would try
+to come in later.
+
+"It's now five-thirty. Can we get dressed and make it, in time?" asked
+Eleanor, anxiously.
+
+"Oh, yes; we haven't far to go, you know. A taxi will take us there in
+ten minutes," replied Anne.
+
+All was hurry and bustle, then, and when the two girls emerged from
+their rooms dressed in their new gowns, Anne felt that they did her
+credit. She could not but remark at the great improvement that clothes,
+well-fitting and of fine material, made in Polly's appearance. Now the
+girl looked positively beautiful.
+
+A pleasant evening ensued, Jim and Ken insisting upon the right to
+escort the ladies home after everyone had said good-night.
+
+"You know, girls, Ken and I are going to Yale next week?" said Jim, as
+they started down Broadway.
+
+"So your father said, to-night. We will miss you, Jim," returned Anne.
+
+"But we'll be home every chance we get--Thanksgiving, Christmas and
+other times," Kenneth said, hopefully.
+
+"Nolla and I will be awfully busy in school, and in trying to get
+started in the art classes," added Polly.
+
+"I hope you have the stable settled before we leave the city. We want to
+give you-all a house-warming," said Kenneth.
+
+"That will be great! Let's have it, anyway, even if everything is not in
+apple-pie order in the house," exclaimed Polly.
+
+So before they parted, that night, it was all arranged that the
+house-warming should take place the next Tuesday evening. The boys were
+leaving for college on Thursday, and the last few days before starting
+in the new school, would be busy ones for the girls.
+
+"All right, we'll tell the folks the fun is on for next Tuesday, then,"
+said Jim, as they shook hands.
+
+"And it must be a regular surprise, you know--we bring our own
+refreshments and everything," laughed Kenneth.
+
+"Oh, no! That is the least we can do in return for all you folks have
+done for us. We will furnish your refreshments!" declared Eleanor,
+positively.
+
+"As long as you furnish plenty, all right. But remember, girls, that Ken
+and I still have our Rocky Mountain appetites!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV--BARGAINS, BARGAINS EVERYWHERE!
+
+
+With the worry of house-hunting gone, the young friends felt at liberty
+to be deliberate while apportioning their time. Anne took Polly and
+Eleanor to the West End School, the morning following their meeting with
+Mr. Fabian, and introduced them to the proprietress as the two young
+ladies she had written about.
+
+Polly thought the elegant mansion that looked more like a prince's
+residence than a school, would keep her from concentrating upon her
+lessons. While Anne and the principal of the select school talked
+business, Polly glanced about the reception room.
+
+The rugs were beautiful, most of them having the faded soft colors of
+the antique Persian and Turkish. But the furniture was too gorgeous in
+upholstering for the type of room. Then there were heavy boxed oil
+paintings in rich gilt frames, hanging on the walls; and teakwood
+pedestals holding statuettes and busts; and onyx stands with palms. The
+mantel was loaded with bric-a-brac of all sorts. Many other minor items
+showed bad taste in whoever furnished the room.
+
+Polly felt all this, but could not explain just why she resented such a
+conglomeration of color and furnishings. But Eleanor, having had the
+results of a decorator's judgment displayed in her home, in Chicago,
+felt inclined to smile at what she saw about her. It was sure evidence
+of Polly's improvement in artistic interiors since the day she thought
+the green window-shades quite the thing, to this time when the
+indiscriminate mixing of colors offended her eyes.
+
+"I really am relieved to hear that you will not be resident here, Miss
+Stewart, as I need your room for two boarders. I had planned to enlarge
+the dormitory this year, but everything costs so much that I postponed
+it. Now this extra room will come in very nicely for me," Mrs.
+Wellington was saying when Polly and Eleanor had finished a survey of
+the room, and rejoined Anne.
+
+"Girls, Mrs. Wellington says we may have a look at the class-rooms.
+Would you like to go with me?" said Anne.
+
+Without demur they followed the lady of the house. They passed through
+the formal parlor where guests of distinction were entertained. Here the
+two girls also saw the lack of taste in furnishing. Gilded furniture
+with delicate satin upholstery, fought with wallpaper of heavy
+Spanish-leather design. Curtains and porti�res were of velour, heavily
+edged with fringe. Valances of velour were over the windows, and on the
+mantel. Instead of having a delicate French carpet on the floor, there
+were thick napped dark-toned Beloochistan rugs.
+
+The long library opened out from the parlor, and here there was an
+atmosphere of rest, because the entire wall spaces were lined with dark
+cabinets whose shelves were well filled with volumes in bindings made to
+harmonize with the rich paper that showed above the book-cases. The
+window-seats were built in and upholstered in tapestry to match the
+paper. The tables and leather armchairs were not so glaringly out of
+keeping with the room as the furniture in the first two rooms had been.
+
+Mrs. Wellington waved her hand carelessly at this room: "When I bought
+this house, all the books went with it, just as you see them now. The
+window-seats are still covered as they were, but I hope soon to spend
+some money in making this library more cheerful for the girls. I like
+bright colors, but that dun wall paper and that dull tapestry on the
+window cushions gives me the blues. If the books had not been such a
+bargain--the executor of the estate was most anxious to dispose of
+them--I never would have taken them. Their dull green morocco bindings
+make the room seem heavy, don't you think?"
+
+"Oh, no! I was just thinking how lovely the glint of the gold lettering
+on each dark book makes the room seem. If only there was a dark polished
+floor to reflect the chair and table legs, the room would be wonderful!
+But this large carpet spoils that effect!" Nolla exclaimed impetuously.
+
+Mrs. Wellington straightened her spine and looked in hurt amazement at
+this inexperienced miss who babbled like an expert decorator. No one had
+ever criticised that carpet rug before!
+
+Anne saw the look and comprehended at once, so she dropped oil on the
+troubled waters. "Oh, Nolla! you are so carried away with your hobby of
+studying decorating that you needs must practise it and criticise
+everywhere. Now, I'm sure, Mrs. Wellington never would have dreamed of
+your ambition had you not showed it so plainly in your words just now."
+
+Eleanor understood Anne's motive in speaking thus, and smiled benignly.
+Polly was still trying to grasp the handle to Anne's remark when the
+lady of the house led them forth again.
+
+"Here are a number of smaller rooms where girls may sit and read or
+study in the evening. And now we will go up to the class rooms."
+
+If Eleanor and Polly had been able to find flaws with the lack of taste
+shown in the furnishings of the first-floor, they could not detect the
+slightest item missing in the equipment and furnishing of the different
+school rooms. Every known modern device and object for the comfort,
+health and help of scholars, were in evidence. Anne smiled with pleasure
+as she looked around.
+
+"It will be a delight to teach in such a room as this, Mrs. Wellington;
+and I'm sure the scholars appreciate all you do for them."
+
+"No, that is the strange part of it, Miss Stewart. The girls who come
+here seldom think of all I do for them in providing these rooms. They
+take it as a matter of course that I should spend so much money in
+keeping everything as I do, while my competitors ask higher rates and
+spend less;" the lady looked troubled over it.
+
+"Now I have a friend down on Seventy-second street, who has conducted a
+most exclusive school for years; but she will not spend a cent in these
+ideal accommodations yet she gets higher prices than I do. And her
+waiting list of well-known names is endless. I only have a list of about
+a dozen applicants and they are not daughters of millionaires, either."
+
+"Perhaps," Anne remarked kindly, "the girls _you_ graduate make
+something of themselves in life, whereas those other society girls
+merely skim over lessons and never know how to spell their own names."
+
+"Yes, that is true; I secure the very best teachers and try to instill
+knowledge wisely. And I am sure, my girls, upon leaving here, can
+compete with anyone."
+
+"I should say that was a great comfort. To look back some day and be
+able to say: 'I taught that girl how to combat ignorance.' And the girls
+who sincerely admit what you have done, will rise up and call you
+blessed--for giving them these expensive modern helps to acquire
+wisdom."
+
+Madam seemed pleased with this point of view, and said: "You will stop
+and have luncheon with me, won't you, dears?"
+
+"We really cannot, Mrs. Wellington. You see we have to furnish the home
+that we just leased, yesterday. We are most anxious to have everything
+in order before starting with our school work on the first," Anne
+explained, politely.
+
+"Oh, of course, that is wise. Then I will look for you Monday
+morning--the first of October. If there is anything you wish to know,
+you can call me up any time during the mornings. And if you are in this
+neighborhood before the first, do come in and have tea."
+
+After the girls had gone, Madam smiled and thought to herself: "I
+certainly made no mistake in engaging _that_ young teacher. She seems to
+be the best one I have ever interviewed. And the girls will take to her,
+I'm sure."
+
+Anne led the way to a Broadway trolley, and soon they were at the hotel.
+Mrs. Stewart was impatiently awaiting them, so they had an early
+luncheon and then hurried downtown to the "Art Galleries" on Fourth
+avenue.
+
+The sale had just opened, and they were able to secure front chairs. A
+list had been made of pieces of furniture they really needed to start
+house-keeping with, and now they hoped to be able to find just the
+things they had pictured for the Studio.
+
+A solid mahogany gate-leg table was knocked down to Anne for fourteen
+dollars and a half. Then a wing-chair with quaint lines, upholstered in
+orchid blue velour, was sold to Eleanor for nineteen dollars.
+
+"Dear me, that was a lovely chair, Nolla. I wish I had one like it,"
+sighed Polly.
+
+"Isn't my table a dear!" whispered Anne, eagerly.
+
+"But it has as many legs as a centipede," replied Polly.
+
+The others laughed gaily at her criticism but at that moment, a
+comfortable Turkish arm-chair was placed upon the dais. It was
+upholstered in a rich tapestry, and looked oh! so luxurious.
+
+Polly watched the bidders anxiously. She had a sudden desire for that
+chair, but she couldn't manage to get in at the bidding, at all. But
+when she saw a woman opposite, hold up a hand above her head, and so
+learned that that was one way to catch the auctioneer's attention, she,
+too, followed suit.
+
+She instantly held up her hand, and just saved the chair from being sold
+to a man at the back. So it was knocked down to her at seventeen-fifty.
+
+"There! That is Mrs. Stewart's chair. I saw the look in her eye when it
+was placed upon the dais; and I know just how she will enjoy it when she
+has done preparing our dinners. That chair, out before the open
+fire-place giving rest to a tired house-keeper, will make one feel like
+new!" Polly said.
+
+"But, Polly, child! you must not spend your money buying _me_ such
+things!" exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"I will if I want to! This is the first stick you've got for your room.
+And without you, I'd like to know what kind of a home we'd have. So
+don't you say another word if I want to buy other things for you."
+
+Anne objected. "Maybe this one chair is all right, Polly, but no more,
+please."
+
+"Anne, just see all the money we're saving on buying our furniture, this
+way. Why can't I use the surplus as I want to? I say I _will_--if I see
+anything I want very much to give you or your mother."
+
+Anne knew when Polly was determined to have her way, and believed the
+best plan now would be to buy what was needed for herself and her
+mother, so as to forestall Polly or Eleanor.
+
+So that afternoon Anne got two single brass beds with brand new springs
+and mattresses. The auctioneer explained that the bedding was sent in by
+the Manhattan Factory, because of an order that had been cancelled
+before delivery of goods. So Anne secured the bedding at half price.
+
+Neither of the girls suspected Anne of any secret plot when she bought
+other articles at that sale for the two bedrooms she needed to furnish;
+but when Eleanor eagerly bid on a Priscilla work-table of mahogany and
+got it for Mrs. Stewart, Anne felt annoyed.
+
+"My goodness, Anne, it was only five-fifty. Who ever saw a work-table as
+cheap as that, before? I know your mother will love to darn stockings
+for us all, now--with a nice place in which to keep her wools," argued
+Eleanor, laughingly.
+
+"Maybe mother would rather not darn stockings but let you keep the
+table, yourself," suggested Anne.
+
+Before they left the Art Gallery that day, they found they had really
+bought enough articles to start in with if they liked. They could add
+rugs, bric-a-brac, and different luxurious chairs, at any time.
+
+"But we need dishes and utensils, girls," said Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"We'll get them in a department store, and have them delivered at once,"
+replied Anne.
+
+"Let's run over and see if the painters have done anything," suggested
+Polly.
+
+"Might as well, Anne--we are right here, you see," added Eleanor.
+
+So they turned the corner and walked down the street to reach the Studio
+in time to see the painters finish the work on the ground floor.
+
+"How nice and fresh it looks. But the wallpaper looks dusty," said Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+"It is dusty, madam. I was just sayin' to my friend here you ought to
+have someone clean it all off with bread crumbs. It is a swell paper if
+it is clean," remarked the painter.
+
+"Bread-crumbs?" ejaculated Anne.
+
+"Yes'm. Best thing known to clean fine paper. I'll get a man to do it if
+you say so. He knows his job."
+
+"I wish you would. And ask him to supply the bread, too, as we are
+stopping at a hotel where it is hard to get such things."
+
+"An' I was goin' to mention--the porcelain tubs and basins oughta be
+cleaned fer you'se. When we finish painting I will scour and polish 'em,
+if you say so."
+
+"Yes, please do! And the floors ought to be polished, too."
+
+"We'll take care of all that, if you just tell us to go ahead and clean
+up as we see fit," said the painter.
+
+"All right; but don't make us wait too long before we can move in. We
+are going to have a house-warming, here, next week," explained Eleanor,
+anxiously.
+
+"I've got an extra man comin' on to-morrow, and we'll be out of here by
+Saturday. Especially if we work Sat'aday afternoon--but that means
+double pay, you know."
+
+"Never mind that; finish the job as soon as possible, for we will save
+that much extra money in hotel bills," said Anne.
+
+"All right! We'll turn it over for you Sat'aday night!"
+
+Everything seemed to be going so well, not only with their Studio-home,
+but with furnishings and decorators, that the girls felt elated.
+
+The next day they again met Mr. Fabian at the Art Galleries, and he
+proved a very welcome member to their party, as he knew all about rugs,
+porcelains, and antiques. Having shown them and explained all about the
+few rare pieces still for sale in the auction rooms, he said:
+
+"Some day you must go with me to some of the other places. There are
+dozens of these shops in New York, and each one seems to incline to some
+particular line of furnishing. Then, too, one can see more wonderful
+antiques in these shabby little shops along the avenue, than one would
+believe possible.
+
+"I often pick up rare things in these places. They are run, mostly, by
+Hebrews who merely know when an object is antique, or in demand. But
+they seldom can tell you the period or name of many of their most
+valuable items. It was in this way that a friend of mine once discovered
+a treasure.
+
+"His wife wanted a necklace for Christmas--something odd and different
+than any that her friends had. So he came to me and said: 'Fabian, I
+can't afford Tiffany prices, but I wish I could find something unusual.
+I want to please my wife, because she has been such a good sport during
+the time I was hanging over the edge of bankruptcy. Now what would you
+suggest?'
+
+"I offered to go with him. So we sauntered out of the Studio and walked
+over here, to Fourth avenue. We stopped in every little collector's shop
+along the street, but could not find just what appealed to him. Then we
+entered that shop across the street--the one near the corner.
+
+"I knew the old Hebrew well, having often looked over his trays filled
+with every old thing conceivable. So I said upon entering: 'Got any odd
+kind of necklace or chain, Moses? Something to go around a lady's neck,
+you know?' I had to demonstrate my words as I spoke.
+
+"'Ya, ya! Shure, I got a chain. I show him you?'
+
+"It was a long antique-silver chain, the great flat links being
+beautifully filigreed. But it was not what my friend wanted, so I bought
+it for Nancy. Then the shop-keeper looked wistful.
+
+"'Ain't I got it what you like? Tell me what for you want him?'
+
+"My friend replied: 'For my wife. She goes to balls and like pearls, or
+other stones, in a necklace.'
+
+"'Ah, ha! I got yust what you like. A pearl necklace vot come in las'
+veek wid a lot of odder fine tings.' Then the old man rooted around
+under the counter until he found the tray he wanted. It was coated with
+dust from the floor, but he blew this off and carelessly placed the
+heaped-up tray before us.
+
+"Such a tangle of all kinds of jewelry I never _did_ see! Finally I got
+the string of pearls free from the snarls of ordinary glass beads and
+other trash, and handed it over to my friend. He curled a lip in scorn
+at the soiled trinket.
+
+"'Avery, drive a bargain with him for this. I honestly think those
+pearls are quite good. Let me rub one up on my sleeve, while you draw
+the fellow's attention from what I am doing,' I whispered.
+
+"While Avery tried to bargain, I cleaned up one of the gems and felt
+sure they were unusually good even for artificial pearls.
+
+"We actually bought the string for twelve dollars, but my friend feared
+lest he had been taken in. So I smiled and said: 'Leave them with me and
+I'll see that they are polished up like new by to-morrow night. I'll
+take them to an old jeweler down the street and have them washed and the
+gold links cleaned. Your wife won't know but that they came from
+Tiffany's.
+
+"Avery laughed and left them with me. So I hurried down to Union Square
+and showed them to the old jeweler I knew, there.
+
+"He puckered his brow at first, then ran for his magnifying glasses.
+After an unusually keen inspection he called to his associate. Both of
+them then examined the string most carefully, and the old man finally
+looked up.
+
+"'If I didn't know you to be an honest man I should say: "Where did you
+steal them?"--but I will ask: "How came you by these?"
+
+"I was astonished, as you may know, but I tried to appear wise, so I
+laughingly replied: 'They are not mine, my dear, sir. I only wish they
+were! I just got them from a friend to have someone, who is responsible,
+clean them nicely. I must hand them back as soon as you have finished.'
+
+"'Mr. Fabian, I can't undertake such a job. I have no bonded man to do
+such work and I dare not send them out. They may be substituted, you
+know.'
+
+"Then I couldn't help saying: 'My good man! You don't value them so
+highly as that, do you? Why, I carried them downtown in my pocket!'
+
+"'Ha, ha!' he laughed, 'I never saw a better matched string of perfect
+pearls in my life and I am nigh onto sixty. If I had to handle that
+necklace, I should instantly insure it with a broker for a hundred
+thousand dollars.'
+
+"Fancy, my friends, how I felt! My knees gave way and I had to sit down.
+I loosened my collar which seemed suddenly to grow too tight, but I
+couldn't say a word."
+
+Polly and Eleanor stood listening with eyes bulging and mouths
+half-open. Anne and her mother were also deeply interested.
+
+Mr. Fabian smiled to himself before he continued his tale, "Well, I took
+the pearls and hailed a taxi. I was taken to Tiffany's, and asked for
+the manager, at once. Of course they wanted to know why I wished to see
+him, and I said, courageously: 'To turn over a valuable pearl necklace
+and insure it for a hundred thousand.'
+
+"That brought the manager running. We went to a small private room and I
+placed the string of pearls before him. He took it carefully, examined
+it casually, then more minutely. He seemed perturbed and got up. 'Don't
+leave this room and do not allow anyone to come in and see it. I'll be
+back in a moment with our expert.'
+
+"I felt sure, then, that Avery had actually found a _real_ bargain. But
+I never dreamed of getting anything out of it for myself. The manager
+returned with, not only the gem expert, but also with the president of
+the company. He closed the door and locked it.
+
+"The gem expert used all sorts of tests on the pearls and then said in a
+trembling tone: 'M'sieur, I see like I nevair saw in my life! A string
+of perfect match pearls, each one well worth a fortune. But I see more,
+M'sieu! I will bring my acid to clean the engraved clasp set with
+diamonds. Maybe we find interesting fack.'
+
+"Everyone felt nervous during the intermission granted us, but we said
+not a word to each other. Then the Frenchman returned. He was so
+careful, almost reverent, I should say, in touching and cleaning the
+clasp, that I laughed to myself at the memory of Old Izaacs shelving the
+pearls with a heap of junk, on a tray that was shoved on the floor under
+a counter.
+
+"After many minutes of impatient waiting on our side, and as long in a
+most delicate cleansing process of the pearls on the part of the expert,
+he said: 'Ah! Now vee zee.'
+
+"He adjusted his eyeglass and studied the lettering on the clasp. Then
+he jerked forward and peered breathlessly at it again. Suddenly he
+dropped the necklace upon the pad and leaned back in the chair. 'Mon
+Dieu!' was all he could gasp.
+
+"The president then caught up the pearls and adjusted the glass and
+studied the clasp. He also gasped and turned pale. The manager took the
+string from his superior and eagerly read the lettering aloud, 'To my
+queen from Bonaparte.' And then followed the date and year in tiny
+figures."
+
+Mr. Fabian smiled as he saw the impression his story had made, and
+waited to be asked questions concerning the pearls.
+
+"Oh, do finish the story!" cried Eleanor.
+
+"Were they really that famous pearl necklace?" asked Anne.
+
+But Polly was too amazed to ask anything.
+
+"It was the famous necklace of purest pearls that had been lost for the
+past sixty years. It was worth about two hundred and fifty thousand
+dollars, at the time it disappeared. To-day it would be worth much more.
+But it belonged to the French Museum, and a reward of two hundred
+thousand francs had been offered for trace of it, or its return. So long
+ago had that reward been recorded in every civilized land, that the
+present generation had never heard of it--except in history.
+
+"Well, I took a receipt from Tiffany for its safe-keeping, and they
+assured me that they would communicate with the French Ambassador,
+without delay. Meanwhile I was to communicate with my friend Avery.
+Naturally I withheld all information as to the manner in which the
+necklace had been discovered.
+
+"I went to Avery's office, immediately, and acted very sorry as I said:
+'Avery, if I were to tell you that I lost that necklace, what would you
+do to me?'
+
+"He only laughed and said: 'I'd make you buy my wife one as good, or one
+she _might_ prefer to that greasy one!'
+
+"Then I said: 'Avery, I never had, nor do I expect to have as much money
+as that necklace is worth! Man alive, it is now in Tiffany's safe,
+insured for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, against fire or
+theft!'
+
+"I thought Avery would faint, but when he had managed to collect his
+wits, he whispered hoarsely, 'I don't understand--were they _genuine_
+pearls?'
+
+"So I told him the story and we both rushed away to hire a taxi and then
+we drove madly to Tiffany's, again. I introduced Avery as the owner of
+the pearls, and he was treated to a sight of his little twelve-dollar
+bargain.
+
+"Well, the upshot of it was, Avery received a 'present' of a hundred
+thousand dollars from the French Government, and in return he signed a
+release for himself, his wife, his heirs, friends, acquaintances, and,
+in fact, every American citizen in the census. He was told that he would
+be held responsible, thereafter, for all claims or lawsuits instituted
+against France to recover the necklace. And he accepted the burden,
+considering he had such a price paid for the job.
+
+"One day Izaacs got a present through the mail, of a draft for a
+thousand dollars and to this day he doesn't know who the signer 'William
+Avery,' can be.
+
+"My old jeweler on Union Square got another thousand, and I--well, I
+refused everything, and Avery called me a numb-skull and an easy mark!
+So he invested half of all he received in my wife and Nancy's name, and
+that is how they went to Europe." Mr. Fabian smiled reminiscently at the
+end of the story.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V--FIRST DAYS AT SCHOOL
+
+
+Polly and her friends had moved into the Studio and were recovering from
+the orgy of the house-warming given them by the Evans and Latimers the
+previous evening, when the two boys came to say good-by.
+
+"Ah, come on, Nolla--bring Polly and see us to the train," coaxed Jim,
+watching the clock on the mantel.
+
+"But, Jim, we honestly haven't the time! If you _knew_ all we had to do
+this week!" sighed Eleanor.
+
+"Why, we could have _been_ there in the time you have taken to explain
+how busy you are," grumbled Jim.
+
+"Then get out! If I have wasted so much precious time it is because you
+stand there and make me. Good-by, old pal, now scat!" Eleanor held out
+her hand and laughed. But Jim was not so easily daunted.
+
+"Where's Ken all this time? Oh, I say, Ken! Come on!"
+
+"I think Ken and Polly went down the street while you two were out in
+the garden hunting for the grass," said Mrs. Stewart, without a smile.
+
+Jim laughed. And Eleanor caught up her hat from the divan and ran to the
+door. "If they go away like that, then you and I will, too."
+
+Having reached the corner, however, Jim and Eleanor saw Ken and Polly
+intently studying something held in the latter's palm.
+
+"Come on--we will see what it is they caught?" said Eleanor.
+
+"Oh, Nolla, see what Ken gave me for a keep-sake. We found it over at
+Old Izaac's," exclaimed Polly, holding out the strange trinket for her
+friend to admire.
+
+"Why, it's a real scarab. Isn't it a beauty," said Eleanor, then
+suddenly wishing Jim had thought of giving her a keep-sake.
+
+"That's why I wanted you to come out with me. I told Ken you girls'd
+forget about us the minute we were out of sight, unless you had
+something to remind you of us," explained Jim.
+
+"Come on, then, and let Nolla pick out what she wants," added Ken,
+laughingly.
+
+"I'll take the queen's pearl necklace!" and young hearts made merry of
+the pearls that had cost so many lives and so much misery.
+
+Eleanor selected a peculiar seal set in a strange stone. "There, I will
+use it on the first letter I write you," she said.
+
+"Now that you are here, you may as well jump on the car and take us to
+the train," begged Jim.
+
+And this time he had his way. But they did not catch the four o'clock
+express to New Haven, as it was four-ten when they reached the gates and
+found them closed.
+
+"Now we'll have to sit and talk until five," laughed Jim, exultantly.
+
+"We'll do nothing of the sort! I told you we had no time to waste on you
+boys, and we only came thus far to be polite in exchange for the
+keep-sakes. But you can have them back if you think it gives you the
+right to order me around."
+
+Eleanor held out the seal, but Jim looked forlorn. Then she laughed
+because he felt bad at her teasing.
+
+"Come now, Jimmy, say good-by like an old dear, and tell Polly and me to
+run home."
+
+"I wish you were my sister!" sighed Jim.
+
+"Your sister? What good would that do you?" asked Eleanor.
+
+"Because you'd let me kiss you good-by!" retorted he.
+
+They all laughed merrily, and Polly said: "You'd never want to kiss her
+if she was a sister. You wouldn't even have asked her to come to the
+station with you."
+
+"You're right, Poll! Now I'm going--good-by, boys!" and Eleanor held
+forth both hands--one to each boy.
+
+After many repeated good-bys, the girls left and slowly walked down the
+avenue. When they had reached the parkway that runs over the car-tunnel,
+and is known by the name of Madison avenue, Polly said: "Why wouldn't
+you wait for the train, Nolla?"
+
+"Because, Polly, I like both those boys and I don't want to lose them so
+soon. If a male thinks we females will run at beck and call for them,
+they quickly weary of such a game. It is the one who refuses to be wound
+about a finger, that always keeps the beaux on a string."
+
+Polly laughed. "You are too worldly-wise for me. Now I never should have
+dreamed of such a thing."
+
+"Well, I'm right! One reason Bob never has a beau is just because she
+shows how anxious she is for one."
+
+"Oh, no, Nolla! The reason Bob hasn't any beaux is on account of her
+disposition--you know that!"
+
+"That, too, Polly. But mostly, because she throws herself at the head of
+any eligible man. I tell you, a man won't have it so!"
+
+"Never mind, Nolla. You and I are never going to have beaux, so we
+should worry! We will marry our profession!" said Polly.
+
+The following Monday, Anne escorted her two charges to the school on
+West End avenue. It was a wonderful Autumn day and the girls pictured
+how beautiful the mountains about Pebbly Pit must look on such a clear
+day.
+
+As the Fifth avenue bus was most convenient for Polly and her
+companions, boarding it at Thirtieth street and leaving it at the corner
+of Seventy-second street where West End avenue started northward, they
+had but a short walk to reach the school.
+
+Eleanor had been most particular with Polly's, and her own appearance,
+that morning. "For," said she, "first impressions are lasting. We must
+be sure and make a favorable dent in these girls."
+
+"But we don't know one of them, Nolla," argued Polly.
+
+"All the more reason why we should take the head of the line!" retorted
+Eleanor, tossing her head.
+
+Anne laughed, and thought to herself, "They will surely take the head in
+everything, for I never saw two such live girls."
+
+But to Eleanor's chagrin the examinations classed Polly with girls of
+fifteen to sixteen, while she was placed with girls of fourteen years.
+This caused the temperamental girl to feel discouraged and she began to
+blame her ill-health for her backwardness.
+
+In every other way, Polly and she ranked equal; and not a girl in the
+whole exclusive school could boast of better or more fashionable dresses
+than these two western scholars. Eleanor was most talkative, describing
+her home in Chicago and the people the Maynards knew. Then she
+whispered, covertly, how rich Polly Brewster was--she owned a great gold
+mine all in her own rights. She spoke thrillingly of Rainbow Cliffs and
+the tons upon tons of rare stones to be found there, until every girl
+sighed in envy. But Eleanor failed to mention that the stones would have
+to be cut and polished before they would be of any use to anyone.
+
+A few stray sentences of these conversations reached Anne's ears, and
+she felt puzzled to know what was best to do. Eleanor was not bragging
+because she needed place or power in the group, but the teacher
+understood that she was exaggerating for Polly's sake. She wanted all
+the girls to look up to Polly as a subject would to a queen. She knew
+how Barbara had felt toward the simple ranch people, and these girls
+were of the same ilk--society's pets. And they could make life unhappy
+for Polly, or a dream of joy.
+
+That afternoon, as school closed, Anne overheard one of the girls
+repeating Eleanor's words, but they had not lost in the repetition. In
+fact, Anne was sure Eleanor did not say quite all that she was credited
+with. On the way to the Studio, therefore, she determined to speak to
+Eleanor about the matter.
+
+"Eleanor, you seemed to make a bushel of friends without any trouble,"
+said Anne.
+
+"I always do. It's best to have done with it, and then you can sift out
+those you don't like, afterward," laughed Eleanor.
+
+"How about you, Polly?" questioned Anne.
+
+"I was too busy with my lessons to bother about anyone, but I thought
+the girls acted rather queer this afternoon. I caught some of them
+whispering about me, and some were casting envious glances my way. I
+can't understand why they should?"
+
+Eleanor gasped. Here was a danger she had not thought of. She wouldn't
+risk Polly's peace or popularity for anything in the world, but she may
+have unconsciously done just that very thing!
+
+"I heard some of the girls talking of your gold mine and Rainbow Cliffs,
+and I wondered if you had made such close friends, so soon," ventured
+Anne, guilefully.
+
+"Oh, _I_ did that! Nothing like putting on a lot of 'dog' if you want to
+make a splash in the puddle," hastily explained Eleanor.
+
+Anne felt like laughing but she hid her face, and Polly turned pale with
+annoyance.
+
+"Why, Nolla! How could you? You know I'd rather be considered a nobody
+than stand in a false light. Now what can I do to clear this up?"
+
+"It isn't false light at all, Polly. You can't do anything now without
+making me out a fibber," retorted Eleanor.
+
+"You are acting just like your sister Bob might have done! That's the
+worst thing I can say to _you_," scorned Polly.
+
+"And I did it all for you, too!" whimpered Eleanor.
+
+"Didn't I tell you, back at Pebbly Pit, that I wanted to cut my own
+cloth? For goodness' sake, don't interfere in my private life again!"
+
+"But you've got to let folks know you're someone, or you will never
+climb to the top of the heap," argued Eleanor, stubbornly.
+
+"I have my own method of reaching the top, Eleanor, and it is not _that_
+way. I was Polly Brewster before you ever knew me and I am that same
+Polly Brewster even after having a gold mine and a mile of lava-jewels
+thrust down my throat. Don't say another word!"
+
+Polly turned her back and went to the end seat on the bus, leaving Anne
+to console poor Eleanor.
+
+"Look'a here, Anne--did I do anything so awful?"
+
+"You made a serious mistake, Nolla, when you talked to those strange
+girls about Polly. You tried to make her appear as if she approved of
+your method of bragging about the mine and money."
+
+"W-h-y, I never dreamed of such a thing! I only wanted these New York
+girls to get it straight from the start that our Polly of Pebbly Pit was
+'some punkins';" Eleanor tried to laugh.
+
+"And you succeeded in not only humiliating Polly, but me also, because I
+am responsible for both of you, to a certain degree."
+
+"Humiliate Polly and you!" gasped Eleanor.
+
+"Exactly what you did. I have been placed in command of this little
+family, and the first day at school, you deliberately thrust yourself
+forward--take my place, so to speak--and tell all the strangers there
+who Polly is, and who you and I are. In fact, you give out information
+that should come only from me."
+
+"I'm sorry, but for goodness' sake let's drop it, now."
+
+"We'd better settle the matter once for all, Nolla, before we drop it.
+If Polly and you are to continue the wonderful friendship begun this
+Summer at the ranch, you must never again say, or do anything, that
+trespasses on her rights. Remember that each one of us has an individual
+right to impart what we like about our private affairs--be it family or
+fortune. But the moment another speaks for us, then it becomes gossip
+and scandal on the part of that impertinent one.
+
+"I do not propose having my time and thoughts disturbed by any inharmony
+rising between you two girls, and if another occasion comes up, when
+Polly and you disagree as you have to-day, I'll wire to your father to
+come and take you home. If Polly is to blame, then I'll send her home.
+But, thus far, it is you who trespassed on Polly's rights.
+
+"If you'll think this over quietly, and without prejudice, I'm sure
+you'll agree that I am just and right in my stand."
+
+That evening, Eleanor apologised to Anne and Polly for her thoughtless
+impulse that day, and fervently prayed that she never be tempted to open
+her lips again.
+
+It was not Polly's nature to sulk or remember unpleasant episodes, so
+everything went along smoothly after that first day at school.
+
+Tuesday evening Mr. Fabian called, and was welcomed to his erstwhile
+fireside. During that visit, it developed that he had accepted an offer
+which several of his friends had urged upon him. He was to teach, three
+times a week, a class in art designing at Cooper Union Institute. And
+before he said good-night to the ladies, it had been suggested and
+settled, that Polly and Eleanor were to join the evening classes on the
+three nights a week that their friend taught at the school.
+
+Mrs. Stewart worried lest the girls would be wearing themselves out with
+too much study. But it was found that the work in the art classes under
+Mr. Fabian's watchful eye, was a pleasure rather than a study or work.
+
+Thus they started to build on a firm foundation, and by degrees they
+mastered the rudiments of geometrical drawing, then went on to
+ornamental designing, next taking up the study of architecture in so far
+as it applied to interior decorating, and at the end of the year they
+were drawing free hand and perspective sketches. But that was not until
+the school term was almost over.
+
+By the end of the first week at Mrs. Wellington's school, the girls had
+chosen their friends for the term. It was most interesting to Anne to
+note that a certain social element looked up to Eleanor as their natural
+leader, while the quiet persistent sort silently fell in line with
+Polly. Both girls were admired and heartily liked, by teachers as well
+as scholars, but there was one disturbing young lady who resented the
+usurping of her former undisputed sway in the school by the two
+new-comers.
+
+Elizabeth Dalken was the pretty, but vain daughter of a superficial
+society woman who thought of nothing but self-indulgence, leaving the
+training of her child to Fate. Hence, Elizabeth was the usual product:
+selfish, proud, arrogant and hypocritical. She was but fifteen, yet she
+could slyly cheat at bridge, smoke her mother's cigarettes, and flirt
+with the men who frequented her home, as cleverly as her mother could.
+
+For two previous years she had taken the reins of leadership at
+Wellington's school and she had returned the third Fall fully expecting
+to resume her authority.
+
+To learn that a western ranch-girl without a record in "Who's Who," and
+a mere _Chicago_ Miss, governed her former subjects, turned Elizabeth
+white with rage. She could say nothing about it, however, without
+starting her school friends' teasing and laughing at her downfall. And
+she could not leave the school, because her mother had deserted her
+husband. He was the cashier for all the luxuries Mrs. Dalken and her
+daughter indulged themselves in, and he had selected Wellington's school
+for the girl, and had paid the tuition fee in advance, so it stood to
+reason that he would not consent to a change, now, on account of her
+jealousy.
+
+So on that first Friday evening, upon leaving school, Elizabeth promised
+herself that she would "get square" with those "two nobodys" in short
+order! She would show those other girls at Mrs. Wellington's just who
+_she_ was, and why they should have kept her as their leader!
+
+But the western girls were not shamming their lovable characters, and as
+time went on, their companions appreciated, more and more, the sterling
+qualities in their chosen leaders. Thus Elizabeth found it no easy task
+to influence the girls against them.
+
+October passed and November began, with the girls at Mrs. Wellington's
+planning for a Thanksgiving entertainment to close their school for the
+holiday. Here Polly was discounted, as she had never taken part in
+amateur theatricals, and knew nothing about them. Had anyone asked her
+to differentiate between the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian or
+Composite order of classic periods of architecture, she could have
+described either, or all of them, almost as well as Mr. Fabian himself
+could do. But the scholars at Mrs. Wellington's never dreamed of Polly's
+ambition and knowledge along such lines of study.
+
+So Elizabeth found herself the one to whom everyone appealed about
+costumes, parts, and the general management of affairs. Eleanor resented
+the obvious fact that _she_ was completely ignored when the various
+important parts were distributed, but Polly never gave it a thought.
+
+"We couldn't accept a part, anyway, Nolla, with all the time we have
+planned to give to exhibitions and lectures, this month," Polly reminded
+her.
+
+"And your Daddy will be visiting New York that last week, Nolla, and you
+must devote your spare time to his entertainment--not be fussing with a
+lot of girls over a silly poem," added Anne.
+
+Thus the sharp sting was withdrawn and Eleanor forgot all about her
+injured feelings. But Elizabeth Dalken believed she was merely
+pretending that she felt no grudge against the Director of the Play. And
+it gave Elizabeth great satisfaction to believe she had actually
+offended the two popular western girls.
+
+During November afternoons, and on several evenings, Mr. Fabian took the
+three friends to the Metropolitan Museum where wonderful exhibits of
+private collections were given. Here every New Yorker was admitted free
+to see genuine antiques of furniture, paintings, tapestries and rugs,
+plate and ornaments. And with such a marvelous judge to escort them
+about and explain details that might have escaped other than his knowing
+eye, Anne and her two charges felt well repaid for their time. It proved
+not only instructive but very absorbing--these personal talks with Mr.
+Fabian about the rare and ancient articles.
+
+Valuable volumes treating on subjects which most aspirants of art are
+acquainted with, began to fill the shelves in the rooms on the first
+floor of the stable-studio; and quite often, Mr. Fabian brought in a
+"treasure" he had picked up at a second-hand book shop. He would read
+aloud in a cultivated voice, such bits as he thought would interest
+young and ambitious girls. Then, after he had bid his hostesses
+good-night, he generally left the volume behind.
+
+Perhaps the very fact that Polly and Eleanor seemed to be apart from the
+other school-girls and their pastimes, made them all the more desirable
+to court. Not but that the two western girls liked fun and frolic as
+much as anyone, but they seemed always to have engagements with people
+the school-girls had never met, nor heard of.
+
+Now and then, Mrs. Wellington took her girls to a matinee, and then
+Polly and Eleanor laughed and enjoyed the play as heartily as the
+others. But while other school-girls were foolishly mincing up and down
+the Peacock Allies of the large hotels, and sipping tea in company with
+young men, the two girl chums were eagerly listening to a lecture given
+at one of the art buildings, or admiring a private collection only open
+to the public for a few afternoons.
+
+A few days before Thanksgiving, Mr. Maynard arrived and then the routine
+of the girls' daily life suddenly changed.
+
+Eleanor insisted upon her father taking her room while she went to
+Polly's chamber to sleep upon the day-bed there. Mr. Maynard wanted to
+remain at the hotel to save the girls any inconvenience, but the girls
+would not hear of his being away from Eleanor.
+
+The school play was scheduled for the Tuesday evening before
+Thanksgiving Day. But all the ball-rooms and other auditoriums, had been
+engaged weeks before November, so Mrs. Wellington had to take what she
+could get, or postpone the date of the play. Elizabeth Dalken was
+determined to have it on the evening set, and so the poor lady started
+again, to seek for some available hall, with Elizabeth accompanying her.
+Finally they secured a small assembly hall near Central Park West, but
+it was far from being desirable for the girls.
+
+The dirty walls had to be hidden beneath flags and bunting, and the
+tarnished gas chandeliers had to be covered with crepe paper. The crude
+stage was decorated with pine branches and palms, and in places where
+the doors or windows were located, (minus the doors,) the girls grouped
+palms and evergreens, so that the hall looked quite inviting before
+evening.
+
+A bevy of happy girls superintended the decorations while butlers,
+grooms, and even the chauffeurs, did the hard work. Polly and Eleanor
+joined the merry group and instantly offered to work, but Elizabeth
+Dalken scorned their assistance.
+
+"People who live in a _stable_ can know nothing about decorating!" she
+said, insultingly.
+
+Polly sent her a glance of pity, but Eleanor retorted: "Stable! Well,
+the richest and most respected banker of Chicago is visiting us in that
+stable! And he is my very own father, too! If you were out there, now,
+I'd hate to think of what we'd do to _you_!"
+
+Elizabeth sneered and was about to reply, but Polly dragged her friend
+away, forcibly, and they were soon leaving the room.
+
+Mrs. Wellington had been thoroughly enjoying her conversation with the
+pleasant banker from Chicago, and now she smilingly said: "I can readily
+see where Eleanor gets her common sense and pleasing manners."
+
+Mr. Maynard laughed and watched the two girls hurry over to join him. A
+glance at his daughter's face, however, told him that something had gone
+wrong, but Mrs. Wellington hoped to check the complaint at that moment.
+She suddenly turned her head, seemed to hear someone call, and then
+spoke to Polly.
+
+"Come with me, dears, I believe we are wanted in the dressing rooms."
+
+Once out of ear-shot of Mr. Maynard, she whispered: "Oh, do not allow
+Eleanor to say one word to her father that will spoil everything. I will
+look into this matter myself after to-night. But so much depends on this
+play going smoothly, and how can it if some one causes an explosion?"
+
+Polly felt sorry for poor Mrs. Wellington, for she really did have a
+hard life of it, trying to keep peace continually where so many girls
+were concerned. And she promised to try and calm Eleanor's fury and
+determination to oust Elizabeth Dalken from the Wellington School for
+Young Ladies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI--THE NIGHT OF THE PLAY
+
+
+Of the sixty odd pupils in Mrs. Wellington's school, at least fifteen of
+them were to participate in the play. There was to be a Chorus of six
+girls, and a Ballet, besides the principals who also acted the drama to
+follow. Consequently the representative scholars not appearing on the
+stage, had been asked to act as ushers, and general supervisors of
+harmony.
+
+Mr. Fabian and Mr. Maynard conducted Anne and her mother to the seats
+reserved for them, and soon the friends and families of the scholars
+filed in and took their seats. As the hall was generally used for other
+purposes, the floor was not graded, and the seats were not attached to
+the floor. They were ordinary wooden folding chairs to be piled up at
+the end of the performance.
+
+The pianist and other music teachers from school formed the orchestra,
+and their opening number was rendered so well that an encore followed.
+
+[Illustration: POLLY STAGGERED OUT OF THE DOOR CARRYING ELIZABETH ON
+HER SHOULDER.]
+
+Eleanor whispered comically to Polly, as they stood in the entrance
+door: "Maybe the friends hope to postpone the acting a little longer."
+
+When the curtain was drawn aside and the first act of the playlet began,
+individuals in the audience became interested in watching their own
+girls in the troupe. The Chorus did very well, and the Ballet danced as
+gracefully as well-taught girls should, but once the actual acting
+began, there was a slight disappointment felt by the spectators.
+
+The leading lady (the programme said it was Miss Elizabeth Dalken) was
+the whole show. She managed to keep in the lime-light even when she was
+not speaking, or acting a part. And so much of one actress, whether good
+or bad, was bound to pall on the audience.
+
+"Polly, she's spoiling the whole play! I wonder the other girls stood
+for it at the rehearsals," whispered Eleanor.
+
+"She didn't act that way, before, I'm sure. Marion King told me all
+about it. She's doing it now just to show off!"
+
+"Not to her family! because not one of her folks are here. I heard her
+tell Estelle that her mother was going to a fashionable ball, and, of
+course, her father wouldn't come because he had no invitation from
+Elizabeth."
+
+"Well," persisted Polly, feeling sorry for the girl, "she must have
+uncles or aunts or cousins, here."
+
+"She hasn't any in New York. Her father comes from upstate and his folks
+lived there. No one knows who her mother was, so she hasn't a soul,
+here, but the chauffeur. He's downstairs having refreshments."
+
+The second act ended and everyone sighed in relief because the play was
+foolish and so poorly acted, even for amateurs. Mrs. Wellington felt
+deeply hurt when she found how Elizabeth had chosen chums rather than
+actors for the principal parts in the play.
+
+The third act began, in which Elizabeth was dressed in a spangled green
+ball-gown. It was very tight about the ankles and very low about the
+neck. It was too daring, even for a young girl acting a part. The gown
+had a long swishing tail at the back that could have been graceful on a
+vampire, but not on this posing girl.
+
+Mrs. Wellington shook her head disapprovingly at sight of Elizabeth, and
+wished, more than once, that she had taken more time to review the
+actors and their costumes, before they appeared in public.
+
+The Assembly Hall building where the play was given, had four stories.
+The first floor was used for refreshments, with a kitchen at the back.
+The second was a billiard parlor for the use of private clubs. The third
+floor was given over to the Hall, and the fourth floor was turned into
+dressing-rooms, card-rooms, smoking-room, et cetera.
+
+As no late arrivals were expected after the third act had opened the
+ushers, placed at the doors, closed them to shut out the talking and
+laughing in the billiard rooms. Then they sat down at either side of the
+door, to watch the play.
+
+The third act was progressing slowly, when the ushers heard sounds of
+confusion coming from downstairs. But they merely exchanged glances and
+thought some men were quarreling over a game of billiards.
+
+Soon afterward, a faint odor and a haze of smoke penetrated through the
+chinks of the doors, and Polly jumped up quickly to investigate. The
+moment she opened a door, however, a thick cloud of smoke poured in. She
+had to cough, but she remembered to instantly slam the door again.
+
+The other girls saw the smoke and a panic might have followed, had not
+Anne immediately jumped upon the stage and shouted:
+
+"Remember--do not lose your heads! That is the only danger. We can all
+get out safely if everyone will be calm and orderly."
+
+Mr. Maynard took Mrs. Stewart with one arm, and caught Eleanor in his
+other, then called to Mr. Fabian to do the same with Anne and Polly. But
+there was such a dense mob at the only exit doors, that it was
+impossible to force a way through there, and the heavy smoke was now
+rapidly filling the hall.
+
+To add to the scene of fear and confusion, the women in the assembly
+cried, some screamed, the girls ran back and forth, and the men were
+venting their fears in calling upon Deity,--some scarcely audible, and
+others in shrill screams of excitement.
+
+Outside, one could hear the mingled calls and shouts of onlookers, the
+clanging of bells on the engines, and the yells of the people who had
+escaped and wanted to help their friends out. There were four front
+windows of the hall where the school entertainment was being given, but
+these were now jammed with women who sought that way to gain a breath of
+air, but were too timid to jump out to the street; and there were no
+fire-escapes to be found. The hallways and several doors opening to
+them, were a pitiful sight. The men, women, and children were crying,
+jostling, and stampeding each other in their vain efforts to get out and
+find the stairway in the dense smoke that kept pouring up from below.
+
+Mr. Fabian saw the panic and realized that his friends must seek a rear
+exit, or remain until the tardy firemen brought the ladders up to the
+building to help them out. So he hurried to the door back of the stage.
+It had escaped the frightened eyes of others. Having learned that this
+door opened upon an entry that ran to a rear window, he next discovered
+the usual fire-escape that ran down to the yard, and up to the roof. It
+took him but a moment to assure himself that the escape was safe, then
+he rushed back.
+
+"This way! Follow me--everyone!" he shouted to his friends.
+
+They all hurried to the window and Mr. Fabian went first, in order to
+assist the ladies out to the iron-slatted platform, and then to start
+them, sure-footed, on the upward climb of the narrow iron steps.
+
+Mrs. Stewart went first, but she was so nervous that Mr. Fabian followed
+closely behind her to steady her trembling form. Anne followed after her
+mother in climbing through the window, and Mr. Maynard followed her. The
+two girls were about to climb out on the platform when they heard a
+moan, and then a shrill cry, from the small dressing-room back of the
+stage.
+
+Anne ordered the girls to come out, but Polly turned and ran back.
+Eleanor followed, and Anne, distracted, climbed back, too.
+
+"Nolla, tie something over your mouth and nose--use your chiffon scarf,"
+commanded Polly, winding a wide silk sash about her own head.
+
+The girls groped along the entry but could not distinguish a thing in
+the thick, choking haze. Then Polly came to the dressing-room back of
+the stage. This was comparatively clear from smoke, and there the girls
+saw Elizabeth Dalken stretched upon the floor, a cut in her forehead
+attesting to the cause of her sharp scream.
+
+"Great Scott, Polly! What can we do now?" cried Eleanor, as the idea of
+trying to carry the girl up the steep ladder-way flashed across her mind
+only to be spurned. She had no idea of leaving her there to her fate,
+however.
+
+"If we only had a rope!" wailed Polly.
+
+"But we haven't! If I only knew this house better I might find a
+back-stairway. Most city houses have them and I should think this place
+would have one."
+
+"Of course! Nolla, close this door to keep out smoke. I'll look for the
+stairs."
+
+The few excited sentences were muttered through the mufflers tied over
+the girls' mouths and noses. Then both girls began groping their way to
+the rear, hunting for the back-stairs.
+
+The mass of people that had surged from the Hall had made for the wide
+front stairs, and but few remembered to seek for a back exit. And these
+had speedily found a way down. Polly and Eleanor also found the narrow
+back stairs, then Polly hastily commanded:
+
+"Run and tell Anne--she can call to your Dad and explain. Then tell her
+to come this way, with us. I'll lift Elizabeth over my shoulders and
+start down with her--Anne and you follow, at once!"
+
+In another moment, Polly was back in the dressing-room while Eleanor was
+running for the rear window to advise Anne. But she found her already
+inside tying a veil over her mouth and nose.
+
+"Nolla--where's Polly?"
+
+"All right--come on!"
+
+"I told your father--they are safe on the roof--hurry now!"
+
+Eleanor led Anne through the smoke, and just as they reached the entry,
+Polly staggered out of the stage-door with the unconscious girl hanging
+over her shoulder.
+
+"Polly! Polly! You never can carry her!" cried Anne, in a smothered
+voice through the veiling.
+
+But Polly kept her mouth closed and struggled on to the back stairs.
+Anne began to cough and choke as a reward for trying to speak, but she
+reached the stairs first and rushed on down to see if there was a safe
+passage below. Eleanor was close upon her heels, and Polly followed more
+circumspectly.
+
+They reached the kitchen of the house without trouble but the heat as
+they passed by the second floor was terrific. Once down on the ground
+floor they found the rear of the place quite free from smoke, but it
+might only be because the fire overhead was blazing upward. At any
+moment the wall or upper floors might crash down and fall upon them.
+
+"Nolla--how can we get out of this pen?" cried Anne.
+
+"If the house is anything like Chicago's, I'll show you. There must be
+an area or cellar exit to the street."
+
+The kitchen light was still burning but it looked weird in the
+smoke-laden atmosphere. Eleanor tried different doors but found that
+they opened into passages leading to closets or to the front rooms.
+Finally she opened one and caught a whiff of fresh uncontaminated air.
+
+"Thank heavens! Here it is, but I don't know where it ends."
+
+Anne and she pushed out, with Polly behind them. They were in a dark
+alley, now, and had to trust to good fortune to come out somewhere, in
+safety. Down several stone steps, and along another dark, damp area they
+went, and then Eleanor stumbled against a closed door.
+
+"Oh, mercy! Are we locked in here?" she yelled desperately, beating the
+door with her clenched fists.
+
+"Nolla--let me feel for a handle--you are hysterical!" cried Anne,
+swiftly passing her hands over the rough wood.
+
+"Hurry, hurry! I can't carry this weight a minute longer!" breathed
+Polly, hoarsely.
+
+Just at that moment, Anne's hand struck an iron bolt. In a second she
+had shot it backwards, and the heavy door swung open to give them an
+exit to the side street.
+
+All three girls ran frantically forward and Polly dropped her heavy
+burden upon a grass strip which edged the curb. Eleanor sobbed with
+relief and Anne fell upon her knees in silent thanksgiving.
+
+"I'm off, girls, to see if I can help, in front. Have a care for
+Elizabeth," cried Polly, and away she flew.
+
+That silenced Eleanor's hysteria quicker than anything else, and in
+another moment she was gone after her friend, leaving Anne to watch the
+still unconscious girl on the grass.
+
+The scene in front of the building was one of spectacular interest.
+Seeing the crowds of fashionably-dressed people grouped opposite the
+flaring house, it would seem that everyone of the guests had escaped.
+But there was a deafening mixture of cries and shouts from every
+direction. Some were crying for lost friends, some wailed for help
+because of injuries inflicted by the stampede; firemen signaled their
+associates; the old proprietor of the Hall ran madly to and fro shouting
+and gesticulating wildly to everyone; in fact, it was a scene that
+shocked Polly to witness because she thought city people had great
+presence of mind.
+
+Streams of water were pouring upon the flames that shot from the
+second-story windows, but the scaling ladders had not yet arrived, and
+the firemen were striving to enter the front door in order to carry the
+hose nozzle to a more effectual spot.
+
+The Chief had sent some men through adjacent houses to reach the roofs
+and work downwards from that vantage spot. But they had not yet appeared
+when Polly saw how she could assist.
+
+Acting upon an impulse, and doing exactly as she would do if she was
+witnessing a fire at Oak Creek, where the ranchers turn out and try to
+subdue the flames, Polly hastily dropped the clinging skirt of her
+evening dress. Having already removed the silk sash while in the Hall,
+she now dipped it in the flood of water that poured from the hydrant on
+the curb and tied it over her mouth and nose. Then she made a dash
+across the street.
+
+She caught a coil of rope from the hook where it hung on the back of the
+engine, and pushed a way through the staring men. Before anyone dreamed
+of her plan, or the firemen could restrain her she had reached the
+corner of the building and was agilely climbing the height by holding to
+the copper leader.
+
+A chorus of breathless gasps and frightened screams came from the crowd
+but Polly heard them not. She was too intent on her work. Being nimble
+and so light-weight, and thoroughly accustomed to climb up almost
+perpendicular cliffs, or along dizzy peaks, this ascent seemed like play
+to the mountain girl. But the onlookers were thrilled to silence as they
+watched her climb to the roof, and then safely crawl over the ledge.
+Instantly there was such a wild cheer from the street, that Polly
+wondered if something dreadful had happened. She never thought that the
+acclamation was meant for her.
+
+Without hesitation, she ran over to a nearby chimney and wound one end
+of the long rope about it, then lowered the other end to the street. The
+Chief saw the purpose, at once, and signaling back to the girl who was
+leaning over the edge of the roof, he had his men tie the rope ladder to
+the rope. Then Polly began hoisting it slowly, until its end came over
+the cornice.
+
+Meantime, when Eleanor found her friend halfway up the building,
+clinging to the leader and finding foothold in the crevices between the
+bricks, or on the steel bands that held the metal pipe to its moorings,
+she also ran across the street, and attempted to break through the
+cordon which had been formed to permit the men to hold out a life-net in
+case the daring climber should fall.
+
+"I want to help Polly--she is my best friend!" cried Eleanor, when the
+fireman made her turn back.
+
+Then she remembered the rear entrance from which they had escaped. She
+turned to the Chief and called hurriedly: "Send some men with me--I'll
+show them the cellar entrance where they can reach the roof and
+different floors from the back!"
+
+"Hallam! Colter! Take your equipment and follow this girl to a back
+door. You know what to do!"
+
+The men detailed for this duty, beckoned a few others, and all ran after
+Eleanor who now made for the area door. She flew past Anne who was
+holding Elizabeth's head upon her lap, but forgot to glance that way.
+Having gained the cellar door, she was about to go in but Hallam stopped
+her.
+
+"No, Miss--we dare not permit anyone to enter a burning building, you
+know."
+
+"Oh, but I want to join Polly on the roof! The only reason I showed you
+this way was to get through myself!"
+
+"I'd lose my place in the contest for prize medals, Miss, if I broke
+rules. You wouldn't want me to lose my promotion?"
+
+Eleanor felt that he had the best of the argument, so she very
+reluctantly turned and went back to the front of the house. There she
+saw that the firemen had climbed the ladder and were stationed on the
+roof and on window ledges, holding the hose from which the water poured
+in torrents upon the fire inside.
+
+Then the multitude now gathered on both streets and the corners of the
+Parkway, were treated to another thrill. The strand of rope Polly had
+taken with her, was now used by her for descent. Down the taut rope like
+a trained monkey, came she, and safely jumped to the street.
+
+Before she reached the ground however, a chorus of wild yells and
+hurrahs went forth from everyone in the crowd. The Chief called
+imperative orders to his men waiting with him, and the moment he had
+caught Polly, he forced his way across the street, carrying her in his
+arms as if she were a babe.
+
+His men began climbing the rope ladder taking a hose with them. From the
+vantage-points gained by Polly's courage, the firemen now kept steady
+streams of water playing through the open windows upon the fire beneath,
+and thus managed to subdue it before the hook-and-ladder truck wheeled
+up beside the building.
+
+The men, led by Eleanor to the back-stairs, directed their efforts from
+that side, and soon the whole second and third floors became a bed of
+wet smoldering embers. The rest of the structure was saved.
+
+It was learned, later, that the club members giving the "smoker" to
+friends, had been careless of butts and papers, and thus the fire must
+have originated.
+
+The family living in the beautiful house opposite the fire, took Polly
+in charge, and kept away the mob of curious people who wished to see and
+talk with the heroine.
+
+Polly was all right, and wondered why she should be kept indoors when
+others on the outside might need assistance. Suddenly she remembered her
+discarded skirt!
+
+"Oh, mercy me! Did I climb up that pipe looking like this?" she cried,
+blushing furiously and burying her face in the cushions of the divan.
+
+"My dear child! It was a wonderful sight! No one gave the slightest
+thought to your bloomers. But now you shall have one of Ruth's skirts,"
+returned the lady of the house, fervently.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII--MRS. WELLINGTON'S THANKSGIVING
+
+
+The moment Polly was given a skirt, she donned it gratefully and said to
+Mrs. Ashby, her hostess: "Now I must find Elizabeth and have her cared
+for. I left her with Anne."
+
+"Where--where is she? I'll send James for them. But I want you to keep
+quiet, or you'll be prostrated, dear child."
+
+Polly smiled--she prostrated! But she explained: "Anne is sitting on the
+grass on the side street around the corner, taking care of the girl who
+fainted in the back-room of the theatre."
+
+James was summoned from the front window where he had been watching the
+fight against the fire, and now took his orders eagerly. Polly pointed
+out the corner where she had left her friends and, in another moment,
+the butler was gone.
+
+"I s'pose I ought to go and hunt up my friends who escaped over the
+roofs," ventured Polly.
+
+"You'll rest here upon this divan, or your parents will sue me!"
+retorted Mrs. Ashby, trying to compel, with gentle hands, obedience to
+her command.
+
+Polly laughed softly. "My parents would sue you if you prevented me from
+doing my duty to others. Why, you-all make such a fuss over that
+pipe-climbing, and it is next to nothing for a Rocky Mountain girl. A
+day in a blizzard on the cliffs is ten times more hazardous."
+
+Mrs. Ashby was consumed with curiosity to ask this handsome girl who she
+was, and all about herself, but she controlled herself admirably, for
+she knew her guest ought to keep quiet.
+
+The door-bell rang and its echo pealed through the house, but the
+servants were out watching the exciting events of the fire, and James
+had been sent for the other girls. So Mrs. Ashby opened the door.
+
+"I just heard that Polly Brewster was here--oh! is she all right!" cried
+the excited voice of Mrs. Wellington.
+
+"Right as a trivet, dear Mrs. Wellington!" called Polly springing from
+the couch to greet the lady.
+
+"Oh--oh! Thank God! I've worried and cried over you three precious girls
+until my eyes are blinded! They told me that everyone was out of the
+place but you three!"
+
+"Did everyone manage to escape safely?" asked Polly, anxiously.
+
+"Everyone got out, but oh! such a panic! Some are torn, and battered
+black and blue, from the stampede down through those front stairs and
+hall. I don't believe a single soul got out with a whole gown! They tell
+me it was all the fault of that 'Pool Club' on the second floor; they
+gave a 'smoker' to-night, and when the fire was discovered on their
+floor, they caused the dreadful block in the front halls."
+
+"Gowns are of no account if everyone escaped with life," said Mrs.
+Ashby.
+
+"But it is most unfortunate for me, just now. The story getting into the
+newspapers, will ruin my reputation as a school principal. Folks will
+ask, 'Why did she ever choose such a place for an entertainment;' but
+they will never know that I tried everywhere else, first, and found
+everything engaged for this week. I begged the girl who started the idea
+to postpone the play until the week after Thanksgiving holiday, but she
+stubbornly refused. So I took what I could get. I dare not tell the
+reporters that it was merely to _please_ Elizabeth Dalken, and because
+Elizabeth's father pays strictly in advance and has his daughter take
+all 'extras.'
+
+"You have no idea what it means to me. I am paying off the mortgages on
+that house where the school is located, so that I might be able to take
+a deep breath before I am too old to work. But this unhappy accident
+will ruin my reputation as a careful superintendent."
+
+"Elizabeth Dalken! I know her father very well, and we think he is one
+of the finest of men. We seldom meet Mrs. Dalken or the daughter, as we
+do not belong to the same set. Since Mr. Dalken separated from his wife,
+we have not seen her at all, but he was here and dined with us, this
+very evening," said Mrs. Ashby.
+
+"If I could only explain to him just how this happened, he might not
+blame me for his daughter's injury."
+
+"Was she hurt?" exclaimed Mrs. Ashby. Then James came in, followed by
+three girls, and the adults who had escaped over the roofs.
+
+"Here we are, Polly--safe and sound," Mr. Maynard's cheery voice greeted
+the girl who jumped up at sight of them.
+
+Excited cries, and hugs, and happy laughs now followed as each one found
+the others without a hurt, Elizabeth Dalken being the only one who had
+received an injury, and that was merely a flesh-wound cut by the edge of
+the door as her head struck it.
+
+Mrs. Ashby took charge of Elizabeth, and washed her face; then placed a
+strip of court plaster over the cut to keep it clean.
+
+The fire was out and the crowd had dispersed before the firemen finished
+their work in and about the house. The Chief came to Mrs. Ashby's door
+and asked for the young lady who was such a marvellous climber. So he
+was invited in to see for himself.
+
+"Young lady, I want to make a record of this deed, as I have to report
+everything to the police department, you know. And I am proud to say,
+our records are never kept in the dark when visitors come in to see our
+engine house. It's seldom we can talk about, or show a page, with such a
+brave act as yours, written upon it."
+
+Polly smiled. "But it really wasn't anything to fuss over. It wasn't
+dangerous, you know, and for anyone who can climb as well as I can, it
+would have been cowardly to stand by and _not_ act. You needed a light,
+agile climber whose weight would not break that leader away from the
+wall; and I happened to be that one."
+
+The Chief and Mrs. Ashby exchanged glances, then laughed. "I guess it's
+no use trying to make a heroine of her--she won't have it so!" said he.
+
+Then Eleanor spoke up. "That's because she's accustomed to doing such
+great deeds out in the mountains where she comes from--walking on the
+heads of rattle-snakes, killing grizzlies and lions as if they were
+rabbits, saving a lot of tenderfeet from blizzards and landslides--these
+are but a few of the _little_ things she does out there!"
+
+The New Yorkers gasped in astonishment; even James, the butler, stood
+gaping with open mouth at a real live heroine--never seen before by him
+except on the movie screen. So intensely interested was he, that he
+failed to hear his master enter by the front door, followed by a
+gentleman. They both burst into the room and stood amazed.
+
+Then Mr. Ashby apologised for the abrupt entrance: "Dalken and I were at
+the Club when we heard of the fire so near my place. And when Dalken
+heard that it was Mrs. Wellington's school-girls who were entertaining
+on the third floor, he came with me to see if his daughter is safe. Does
+anyone know where Elizabeth is?"
+
+"Here--right here, Mr. Dalken," Mrs. Ashby quickly assured the father.
+And she beckoned Mrs. Wellington to bring the girl from the alcove where
+she had been resting.
+
+"My poor little girl!" quavered the father, taking the meek and
+broken-spirited Elizabeth in his arms. "Are you badly hurt?"
+
+She began to cry softly against his coat collar but Mrs. Ashby reassured
+Mr. Dalken. "Only a scratch. Her forehead may swell a bit and be
+discolored for a few days, but that is all. Elizabeth owes her life to
+these two girls here, Mr. Dalken. One carried her out of the building
+after she had fainted, and the other went first and found a way down the
+back stairs."
+
+"Not really!" the amazed man gasped. "Tell me about it."
+
+But Polly was a poor narrator, so Anne decided to speak. She was bound
+that Polly should not belittle this deed as she had the climbing to the
+fourth floor of the burning building.
+
+That Mr. Dalken was deeply moved, everyone could see, and when he shook
+hands with the two girls he said gravely, "I shall never forget how you
+kept me from being childless. My baby boy died three years ago to-night,
+and I could not have stood losing my little girl, too, on the
+anniversary of that sad experience."
+
+Elizabeth then remembered the date and hiding her face, ran back to the
+alcove to cry softly to herself. Mrs. Ashby and Mrs. Wellington knew the
+sad story, so they allowed her to weep alone. But Mr. Dalken,
+tender-hearted, would have gone to comfort the girl, had not Mrs. Ashby
+placed a detaining hand upon his arm and said: "No, dear friend--better
+leave her to remember and realize everything."
+
+Polly and Eleanor saw and heard and could not understand, but they
+thought it was no concern of theirs, so they forgot it.
+
+Everyone had been introduced informally to everyone else, and at last
+Mrs. Ashby said: "I have had a bit of refreshment served for you, in the
+dining room, before you go home. After such exposures and excitement, I
+think we all will need something."
+
+Mr. Fabian wished to excuse himself, but his friends would not hear of
+it. Then Mr. Dalken came over and spoke to him. "Are you Mr. Fabian, the
+artist?"
+
+"They say I am an artist, but I doubt it, myself," replied Mr. Fabian,
+humbly, but smiling at the questioner.
+
+"Then I am delighted to have met you, for I have a niece studying in
+Paris, and she writes me pages upon pages about Mrs. Fabian and the
+daughter Nancy, and how lovely they have been to take her about with
+them."
+
+His wife and daughter were Mr. Fabian's pet subject so now he seemed to
+expand marvellously, and smiled benignly upon everyone present. On the
+way to the dining-room, Mr. Dalken and the artist exchanged
+heart-to-heart ideas and were soon fast friends.
+
+But scarcely had they seated themselves ere another mad peal of the
+door-bell took James from the pleasant task of serving an impromptu
+supper. He was heard arguing with someone in the hall, then Mrs. Ashby
+turned to her husband and said: "You go and see what is the matter."
+
+After a short time, three re-entered the room--James, Mr. Ashby, and an
+ambitious-looking young man with alert bright eyes.
+
+"Representative from the Press wants us to give him all the inside news
+about the fire," explained Mr. Ashby, looking at the circle about the
+table.
+
+Mrs. Wellington turned pale and gazed beseechingly at Mr. Maynard,
+hoping he could help her out in the inevitable story that would be
+written up about her school. But Mr. Dalken saw the look and
+comprehended immediately.
+
+"Hello, Dunlap! How'd you get this assignment from the night-editor?"
+
+"Oh--it's Mr. Dalken. I'm delighted to see you, sir," returned the
+reporter, very respectfully.
+
+"Yes, these are friends of mine. Some of them are the dearest friends I
+have, so I do not wish them to be annoyed by finding a garbled story in
+the papers to-morrow morning. Consequently, I will, with the assistance
+of these friends, give you the facts, simple and straightforward, but
+see that you add nothing to them nor delete a line. Tell your boss that
+I said so!"
+
+"I sure will, Mr. Dalken, and maybe I won't be the thankful guy if you
+tell me the story! Can I say it came from you?" was the eager reply of
+the man Dunlap.
+
+"No, sir! I am not in this at all, except as one who rushed here to help
+friends. Now this is the story for your paper."
+
+Mrs. Wellington had been anxiously whispering to Mr. Fabian, and the
+latter now secured Mr. Dalken's attention. "May I have a word with you,
+in private, before the reporter takes down any notes?"
+
+Out of hearing of the others, Mr. Fabian then explained that Elizabeth
+had stubbornly refused to postpone the entertainment, and because of her
+insistence, Mrs. Wellington had taken whatever hall she could find. But
+she did not want Elizabeth to be made to bear any of the blame, so she
+wants you to touch wisely on anything that has to do with the
+theatricals.
+
+"I certainly appreciate Mrs. Wellington's thoughtfulness and I will
+remember this. I'll see what can be done with Dunlap."
+
+"Mr. Dalken is a born story-teller, Dunlap, and that is why he is so
+popular, I think," remarked Mr. Ashby, just then.
+
+"Sit down there by Fabian, Dunlap, and join our circle," cordially
+invited the story-teller, after he had frowned threateningly at his
+host.
+
+"Give Dunlap some coffee and don't let him jot down a word until I've
+done talking. Then we will pick out the notes he is to have," added Mr.
+Dalken.
+
+"Oh, you can tell it so well, do let me write as you narrate?" begged
+the reporter.
+
+"No, sir! I can't read short-hand and you may get in a word I don't want
+you to take. Here, James, remove the pencil and pad from that young
+man."
+
+Everyone laughed, and Dunlap meekly surrendered the articles mentioned.
+Directly Mr. Dalken began his story, the wily reporter had another
+pencil and pad before him. But Fabian stealthily took possession of
+these also, and the laugh went against the young man that time.
+
+While Mr. Dalken wove a veritable thriller out of the material provided
+by the fire, Mrs. Wellington wondered how it was possible to present the
+facts so well and at the same time prove, beyond doubt, that the young
+ladies of Mrs. Wellington's school were so perfectly trained and
+educated that they were a great factor in saving lives and property that
+night. At the end of the story, Mr. Dalken said that some bright
+investor might find a handsome revenue in building a fire-proof Hall
+where just such entertainments could be given--high-school girls who
+loved to give parties but could not lease one of the hotel ball-rooms,
+weeks in advance and pay exorbitant prices, and then possibly change
+their plans before the event.
+
+"You can make a separate paragraph of what I said, if you like, and
+preface it with the remark: 'When asked what he thought about the fire,
+Mr. Dalken, who viewed the blaze from a house opposite the scene, said':
+you know the rest," the famous financier saw that the reporter
+comprehended, and then he turned to the others seated about the table.
+
+"Anything to add to my story?"
+
+"It was very fine, especially about our dear Principal, but you didn't
+say enough about Polly carrying Elizabeth safely out," Eleanor said,
+eagerly.
+
+"I followed a lead given me by Mr. Fabian. We all think it best not to
+mention names, but to make the incident impersonal," explained Mr.
+Dalken.
+
+Eleanor pouted, for she wanted to have Polly given all the credit for
+what she did. But a sly look from the reporter gave her an idea, and she
+smiled back understandingly.
+
+Then the story was pieced out for Dunlap and when he had taken down all
+his notes, he jumped up and said: "I know you will excuse me for rushing
+away, but I want to get this in type at once. In case you have forgotten
+something, or wish to send me a photograph of anyone, call 10000 Greeley
+and I'll see to it, without fail."
+
+"That's all you'll get on this occasion," laughed Mr. Dalken as James
+started to show the young man to the door. But in passing Eleanor,
+Dunlap sent her a mental telegram, and she closed one eye significantly.
+
+"Oh--he left his pencils and paper!" exclaimed Eleanor, jumping up
+instantly and running with them to the front door.
+
+"Mr. Dunlap--here is your private property that Mr. Fabian had charge
+of," was what the guests in the dining-room heard. But to Dunlap she
+hurriedly whispered: "I'll 'phone you after I leave here."
+
+Before the party broke up that night, Mrs. Ashby learned that Mrs.
+Maynard was an old schoolmate of hers, and expressed a wish that Polly
+and Eleanor would visit her again and meet Ruth who was then visiting
+friends for Thanksgiving week.
+
+"I really cannot voice my gratitude to all these kind friends," said
+Mrs. Wellington, as they stood in the reception hall saying good-night.
+"Not only has dear Mr. Dalken turned harsh public condemnation from my
+doors, but the story as he told it, actually brings glory to the
+school."
+
+"And why should it not, my dear Madam? Have you not fought and struggled
+with every girl in your charge, to perfect and express just the
+qualities I have given you credit for?" said Mr. Dalken.
+
+"Oh, yes, _I_ have tried so hard, but how many people, or even parents,
+would credit me with such endeavors? Once they read it in the papers
+they will accept the statement, but it is so hard to impress folks by
+actual demonstration," sighed the thankful lady.
+
+"Thank heavens, Mrs. Wellington, that you have a whole day of peace
+before you, in which to remember that you have found a group of people,
+here, who not only appreciate your efforts but have tried to make others
+approve them," said Mrs. Ashby, earnestly.
+
+"Indeed I have! I expect to have the very best of Thanksgivings, due to
+all of you dear people. Some day I will be able to show my gratitude for
+this." And the lady's voice quavered with emotion.
+
+"And you'll find the story in the papers will not only spare you any
+criticism, but actually praise your school," added Mr. Ashby.
+
+"You may be overwhelmed with new scholars," suggested Polly, innocently.
+
+"That's so! I've always heard that discreet publicity is the finest kind
+of advertising," Eleanor declared. "This fine tale about your scholars
+ought to bring back fifty percent returns."
+
+Everyone laughed heartily at hearing so young a girl talk so
+business-like, and Mr. Dalken said: "I am interested to know just where
+you got that information?"
+
+"Isn't it true?" demanded Eleanor, turning her bright eyes on him. "You
+see, Polly and I are going into business together, pretty soon, and I
+have to take notice of all approved methods of winning success. I am to
+be the business manager while Polly is the decorator."
+
+The new acquaintances were highly amused at such talk, and Mr. Ashby
+laughingly inquired: "What profession have you chosen?"
+
+"Interior decorators. We have started, already; we go to Cooper Union
+three nights a week and Mr. Fabian takes us to all the lectures and
+exhibitions on any subject that will give us ideas and help."
+
+"Well!" exclaimed Mr. Dalken, finding the girls were really serious.
+Mrs. Ashby was deeply interested, but her husband took each of the
+prospective decorators by the hand and shaking them cordially, said:
+"Let us congratulate each other, for I am already established as a
+decorator. I want to help you onward in every possible way, my dear
+girls, so call on me whenever you want help. Just as Fabian takes you to
+these valuable exhibitions and lectures, so the four of us pulling
+together ought to arrive somewhere."
+
+Mr. Fabian was as pleased at the news as either of his proteg�es, and
+they left the Ashbys feeling very much at peace with the world and
+everything in it.
+
+As Eleanor ran down the shallow brown-stone steps to the sidewalk, she
+turned back and called to Mr. Ashby: "Who knows! We may end by going
+into partnership with you, some day!"
+
+He laughed, and said: "Who knows?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII--A WEEK OF PLEASURE
+
+
+As Mr. Maynard occupied Eleanor's room at the Studio, and she used the
+couch moved into Polly's room for the time being, it seemed difficult
+for Eleanor to follow her desire to communicate with Dunlap, the
+reporter, as soon as she got home.
+
+Everyone was dog-tired from the excitement and the visit at the Ashbys
+afterward, so there was no time lost before tumbling into bed. Eleanor
+found it very hard to keep her eyes open until she could hear Polly
+sleeping heavily. Then she crept from the bed.
+
+Downstairs was the print of a photograph taken a few weeks before, of a
+group of Mrs. Wellington's scholars. Polly and herself were in this
+group, and Eleanor planned to get it into the reporter's hands for
+reproduction to print a picture of Polly in the morning's paper.
+
+She found the photograph without noise or trouble and then sat down
+before the telephone stand in the corner of the living room. "I hope to
+goodness no one upstairs will hear me talk," thought Eleanor to herself,
+as she gave the number to Central.
+
+"Hello--is this 10000 Greeley?
+
+"Give me Mr. Dunlap, please.
+
+"The lady who said she would call him about the fire.
+
+"No, you won't do! I want Dunlap!
+
+"He isn't in? I don't believe you! Get off the wire!
+
+"Hello--hello! H-e-l-lo! I want editor's desk--10000 Greeley, and be
+quick about it!" snapped Eleanor, feeling quite irritable because of the
+loss of sleep, and the strange reporter's laugh at her.
+
+"Is this the night-editor?" now asked Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+"U--um! May I speak to Mr. Dunlap--the reporter you assigned on the fire
+story uptown, to-night?
+
+"Oh--he isn't in? Well, but he said he would wait to take some important
+notes from me. I can't believe he is out.
+
+"Well, then, you may be the night-editor, but you sound exactly like
+that fresh reporter who spoke to me a moment ago. I cannot understand
+why you employ such rude youths as he is."
+
+Eleanor grinned to herself for she was quite sure she was speaking to
+the same reporter who answered the call, at first. An answering laugh
+convinced her she was right, and she hissed through the telephone: "If
+you knew who I was, you wouldn't keep me sitting in the cold like this.
+Now you can either call Dunlap or I'll give my story to your enemy
+downtown. The reporters of that paper are just dying to get my story."
+
+That proved miraculous. To prevent the downtown competitor from getting
+the story, the unknown was willing to turn it over to his opponent,
+Dunlap.
+
+Eleanor recognised Dunlap's voice the moment he took the 'phone, and she
+gave him some interesting personal facts about Polly and herself, and
+why they were now studying in New York. She talked for half-an-hour,
+praising Polly and her wonderful character, and finally began telling
+about the escape from Grizzly Peak at the time of the landslide. But
+Dunlap interrupted her with:
+
+"I can't get all of that in--we go to press very shortly."
+
+"Oh, dear! Can't you run over here and get this photo of Polly, that I
+have ready for you?"
+
+"For the morning edition?" gasped Dunlap.
+
+"Yes, to accompany the story of the fire."
+
+"My dear young lady--do you know how long it takes to make a plate for
+the paper?"
+
+"A plate? I said 'a photograph,' Mr. Dunlap."
+
+"But we have to make a reproduction of yours, then print it on a plate,
+then give it an acid bath, then etch and rout, and mount--and it all
+takes time before the plate is ready to be stereotyped for the printing
+in the paper."
+
+"Oh! I thought you just took the picture and copied it in the paper. Of
+course, I never stopped to inquire into what process it went through.
+But if you say you can't use it, I'm sorry."
+
+"So'm I. But you might bring it in early in the morning and I'll see if
+there is enough interest in the story to rake up an evening's yarn."
+
+"Very well. I'll do that."
+
+"Come in, anyway, and bring your friends. I'll show you through the
+engraving plant of the paper. You'll be interested."
+
+"Thank you--good-by."
+
+Eleanor hung up the receiver and listened intently to hear if anyone was
+stirring upstairs. All was quiet, so she placed the photograph back on
+the shelf and crept upstairs again. She jumped into bed shivering, after
+being exposed so long to the cold, downstairs. But utter weariness soon
+brought her sleep and all was forgotten until breakfast time.
+
+Mr. Maynard, speaking, woke Eleanor. She sat up and rubbed her eyes
+sleepily. "Thank goodness, we do not have to go to school for a whole
+week!" declared she, throwing a shoe at Polly's half-buried head.
+
+"Polly! Pol-le--ee! Wake up!"
+
+"Wha-foh?" grunted Polly, half-dazed.
+
+Then both girls heard Mr. Maynard call: "I'll be right back to
+breakfast, Mrs. Stewart--I'm going to the corner for the papers."
+
+Eleanor suddenly remembered her share in the telling of the story about
+the fire, and she jumped out of bed. "I'm going to hurry down and read
+what the paper says about the fire," said she.
+
+Polly turned over and stretched lazily. "I don't care what they say. I'm
+going to sleep all day."
+
+Eleanor was annoyed. "No, you won't! We've got to keep a date with Mr.
+Fabian this noon, and you've _got to_ get up!"
+
+"Oh, that's so! Mr. Fabian is going to take us to Grand Central Palace
+to show us how carpets are made. I forgot that exhibition was to-day."
+And Polly jumped up at that remembrance when other things had failed to
+move her.
+
+The girls were downstairs in time to open the front door for Mr.
+Maynard. He was grinning teasingly, as he tried to keep a great mass of
+morning papers from slipping out from under his arm. He held out an
+opened sheet for the girls to see.
+
+"Oh, what a horrid face! Who is it?" exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+"The paper states it is you, my dear," laughed her father.
+
+"What--never! Oh, what awful people these newspaper men are! Dad, can't
+you go down there and horse-whip them? I never looked like that in all
+my life!" and Eleanor stamped her foot in a fury.
+
+Polly had been gazing at the two faces printed on the front sheet of the
+morning paper, but now she laughed. "Oh, if I looked like that picture,
+I could have put out the fire by merely turning my face to it!"
+
+Anne and her mother came in when they heard Mr. Maynard's loud laughter.
+They, too, stared at the oval-framed pictures said to be "The two
+heroines of the dreadful fire at Assembly Hall."
+
+"Anne, where under the sun did the newspapers get those two pictures?"
+asked Polly, tittering every time she saw the ovals.
+
+"Every newspaper has a department known as the 'morgue,' or some such
+name. They keep, filed away, pictures of every well-known person in the
+world. In the package indexed under the proper name, are one or two
+'cuts' ready to use in case of a hurry. Then when a person dies, or is
+married, or something or other happens, the newspaper rushes to its
+files and gets out the picture, or cut, needed.
+
+"It is the same with famous buildings, or ships, or objects of any kind.
+If something comes up that brings the thing to the public attention,
+there the papers have the pictures all ready to print.
+
+"Now they keep lots of photographs, just like these two, which they buy
+from cheap photographers. They buy a hundred in a job lot, and if they
+want a picture and can't secure a legitimate one, or a snap-shot from
+the reporter's kodak, they use what they have on hand.
+
+"It would be extremely amusing to be present when these girls see their
+faces in the paper. It will prove almost as funny as seeing you two
+girls scorning these strange faces."
+
+But Mr. Maynard had been reading the article while Anne had explained
+the methods of many newspapers, and now he exclaimed: "By jove! Dalken
+never said a word about all this life-history!"
+
+"What's that, Daddy? Read it to us," begged Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+"Why--wh-y-y--the young rascal hit it right on the head, all right! But
+where did he get it?" continued Mr. Maynard.
+
+"For pity's sake--read it aloud!" commanded Eleanor, hardly able to hold
+her tongue about the story.
+
+Then Mr. Maynard read it, and it lost none of its vivid coloring by his
+reading, either. When he had almost concluded, Polly began to grow
+angry. When he finished, she was furious.
+
+"I'm going up to that office and I'll fight that reporter. He had no
+more right to print that than those other men had to use someone else's
+photographs and call them ours. So there!"
+
+Mr. Maynard had been thinking seriously, and now he nailed Eleanor with
+a penetrating look. "Nolla, did you tell that young rascal this story
+when you ran to the door with his pencil and paper last night?"
+
+"No, indeed! I did not, Daddy! You can ask the butler if I ever did! He
+stood right there when I handed Dunlap the pencil!"
+
+Eleanor's denial was so emphatic that everyone believed she was innocent
+of any such plot; so they never found out who was the guilty one.
+
+While at breakfast, the telephone rang. "This is Mr. Latimer, Anne. We
+have just read the papers and were so surprised! When we saw the
+pictures of the two heroines, we feared some dreadful thing had happened
+to distort their faces so that we failed to recognise them, and I
+hastened to inquire. Do you need Dr. Evans' services to straighten out
+those faces?"
+
+An amused laugh could be heard over the wire, and Anne laughed back.
+"No, thanks; a good night's rest has brought back their natural looks.
+The faces in the paper must have been taken by the flickering flame of
+the burning dwelling."
+
+"Jim and Ken came home late last night for the Holiday. We wanted to
+congratulate you girls on trying so hard for the Carnegie Medal, but now
+Jim wants to say 'good-morning.'"
+
+In another moment, Jim's voice was heard speaking. "Oh, good-morning,
+Anne. Have you used Pears Soap?" Then a gay laugh.
+
+"We have, but you haven't! Your father just told me you got in at
+midnight, and if you're up as early as this, I'm sure the sleep hasn't
+been washed from your eyes," retorted Anne.
+
+Polly and Eleanor crowded close and hung over the 'phone so they could
+hear what Jim had to say.
+
+"I only wanted to say, I've got tickets for the show, to-night, and the
+girls are not to go anywhere else."
+
+"Oh, tell him we're out of town on a week-end party," Eleanor whispered,
+hurriedly to Anne.
+
+"Are the tickets good for Eleanor's father and my mother, in case the
+girls go out of town?" teased Anne.
+
+"Say--you really don't mean that?" Jim's voice sounded very sad.
+
+"I cannot tell a lie--I am like George, you see, and I'll let the girls
+fib for themselves," laughed Anne, getting up from the stool and handing
+the instrument to Polly.
+
+"Oh, here, Nolla! You do it! You know I don't like this jiggery quivery
+thing!" cried Polly, quickly placing the telephone apparatus on the
+table and making room for Eleanor on the chair.
+
+Eleanor was delighted to talk with Jim, and she kept at it until a
+clicking in her ear notified her that someone wanted to get them on the
+wire, so she hurriedly rang Jim off.
+
+"Hello!" called Eleanor to the next inquirer.
+
+"Hello--1234 Madison Square?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"This is Mr. Ashby speaking. Is this one of the heroines?"
+
+"Oh, Mr. Ashby! Yes, it is Nolla. What do you think of the story in the
+paper--and the funny photographs?" laughed Eleanor.
+
+"I laughed myself sick over it at breakfast. My wife and I wondered how
+that young rascal got them, and James explained."
+
+Here Eleanor turned white, for she wondered if the butler really had
+seen her wink at Dunlap. "My, but I'm thankful I got at this wire
+instead of Anne," said she to herself.
+
+"Two of our maids had their postal-card pictures taken the other day,
+and upon rushing out of the front door to watch the fire last night,
+they laid them upon the hall table. James saw them there, later, but
+thinking the girls would soon be coming in to take them upstairs, he did
+nothing about it.
+
+"Then in the excitement of watching Miss Polly climb the front of the
+house, and have the Chief carry her over to our house, the pictures were
+completely forgotten. As the young reporter went out, James saw Miss
+Eleanor take his hat from the stand and hand it to him. But nothing was
+thought about the cards. Later, however, they were gone.
+
+"This morning the papers have the photographs of Mary, the waitress, and
+Gladys, the upstairs girl, as heroines of the fire. Maybe our maids are
+not tickled to pieces to find themselves so famous."
+
+Eleanor heard both Mr. and Mrs. Ashby laughing merrily over the mistake,
+and then she said: "Do you suppose I handed the cards to Dunlap when I
+picked up his papers and hat?"
+
+"Undoubtedly. But the joke is, he thinks you meant to do it very
+secretly, you see, so he never mentioned it but hurried the work on the
+pictures so as to have them in the morning's paper. He most likely
+believes that that was why you ran after him--to manage to give him
+those two photographs to use. I think the laugh is entirely on him,
+don't you, Eleanor?"
+
+But Eleanor did not say. She sat and studied the pattern in the rug for
+a time, refusing to answer all the questions asked. Then she decided
+that Mr. Ashby must have heard from Dunlap that morning, and was told
+how she had added many facts to Mr. Dalken's story. But this funny error
+of using the maid's photographs, was retribution on her head.
+
+The young people, with Anne to chaperone them, enjoyed the play that
+night, and then the boys outlined the programme they had made for the
+week.
+
+The next day, being Thanksgiving, the entire party was to dine at the
+Latimers'. Then they would go for an automobile drive, and in the
+evening all would enjoy an impromptu supper and dance at the Evans'.
+
+Friday morning the boys would take the girls skating at St. Nicholas
+Rink. They begged to attend Mr. Fabian and the girls in the afternoon at
+the Textile Exhibition, then dinner at the Studio, and another play at
+night.
+
+Saturday morning the girls were going to visit Mr. Ashby's famous
+decorating establishment, and get a glimpse first-hand of what a modern
+decorator must do and know to succeed. In the afternoon the boys wanted
+to take in a matinee, but the girls were invited to dinner at the
+Ashbys, and to spend the evening with their daughter Ruth. So Jim said
+nothing, but he instantly planned how to meet the Ashbys.
+
+"Now don't go and make any more dates for next week, without asking us,
+understand!" declared Jim, when he heard that Saturday was engaged and
+Sunday, partly so.
+
+"How can we help it if our parents and chaperones do it without our
+knowledge," queried Eleanor, innocently.
+
+"Well, I'll speak to them, then. Ken and I will have to be off again
+next week; so for the few days we have at home we want you girls to pass
+up all other fun. You've got all the year for other beaux, you know,"
+grumbled Jim.
+
+Polly and Eleanor laughed. "Oh, yes," said the latter, "we just keep on
+the go continually, every afternoon and evening, with a devoted swain
+each day to replace the ones of the day before."
+
+"Where do you meet them?" demanded Jim, jealously.
+
+"We-ll--the first one Polly and I snared, we 'picked up' at an art sale.
+But we have many opportunities to meet others, you know."
+
+"Yes," added Polly, entering the joke, "at night school, you know, there
+are loads of young men; and at lectures and exhibitions--and
+everywhere."
+
+"Is that why you both are so crazy to go to these dry lecture affairs?"
+jeered Kenneth, thinking himself very clever, indeed.
+
+But they failed to get the girls to break the engagement with the
+Ashbys, and Jim barely managed, through his father's kind auspices, to
+meet Mr. Dalken Saturday morning, and thus open the way to call on the
+Ashbys that evening.
+
+Mr. Dalken was young in spirit if not in years, and he enjoyed helping
+the two boys work out the little plot so as to be present with Polly and
+Eleanor at the Ashbys, that evening. But the boys never knew that their
+benefactor passed up an exciting game of chess at his club, that
+Saturday night, in order to introduce them to his friends.
+
+There were so many wonderful things to do during that Holiday Week, that
+the girls could not attend them all. Many of their school-friends were
+eager to have them at teas and parties and matinees, but all these had
+to be refused with regrets. Eleanor remarked: "Wait for school to open.
+We'll be the most popular girls there. In fact, every last girl will
+want to fag for us!"
+
+"Why?" asked Polly, wonderingly.
+
+"Because they think we are in such demand, everywhere, that we can't
+accept any invitations of theirs. Don't you suppose they have told each
+other? Lots of those girls travel around together, and they talk
+everything over. But I guess they are wondering who takes us out so
+much, and what society we travel in." Eleanor laughed.
+
+Polly looked at her with pity. "Nolla, sometimes I feel _so_ sorry for
+you! All your joy and pleasure in having others act nice or kind to you,
+is lost because of the education you've had in Bob's school. Now I don't
+believe those girls ask us just to cater to us because we are popular. I
+think they really like us and would love to have us with them. If I
+wasn't so frightfully busy with school at night, and other worth-while
+occupations, I'd jaunt about with them."
+
+Eleanor said nothing more, but she did a lot of thinking.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX--POLLY'S MUSCLE
+
+
+Mr. Maynard was delighted with Eleanor's evident improvement in health,
+and all fears of the New York climate vanished entirely, before he
+finished his visit in New York. He remained a week and then said
+good-by, reminding Mrs. Stewart that she had invited him for the
+Christmas Holidays. They all laughed because he was welcome, at all
+times, to remain as long as he could.
+
+Regular studies began again after the Thanksgiving Holiday and, with the
+reopening of the classes, the girls started in on a new line of art at
+Cooper Union. Anne Stewart used to escort the girls to and from the
+school on class-nights, but it was such a tiresome trip for her to make,
+after a hard day at school, and with lessons to go over at home, that
+the girls insisted upon her staying home.
+
+Mr. Fabian generally conducted them home after class, and then went on
+to his own rooms. As it was hardly dark by seven-thirty, in October and
+early November, it was no more hazardous for the two girls to walk or
+ride down to the Square than it would be in the daytime.
+
+But the days were becoming so much shorter after Thanksgiving, that it
+was quite dark by six o'clock. Hence Anne worried about their going
+downtown, alone, even though it was but a few blocks.
+
+The second week of class in December, found Mr. Fabian absent. He had
+taken a severe cold and thought better of risking his health in the
+bitter wind and Scotch mist that night.
+
+Polly and Eleanor did not speak of it to Anne, as she, too, felt
+wretched that day; and they would rather have stayed at home than have
+had her accompany them to night school in her state of health.
+
+"You're not to worry about us, Anne, if we do not come in as early as
+usual," said Eleanor, upon opening the door to go out.
+
+"Why--where will you be?" asked Anne, instantly.
+
+"Exams. Some of the teachers are testing us in all the work we did this
+last term, and we have to write our answers. We may be a full hour later
+than usual; but we'll come uptown, together, so there's nothing to worry
+about," explained Polly.
+
+Anne thought she meant Mr. Fabian by "we-all" but Polly meant several of
+the students who lived a few blocks north of the Square.
+
+Both girls were well bundled up in heavy storm coats, mufflers, and
+close-fitting woollen caps pulled down over their ears. Besides their
+books and other materials, they had umbrellas to carry but it was too
+windy to open them.
+
+The examination questions proved to be most interesting; and the answers
+required a great deal of careful thought, before describing the various
+types, methods and ideals of architecture and decoration.
+
+Polly described at large such questions as: "Can you describe the
+different types that go to make up the Egyptian people?" or the
+question: "How does plant-life affect Egyptian ornament--sketch two such
+plants."
+
+"What is a torus molding? Where is echinus molding used? Sketch the cyma
+recta."
+
+When Polly found the questions: "Describe a scarab�us," and "Why did
+ancient Egyptians prepare their dead as they did, and describe a mummy
+and the methods used for its preservation," she was elated, for she had
+made a particular study of these subjects at the Metropolitan Museum
+where the collection of Egyptian antiques is unsurpassed.
+
+There were many other interesting questions, all of which Polly was
+eager to answer, but time was too limited for her to say all she wished
+to. For instance, she wanted to describe, at length, Greek art and the
+Greek nation that was characteristic for its own type of art and
+ornament.
+
+She was anxious to tell what she knew about color and its importance in
+art. Of polychromy and what it was. In fact, she needed hours in which
+to speak fully of the difference between Greek, Egyptian and Assyrian
+art and ornament.
+
+Eleanor on her part, wrote graphically of the difference between the
+Arabs and Persians, and how their modes and habits had a corresponding
+effect on art. She liked to describe the style of Romanesque art and how
+it governed all Eastern Europe at one time.
+
+Eleanor leaned to the Moorish classics and had a weakness for Turkish
+designs; she loved the warm coloring used by the Moors in their work,
+and the harsh bright colors employed by the Turks. She had no hesitation
+in selecting from samples shown, the Mohammedan designs, the Chinese,
+the Byzantine, or Arabian patterns. She was expert in stating why the
+fall of Rome affected all art in Eastern and Western Europe, and what
+was its highest development and its period of all architecture.
+
+It was more than an hour later than usual, when the two girls put away
+their work and started out for home. The scholars who lived on streets
+uptown, had gone long before, and Polly and Eleanor found that the high
+wind made it impossible for them to open their umbrellas.
+
+"It's so icy we will have to use them as props," laughed Polly.
+
+"My! But this sleet in one's face is cold, isn't it?" gasped Eleanor.
+
+"Let's take a short cut across the Plaza," suggested Polly, breaking
+into a run across the diamond that separates the streets at Third and
+Fourth avenues, and Eighth street.
+
+Having reached the small oasis about the subway station, Eleanor said:
+"Why not take the subway, here, to Twenty-eighth street, Poll?"
+
+"Oh, I hate those subways! This wonderful sleet and the quiet hissing of
+the ice on the windows and walks makes me feel as if I were home. No
+clatter of wheels, no shouting of burly men, no _nothing_ that makes a
+city so horrid. Let's walk all the way home."
+
+"All right," laughed Eleanor. "I'm game!"
+
+So they started up Fourth avenue, past Wanamakers, and were soon lost to
+their surroundings in their discussion of the examinations.
+
+"What answer did you give to the question 'Tell the basis of religions
+existing with the Persians and the Arabs: describe the differences,'
+Polly?"
+
+"I was not quite sure of that, Nolla, but I did make a good thing of
+that question 'Why did Egyptians use bright colors in art?' And also
+that question that read: 'When colors of the pattern contrast with the
+colors of the back-ground, what general rule must govern?' You know, I
+just love to ferret out these ideas."
+
+"So do I. But I never dreamed there was so much wonderful knowledge to
+be obtained in a course of this kind," said Eleanor, holding her arm
+before her face in order to speak distinctly.
+
+They had now reached Eleventh street, and were passing a saloon still
+brightly lighted, in spite of Prohibition Laws. In the doorway lounged
+three tough-looking young men; but the red-cheeked girls scarcely saw
+them--they were too interested in their conversation. An empty auto
+stood by the curb, but no other vehicle or person was in sight.
+
+When the girls came under the arc of light that reflected from the
+globes in the saloon-window, one of the flippant young men said, quite
+loud enough for Polly and Eleanor to hear: "I say! Ain't them two goils
+peaches, though!"
+
+His two companions laughed rudely, but the girls hastened on without a
+word or look. Another of the trio then said: "Betcha they'd be glad of
+comp'ny. I'll try it."
+
+Eleanor whispered anxiously to Polly: "What time do you think it is?"
+
+"It was almost eleven when we stopped writing. It must be nearly
+eleven-thirty now."
+
+"Pretty late for such a bad night. We'll take the subway at Fourteenth
+street, Polly."
+
+"Reckon we'd better. Are there no policemen about these corners?"
+
+"Not when you need one. On fine summer nights you will see them
+strolling about, maybe."
+
+The girls tittered, but instantly hushed when they heard voices directly
+behind them.
+
+"Pretty evenin' fer a walk, goils."
+
+No reply was vouchsafed to this remark but the girls kept right on with
+their customary swift gait.
+
+"Ain't che hankerin' fer comp'ny?" chuckled another tough.
+
+"Ah, come on back, fellers. What's th' use foolin' wid a coupla
+high-brows on such a nasty night!" argued one of the three.
+
+Polly and Eleanor fervently hoped they would go back, but the other
+fellow replied: "G'wan back, if yeh wants. Bill and me er goin' to have
+some fun. Come on, Bill."
+
+Polly now glanced at Eleanor and said in a low tone: "Get a good grip on
+your umbrella. Thank heavens we haven't any books or papers to carry, as
+we usually have."
+
+Then the fellow called Bill, said: "You amble up to the peacherino on
+the outside, whiles I take to the inside one, Andy."
+
+"There's the boss's car waiting fer nuttin. We kin give them a ride--a
+joy ride fer us," harshly laughed Andy.
+
+Bill joined in the suggestive laugh, and both girls unconsciously
+hastened their steps.
+
+"No hurry, my pretties. There ain't a cop twixt here an' the saloon on
+Fourteenth street. Don't we'se know this districk? Ha-ha!"
+
+"Ready for a fight, Nolla!" hissed Polly, suddenly wheeling and facing
+the accosters.
+
+Eleanor also turned, a second later, and both men were taken by
+surprise. Polly's eyes blazed and she gave the roughs such a scornful
+look that it should have withered them as they stood there.
+
+"Now you two out-laws turn-about-face and march downtown as fast as you
+know how!" commanded she.
+
+[Illustration: "NOW YOU TWO OUT-LAWS TURN-ABOUT-FACE AND MARCH!"
+COMMANDED POLLY.]
+
+"Ah, ha, Bill! I envy you your choice! She turns out to be a regerler
+sport. See them eyes shoot fire? Let me have a kiss, me pritty, afore
+Bill gits them all!" As the fellow Andy spoke insinuatingly, he stepped
+forward to take hold of Polly.
+
+At the same moment her umbrella swung back over her head and the
+muscular young arm instantly brought down the heavy metal knob upon the
+soft cap that covered the head of the ruffian. The blow was so
+unexpected, and forceful as well, that it staggered Polly's assailant.
+
+Both men cursed fluently, then, and Bill threatened: "Jus' fer dat,
+you'se is goin' to get what's comin' to yeh!"
+
+Eleanor wanted to turn and run, but she would not have deserted Polly
+for all the world, so she screamed "Help! Help!" with all her
+lung-power--and she had plenty of it.
+
+Bill hesitated to attack Eleanor as she yelled and screamed for help,
+but Andy was raging and tried to close in with Polly. The umbrella was
+flung aside, and in another minute Polly launched at his face with a
+closed fist. It struck him between the eyes and caused a howl of pain.
+
+Before he could collect himself, the daring girl had struck him another
+fearful blow under the chin. This sent him back flat upon his back, and
+while he was trying to crawl up on his knees, the amateur pugilist
+turned and sent a blow at Bill. But he had stood gaping at the amazing
+encounter with his pal, and he now dodged his own undoing.
+
+Eleanor saw her opportunity. She had no time to lift her umbrella for a
+blow, and it had no solid handle like Polly's, but she fiercely rammed
+the steel-capped end of the rod into the pit of the rascal's stomach, so
+that, instantly, he buckled up. He sank down groaning while he struggled
+to get his breath.
+
+Andy was up on his feet again by this time, but Bill was out of the
+fight, so both girls gave full attention to the second villain. He
+fought now, as slum ruffians will, but he was no match for the hard
+knuckles, steel muscles and lithe movements, of the Rocky Mountain maid
+who had grappled with wild animals and had won out.
+
+The groveling Bill now managed to reach out a hand, planning to catch
+Eleanor by the ankle and trip her. But at that moment a silent-running
+automobile slid up to the curb and, at the instant of its stopping, the
+door flew open and a gentleman leaped out. In his hand he pointed a
+revolver, and Andy immediately threw up both hands.
+
+"W-h-y--Mr. Dalken. Oh, thank goodness you came!" cried Eleanor,
+trembling nervously.
+
+The chauffeur was standing guard over Bill at the same time, so Mr.
+Dalken asked frowningly: "What are you girls doing down here at this
+hour?--all alone, too!"
+
+By this time the truant officer ran over to the group and wanted to know
+what was wrong. Mr. Dalken turned on him in just anger. "Wrong--why, you
+were not on the beat! That's what's wrong."
+
+"But I was--I got a beat bigger than any Fift' avenoo cop what only has
+to parade in front of a swell's house."
+
+"You needn't try to bull-doze me, my man. Evidently you fail to
+recognise me, but we will talk this over at the City Hall, in the
+morning. Now arrest these two foot-pads." As the officer snapped
+hand-cuffs on his prisoners, Dalken added, "By the way, why is a saloon
+open at this hour--to sell soft drinks?"
+
+The scorn in Mr. Dalken's tone silenced the policeman. "Now, girls, jump
+into the car and I will take you home," offered their rescuer. But the
+officer interfered when they would have stepped inside the car.
+
+"Your names, please, and addresses. And how do I know that you will take
+these young ladies to their home?" The tone of the man was insulting.
+
+"If it were not for the fact that I want to hurry these children to
+their family as quickly as possible, I'd take the keenest pleasure in
+answering you in a manner that you'd understand and respect. Now you go
+about your tardy business and I will see to mine. Here's my card. The
+girls do not appear in this matter at all. I am the man who caused the
+ruffians' arrest, and I will answer in Court."
+
+Mr. Dalken followed the girls into the car and the driver instantly shot
+away; in a short time the car stopped in front of the Studio. As Polly
+and Eleanor gratefully took Mr. Dalken's hand, he advised them. "Better
+not speak of this affair to anyone--leave it to me to settle. But,
+hereafter, do not dream of going about so late at night, unattended. One
+never can tell!"
+
+"But we can't expect Anne to trot about with us when she is tired out at
+night," explained Eleanor.
+
+"Then use my car on the nights you have to go to school. I'll send down
+my Sedan, after this, because the butler understands its tricks
+thoroughly. He seldom has anything to do on those evenings you go to
+school, and he can oblige us by driving that car should I need Henri for
+this car."
+
+The girls thanked him again, and then hurried indoors.
+
+"Where _have_ you been so late, dears?" cried Anne, anxiously, as they
+came in.
+
+"We told you we would be late," began Polly.
+
+"But it is past twelve, now; I was about to call up the police-station
+at Ninth street, and find out if anything had happened."
+
+The two girls laughed and Eleanor pulled Anne's ear playfully, as she
+said: "Now, silly, what could happen to us!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X--CHRISTMAS AND WHAT IT BROUGHT
+
+
+Anne never suspected that Polly and Eleanor had had a "hold-up" at any
+time, but she wondered why Mr. Dalken should be so kind as to loan his
+car to the girls on school-nights. Polly explained simply. "Why, he
+never forgot what we did for Elizabeth, and when he learned we were
+trudging back and forth alone, he just wouldn't have it."
+
+"He said he couldn't bear the thought of our even having to travel in
+the subway, alone, late at night," added Eleanor.
+
+So Anne, although she read about the two ruffians who had tried to rob a
+wealthy broker, one night, never dreamed that _her_ two girls were
+victimized before Mr. Dalken appeared to rescue them.
+
+Madam Wellington's school prospered splendidly from the publicity given
+it in the papers directly after the fire. And later, when it was learned
+that Mr. Ashby, Mr. Dalken, and two other wealthy men had purchased the
+corner which had always been disfigured by the old four-story amusement
+hall, and proposed erecting a twelve-story high-class apartment house on
+the land, the mention of the fire and the bravery of the Wellington
+School girls again appeared in the papers.
+
+Letters between Pebbly Pit and New York passed twice a week, and the
+last news from home was: "How we should love to have you spend Christmas
+with us, Polly dearest. It will not seem like a real Christmas with both
+my children away from home."
+
+The letter made Polly feel home-sick and she wrote to her mother
+immediately, saying: "I feel that I shall have to come home even if it
+takes a month out of school and delays me in my art studies, unless you
+can plan some other way that we might see each other this Christmas."
+
+Polly had a very clever plan that suddenly came to her, as she read her
+mother's words, and her reply was the first step in working out her plan
+successfully.
+
+The second step was to go downtown and call upon Mr. Latimer at his
+office. She was welcomed there and asked what good wind blew her
+downtown.
+
+Polly laughed. "It's a blizzard from the Rockies--that is why I'm here."
+Then she told him about her mother's home-sick words. "And this is what
+we must do, Mr. Latimer, or I'll have to leave school and go back home."
+
+"Dear me, I will do anything rather than lose you from New York, Polly,"
+Mr. Latimer laughingly replied.
+
+"You must find some excuse on the mining or jewel business, that needs
+Daddy's personal presence here in New York. Make it necessary for him to
+be here just before, or after Christmas. Then I will write and let them
+know that you told me about it, and insist upon having mother come East
+with father, for her Christmas. Why, even John and Paul might join us
+here without much expense or trouble."
+
+Mr. Latimer smiled. "There is no harm in trying the plan, even if your
+father _won't_ leave his ranch while it is under six feet of snow."
+
+Polly laughed at that. "Exactly! Dad doesn't have to stick there in
+winter-time, any more than I do. Especially with Jeb on hand to take
+care of everything."
+
+Then remembering a warning, she said: "But you've got to find a real
+worthy reason for his coming East, because I know my Dad!"
+
+"I'll have you approve the reason before I send it West--how will that
+do?"
+
+"I think you will do well. Because I may be able to make a
+suggestion--knowing my father as I do."
+
+Mr. Latimer laughed and patted Polly on the head. "Well, now that that
+is settled, let us talk about Jim and Ken. You know, do you not, that we
+expect them home in a few days?"
+
+"I didn't know, but I took for granted that they would soon be home for
+the Holidays. Although it seems like yesterday that they were home for
+Thanksgiving Week."
+
+"Not to Jim's mother and me. We miss him very much, as he always was
+such a lively boy at home."
+
+"I'm afraid we won't see much of him this time. He never even called us
+on the 'phone when he came from New Haven to see Ruth Ashby, two weeks
+ago Sunday," said Polly, never dreaming that his father was ignorant of
+the visit.
+
+"He didn't! Then Ken should have called on you. He did not come to see a
+girl, too, did he?"
+
+"Oh, Ken never knew Jim was coming--so Ruth told us. Jim telephoned her
+early Sunday morning and found she would be home, so he ran in Town on
+the noon train and stayed until the nine o'clock."
+
+"I'll see that Jim does not go back on his first loves quite so
+suddenly," laughed Mr. Latimer, thinking of the teasing he would give
+Jim.
+
+"But we are not 'loves' at all--Nolla and I are only good pals for the
+boys," corrected Polly, anxiously.
+
+"Whatever you call it, Jim ought to be well advised on such matters, as
+long as legal advice costs him nothing."
+
+Polly failed to follow Mr. Latimer, and he immediately changed the
+subject. "Now that you are here and it is lunch-hour, why not come with
+me. I promised to take you to the Caf� Savarin or the Lawyer's Club,
+some day, and this is the day."
+
+"Oh, it would be lovely, but I just couldn't leave Nolla out of the
+treat, you know!" exclaimed Polly, eagerly.
+
+"If Nolla is at home, we will have her down in twenty minutes. We'll
+wait for her, and meanwhile I'll dictate a letter to your father for you
+to O.K."
+
+Eleanor was moping around the house, wondering where Polly could be,
+when the telephone rang and she was invited to join her friends at
+luncheon. So in less than half-an-hour the trio were having a merry time
+in the sumptuous private restaurant on lower Broadway.
+
+The letter that Polly approved, reached Sam Brewster, and he showed it
+to his wife. "Ah have been thinking, dear, that we-all might surprise
+Polly by dropping in on her just about Christmas time, eh?"
+
+"Rather than let her come West and lose all that time from classes, I
+should say 'yes,' Sam."
+
+"We really have nothing to tie us down at the ranch for a few weeks,
+unless the snow buries us for the winter."
+
+"Sary would be in her glory could she keep house alone with Jeb for a
+time. Ever since they returned from their honeymoon in Denver, she has
+been sighing to run the house," said Mrs. Brewster, "feeding the fire"
+carefully.
+
+"Let's go! By the Great Horned Spoon, I feel like taking a vacation to
+some other part of the world--so New York will do!"
+
+Then it was quickly decided that they would start on Monday, and this
+being Friday, there was no time to lose.
+
+Sary and Jeb accepted the amazing news with smiles and exchange of
+knowing looks. But they were relieved when Mrs. Brewster herself
+suggested to Sary: "Have all the good times you want, Sary, while we are
+gone. Invite your friends, and neighbors, if they can get through the
+drifts, and have apple-parties, corn-poppers, Virginia Reels, and
+anything on earth you like!"
+
+"Would you-all keer if we-all ast as much as twenty to a time?" asked
+Sary, fearfully.
+
+"Ask forty, if you like--and if you can find them," laughed Mrs.
+Brewster, recklessly.
+
+"Only see to it that they leave the roof, Sary," ha-hawed Sam Brewster.
+"And that the sky-larkin' is all over when we return."
+
+Sary nodded understandingly. She had instantly planned how to create
+envy in the souls of her old friends at Yellow Jacket Pass, by asking
+them all to her parties.
+
+The Brewsters sent John a wire to say that they would spend a few hours
+in Chicago, and would like him to keep that time open. But when they
+reached Chicago, John was standing on the platform holding a suit-case
+in his hand. Tom Latimer and Paul Stewart stood beside him.
+
+John explained: "Paul and Tom are going, too. Some good fairy sent us
+round-trip tickets, but we don't know who it was. Not a line came with
+the tickets. So here we are--ready to help in the surprise."
+
+John then introduced Paul, and Mrs. Brewster took his hand as she looked
+into his face. "You are the image of our Anne, Paul; I would have known
+you anywhere."
+
+"That he is," added Sam Brewster, shaking Paul's hand heartily. So the
+party of five continued on the journey, smiling as they pictured the
+glad surprise to be given the family at the Studio. Little did they
+dream that the Studio family were busy preparing for a gladsome
+Christmas for them all. For Mr. Latimer had told them about the telegram
+from Pebbly Pit, and that he had heard from Tom that he and John and
+Paul were going to join the party coming East. But he did not say that
+he, incognito, had mailed the tickets.
+
+The Twentieth Century had a long line of Pullmans to take to New York
+that trip, and it was small wonder that passengers having berths in the
+last coach, should fail to meet anyone traveling in the first one. So it
+was with speechless amazement, that the Brewsters met the Maynards at
+Grand Central Station when both parties were waiting to get taxi-cabs.
+
+"Well, well, Ah believe it's Mr. Maynard!" exclaimed Sam Brewster, in
+his deep western thunder.
+
+"Brewster? so it is! Indeed I am glad to see you here. Come to cheer up
+the little girl, eh?" and Eleanor's father grasped the ranchman's big
+hands.
+
+Mrs. Brewster and her two young male companions (Tom had gone to
+telephone) were now introduced to Barbara and Mrs. Maynard. The latter
+had never met the Brewster family, and Barbara, thinking it wiser to
+assume indifference, smiled coldly.
+
+"We're stopping at the Park Hotel, Brewster--what about you folks? Might
+as well go where we do," suggested Mr. Maynard.
+
+"I wired there for accommodations; Polly mentioned it in several of her
+letters as being quite near the Studio."
+
+"Fine! Then we will go right along. Here Taxi! eight of us and baggage."
+
+"You mean seven, Mr. Maynard?" ventured John, politely.
+
+"No--didn't you know Pete was here with us? He came on another coach
+with some chums who were coming East."
+
+"I haven't seen much of Pete, this term. I've been cramming every
+moment, so as to finish and be ready to help in the mine, you see,"
+explained John, hesitatingly.
+
+Mr. Maynard saw the expression and said nothing, but he determined to
+find out why Pete had not seen much of Paul and John and Tom, that term.
+Three young men who could be of great advantage to a wild young student
+should be cultivated, he thought.
+
+When Sam Brewster did anything, he never did it by halves; consequently
+when he wired the Park Hotel for rooms, the day he left Denver, he
+engaged a whole suite. No better accommodations than he had, were to be
+found in the building, and the Maynards had to accept second-best.
+
+When Mr. Maynard found the ranchman had the very finest the hotel
+afforded, he chuckled delightedly to himself, for he had silently
+watched the manner in which Barbara received the greetings of the people
+who were so kind to her that Summer.
+
+Mrs. Maynard was furious with her husband. "My dear! what possessed you
+to come to this horrid place. Don't you know that Bob's position must be
+catered to? Even the best hotels here are rather too ordinary. She
+should be stopping at the newest and most exclusive one uptown."
+
+"When she marries that little numb-skull you've tagged to her skirts,
+she can stop where she likes. But her Dad is running this show. I'm here
+to visit Nolla, and I stop where I can call and see her, or she can run
+in to see us, without wasting time traveling on the streets."
+
+"You always did spoil Nolla--while poor Bob has to take third place in
+your affections," complained Mrs. Maynard.
+
+"Bob's mother makes up for any lack in me. That's why I have to give
+double love to Nolla and Pete--Bob has _all_ of yours."
+
+The usual ending to similar scenes might have resulted, had not Mr.
+Maynard gone out to hurry over to the Studio. But his wife and Barbara
+sulkily unpacked their trunks and made very fine toilets before they
+thought of calling at the Studio.
+
+Mr. Maynard rang at the front door of the Studio, but he had to wait a
+few moments before the door opened. From within, merry laughter and
+joyous shouting could be heard. Then in another moment, Eleanor was in
+her father's arms and was dragging him into the happy circle.
+
+The Brewsters, and Paul and Pete were already there, so that the
+newcomer's appearance added another reason for Polly and Eleanor's
+happiness.
+
+"I haven't enough china to go around for such a family!" Mrs. Stewart
+said plaintively; as she came into the room with her arms dusted with
+flour.
+
+"And only half of us here, too!" laughed Mr. Maynard.
+
+"What--more on the way?" exclaimed Anne.
+
+"Nolla's mother and Bob will be, shortly."
+
+"Mother--and Bob!" cried Eleanor, eagerly, happy that her mother and
+sister cared enough for her to come and visit her.
+
+"Now that adds to all my troubles," Mrs. Stewart declared as she dropped
+into a nearby chair.
+
+"But why--the more the merrier," laughed Mrs. Brewster.
+
+"Why--because there are only seven straight chairs in this stable. All
+the others are great cushiony things that won't do in a small
+dining-room such as ours."
+
+"Motherkins!" said Paul, laughingly picking his mother up and seating
+her upon his strong knees, "Did her think we-all would permit her to
+cook a great supper for such a mob?"
+
+"Of course--I like it, dear, but I am staggered at the
+limitations--china and chairs."
+
+"Mrs. Stewart, we are not going to eat a crumb in this house during the
+Holidays, unless it be a theatre supper or afternoon tea! That is all
+settled beforehand. Run upstairs and put on your evening dress. We
+propose making a party of it this first night," called Mr. Maynard,
+trying to make himself heard above the general din.
+
+"Is it your party, Dad?" asked Eleanor, gayly.
+
+"Yes, and to please Bob it is to be at the Ritz. To-morrow it will be
+Brewster's turn, and that's up to him to say where we go."
+
+"Oh, Daddy--I know a place!" exclaimed Polly, eagerly. "Eleanor and I
+have never been, but we've heard lots about it and this is the chance.
+We'll all go down to Chinatown, to-morrow!"
+
+A wild chorus of laughter greeted this proposal, and Polly looked
+surprised. To make matters worse, she added explanatorily: "Why, the
+girls say chop-suey is great! And at Christmas time the Chinks' stores
+are beautiful! The lovely things one can buy then are the best that are
+imported from the Orient."
+
+"We'll do Chinatown, thoroughly, Poll, but it may not be to-morrow
+night," promised John, who had hitherto been completely engaged with
+Anne's whispers and looks.
+
+Thereafter followed delight upon delight, each day filled with new plans
+and exciting fulfillments. Ken and his parents, the four Latimers, the
+Ashbys, Mr. Fabian, and even Mr. Dalken, were included in the gay whirl
+of these pleasure-seekers. Mrs. Maynard and Barbara actually enjoyed the
+wholesome fun and almost forgot to be affected or snobbish. To associate
+intimately with Mr. Dalken, whose social standing was well-known in
+Chicago, as well as in other large cities, was excuse enough to accept
+all the other friends. But added to that pleasure, the friendship and
+evident intimacy the Ashbys and Latimers entertained for Polly and
+Eleanor, made Mrs. Maynard feel there might be hope for Nolla in the
+future.
+
+Christmas fell on the Thursday after the Westerners had arrived in New
+York; and considering all the fun and gadding that had been indulged in,
+on the days preceding the twenty-fifth, that day passed quietly for all.
+Each family enjoyed its own gathering and gifts, and all assembled at
+the Ashbys in the evening, to enjoy music and dancing, and everyone
+declared it had been a fine day!
+
+Friday started anew the excitement of planning and enjoying whatever
+came in the way of the party. But Saturday night had been set aside for
+Mr. Dalken's Christmas party. Elizabeth was invited to bring her
+friends, and everyone in Polly's and Eleanor's friendship ring were
+included.
+
+Mr. Dalken lived in modest but very large rooms of a bachelor apartment
+house, downtown, and here he had an enormous tree fixed in the center of
+the living-room. No one was allowed to see that room until all had
+assembled, but when the doors were opened, there were "ahs" and "ohs"
+from everyone.
+
+The tree was so beautifully trimmed that it seemed a pity that it should
+ever be dismantled. But soon, the attractive white packages tied with
+red ribbons, filled the guests with curiosity; and once Eleanor had
+peeped at the name written on one box, there was no peace but her host
+must distribute the gifts.
+
+Mr. Dalken never spared time or money when he did anything for his
+friends, and his Christmas Party was to be one all would remember. The
+gifts were carefully selected for each individual and those for the four
+girls--Elizabeth, Ruth Ashby, Polly and Eleanor, were exquisite and
+costly. Elizabeth had craved a ring. She had it. Ruth, Polly, and
+Eleanor each had a long barpin of platinum daintily jewelled.
+
+With her usual impetuosity, Eleanor suddenly sprang up and hugged Mr.
+Dalken gratefully for her gift. Polly smiled and shyly shook hands,
+while Ruth said he must have read her thoughts, for she had asked Dad
+for a pin and had been refused. Now she had it, anyway, and from her
+second-best Dad. Elizabeth was pleased, too, but merely murmured
+"Thanks, Papa."
+
+"How do you like the jewels in the pins, girls?" asked Mr. Latimer,
+quizzically, as no one had mentioned the gems.
+
+Suddenly Polly looked up at him. She caught the twinkle in his eyes, and
+instantly wheeled to look at the other men. Each one was smiling as if
+there was a fine secret here.
+
+"I just know these are Rainbow Cliff jewels!" exclaimed Polly, joyously.
+
+"No--are they?" demanded Eleanor, holding the pin aloft to let the light
+flash over and through them.
+
+"Now I am deeply offended! I want the girls to see that I got the very
+best and finest stones in New York, and someone dares suggest that they
+may be lava!" grumbled Mr. Dalken, trying to be peevish.
+
+"I can find out by taking mine to Tiffany's, to-morrow," said Ruth,
+wisely.
+
+"No, you won't--Tiffany says his store is to be closed all day
+to-morrow," laughed Mr. Ashby.
+
+"Why--some one in his family dead?" asked Elizabeth.
+
+"No--but it is Sunday, and he is a church member."
+
+Every one laughed, as it had been forgotten the Sabbath was so near at
+hand. Then Eleanor had an idea.
+
+"Why wait for Tiffany? Maybe the box will give us a clue." So she found
+her box and examined it. Inside the silk-padded lid were the words in
+gold ink: "Rainbow Cliffs' Jewel Company."
+
+"Oh, oh! It is our lava! Polly, now you can carry a little of Pebbly Pit
+about with you!" cried Eleanor, dancing about.
+
+"Yes, it is a bit of Polly's own dear heath. These are the very first
+jewels the company perfected. And as I am one of the corporation, I
+wheedled the cutter into giving me his first output. So, girls, you not
+only have pretty pins, but also you have what may be considered a
+curiosity," explained Mr. Dalken.
+
+"Are you one of our company?" Polly asked, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Ashby and I took stock soon after the fire, because we said
+this was going to be a big thing, some day."
+
+"I'm so _glad_, Mr. Dalken," said Polly simply, and in a voice that only
+he could hear. "I like you _so_ much, and I'm happy to know that you and
+I are members, together, in something."
+
+"Polly, dear, that is the very best Christmas gift I have had in years,"
+murmured Mr. Dalken, feelingly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI--THE VALENTINES
+
+
+With the passing of this gay Holiday Season, the two girls began to feel
+that it would be a relief to sit down once more and spend a quiet
+evening at school. Two weeks of constant going and dissipation had
+become tiresome.
+
+The Westerners had gone home again; John, Tom, Paul and Pete back to
+Chicago, and the two boys, Ken and Jim, back at Yale; and then Mrs.
+Wellington's school reopened. Lessons went on as if there never had been
+a vacation, and on Wednesday evening of that same week, the art school
+resumed classes.
+
+This term was to be devoted to Applied Design and its uses in
+architecture and decorations of interiors. After having had such
+interesting work as Egyptian ornament, art, and symbols, it seemed
+rather dry to start out the New Year with drawing straight lines an inch
+long.
+
+Then to draw a dozen of these lines--next to connect them and make a
+design of these dozen simple lines. But the next lesson was still more
+foolish. They were told to draw a square. Then this large square of
+twenty inches each side was divided into smaller squares. And in each of
+these squares the pupils were told to draw whatever they liked, but each
+square must repeat the first one figure designed.
+
+Thus the scholars found that they had a pattern of the design. This
+began to look more promising, and Eleanor wished she had paid more
+attention to the squares so that the design would have been neater.
+
+The next lesson was on grouping certain designs. The talk given by Mr.
+Fabian that evening was on eye-measurement and judgment in lines.
+
+"Unless one has a good eye for lines in anything, it is a waste of time
+to study a profession that is based fundamentally on a true judgment of
+lines--whether of beauty, grace, or usefulness. Unless one has a true
+sense of 'line' one can never know where to build a window, a door, or a
+fire-place.
+
+"Not only does 'line' govern the size of rooms and halls, but the entire
+building is dependent upon true lines. Also, this basis line governs
+furniture and decorations in an interior.
+
+"Can you picture a room where the porti�res are all of different
+lengths?--because the decorator had no sense of 'line value?' And what
+would one say if the chairs had legs of various lengths? Is not 'line
+value' to be used here, too? It is found necessary, everywhere."
+
+So the lessons and lectures continued until the girls took up the study
+of colors. This was very interesting, and soon, both Polly and Eleanor
+knew that yellow, blue and red were primary colors and they could glibly
+tell you what that meant, and how important a part the knowledge played,
+in the progressive art of decorating.
+
+When the demonstration of these lessons began in the painting, the girls
+realized that they were actually going to be able to carry home samples
+of their work. From that time on, they showed more zeal in doing
+everything as correctly and perfectly as possible. And Mr. Fabian, at
+his next monthly report to Mr. Ashby (which were quite unknown to Polly
+and Eleanor) said: "They're deeply interested in the actual art and not
+merely for the fun of some day going into business."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. There is so much of this idea of taking up
+interior decorating because it is comparatively a new field, but so few
+really ought to be in it. It should be made a matter of diplomas the
+same as other professions. Then the restriction would soon clear away
+all the quacks in the art. If these two girls but escape the snares of
+matrimony until they are finished artists, I shall be rejoiced to
+welcome them to our fold."
+
+Mr. Fabian nodded approvingly, and murmured: "I have faith in them. I'm
+sure that both these girls are sensible and not to be easily influenced
+by a good looking beau."
+
+Mr. Ashby smiled. "They're much safer in New York than if they lived in
+smaller towns. Girls in this city haven't time to find beaux or think of
+husbands."
+
+"Don't be so sure, Mr. Ashby," retorted Mr. Fabian. "If the girls are as
+pretty as my two are, and clever and rich as well, they'd find it hard
+to escape."
+
+"But you are speaking of society girls, while these two students seldom
+give that empty life a thought--I'm glad to say."
+
+Which conversation goes to show that more than one adult was watching
+the experiment these two girls were unconsciously making of their school
+days, with intense interest and a desire to aid.
+
+Polly and Eleanor were not aware of all that had been done to insure
+them perfect freedom and liberty to continue their art classes. Had they
+known the arguments Mr. Latimer had had with Jim and Ken to keep those
+boys from usurping so much of the time the girls had to devote to study!
+Then Jim had blustered and boasted of all he would do once he was at
+college: His father wouldn't know how many letters he would write, nor
+the visits to the girls, of an evening!
+
+And one reason Tom Latimer and John seldom wrote to Polly and Eleanor,
+was because of Anne's suggestion--to leave the girls to plan their spare
+time for their very own work, and not be made to feel that they had
+letters to answer, all the time.
+
+It was Tom who had begged Jim not to waste his own, or the girls' time,
+in writing silly letters or in traveling back and forth from college to
+New York. And Tom, wise big brother that he was, took Jim into his
+confidence and explained how anxious John and he were to have Polly
+climb to the top of the ladder in her art. That she had to make good in
+New York those first two years or go back home and starve her artistic
+soul on a lonesome ranch.
+
+But Valentine's Day was coming, and Jim felt that on that day he would
+be privileged to not only write to the girls, but to send each one a
+fine valentine, describing his sentiments.
+
+Polly and Eleanor could not forget Valentine's Day was at hand, for
+every shop-window they passed invited sentimental people to step in and
+see the love cards.
+
+"I'd like to send a perfect dear to Mr. Dalken, Nolla," said Polly,
+reading the verse on a card.
+
+"To Mr. Dalken! Why, Poll, he is an old married man!"
+
+"But what of that! Can't I send him a card that states how much I like
+him?"
+
+"Oh, ye-es--I suppose so; but valentines are really meant for lovers,
+you see."
+
+"It's nothing of the kind, Nolla. Dear old St. Valentine never meant all
+his notes for lovers; but for everyone he _loved!_ and that is very
+different, I think."
+
+"Well, send yours to anyone you like, but I am going to buy one for
+Jim," said Eleanor, searching over the piles of cards on the tray, but
+not finding what she sought.
+
+"Oh, Nolla," laughed Polly, teasingly. "Are you selecting Jim for your
+first love?"
+
+"First love! I should say double no! I am hunting for a _comic_ one for
+him--just because he is so sentimental and sits with moony eyes when he
+is near any pretty girl. I thought I would die with laughter that night
+he sat and gazed with soulful eyes at Ruth."
+
+Finally the girls found several very funny cards which had sarcastic
+lines under the pictures. These they were going to mail to Jim and Ken.
+Then Eleanor had an idea.
+
+"I just guess I'll mail one each to John, Tom, Pete and Paul, too. If I
+dared, I'd get Pete to re-mail one to Bob so she wouldn't know who sent
+it. Being postmarked 'Chicago' she'd break her head trying to think who
+sent it to her."
+
+"Oh, that will be fun, Nolla. Have them remailed so the boys won't know
+we sent them. Let's do that with all of ours."
+
+The need of secrecy, and the trouble of selecting appropriate lines for
+each of their friends, took time. But Eleanor wired her father to keep
+the secret and do the mailing for them, and he wired back his consent.
+So the valentines meant for the Chicago friends went to Mr. Maynard, and
+duly reached each one as had been intended.
+
+And those for Jim and Ken were handed to a porter on the train that ran
+to New Haven, with a liberal tip if he would drop them in a letter-box
+when he jumped from the train. His wide grin showed he was ready to abet
+the pranks such generous pretty young misses planned to tease their
+beaux.
+
+Elizabeth Dalken had taken a violent fancy to Jim Latimer when she met
+him at the different Christmas parties, and Valentine's Day being an
+opportunity for love-lorn misses and youths, she bought a very expensive
+Valentine, with sentiment as soft as down, and suggestive of heart-aches
+and sighs and what-not.
+
+But Elizabeth had no independence, whatever, and once she had the
+Valentine boxed and ready to post, she wished she knew someone who would
+address it. She feared to have her own cramped writing seen on it.
+
+In Mrs. Wellington's school was a clever girl who could imitate
+hand-writing to perfection, and Elizabeth presented her with a box of
+bon-bons a few days before Valentine's Day. Then the following day she
+asked a favor. Would Myrtle address a box for her?
+
+Myrtle comprehended, but the candies had been delicious so she laughed:
+"Got a valentine to send?"
+
+"Yes, but it is a joke. I want the receiver to believe Eleanor Maynard
+sent it. Can you imitate her writing?"
+
+"Easy as pie. Get me her exercise from this noon's class."
+
+And in short order the box was addressed in Eleanor's hand-writing.
+Elizabeth mailed it, and the day following the 14th, Jim mailed, what he
+considered, a lover's work of art--such ardent lines and such sentiment
+seldom entered his thoughts, but the mushy words of the valentine
+excused his letter.
+
+"W-e-ll--Jim's gone clean mad!" gasped Eleanor.
+
+"Is the thick letter from him?" asked Polly.
+
+"Yes, but read it, Poll, and tell me what ails him."
+
+Polly read, but not without giggles and many a lifted eyebrow when she
+came to the extra fine phrases of love-making.
+
+"Nolla, he sure is daffy. Can you see through it?"
+
+"Not at all. I expected a comic from him--not this."
+
+"Nolla, do you think anyone we know would send him a soft valentine and
+pretend it came from you?"
+
+"Maybe--for a joke! Now who would do it?"
+
+They asked Anne, and showed her the letter. She laughed with them, but
+when they were not present, she sat down and wrote to Jim--a nice
+sisterly letter cuttingly blunt that told him that she had her hands
+full with school and girls, and house, so that any extra care would
+drive her insane. Letters such as the one that came to Nolla, were the
+worst danger she had to ward off from the girls.
+
+By the last mail on the thirteenth and during the day of the fourteenth
+other valentines came for Polly and Eleanor; some of real merit as
+tokens of friendship; some of beauty; and many with a little line of
+love. But Polly received no vague or sentimental one during Valentine's
+day.
+
+That evening, however, the bell rang, and Mrs. Stewart asked who was
+there. The girls were already upstairs.
+
+"Messenger with a box."
+
+"Mother--wait till I get there!" called Anne, anxiously.
+
+In another moment, Anne, in a neglig�e, ran downstairs and opened the
+street-door which opened into a vestibule.
+
+A large long box was handed in and Anne signed the book. It was
+addressed to "Miss Polly Brewster, Studio, 1003 East Thirtieth Street,
+New York."
+
+"Polly, here's a great box of flowers from someone," Anne called,
+standing at the foot of the stairs.
+
+"For me?"
+
+"Your name is on the tag," said Anne.
+
+Instantly, Polly and Eleanor scrambled downstairs and Polly tremblingly
+tried to untie the string about the box.
+
+"Dear me--it won't even break!" said she, trying to tear the cord by
+pulling at it.
+
+"Here--take the knife!" cried Eleanor, having dashed to the dining-room
+to catch up a silver knife, and returning with it.
+
+The string was cut, the lid taken off, and several wrappers of oiled
+paper removed. Then, there, upon a bed of lace-paper rested a dozen of
+magnificent American Beauties, with stems more than a yard long. And to
+the cluster, about the middle of the stems, was attached a fine golden
+cord holding a papier mach� heart. The heart had a golden arrow
+half-buried in its plump center.
+
+"What wonderful roses!" breathed Polly.
+
+"Isn't the heart cute!" giggled Eleanor.
+
+"No card, or sign, to say where they came from?" asked Anne, picking the
+heart up carefully.
+
+"Oh, there's another heart--see! On the point of the arrow at the back,"
+cried Eleanor. And there was another heart fastened to the first one by
+means of the sharp arrow.
+
+The girls sought carefully for some clue of the sender, but the sweet
+perfume wafted from the roses was all that rewarded their search.
+
+"Whoever it was, he is a dear!" said Polly, fondly touching the waxen
+stems.
+
+"And we'll try to keep them as long as possible so, whoever it was, will
+see that we appreciate the flowers," said Anne, going for water.
+
+"At last I have found a use for that tall vase I bought that first week
+of auctions," laughed Eleanor, taking the glass from under the
+window-seat.
+
+Scarcely were the roses arranged to satisfy the admiring group, when the
+bell rang again. Eleanor being nearest the door, ran out to the small
+vestibule and peeped through the window in the street-door.
+
+"Well, of all things! Another messenger. Maybe he has a valentine for
+me."
+
+The door was opened, Eleanor said "yes" to his query if Mrs. Stewart
+lived there, and having signed the book, hurried in with a tier of
+boxes. There were four in all.
+
+"Miss Anne Stewart the first on top," read Polly.
+
+The second was for Mrs. Stewart, and the third for Polly, the last being
+Eleanor's. Each box contained a beautiful spray of cut flowers but no
+card. Not even a suggestion of the sender.
+
+"Well, it beats all. Why couldn't our admirers have sent our flowers in
+the morning," laughed Anne.
+
+Again the bell pealed. "It surely can't be more flowers!" laughed Polly,
+running to the door. But it was. A card on the outside read: "Say it
+with Flowers," to Miss Anne Stewart.
+
+By this time everyone was laughing and trying to guess who could have
+sent the blossoms. And had the bell sounded again, no one would have
+been surprised. But it didn't, and after guessing of all impossible
+persons who might be the senders of the flower-valentines, Anne
+ventured: "Someone may have telegraphed to New York this morning, you
+know, to send us these flowers, at once. I've heard said, the florists
+were so rushed to-day with valentine orders that they couldn't secure
+enough flowers from the wholesale shops."
+
+"That's about it!" declared Eleanor. "John sent you this last box, and
+maybe Daddy sent us each the smaller boxes. But _who_ could have sent
+Polly a hundred dollars' worth of American Beauties?"
+
+Finally they went to bed with the great question still unsolved; and
+Polly often wondered, thereafter, if Mr. Dalken could have sent her
+those roses? Had she guessed the truth, would she have been content to
+go on so serenely with her studies of interior decorating?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII--MR. FABIAN PLOTS FOR FACTS
+
+
+The roses kept for more than two weeks, filling the Studio rooms with
+fragrance, but keeping their secret as to who had sent them to Polly.
+She had gone to everyone she knew and tried to find out who had given
+them to her. Then she beguiled Mr. Ashby into finding out if Mr. Dalken
+was the guilty one. And when he was found innocent, she bribed Mr.
+Dalken to find out if the Latimers or the Evans sent them--but she could
+not see why anyone should spend so much money on her, and try to hide
+the fact.
+
+When Mr. Fabian was satisfied that it was not one of their old friends
+who had sent the roses, he thought of a way to find out. The box had had
+the name on its cover, of one of Fifth avenue's most fashionable
+florists, so he went there and tried to learn what he wanted to know, by
+asking the proprietor.
+
+But the man smiled and shook his head. "We are never allowed to divulge
+state secrets, Mr. Fabian."
+
+"Not even when that secret concerns a proteg�e of mine? I do not wish to
+use the knowledge, but merely to relieve my mind."
+
+"If I were to tell you, Mr. Fabian, I should have to also tell the six
+other individuals who begged me to tell them confidentially who ordered
+the roses."
+
+"Six others! Have others been here to ask this same question?" asked Mr.
+Fabian, amazed.
+
+The florist laughed. "Yes, that pretty miss seems to be very popular.
+Who is she, anyway?"
+
+"A little girl that attends my art class, and I am bound to keep her
+mind free from nonsense until her education is finished."
+
+"Can you keep a secret--on your oath?" asked the florist.
+
+"Yes, yes!" eagerly agreed Mr. Fabian, thinking he was now going to hear
+who sent the roses.
+
+"Well, then, this much I may tell you--just to ease your fears: the
+individual who sent those roses is as anxious as you can be, to keep the
+girl's heart and mind free from nonsense and to allow her to complete
+her art education without thoughts of beaux."
+
+"Is that all you've got to say?"
+
+"My goodness, don't you appreciate that much! You only wanted to know
+something to ease your mind, and now I have told you."
+
+"How do _you_ know what the gentleman thinks or wants?"
+
+"I was told so by the one who ordered the roses. But I did not tell you
+it was a gentleman."
+
+This was still more disconcerting to Mr. Fabian, but he never told a
+soul that he had visited the florist. He did wonder, however, if the man
+had given the others the same confidence he had imparted confidentially
+to him.
+
+Polly, the cause of all this secret concern of her friends, had
+forgotten all about the valentine, and was devoting her entire time and
+attention to the absorbing lessons at art school.
+
+Easter Week came early, and the term beginning immediately after the
+Easter Holidays, would start a course on mural decorations, and the
+study of tapestries. So interesting had their night-classes become, that
+Polly and Eleanor neglected their studies at day-school. Anne noticed
+their daily marks and worried over it. At last she consulted with Mr.
+Fabian.
+
+"You must realize, Mr. Fabian, that the girls are still young. Even if
+they were prepared to enter the profession they are proposing to follow
+they would be too young in years to make a success of it. People are not
+apt to turn over contracts for art or decorating, to girls under twenty.
+Therefore I advise you to make them drop their night school until after
+they have caught up in their day classes."
+
+Mr. Fabian was secretly pleased at the news that his two pet scholars
+preferred _his_ teachings to the dry high-school lessons. But he dared
+not express his satisfaction to Anne.
+
+"All you say is true, but there is no need for my girls to give up their
+art class. The night school closes for a two weeks' holiday at Easter,
+and then, as warm weather comes on apace, I find my pupils begin to lose
+zeal in their constant attendance at class. You will see that Polly and
+Eleanor will turn more to their day studies, then. But I would not
+advise you to cut off their pursuit in art work, now. It will only
+create deeper zest for it, and turn their thoughts completely from
+day-studies."
+
+Anne replied that this was logical, and so the girls never knew that
+they had been standing upon the danger-line of having to suspend their
+favorite studies.
+
+Mr. Fabian was roused to a more temperate art "diet" for the two girls,
+thereafter. And Polly and Eleanor found, as Spring advanced, that
+lessons in night school were simpler and not quite so absorbing to their
+time, as those of the recent weeks had been.
+
+In the mural decoration study that began with the new Spring term, the
+pupils found that, beginning with the order of antiquity, Egyptian
+first, and then Greek, Roman, Medieval, Moresque and Persian
+styles--much of their work done in the other classes now proved useful.
+In fact, the historical studies of these races of people and their
+periods of time, proved valuable in review, for the further perfection
+of mural art.
+
+So when they were given a design to do in "wave ornament" it was at once
+recognised as Egyptian art. Or should a wall decoration be required
+where geometrical forms were the principle, the pupils remembered the
+religion of the Arabs and Moors which restricted them to the use of
+natural forms which would not conflict with their worship.
+
+Thus Polly and Eleanor began to understand how important their previous
+lessons had been, and how necessary it was for every earnest student of
+art to be present at each class, that no connecting link in instruction
+might be dropped and lost.
+
+As the weeks went by, and the end of the term drew near, the night
+classes thinned out perceptibly, many of the less enthusiastic pupils
+preferring outdoor sports to close application to art pursuits. But
+Polly and Eleanor found their pleasure in hearing all Mr. Fabian had to
+say to them on various subjects.
+
+Perhaps the girls might not have been so keen for school during the warm
+evenings, had not Mr. Fabian's knowledge and fascinating descriptions of
+anything pertaining to his profession, been so freely given them at all
+times. He continued to discover exhibits, lectures, and other
+educational pastimes, to which he conducted his favorite pupils, so that
+there was no dearth of material to aid and demonstrate his teachings.
+
+As June came in, Polly found New York not nearly as cool and pleasant an
+abode as Pebbly Pit with its altitude upon the crests of the Rockies.
+And she longed for a breath of the mountain air that would renew jaded
+senses. Both Eleanor and Polly began to show the strain of the close
+application to study that they had had since October, so Anne was
+thankful that the schools would soon close for the Summer.
+
+Then the last class in Cooper Union ended, and Mr. Fabian escorted his
+girls to their home. Already, they were planning for the coming year of
+work, but their instructor smiled and interrupted.
+
+"I have refused an offer to continue my classes in the school, so I will
+not be there next year."
+
+"What!" gasped Polly.
+
+"Not teach us!" cried Eleanor.
+
+"Not teach at Cooper--no. I feel that I am not strong enough to keep up
+such arduous labors; and so many there do not seem to appreciate what I
+am sacrificing for them. I find there are some people who think that,
+because a thing is free, it is not as valuable as if they had to pay for
+it. You can see, for yourselves, how many scholars dropped out of the
+classes when other diversions offered themselves. They join an art class
+and attend it when nothing else can be had. They take my thought and
+time, and when they weary of the routine, they fail to appear. It is
+very disheartening. But it is so every year, and I am tired of trying to
+keep up the interest of such lazy leeches."
+
+Polly and Eleanor heard their dear professor's words in sorry silence.
+What would night school be without him?
+
+"But I have planned a far different school beginning with next October.
+I have chosen the faithful few who really mean business, and to these I
+shall offer my services for a small return. I feel sure that this will
+mean greater benefit to individuals in a small class, as I can devote
+much more time to each student and give better advice wherever it is
+needed. I have thought of seven scholars for my little school."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Fabian--I do hope Polly and I are among them!" exclaimed
+Eleanor, anxiously.
+
+Mr. Fabian smiled. "Perhaps it was because of Polly and you that I
+thought of this idea. You two girls really should have personal
+instruction, instead of having to waste hours in a general class waiting
+for delinquents to catch up with you.
+
+"That has always been the weak spot in any large class; there are those
+who forge ahead eagerly, and the lazy ones who miss a class every few
+nights, causing the whole body to delay and wait while they work to
+catch up on what they have missed.
+
+"When the few ambitious workers can be grouped together and not hampered
+by the leeches, one can readily see how much better it is for all
+concerned. This is what I propose doing."
+
+"Oh, it will be splendid! and I am glad, for one, to be able to look
+forward to such teachings. To know that we can ask all the questions
+freely, and not have to wait to have the easiest lesson explained to the
+thick-headed, will be a great relief," said Polly, gratefully.
+
+At the door of the Studio, Mr. Fabian said good-by. "I am planning to
+sail for Europe very soon, my dears, and I am looking forward to a good
+time with my little family. We intend visiting all the famous places of
+interest to an artist, and when I return in the Fall, I will be able to
+tell you about the great cathedrals, the wonderful collections of
+antiques, and other sights."
+
+"As for Polly and me--we won't be able to give you any such tales, as we
+are going to spend our vacation at Pebbly Pit, again. But we will bring
+back plenty of health and renewed zeal," laughed Eleanor.
+
+"Ah! That is what I need of you now, children. See that you fill out the
+hollows in your cheeks, and gather ample strength and health for another
+strenuous year in New York. I plan to put both of you on the firing-line
+next school-year."
+
+"We'll not fail you, Mr. Fabian," promised Polly, taking his hand a
+second time and patting it fondly.
+
+"Then I'll not fail _you_, dear students!" responded Mr. Fabian,
+stooping and kissing each girl affectionately on the forehead, then
+taking his leave.
+
+A few days after this the Studio was swathed in dust-covers, the windows
+locked and shuttered, the burglar alarm attached, and at last the front
+door was closed by a representative from the insurance company. The four
+tenants were on their way to Grand Central where Jim Latimer and Kenneth
+Evans were to meet them. They then were going to take the Twentieth
+Century Limited to Chicago.
+
+Jim and Ken had been engaged by Carew, to join his camp of surveyors in
+the mountains for this second season's work; and, as Polly and her
+friends were to spend the summer vacation at Pebbly Pit, it was quite
+natural that all six should journey westward, together.
+
+Mr. Dalken and the Ashbys came to see the friends off, and as the parent
+Latimers and Evans were with their boys to the last, there was a large
+merry party to accompany the travelers to the Pullman.
+
+"Don't be surprised to see me bring the Ashbys to Pebbly Pit in my
+touring car, some fine day, soon," announced Mr. Dalken.
+
+"Oh, that would be lovely!" cried Polly, eagerly.
+
+"And leave Ruth with us for the Summer?" added Eleanor.
+
+"Yes, yes, Daddy--I'd love to spend my vacation with Polly and Eleanor
+at the ranch!" exclaimed Ruth Ashby.
+
+"Where would you put us all--even if we did come?" asked Mrs. Ashby, who
+had heard of the limitations of the ranch-house.
+
+"Oh, you forget! John writes that we will be surprised to find the
+marvelous work that has gone on at the Cliffs. Not only is the great
+road down through the Devil's Causeway completed for heavy traffic, but
+rows and rows of buildings back of the Imps are ready for occupancy, the
+moment the machinery is set up for work on the lava. If the miners have
+not yet taken possession of the barracks we could invite loads of people
+to visit the ranch."
+
+Polly spoke eagerly, and her eyes shone as she beheld her friends
+enjoying the Brewster hospitality.
+
+Everyone laughed at her anxiety to have them visit her, and Mr. Dalken
+promised: "I'll do my best to bring my friends, Polly."
+
+A quizzical look in his eyes suddenly caused Polly to remember the
+valentine she had sent him. She smiled back at him, but as suddenly
+another thought flashed into her mind.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Dalken, I've wanted to ask you for the _longest_ time! Now that
+it is ancient history, you won't mind confessing, will you?"
+
+Mr. Dalken shook his head as a concession to her eager look. And Polly
+continued: "_Did_ you send me those American Beauties' valentine?"
+
+A roar greeted this question, as everyone of the grown-ups had asked the
+same question of Mr. Dalken months before. And Mr. Dalken not only
+repudiated any knowledge of the valentine but told how he had visited
+the florist and had not been able to ascertain who the Cupid really was.
+
+"Polly, I will confess, as they say that open confession is good for the
+soul. I was guilty of sending four boxes of flowers to the Studio on
+Valentine Day, to four charming friends, but I showed no partiality, I
+think, in the bouquets. I would like to know, myself, who the Cupid was
+who sent such gorgeous roses as you received."
+
+"I wonder! I'm sure it wasn't Jim," here Polly looked searchingly at the
+young student, and he shook his head laughingly.
+
+"I couldn't have, had I wanted to. My pocket money went for that
+love-sonnet that was so harshly condemned," said he.
+
+"And I'm sure Ken never dreamed of doing it. Then there is Mr. Latimer
+and the doctor--they are both innocent, I know, as they never think of
+anything other than the old patented jewel cutter."
+
+As Polly explained thus in earnest tones, everyone laughed at the two
+men so calmly criticised for their absorption in patents.
+
+"So I am inclined to believe it was my _own_ Daddy. He always did send
+me the cutest valentines each year, and I received no card from him this
+year--so that is who it was!" declared Polly.
+
+"And the only kind of a Cupid to have, these days, Polly," approved Mr.
+Dalken.
+
+But the happy circle standing on the platform of the train-shed were now
+notified that the passengers must get on as the train would leave in a
+few moments.
+
+Good-bys were said, hands shaken, kisses wafted from the girls to the
+group remaining in New York, and then the travelers were gone.
+
+Scarcely had the train slowed up in the Chicago Terminal before John and
+Tom Latimer were on board, pushing a way through the Pullmans, in search
+of familiar faces.
+
+"There they are--there comes John!" cried Polly, excitedly, jumping up
+and pointing to the other end of the coach.
+
+"Oh--!" sighed Anne, flushing joyously as her glance rested upon her
+fianc�.
+
+But John had no eyes for anyone but Anne. Polly was left standing with
+hands out-stretched, her whole soul quivering with anticipation of her
+beloved brother's greeting, and now he forgot she was alive! Then Paul
+Stewart and Pete Maynard ran in.
+
+Mrs. Stewart was embraced by Paul, and Pete hugged his sister Eleanor.
+Tom Latimer stood a pace apart, his features working desperately to
+control his feelings as he saw John joyously scanning Anne's face, and
+Polly limply sitting down in the parlor chair. Then he quickly went over
+and greeted her.
+
+"Polly, and you boys"--turning to Jim and Kenneth--"we sure are happy to
+see you-all again. My, what a change New York has made in you. I see
+quite a wonderful young lady, where once I remember my little ranch pal
+with pigtails." Tom tried to laugh merrily.
+
+Kenneth suddenly launched into a silly conversation to cheer Polly. But
+Polly never could dissimulate, and she was too deeply hurt at her
+brother's neglect to pretend to be merry. John, however, now turned to
+embrace and kiss his sister, and evidently had had no thought of
+neglecting her.
+
+"Come, children, we must get out or we'll be carried to the
+round-house," suggested Jim Latimer, taking up certain bags.
+
+Once on the platform where Mr. Maynard welcomed them, Tom said: "When do
+Ken and you go on to Denver?"
+
+"On the next train, leaving here at two. That gives us an hour and a
+half with you."
+
+"Anyone want dinner, or did you eat on the train?" now asked Paul
+Stewart.
+
+"All dined, but now waiting for someone to suggest a party for Ken and
+I, as we go on in a little while," said Jim.
+
+"Here!" offered Mr. Maynard. "Pile into taxis and we'll be at the house
+in a jiffy. No place like home when there's no other place to go to."
+
+So, laughing, the entire party bundled itself into cabs, John managing
+to get Anne and her luggage to himself. Immediately, he signalled the
+driver to start off.
+
+Mr. Maynard, Paul and Mrs. Stewart got in another cab and Jim, Ken, and
+Eleanor in another. That left Polly and Tom Latimer, with the remaining
+bags, to get in the last taxi. It was all done in such noisy confusion,
+that no one dreamed how one clever manager had so manipulated matters as
+to have Polly alone in the last cab.
+
+"Well, Polly, I hear you are soaring in your ambition. Mr. Fabian wrote
+me how interested he was in Nolla and you."
+
+"Oh, did the dear man write you? I didn't know he and you corresponded."
+
+"I took a great fancy to the idealist, and having always loved art for
+itself, I told him I would consider it a great pleasure if he would
+exchange letters with me when he had the opportunity. He has done better
+for me than I had any right to expect. He writes the most interesting
+letters--just as clever as his talks on art."
+
+Having found a willing listener in Tom, Polly expanded on her private
+opinion of such a wonderful teacher as Mr. Fabian was, and before the
+taxi drew up in front of the Maynard's brown-stone mansion, Tom had the
+comforting assurance that Polly had quite forgotten her brother John's
+unintentional neglect.
+
+Jim and Ken enjoyed their hasty visit and then took their departure to
+catch their train going west. When Mrs. Maynard and Barbara dispensed
+tea, the three young men, John, Tom and Paul, had to enter into service
+for the hostess; but they would greatly have preferred to enjoy their
+time as each inclined--John alone with Anne in the conservatory, Tom and
+Polly talking art, and Paul making merry with Eleanor.
+
+Barbara, who a year ago would have resented oblivion for herself, now
+smiled contentedly and gazed upon a huge solitaire.
+
+"Bob, shall we announce it?" whispered her mother.
+
+"No, they do not know Percival, and, moreover, not one of these people
+appreciate his social standing."
+
+So the young people now gathered about Mrs. Maynard's tea-table were
+deprived (so Bob thought) of the greatest event of the past social
+season--her engagement to one of the most aristocratic and wealthiest
+eligibles on the market, Percival Weston.
+
+Barbara twirled her solitaire smilingly, nor cared that her Percival was
+bald and diminutive, past the prime in life, and not over-brilliant. Had
+he not been the catch at Newport the previous Summer? And had he not
+attached himself to her as soon as she appeared in the Adirondack Camp
+presided over by the famous society leader of New York?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII--BACK AGAIN AT PEBBLY PIT
+
+
+"Oh, Nolla! Isn't this great after old New York?" cried Polly, as they
+were all jostled in the big ranch-wagon driven by Mr. Brewster, as it
+rumbled over the trail to Pebbly Pit.
+
+"We-all think it's great, Poll; but wait till you see what your going to
+New York did to the old Pit! No one to blame for it but yourself,"
+laughed her father.
+
+"We heard there was a row of buildings down behind the Imps, and that a
+fine roadway was constructed through the Devil's Causeway," said Polly,
+eagerly.
+
+"But no one told you how John and Tom came here as soon as college
+closed, and brought a railroad man with them to see about building a
+spur from Bear Forks to the valley at the foot of Grizzly Slide. It's
+twenty miles nearer Denver than Oak Creek, so the company agreed to risk
+the work if Pebbly Pit would guarantee a certain amount of travel and
+freight over the road."
+
+"Well--did you, Daddy?" asked Polly, eagerly.
+
+"Tom Latimer did. Agreed to put up bonds for same."
+
+"Tom? Why Tom Latimer?" asked Eleanor.
+
+"Oh, Tom is mighty ambitious, you know, and seems as if he liked this
+section better than the East. However, it is Tom we-all can thank for
+that new railroad. When you-all come home next year, you-all will be
+riding over your own tracks." Mr. Brewster chuckled.
+
+"Is Tom going to join that crew of engineers that John and he were with
+last year?" now asked Eleanor.
+
+"No, indeed! Tom and John will be right here with us this summer. We-all
+need their help in working out the problems of the mine and Rainbow
+Cliffs," responded Sam Brewster.
+
+"I don't suppose we'll see a bit of John as long as Anne and her mother
+remain in Denver, visiting their old friends," pouted Polly, jealously.
+
+Her father glanced slyly at her, and smiled. He felt sorry for his
+little girl who had always felt that her brother John was her own
+personal property. Now that someone claimed first love and attention
+from him it was mighty hard for her, as well as for Mrs. Brewster.
+
+"Ah should wonder at John if he failed in gallantry to his sweetheart,"
+was all Sam Brewster said aloud.
+
+"Oh! Everyone makes me tired! Anyone'd think Anne Stewart was a saint.
+She's only a girl the same as Nolla, or me. And no one is found going
+mad over either one of _us_!" cried Polly, pettishly.
+
+Eleanor laughed. "Give us a few years and then see!"
+
+Polly curled her lip impatiently. "A few years from now and I'll be in
+Europe with dear old Fabian, studying art. I won't want attention from
+anyone, then."
+
+"Seems to me," ventured Mr. Brewster, gently, "my little girl is
+hankering for homage or a beau--which is it?"
+
+Polly stared aghast. "Neither one! How dare you say so."
+
+"You-all were speaking of attention."
+
+"But I was only thinking of _John_. He'll have Anne for a wife all his
+life long--after next year. But he won't have _me_ after I finish
+school."
+
+In spite of the tearful tone, Mr. Brewster had to laugh. "Don't waste
+your time on John, Polly girl. Let me make up for him and be your
+devoted attendant. Ah'll always be at your beck and call!"
+
+"Oh, Dad! That reminds me!" exclaimed Polly, turning square around to
+face her father, and forgetting her recent misery over John. "_How_ did
+you ever manage about that rose valentine you sent me?"
+
+Sam Brewster let the reins dangle recklessly as he, in turn, stared at
+his daughter. "What valentine?"
+
+Polly winked roguishly and laughed. "You can't pull the wool over my
+eyes, Daddy. I've spent a whole year in New York to some advantage, you
+see. I have seen lots of such feigned innocence as yours."
+
+"But honest, Poll, Ah don't even know what you-all are talking about; Ah
+got your sweet valentine, and so did maw."
+
+Polly frowned at her father. "Didn't you wire to a florist in New York
+and order a dozen great roses for my valentine? And tie the two hearts
+pierced by a golden arrow, about the center of the flower-stems?"
+
+"Positively, this is the first word Ah've heard of it!" declared Sam
+Brewster so emphatically, that the girls believed him.
+
+"Now, Polly, the hunt is narrowing down," laughed Eleanor. "We know it
+was no one in New York, and it wasn't Jim or Ken. Your father says he
+didn't do it, so it leaves only a few more to ask."
+
+Suddenly Polly clasped her hands. Her face was radiant. "Why, of course!
+How could I forget? It was dear old John! He, too, always remembered me
+on Valentine Day." Then turning to her father, and shaking a finger at
+him, she added: "But you didn't remember me, this year, bad man."
+
+"Tell truth, Polly, there was so much to think about and so much to do,
+over the buildings and mines, that Ah clean forgot there ever was such a
+day, until I got your card. Then I felt sorry."
+
+"Well, thank goodness, John remembered!" sighed Polly. And Eleanor
+noticed that she smiled again in forgiveness of her brother's
+shortcomings.
+
+When the wagon stopped at the porch of the ranch-house, Eleanor laughed:
+"Just as we drove up last year--but oh, how different this year!"
+
+Mrs. Brewster hurried out to welcome her dear girls, and laughed at
+Eleanor's remark. "Still making Irish bulls, Nolla!"
+
+They all laughed merrily, and then Sary rushed from her kitchen, and
+clasped Polly to her ample bosom. Eleanor came in for her share of the
+maid's embrace before she had to hurry back to the dinner.
+
+"Ah'se cookin' cabbige soup, Miss Nolla," she explained.
+
+"Why, Sary, that first night we were here last summer, you had
+'cabbidge' soup, too!"
+
+"We-all has to hev it once a week reg'ler now, 'cause Jeb loves it, an'
+he is a foreman, you know." Sary's pride in her spouse's promotion was
+most evident.
+
+While Polly and her mother cozily sat together on the porch and smiled
+happily to be in each other's company, once more, Eleanor walked to the
+barns with Mr. Brewster. She had an object in view, and she never
+delayed in finding out what she wanted to know, should the opportunity
+come and offer itself to her.
+
+"Mr. Brewster, do tell me honestly--_did_ you send the roses, or do you
+know who did send them to Polly?"
+
+"Nolla, Ah never heard of them until to-day. Ah'm as curious as you, to
+know who sent them. What were they like, anyway?"
+
+"Well, you must know, Mr. Brewster, that American Beauty roses like they
+were, cost a small fortune in New York, at that time of the year. Each
+one of those roses cost not less than five or six dollars. And the
+trinket that was bound to the stems was not a cheap thing, either. In
+fact, the chain was of fine, gold-plated links, and the arrows were
+gold-plated, too. It was an imported curio."
+
+"By the Great Horned Spoon! Roses that cost like that! Why, they wilted,
+didn't they?" gasped Sam Brewster.
+
+Eleanor laughed merrily. "Sure thing! But we kept them as long as
+possible. That is just where the joy comes in of getting costly
+roses--they wilt. And anyone, who will spend that much money on one,
+must think a heap of her first--see?"
+
+Mr. Brewster stood stock-still. He caught at Eleanor's arm. "Ah've got
+it!"
+
+"What--who?" Eleanor was breathless in her eagerness.
+
+"Find the silly swain that's making eyes at my Polly, and you've caught
+the rascal who sent the roses."
+
+Eleanor screamed with laughter. "Oh, you're funny! But isn't that
+exactly what everyone's been doing?"
+
+"Oh--have they?"
+
+"Sure! I learned that Mr. Fabian tried to find out who the fellow was.
+And then Mr. Dalken wanted to know. The Latimers and Evans put Jim and
+Ken through the third degree, but no one confessed to it. Now do _you_
+believe John sent them?"
+
+"I do not!" was the positive reply.
+
+"Neither do I! Because John sent Anne a bunch of roses for _her_
+valentine but they were only seven dollars. She got a dozen, the usual
+short-stemmed Bride Roses. He wouldn't dare send his sister such
+gorgeous ones and only give his fianc�e cheaper ones."
+
+Sam Brewster smiled at his companion. "Nolla, you're a wise little owl."
+
+"Anyone would be, after having had the social training that was fed to
+me from the bottle up!"
+
+Mr. Brewster laughed at this, and Eleanor then said: "Guess I'll be
+going back, now, Mr. Brewster. I wanted to know your opinion about John
+and the roses."
+
+"Wait, Nolla. Have you any answer to it yourself?"
+
+"U--m, yes--I have a sort of a suspicion. But it isn't fair to anyone to
+even hint at it. So don't ask me."
+
+"This much you might answer, however, seeing that Ah'm Polly's father
+and the most concerned in the beaux she has. Do you fancy it might have
+been your brother Pete?"
+
+"_Pete!_" The very tone made Mr. Brewster smile as he saw that Eleanor
+had never thought of him. "Anyway, Pete and Poll hardly know each
+other."
+
+"Ah wonder if it could have been Paul Stewart--he seemed dreadfully
+attentive to her that time when we-all were visiting you-all in New
+York." Mr. Brewster watched Eleanor shrewdly.
+
+"I just guess it _wasn't_ Paul! He sent me a lovely card for a
+valentine; and while we were home in Chicago, I asked him about flowers.
+He never thought to wire a florist about sending me any flowers, he
+said. So I know Paul hadn't anything to do with it."
+
+"Ah! Well, Nolla, now we know who he was, eh?" laughed Sam Brewster,
+tweaking Eleanor's ear and hastening away to the barns.
+
+Eleanor stood watching him. Then she laughed softly: "He sure did put
+one over on me, that time!"
+
+As she walked slowly back to the ranch-house she soliloquized to
+herself. "That's just who it was. Gee! It's almost as fine as having a
+romance of my very own. But Polly doesn't want it so.
+
+"All the same, when John and Tom come down here, I'm going to tease Tom
+about the wonderful roses Polly's brother sent her. Then we'll see what
+we'll see!"
+
+Eleanor could keep her own counsel as well as Sam Brewster, but the two
+exchanged wise looks, now and then, when no one was watching. Still,
+never a word was said again on the rose subject.
+
+A week after the two girls got home, the others in the party came down
+from Denver. Mrs. Stewart was to be Mrs. Brewster's guest that Summer,
+Eleanor was Polly's, and Anne said she was John's visitor. Then Tom
+Latimer laughed and said: "I'll have to be Mr. Brewster's pal."
+
+"I can promise you that you won't have your head turned by any pretty
+school-girl, Tom, if you are _my_ guest," chuckled Sam Brewster.
+
+Eleanor tittered, Tom flushed, but the others laughed at such a speech.
+
+Plans had been made to take a three-day trip up over Top Notch Trail,
+and inspect the progress on the mine, but Mrs. Brewster and her guest
+would remain at home, by preference.
+
+The merry cavalcade started out, Polly on her beloved Noddy as usual,
+and Eleanor on Choko. The others rode their horses, and Jeb led an extra
+horse with the packs.
+
+There was no planned order in riding; first one girl would have one of
+the escort, and then another would ride up and "cut in" to urge the
+other onward. Thus everyone was laughing and teasing and talking merrily
+until they reached the falls on top of the mountains. Here, where Polly
+had caught the trout, the year before, they all had dinner.
+
+"My goodness! Folks in New York never know what they miss by never
+coming to the Rockies," declared Polly, her eyes wandering to the
+far-off line of mountain-ranges.
+
+"And folks who live near these mountains are never happy until they get
+to New York," remarked Mr. Brewster.
+
+Polly laughed. "Oh, that is when one needs education. I have always had
+too _much_ mountain and not enough of other good things. But now that I
+am tasting a little of everything, I like my mountains as well as
+anything I've seen."
+
+"D'ye think you-all will stay at home after this?" eagerly asked her
+father.
+
+"Double no!" affirmed Polly, emphatically.
+
+Everyone laughed at the expressive slang, and Polly added: "At least,
+not until I have seen Europe, year after next, and tried a hand in my
+profession. Maybe--if I fall in love, some day--I'll come back to Pebbly
+Pit to raise my family."
+
+John Brewster thought this so funny that he ha-ha-haed loudly, but the
+others smiled doubtfully. Eleanor could not help sending a swift look at
+Tom Latimer to see how he received the information. But Tom was
+scrambling to his feet, so his face could not be observed. Eleanor
+glanced away from him to Sam Brewster, and saw the latter with a twinkle
+cornering his eyes as he noticed Tom's awkward movement.
+
+"U--m!" muttered Eleanor. "I've got your number, Tom Latimer!" But no
+one overheard her whispered thought.
+
+As the riders proceeded on their way, Paul Stewart said: "I don't see
+why you folks should think this such a tough trail. I consider it rather
+broad and good."
+
+"Humph! It's a highway these days, what with all the riding up and down.
+But last year you wouldn't have been able to see any thing but trees and
+rocks," Polly returned.
+
+It was as Polly said: almost as clear a trail as any woodland road. At
+Four-Mile-Blaze where the girls were well-nigh lost on their first ride
+over the trail, there now was a good but narrow bridle-path. Thence it
+was easy going up the steep side to Grizzly Slide.
+
+"W-ell! See the crowd of men working up there? And hear the sound of
+tools and machinery!" exclaimed Polly, as she rode out of the screening
+forest, and came to a man-made clearing.
+
+"Of all things! Trees chopped down and turned into huts; an army of
+workmen living here as if they belonged," added Eleanor.
+
+"We are blasting and clearing away the rubble that hides your mine. We
+had both ends working a few weeks ago, but now we are trying to drop a
+shaft from the top," said Mr. Brewster.
+
+The visitors camped at the miners' settlement, that night, and the next
+day the girls were taken about to see the great progress made according
+to the plans to mine the ore.
+
+A cable-road was being built from Choko's Cave down the steep
+mountain-side, to the valley, and this was to be used to carry the
+ore-cars up and down. As the girls stood on top of the ledge that
+overhung the cave, they could look straight down the awesome
+mountain-side, where the forest had been cleared for the cable-line.
+
+"It looks as if it all cost a heap of money," said Polly.
+
+She had been so engaged in looking at the change wrought in her beloved
+mountain, that she failed to see that the others had wandered away. But
+someone stood behind her. She felt it. As no reply came to her
+statement, she turned and found Tom Latimer waiting for her.
+
+"Oh, where are the others?"
+
+"Gone over to the other side where the underground river comes out, you
+know."
+
+"I was saying, Tom, that this must have taken a lot of money."
+
+"More than we figured on, but once we begin to get out the ore, it will
+roll back four-fold."
+
+Polly was impressed, but still wondered "Where did all the money come
+from, Tom?"
+
+"Stocks. We wanted to keep most of the Capital for you and the first
+owners, you know; but investors wouldn't put up so much money without a
+vote. So we had to sell out some of the voting shares. That's where Mr.
+Dalken came in--he bought a big block of your stock, and it is his money
+that's doing this."
+
+"I think he is the nicest man! I used to think he sent me a wonderful
+bunch of American Beauty roses for a valentine, but I only learned the
+other day that it was John! Wasn't it funny?"
+
+Tom laughed with Polly, and said: "What made you think Mr. Dalken sent
+them?"
+
+"Oh, something happened once to Nolla and me, in New York that nobody
+knows--so don't you go and tell on us, Tom!" Polly waited anxiously to
+get Tom's promise, then she proceeded.
+
+"And Mr. Dalken happened along in time to save us from the beasts. After
+that he made us use his small automobile when we went to night-school.
+We were awfully grateful to him for it.
+
+"Then when Valentine Day came along, I suggested to Nolla that we send
+him a lovely card telling him how good he was to us. I sent it, and late
+that night the roses came. I felt sure, all the time, that he sent them;
+I thought he had forgotten it was Valentine Day until after my card
+reached him. I always wondered why he didn't put Nolla's name on the
+card, too, as well as mine. But now I know he never sent them."
+
+"Does John know you've found him out?" asked Tom.
+
+"No, not yet; but some day I'll tease him about it."
+
+"Don't! let him think you are still trying to guess who sent the roses.
+It will tickle him to pieces to believe you think it is an ardent
+admirer of yours." Tom laughed merrily with Polly at the very idea.
+
+"That's just what I will! And you and I will sometimes pretend _you_
+sent the roses to me, and then we will watch John's face. Maybe he will
+up and tell the truth!" added Polly.
+
+"No, I doubt it. You see, Polly, John is a wonderful actor, and one
+never knows just what he thinks. If he managed to keep a close mouth to
+me, his best friend, all this time, it must be because he didn't want
+Anne to find out he sent you such roses."
+
+Then the two conspirators walked back to join the others, but Polly and
+Tom felt that they had a good joke between them, thereafter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV--ANOTHER YEAR AT SCHOOL
+
+
+The summer vacation passed quickly for Polly and Eleanor, and September
+came in with wonderful Autumn weather, when riding and mountain-climbing
+were just the thing. However, all such outings ended to plan for the
+return to New York.
+
+A letter had arrived from Mr. Fabian, in which he spoke of his
+delightful visit with his wife and daughter. They had gone to various
+places in Europe and England, inspecting and studying all the famous old
+works of art, and the ancient buildings that made fitting caskets for
+these rare curios.
+
+"When I read this letter, of all Mr. Fabian has done with his Summer, I
+feel guilty," said Polly to her friend, Nolla.
+
+"Why should you? We had to rest and drop all idea of study so's to be
+fresh for this year's work. Didn't we do it?"
+
+"Yes, we rested, all right, Nolla; but it seems we might have done some
+of the work we planned to do, before we left New York. There is that
+chest with our colors, paper and other things--we never as much as
+unlocked it."
+
+"Polly, I can paint any sort of drapery you want, and in any light or
+shadow. I can paint a vase, a chair or a lamp; I can draw a hall, or a
+room, or a window. What more do you want? Why should we sit down and
+make loads of these things all summer, when we know how to do the work,
+already?"
+
+"I don't know, Nolla, except that we ought to practise!"
+
+"Pooh! I'm ready for all the work they want to pile up on me, now and
+I'm glad I've been so lazy all summer."
+
+"To tell the truth, Nolla, _I_ am more than ready to work with all my
+heart. I feel as if I would dry up if I played any more," admitted
+Polly, laughingly.
+
+With this desire to again take up their studies in New York, the girls
+left Pebbly Pit the second week in September. By the last of the month,
+they were eagerly planning with Mr. Fabian for the new year's school
+work in art and decoration.
+
+"I have a pleasant surprise for you, girls," announced Mr. Fabian, after
+greetings were exchanged. They all sat under the locust tree in the
+little yard of the Studio.
+
+"'On with the dance,'" laughed Eleanor.
+
+"As you know, I landed in New York the first week of September, and
+found most of my friends still away in the country. But Mr. Dalken was
+in evidence, as ever, eager to offer me his hospitality, until I located
+for the Winter.
+
+"We sat in the medieval library of his apartment, and I remarked,
+casually, at the unusual size of his rooms.
+
+"'Yes,' replied he. 'That's the advantage of leasing one of the
+old-fashioned apartments not so far uptown. One gets the benefit of
+being near the center of activities in the city, and at the same time
+one can have the great rooms once occupied by the old gentry of the
+town.'
+
+"'What a splendid room for gatherings,' I said, never dreaming of his
+inspiration.
+
+"'Seeing that you are looking for a suitable room in which to conduct
+your little private class of art decorators, why not use this library? I
+have all kinds of reference books in the cases and I am so seldom at
+home in the early part of the evening that you will be undisturbed.'
+
+"I was astonished, as you may imagine, and I said, 'But, Mr. Dalken, we
+couldn't think of using this room and the apartment, without some return
+for your kindness.'
+
+"He laughed. 'What do I want of rent or its equivalent? I am only too
+glad to do you and those charming students of yours a good turn. You
+see, I still owe Polly and Eleanor a great balance which can never be
+paid. Were it not for those two girls I would not have a child--even
+though I seldom see my little one.'
+
+"I felt that he was so earnest about the offer that I said we would talk
+it over with Mr. Ashby and let him judge. Not that I did not see the
+advantage of using the rooms, but I wanted an impartial friend of Mr.
+Dalken's to decide whether or no he might regret the generous offer,
+later; and then not care to tell us that we bothered him with our
+regular classes three nights a week.
+
+"So we visited the Ashbys the following evening, and to my amazement,
+Mr. Ashby was enthusiastic over the plan. He said: 'Now you've started
+out right, Dalk, and to prove how much I think of your offer, I am going
+to have Ruth join the class this year--if Mr. Fabian will take her. It
+might be rather nice to have Elizabeth join the class, also, even though
+she may not show any talent for the work.'
+
+"'Now, Ashby, you must pardon me if I speak frankly,' Mr. Dalken then
+said. 'One of the main reasons for Mr. Fabian's resignation from Cooper,
+and giving all his valuable time to a small class, is to urge those
+talented ones forward. If my little girl, who detests application to
+study of any sort, were to join this class, the basic idea would be
+ruined. The class would be held back by one delinquent. But I appreciate
+your motive in suggesting a way that I might enjoy the companionship of
+Elizabeth so often, without the tyranny and incompatibility of her
+mother's temper.'
+
+"Mr. Ashby colored, as he thought he had been diplomatic in his hint,"
+concluded Mr. Fabian. "So now it is settled that Ruth Ashby joins our
+art class, this year, and we will meet at Mr. Dalken's rooms for our
+work. That is nice for you girls, as it is only a short walk of a few
+blocks from the Studio."
+
+"_Nice_ for us--why, it is just scrumptious!" exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+"And such a wonderful environment as that library, will give us
+inspiration, too," added Polly. "I never _did_ see such a kind man as
+Mr. Dalken! If I had my way to accomplish it, I'd shower all the joys
+and successes in heaven or earth upon his generous heart."
+
+"He _is_ great and good, and it seems as if justice must be sleeping,
+when such a man must suffer alone because of a silly moth of a wife. If
+he would only hearken to his friends and seek freedom from such galling
+bonds! but he doesn't think divorce ever righted a wrong, and he still
+hopes he can bring Mrs. Dalken to a sense of her family-obligations and
+gratitude, for all she has been so unselfishly given. Poor fellow!" Mr.
+Fabian shook his head despondently over their benefactor's future.
+
+"Polly and I never knew what was the trouble in the Dalken family, Mr.
+Fabian, but what we have seen and known of our dear friend, I'm sure
+that _he_ was never to blame for it," said Eleanor, defensively.
+
+"I never care to gossip or to repeat a story, children, but now I think
+you ought to know why Mr. Dalken lives alone so much as he does. If we
+are to use his rooms, you must know what a magnificent character he is,
+and then should you hear any disagreeable gossip that can be traced to
+his wife, you will understand the situation."
+
+"Whatever you say, Mr. Fabian, will never be repeated by either Nolla or
+me," promised Polly, solemnly.
+
+"I know it, that is why I feel I ought to tell you.
+
+"Mr. Dalken, as you know, is a descendant of one of the oldest Dutch
+Settlers in America. His family, from olden times down to the present
+day, were patriotic and loyal Americans. He is as staunch an American as
+you will find, anywhere.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken was a poor girl, and not over-brilliant. But Mr. Dalken
+admired her prettiness when she was a young miss, and when he was but a
+slip of a youth. They went to entertainments together in the small town
+where they both lived, and enjoyed each other's company for two or three
+years.
+
+"Then the young man went to college and saw the world. He realized how
+superficial Amy Lathrop was, and as time went by, he would have
+forgotten her completely, had she not kept up her side of the
+correspondence. And gradually a suggestive note crept into her letters.
+
+"When his college days were over, young Dalken returned to his
+birth-place to settle the country estate that was his. Then he met Amy
+again, and she found him so chivalrous that it was an easy matter to
+give him to understand that she had waited for him these five
+years--that she had been the soul of faithfulness.
+
+"Without consulting his friends, or mentioning the matter to others in
+the town, he became engaged to her on the claim from her, that it had so
+been understood before he went to college.
+
+"Well, they were married, one day, and then our poor friend's martyrdom
+began. Amy Dalken was of no use in anything or in any way. True, she had
+two children, but it may have been much better had she never become a
+mother. She had no affection for them or the father, and only thought of
+spending money and enjoying herself to the utmost.
+
+"Dalken was wealthy before he married Amy, and his alert mind coupled
+with his unusual foresightedness in finance soon rolled up fortunes for
+him. His wife spent money like water, and was sought after by the
+vultures of society--those who fawn and fondle as long as they can get
+something out of the victim.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken's balls and bridge-parties were famous--I might say,
+notorious--for at the former the extravagance was a matter of newspaper
+comment, and at the latter, the stakes were so high that others lifted
+their eyebrows at the losses and gains.
+
+"Little Billie Dalken was eighteen months old, and the joy of our good
+friend's life, when a dreadful thing happened. Billie was a chubby,
+handsome little chap exactly like his father--the same intelligent brown
+eyes, the same fine features, and he was unusually clever and large for
+his age.
+
+"Mr. Dalken had been called to Washington on business one day, and that
+same day his wife was about to give a grand dinner and bridge, later.
+There were plenty of servants in the household, but on such an occasion
+everyone was busy with the extra work. Billie's own nurse gave him his
+supper and was about to put him to bed when she discovered a wheezing
+sound in his throat. She feared another attack of croup. She was about
+to apply the remedies she knew of, when Mrs. Dalken's maid came to the
+nursery.
+
+"'The mistress says you are to go to her at once and I am to sit with
+the baby for a while. She wants her head massaged because it aches so!'
+
+"And the nurse answered as she thought proper, 'Go and tell your
+mistress that Billie has a bad cold and I must remain to take care of
+him.'
+
+"The maid tossed her head and left the room. She hadn't any desire to
+remain with a baby, especially if it was wheezing and beginning to
+cough. So she may have exaggerated the reply somewhat. However, that did
+not excuse Mrs. Dalken from her next act. She was furious and sent the
+butler to the nursery to pay off the nurse and see that she left the
+house at once!
+
+"Then she sent the parlor-maid to sit in the nursery with the child.
+That dinner was a great success, but just before the card-party began,
+the maid sent down word that Mrs. Dalken was to come up to the nursery
+at once, and see what ailed the baby--he was so red in the face and had
+a fever, she said.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken whispered a reply: 'I'll be up as soon as I can get the
+tables started.' Then she never gave it another thought.
+
+"Three times during that evening the frightened parlor-maid sent down
+for the mother to come up. And three times the hostess smiled and nodded
+and then forgot all about the call. Before midnight, the boy began
+choking and gagging and the hysterical maid ran back and forth hoping to
+find the butler, or someone, who would help in this extremity.
+
+"Every servant in the house was busy serving drinks, cards, or
+cigarettes, and none had time to call up a doctor. Then the daring maid
+telephoned for a doctor she knew. But he lived so far uptown that it
+took half an hour to arrive at the house.
+
+"Before he got there, little Billie Dalken was sleeping in the last long
+rest. No one was with him but the parlor-maid when he strangled to
+death; but the awful contortions of his face and body showed the
+suffering he endured during the convulsions.
+
+"Mr. Dalken came home early in the morning, the Washington business
+having been successfully consummated without any loss of time. It was
+not yet seven o'clock, but everyone in the house seemed astir. The heavy
+fumes of smoke and the aftermath of a riotous night's play were evident
+throughout the first floor rooms. He smiled sardonically at it all, then
+rushed upstairs two steps at a time to peep at his beloved children.
+
+"Elizabeth was weeping fearfully in her little crib that stood in the
+room connecting with the nursery. The moment she saw her father she
+screamed with relief.
+
+"'Oh, Daddy! Billie's so twisted and queer--and he won't answer when I
+call him.'
+
+"Poor Dalken had a sudden premonition of catastrophe and rushed into the
+nursery. He almost collapsed at what he saw there. A strange woman was
+about to take up the stiff little form and do for it what a loving
+mother should reverently insist upon doing.
+
+"The father, with a broken heart, took his beloved boy and prepared him
+for his last resting-place. All through the three days elapsing after
+the night of Billie's death, Mrs. Dalken remained locked in her boudoir,
+her maid seeing that the smelling salts were handy whenever her lady
+called for them. Between the visits of condolence from her intimates,
+and the fittings of the deep mourning, the mother was kept too busy to
+meet her husband, or watch with the remains of her baby.
+
+"But after the funeral (that also buried most of Dalken's joy in living)
+he insisted upon a serious talk with his butterfly wife. She promised
+everything, even to giving up her gambling games, if he would but
+refrain from the publicity of the cause of Billie's death and the
+subsequent separation. She used her sharpest weapon to gain her
+point--Elizabeth.
+
+"So several more months went by, but the poor man was a mere
+money-machine in his own home. Even his little daughter began to believe
+that society was everything, and love or home-ties only a necessity that
+interfered with one's pet pleasures and freedom.
+
+"Without consulting her husband, Mrs. Dalken planned to visit Europe
+with a party of friends. To keep her grasp on her money-supplier she
+took Elizabeth with her. A nurse looked after the girl. She remained
+abroad for more than a year, and when she returned she went directly to
+a fashionable hotel instead of seeing that her home was reopened in New
+York.
+
+"She had ordered everything swathed and packed for the time she was
+abroad, and had left but two rooms livable for the owner and master of
+the magnificent dwelling.
+
+"Dalken lived there in gloomy sorrow for a few months and finally his
+friends insisted upon his going to the Club where he could meet cheerful
+companions and stop brooding over his irreparable loss.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken was in no hurry to reopen her home, and all that Winter she
+remained at the hotel, while her husband stopped at his club. She
+allowed him to call upon her two or three times a week, when others were
+present, and she not only accepted all the checks he offered her, but
+ran up fearful debts everywhere. He was permitted to take Elizabeth out
+at certain times, but Mrs. Dalken was clever enough to keep hold on the
+girl, as she knew it was her only hope of keeping her clutch on her
+provider.
+
+"Just after the Holidays, that season, she went to Palm Beach, but she
+entered Elizabeth in a boarding school out of the city. Dalken tried, in
+many ways, to learn where his child was, but he had no success in his
+search.
+
+"Then he wired his wife that she must turn over the girl to him while
+she was running around, or he would instantly stop her income and sue
+her for desertion. Then she came back to New York and took Elizabeth out
+of school again, but matters got worse and worse for poor Dalken.
+Finally his dear friends, who loved him for what he was and is,
+persuaded him to sue for a legal separation. They hoped Mrs. Dalken
+would turn over the girl whom she had no natural love for, to the
+father, as a hostage.
+
+"But she was a wise woman, by this time. She accepted the separation
+without demur, but refused to give up Elizabeth. It was then agreed that
+the girl might choose which one of the parents she preferred to live
+with. Having had so many years of life with her mother, the girl became
+like her--selfish, vain, and arrogant. No love or gratitude was found in
+her character.
+
+"Just at this time, Mr. Dalken was taken very ill, and his mother (who
+is a dear, you will find, when you meet her) came from England to nurse
+him. He was ill for more than a year, so Elizabeth chose to remain with
+her mother for the time being.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken, Senior, took her only child back to England with her, as
+soon as he could travel, and there she kept him well-nursed and cared
+for, in her cousin's English country-house, until he had regained his
+strength and fairly good health. Then mother and son went to the
+Continent to visit the scenes of the famous battle-fields, and then on
+to the Riviera for a month.
+
+"The wise mother knew that taking Mr. Dalken's thoughts from his own
+miserable state, and making him think of other's woes, would the sooner
+brace him up to face his life-problem. And so it was.
+
+"Elizabeth elected to remain with her frivolous mother but Mr. Dalken
+supports her handsomely, and often bribes her to spend an afternoon or
+evening with him, by having a valuable gift awaiting her coming. Mr.
+Ashby, and other friends, have advised Dalken against this pernicious
+way of baiting the inclinations of the girl, but he says they do not
+know his heart-hunger, and so cannot judge his actions."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Fabian! Our poor, dear Mr. Dalken!" sobbed Polly, when the
+speaker had ended his story.
+
+"If I ever meet that horrid woman I shall tear her hair out, I know I
+shall!" wept Eleanor, vehemently.
+
+"If only we could do something, Nolla, to make up to our dear Dalk, for
+all his sorrow," sighed Polly, drying her eyes.
+
+"You can love him the more for this story, girls, but do not refer to
+it, as he is still tender over his loss."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV--THE FOUNDLING
+
+
+The sad story told the girls, about their friend Mr. Dalken, filled them
+with love and compassion for the great-hearted man, and they wondered
+how they could do _something_ for him that would not only show their
+appreciation of his kindness to them, but at the same time give him
+pleasure or happiness. But there seemed no material thing that he
+needed, and really, nothing that one could do for him.
+
+"There must be times when he sits alone brooding over his boy and how
+different things might have been had he married a different type of
+woman," remarked Eleanor, one evening, after leaving their new
+class-room.
+
+"Yes; but it seems to me he should have been able to see through such a
+shallow thing as that woman must have been, when he returned from
+college and found her apparently waiting for him," Polly replied.
+
+"But he's so tender-hearted, you see, he couldn't bear to give her any
+pain or trouble. That must have been the only reason why he allowed her
+to get him."
+
+"I suppose so. Why, even now, he is an easy prey to the scheming people
+who know he has barrels of money, and who simply pretend to be friendly
+for what they can get out of him."
+
+"It's too bad he can't be satisfied with just Mr. Ashby and Mr. Fabian
+for man friends, and we few women for his women friends," mused Eleanor.
+"We'd love him for himself."
+
+Polly smiled. "Wouldn't you and I give him a gay time--with high-school
+keeping us employed every week-day, and art class every other night in
+the week, to say nothing of lectures, exhibitions, and other things that
+Mr. Fabian has us do, in line with our work."
+
+The two girls had crossed Madison and Fourth avenues by this time, and
+were slowly walking down the street towards the Studio. It was a
+beautiful Fall night, and the moon was almost full, hence they were in
+no hurry to reach home and go indoors.
+
+"I hear Anne singing--she must have company," said Polly as they neared
+the house.
+
+[Illustration: HE WAS A CHUBBY LITTLE FELLOW.]
+
+"Yes; the windows are open in the living-room, and I can peep under the
+shades and see Anne at the piano," whispered Eleanor.
+
+Just then the breeze wafted one of the shades back from the window, and
+the girls recognised Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Latimer as the guests of Anne.
+
+"Let's hurry in!" exclaimed Eleanor, suddenly turning from the front
+window and darting into the vestibule.
+
+The outside door was open wide, and as Eleanor ran up the one step that
+raised the tiled entrance from the sidewalk, she stumbled over a soft
+bundle that seemed pushed against the wall.
+
+By this time, Polly also reached the vestibule, but the inside door
+being closed and locked for protection, it was too dark in the vestibule
+for either of the girls to see what the huge bundle contained.
+
+"It feels like a bundle of old clothes. Maybe some servant hid it here
+for a time--she may be going to come back for it," observed Eleanor,
+prodding the bundle with her foot.
+
+But to the surprise of both girls, a little squeal issued from the roll.
+In the semi-darkness, they stood spell-bound and gazed at each other.
+
+"It's a baby--of all things!" cried Polly, hastily trying the handle of
+the door.
+
+"Ring--ring the bell like mad. I'll pick it up!" Eleanor exclaimed,
+excitably.
+
+"Open the door--Anne--hurry up! We've found a baby!" called Polly,
+leaning over the iron rail that projected over the area door, in front
+of the windows.
+
+Both girls forgot that they had latch keys, but Mrs. Evans sat nearest
+the window where Polly stood, and quickly answered her call. Eleanor,
+meanwhile, had carefully picked up the rolled-up baby and, the moment
+the door was flung open, carried it indoors.
+
+"Where did you find it?" exclaimed four amazed women.
+
+"Right at our door--in the vestibule," said Eleanor, placing her bundle
+on the divan and proceeding to open it.
+
+"Wasn't anyone in sight?" asked Mrs. Latimer, cautiously.
+
+"Not that we noticed; but, of course, we never thought to look, when we
+found what was in the bundle," explained Polly, nervously eager to
+assist Eleanor in what she was doing.
+
+Before the swaddling blankets were released from the baby, it began to
+utter baby-talk. The females, grouped closely in front of the divan,
+smiled appreciatively.
+
+Finally the last wrapper, which was of mosquito netting, came off, and
+there lay a chubby little fellow of about fifteen months. He had a fist
+in his mouth, and with the other dimpled hand he clutched at Polly's
+hair as she leaned over him.
+
+"Oh! Isn't he a darling! He must belong to a neighbor!" exclaimed Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+"He certainly is not starved or poorly cared for," added Mrs. Evans,
+with experienced voice.
+
+"But he only has on his nightie! Not another stitch to be found," said
+Anne, carefully rolling the baby over to see if he had any clothes under
+him.
+
+"There's a note--pinned on the blanket!" cried Polly, anxiously removing
+the pin and taking the paper over to the light.
+
+"It says--just one word--'Billy.' Did you ever!" exclaimed Polly,
+glancing from one to the other of the friends who were waiting
+expectantly to hear about the boy.
+
+"Let's see!" demanded Eleanor, frowning at such a short explanation.
+
+Polly handed the slip of paper to her friend and joined Anne at the
+divan where she was divesting the boy of his nightie to see if further
+clues might be found. About his fat neck was a very fine gold chain, and
+suspended from that was a tiny flat heart-shaped locket. It did not
+open, but on the plain gold face was a monogram of three letters: B--
+D-- W--.
+
+"Now we've got something to work on! 'B' stands for Billy, of course,
+but what can 'D' and 'W' mean?" Eleanor said excitedly.
+
+"No child is christened 'Billy,'" Anne contradicted. "He would be
+'William'--and that is what the 'W' is for. Children are nicknamed
+'Billy' or 'Willy' later. Now his middle and last name must begin with
+the 'B' and 'D'--or vice versa."
+
+"Shake out the blankets carefully--perhaps another paper is pinned to
+one of them," said Polly, eagerly.
+
+But there was no other message in the blankets.
+
+"Let's take off his flannel shirt! There may be something there,"
+ventured Mrs. Stewart.
+
+In less than a minute, the pins were out and the woven shirt of Merino
+was removed, but no further information rewarded the anxious seekers. So
+the shirt was carefully replaced and the boy's nightie slipped over his
+head again.
+
+"It's all hand-made of fine linen," remarked Mrs. Latimer, as she felt
+of the hem at the bottom.
+
+"And one can see that he is no slum child," added Mrs. Evans.
+
+"_Who_ can he be? and why should anyone want to leave him?" were the
+perplexing questions Polly asked of the others.
+
+They all shook their heads and wondered. But the boy had no use for such
+condolences; he crawled over the divan and when he found not what he was
+in search of, he screwed up his dimpled face and began a lusty call.
+
+Anne instantly took him up and began to chirp to him. He smiled a
+cheerful thanks and showed eight little front teeth. That brought all
+his new friends to his feet--metaphorically speaking.
+
+"_Isn't_ he a dear!" declared Mrs. Stewart to no one in particular.
+
+"Yes, but we have to advertise him at once. It may be that a villain
+kidnapped him and ran away with him just to get a reward. He may have
+been seen, or chased by the police, and then dropped the baby in our
+vestibule," said Mrs. Latimer.
+
+Anne laughed. "Which analysis shows that one of us married a
+lawyer--Mrs. Latimer gives us good advice."
+
+"Or he may belong to a young mother who cannot longer earn a living for
+him," added Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"That's not likely, mother," returned Anne. "As the child would look
+thin and sickly if a mother found it hard to support it. I rather think
+it is a babe that belongs to some distracted mother in the neighborhood.
+He has evidently been put to bed for the night. Possibly a vindictive
+nurse-girl took him from his home to make his parents seek for him and
+then left him at the most convenient door."
+
+"Anne's reason sounds the most plausible, and we'd better 'phone the
+police-stations at once. Billy's parents may even now be wild with
+despair, for we do not know how long he was in the vestibule. All we
+know is, he was not there when we came in, about eight o'clock," said
+Mrs. Evans.
+
+So she telephoned the police-stations, near by, and also asked the
+morning papers to run a short notice under a suitable caption. Before
+she had finished this work, however, Master Billy began his complaints
+again, and now he was beginning to look as impatient as such a
+good-natured baby could.
+
+"Maybe he's hungry?" suddenly suggested Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"That's just what ails him--but we haven't any bottle!" exclaimed Mrs.
+Evans.
+
+"Perhaps he drinks from a cup--he is old enough to have been weaned, you
+know," ventured Mrs. Latimer.
+
+A cup of warmed milk was brought in short order, and Mrs. Stewart held
+it out to Anne, as she was still holding the baby. The moment Billy saw
+the cup, he almost leaped from Anne's arms, and immediately began
+gurgling for very glee.
+
+Everyone laughed at his antics, and Anne was about to hold the cup to
+his lips, when two fat hands clutched at it in a hungry endeavor to
+reach the contents. Of course, part of the milk spilled on his nightie
+but the remainder he drank greedily.
+
+"He's well-trained--whoever he is. I should say that he has had every
+attention in the past, to have him act like this at his age," said Mrs.
+Latimer.
+
+"But we don't know how old he is. He may be months older than we thought
+for," argued Mrs. Evans.
+
+"Well, he isn't more than eighteen months at the most," declared Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+Polly and Eleanor stood silently by listening to these experienced
+mothers, but Anne smiled indulgently at them, and kept her opinions to
+herself.
+
+Dr. Evans and Mr. Latimer stopped for their wives, and when they had
+heard and been shown the fine boy, they gave their masculine opinions.
+
+"A baby who was boarded out, and the parents hadn't paid up recently. So
+the woman left him on the first door-step to get rid of him," was the
+doctor's verdict.
+
+"There spoke the doctor who knows of such cases," said Anne.
+
+"That isn't it, however," remarked Mr. Latimer. "I am of the opinion
+that this child is of wealthy parentage. He likely is a stumbling-block
+for some heirs, who wish him safely out of the way so they may claim the
+estate."
+
+Anne laughed again. "There speaks the attorney. But you should have had
+the jealous heirs remove this monogramed locket before they tried to get
+rid of all evidence of a barrier to their inheritance."
+
+"Reckon we'd better stop romancing and put Billy to bed," said Polly, in
+a matter-of-fact voice.
+
+Her common sense caused a general laugh, and Dr. Evans added: "Well,
+ladies! Come on, if we are to get home to-night."
+
+With a last look at the sleepy cherub, and a good-night to the friends
+living in the Studio, the four New Yorkers went out.
+
+"Where shall he sleep to-night?" asked Anne.
+
+"Let me have him?" cried Polly.
+
+"Oh--I found him first--let me have him," begged Eleanor.
+
+"No, girls; babies should sleep absolutely alone. I will get a drawer
+from the high-boy and rig him up a nice little bed therein. To-morrow
+night he will be in his own home, most likely," explained Mrs. Stewart.
+
+So saying, she hurried upstairs, and in a short time returned, carrying
+the drawer. Anne and the two girls helped cushion it softly, and then
+they placed Billy in it.
+
+He was asleep almost before the bed was ready, and the moment his head
+sank into the soft pillow, he closed his eyes.
+
+"He seems unusually good, Anne," ventured Mrs. Stewart, as the four
+foster mothers stood gazing down at the flushed little baby-face.
+
+"And very pretty for a young child," added Anne.
+
+"Well," sighed Polly, "I suppose we'll have to hand him back in the
+morning."
+
+"Some time during the night, most likely," grumbled Eleanor. "The police
+will tell his folks where he is, and they will be at our door ten
+minutes later."
+
+But no one called for Billy, that night, and in the morning the papers
+told the story of the foundling. A minute description of his appearance
+and clothing was given, and the telephone number of the family where he
+was to be found. Mrs. Evans had wisely refrained from giving any names
+of the tenants of the Studio.
+
+Before seven o'clock that morning, the telephone began ringing. Anne
+answered it, but described the baby left on their door-step differently
+from what the anxious mother on the other end of the wire had expected.
+
+By eight-thirty, the telephone had called Anne or Polly five times. At
+last Polly said: "My goodness! how can five mothers lose boys like ours
+in one evening? Can't they take care of them?"
+
+Eleanor then said, "Why, in Chicago, there are records of more than a
+score of babies lost every day. Most of them find their parents again,
+but lots of them don't."
+
+"What happens to the poor tots who can't find their folks again?" asked
+Polly, horrified.
+
+"They go to the orphan asylum--or the Children's Home."
+
+With a gasp, Polly glanced at their laughing little Billy. Then she
+looked anxiously at her three companions. They had all thought of the
+same thing, it seems.
+
+"I just couldn't let him go to a foundling home," Polly whimpered.
+
+"We can afford to keep him, Polly. You and I can adopt him," declared
+Eleanor.
+
+But Anne did not seem to approve of the plan. She shook her head as she
+gazed at the curly-haired boy who was banging the breakfast table with a
+teaspoon. "That would never do for you, girls."
+
+But another ring on the telephone interrupted further argument on that
+subject. Anne described Billy all over again--"Large brown eyes, very
+soft silky hair--yellow and curly. About thirty pounds weight, eight
+front teeth, aged about sixteen months."
+
+Before she had completed her description of the foundling, the
+distracted mother at the other end of the wire sighed: "He's not
+mine--thank you."
+
+"Polly and I are not going to school this morning, Anne," Eleanor now
+informed the young teacher.
+
+"I don't see why not?" demanded she.
+
+"First, your mother can't be chasing back and forth to the 'phone all
+day; and secondly, we do not propose having a stranger calling and
+stealing our baby. Unless the parents present perfectly satisfactory
+evidence that Billy is theirs, no one shall get him."
+
+Anne smiled, but seeing that it was almost nine o'clock, she consented
+to the two girls remaining home that session; furthermore, she promised
+to explain to Mrs. Wellington about the magnet that had kept them at
+home.
+
+Later in the morning, Dr. Evans stopped in to see if any one had called
+for the baby. Polly and Eleanor were in the midst of giving Billy his
+bath in the large tub. Such laughing and shouting had never been heard
+in that bathroom before. Even Mrs. Stewart laughed in sympathy, as she
+told the doctor what a fine well-behaved child Billy was.
+
+"I'll call again this evening, Mrs. Stewart. If he has not been claimed
+by that time, I will see what I can do to relieve you of his care."
+
+"Oh--he is no care whatever, doctor; and I doubt whether the girls will
+consent to your taking him to a home--for a few days, at any rate. They
+think someone will call for him."
+
+"But you haven't any clothes or other necessities for him, have you?"
+asked the doctor.
+
+"We didn't have at first, but Nolla and Polly ran to a department store
+on Fifth avenue--it's only a few blocks over, you know,--and bought him
+everything he needs. When he had his shoes on he stood up and began
+walking about while he held fast to the chairs. He certainly is a bright
+child."
+
+"Well, the girls ought not to go silly over him. Buying clothes and
+shoes and everything--until they know who he is."
+
+"If no one ever calls, Billy has to have clothes; anyway, we thought we
+ought to get them, now, instead of later."
+
+"I can see, Mrs. Stewart, that you are as foolish about the baby, as the
+two girls are themselves," laughed Dr. Evans, as he took up his hat to
+depart.
+
+Mrs. Stewart laughed, but the moment the doctor was out of the front
+door, she hurried upstairs to help dress the boy after his bath.
+
+Once he was dressed in his new clothing, and had had a full cup of warm
+milk and gruel, he cuddled down for his nap.
+
+"Now, no use talking! he is a wonder!" declared Eleanor.
+
+"We can keep him, as well as not. He isn't one mite of trouble," added
+Polly.
+
+Having waited until Billy was fast asleep, Mrs. Stewart tip-toed from
+the bedroom, beckoning the girls to follow her out.
+
+The police-department had sent their detective to get all the facts from
+Eleanor and Polly, and the press had sent to find out if there was any
+other clue or information about the boy; then, no further interruptions
+took place that day.
+
+The two girls sat out under the locust tree in the yard, because there
+they could hear the first whimper from Billy, when he awoke from his
+nap. As they sat there, they discussed his future.
+
+"If no one ever calls for him, what _shall_ we do with him?' asked
+Polly, giving Eleanor a penetrating look.
+
+"You've got something on your mind--what is it?" countered Eleanor.
+
+"Yes, I have, but I want to hear what _you_ have to say."
+
+"I'd love to keep him, Polly--at least as long as we are in New York. I
+suppose it would be impossible to take him abroad with us, next summer,"
+returned Eleanor.
+
+"Yes--impossible. And if we keep him with us, we will have to hire a
+nurse-maid, as poor Mrs. Stewart can't look after a lively youngster all
+day, while we are at school."
+
+"What was your idea, then?" wondered Eleanor.
+
+"Can't you guess, Nolla? And his name is Billy, too!"
+
+For an instant Eleanor's face looked too surprised to allow her to
+speak. Then she stammered: "Well--of all things!"
+
+"What do you make of it?" laughed Polly.
+
+"Wonderful--but what is your plan?"
+
+"Seeing his name is Billy, and his eyes are dark brown and his hair
+golden curls, and he is about sixteen months old--all of which are in
+his favor to advance my little scheme, I should say that we try to keep
+him a few weeks, right now, and see if we can add to Billy's winsome
+ways. Meanwhile, we will use every effort to find if he has any
+relatives; then should he be a veritable foundling, we will present him
+to dear Mr. Dalken for his very own."
+
+"Splendiferous! Perfectly great!" cried Eleanor, slapping her friend on
+the back in her delight.
+
+"We will quietly advertise for and select a fine elderly nurse for
+Billy, right off, and when we have him all ready to be given away, he
+will be a little wonder that no one can refuse."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Dalken won't think of refusing him, I know! He will be so happy
+to have a boy again," Eleanor said, enthusiastically.
+
+Several times during the day, the telephone rang and someone asked for a
+description of the baby. Also a number of wild looking people called at
+the address to have a look at the child, but all departed with forlorn
+hopes.
+
+As that night was not a class-evening, the girls were free to do as they
+liked with their time. Anne and her mother were amusing themselves, as
+much as the baby, by teaching him to say 'Billy.' Polly and Eleanor were
+eagerly watching results. But harshly upon this sweet scene, the
+door-bell jangled.
+
+"I'll go!" called Eleanor, and in another minute she had opened the
+door.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Fabian. Do come in and see our baby!"
+
+Then another admirer joined the circle of worshippers around Billy's
+feet. Mr. Fabian had heard the story from Dr. Evans and dropped in to
+see if the boy was still with his friends.
+
+"He is a dear little shaver, isn't he?" laughed Mr. Fabian. "But what
+will you do with him if no one claims him?"
+
+"We really haven't thought of that," said Anne.
+
+"I'm afraid, if we keep him here with us a week, or more, we won't want
+to give him up again," added Mrs. Stewart.
+
+Mr. Fabian saw, from the corner of his eye, that Polly was behind him
+trying to draw his attention. So he managed to turn his head without
+attracting Anne's or Mrs. Stewart's attention, and saw the two girls
+shake their heads wisely, meantime their fingers rested upon their lips
+in sign of keeping silence.
+
+Consequently no more was said, that evening, about Billy, and when Mr.
+Fabian was ready to leave, Polly and Eleanor said they believed they
+would walk to the corner with their old friend. The baby had been in bed
+for some time, and Anne was busy writing manuscript, so no one objected
+to the proposal. Mrs. Stewart merely remarked: "Don't go any farther
+than the corner, dearies. And hurry right back home."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI--BILLY FINDS A FATHER
+
+
+The moment the two girls had Mr. Fabian outside of the Studio, where
+they could talk in perfect freedom, they told him of their secret plan.
+
+"We are going to keep the baby for a few weeks and see that he is
+perfectly trained, then we are going to present him to dear Mr. Dalken,"
+began Polly, eagerly.
+
+"Oh, but we will try and find a sensible woman who will take all care of
+him, and Mr. Dalken can enjoy Billy when he is at home with nothing else
+to do," added Eleanor.
+
+Mr. Fabian was speechless, then he smiled. "Does our friend know about
+this?"
+
+"Mercy sakes, no! We want to surprise him. We thought it would be fine,
+if we could keep the baby that long, to leave him at Mr. Dalken's
+apartment on Thanksgiving morning," returned Polly.
+
+"Don't you think he would like that?" from Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+"Mr. Dalken is now out west on important business, so of course, he
+doesn't know a thing about Billy, unless he read about it in the New
+York papers," remarked Mr. Fabian, thoughtfully. "I don't suppose he
+will take time to glance over every news item in the papers, as he is
+too preoccupied, at present, with the financial pages."
+
+"Well, what has that to do with our plan?" asked Eleanor.
+
+"He won't know a thing about the baby, and you can easily keep the idea
+secret until Thanksgiving, if you can get the right kind of a woman to
+take daily care of the boy. Of course, you were going to do that,
+anyway, were you not?"
+
+"I suppose so--we really hadn't got as far as that in our planning,"
+admitted Polly.
+
+"But we will, Mr. Fabian, now that you have mentioned it. How shall we
+know if we have the right sort of nurse?" added Eleanor.
+
+"I'll call up Ashby. I was there for dinner to-night, and they told me
+of a woman they know well, who is compelled to earn her living, because
+of family reverses. Shall we stop in the hotel across the street and use
+the booth there?"
+
+"Oh, yes! Let's, Mr. Fabian!" exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+"No time like the present when you have any important work to do," added
+Polly.
+
+Mr. Fabian left the door of the telephone booth slightly ajar so the two
+girls could assist in the conversation. He soon had Mr. Ashby's house
+number and asked if Mr. or Mrs. Ashby were in.
+
+Shortly thereafter a man's voice was heard talking on the wire. "Is this
+Fabian--oh, yes. What can I do for you, old man?"
+
+Then Mr. Fabian replied: "Why, I called upon my girls at the Studio this
+evening, after I left you, and I found the most astonishing addition to
+their family circle. A little baby boy was left on their door-step, it
+seems. A fine little fellow, too.
+
+"So far, no one has called to claim him, and should no one come, the two
+girls have a plan to place him in a good home. They told me all about
+it, and I rather approve of the idea, too. But what they need, at once,
+is an experienced, capable woman to take care of the boy, until
+Thanksgiving Day--perhaps after that, if she is found to be
+satisfactory.
+
+"I thought, at once, of that woman that Mrs. Ashby and you were speaking
+of, at table, to-night. Do you suppose she would consider a position as
+second-mother to a baby?"
+
+The girls strained their ears to hear the reply but Mr. Ashby spoke too
+low, and they could but judge what he said by Mr. Fabian's words
+afterward.
+
+"Fine! If Mrs. Ashby will not consider it too much trouble. And she will
+bring Martha down to-morrow afternoon when the girls are home from
+school?"
+
+Polly and Eleanor smiled with relief, and Mr. Fabian said over the
+'phone, "All right! Thanks, Ashby. And thank your wife for the two
+girls, too, who are waiting here for the verdict."
+
+As the three left the hotel again, Mr. Fabian said: "Now that much is
+satisfactorily settled for you, and Billy shall have a good woman to
+look after him, if he is still unclaimed to-morrow afternoon."
+
+The girls were altogether too inexperienced to realize that it was
+curious how easily the Ashbys, Mr. Dalken's most intimate friends, and
+Mr. Fabian agreed to such a strange plan as trying to saddle a foundling
+baby on a man who lived a hermit's life when in his own home.
+
+They never questioned the readiness with which these friends accepted
+their proposition, but they were delighted at the "lucky chance" that
+brought a woman to Mrs. Ashby on the very day that they began to think
+of employing a woman-nurse for the baby.
+
+Mr. Fabian walked back to the Studio door with them, smiling at their
+dreams of future bliss for Mr. Dalken. In fact, their thoughts traveled
+so far into the future, that they saw Billy a fine young man and Mr.
+Dalken, white-haired and bent, depending on his beloved adopted son for
+everything.
+
+The four inmates of the Studio were not aware that they had been kept
+singularly free from constant annoyance from reporters and police. Nor
+did they realize that the short news article that had appeared in the
+papers, had been a wonderful story to catch the eyes of curious readers,
+but _some_one in authority had ordered it "cut" to an inch.
+
+The afternoon following Mr. Fabian's visit to the girls, they hurried
+home from school and found Mrs. Ashby's car in front of the house. They
+quickly entered the front door and greeted her with a smiling welcome.
+
+"I see you have Billy in hand, already," laughed Polly.
+
+"Yes; isn't he a friendly little fellow?" replied Mrs. Ashby.
+
+"Wonderful! We never knew babies were so easy to live with," added
+Eleanor.
+
+"Mrs. Stewart took Martha upstairs to show her how you managed for the
+baby. He may need extra things, or other conveniences," suggested Mrs.
+Ashby.
+
+Even as she spoke, the sound of steps was heard descending the front
+stairs, and soon after, Mrs. Stewart led Martha in, and introduced her
+to Polly and Eleanor. The girls liked the refined look and quiet
+sensible words and manners of the nurse-to-be.
+
+"Isn't it splendid that Martha should have been relieved, last week, of
+just such a position as we now need her for? She was in the country
+taking charge of a baby of about this boy's age, but some friends came
+and took him away, so she was free to find another position," explained
+Mrs. Ashby.
+
+Martha handled Billy as if she was an expert, and the boy crowed and
+tried to talk to her, as if he had known her all his life.
+
+"I never saw a friendlier baby than this one. He smiles and is contented
+with anybody, and that will make it fine for Martha," remarked Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+So it was immediately decided to retain Martha during the day, but she
+would have to find a place to lodge, nearby and leave Billy with the
+girls during the night. This pleased them well, for they did not wish to
+relinquish all rights of attendance on their baby to a stranger.
+
+"I may as well remain for the rest of this afternoon, Madam," said
+Martha, speaking to Mrs. Ashby, "as I have no other place to go."
+
+"How about seeking for a room in the neighborhood and taking it to-day?
+You may not have a free half hour, like this, again," suggested Mrs.
+Ashby.
+
+Martha silently acquiesced but she cast a troubled gaze at the child;
+when Eleanor picked him up by the arms, she immediately corrected the
+mistake, by saying, "Miss, you should always hold a baby at his age,
+about the waist--a hand on each side of him. _Never_ by the arms!"
+
+Mrs. Ashby offered to drive Martha about to hunt up a furnished room, so
+the girls said good-by to their callers.
+
+That evening was school-night again, and Mr. Fabian was interested in
+hearing if Martha had proved satisfactory. Even Ruth Ashby took a
+personal interest in the baby-boy, now that Martha was to be his nurse.
+
+"Do you know Martha?" asked Polly, surprised.
+
+"Of course. Wasn't she mother's nurse, years ago?"
+
+"Oh--I thought she was a lady of means who had just lost everything,"
+remarked Eleanor.
+
+"Well, it is this way. When mother was a little mite Martha was a girl
+of about fourteen. Grandma engaged her to push mother's carriage out for
+a walk every day. Then Martha grew up and married and mother never saw
+her again, for a long time.
+
+"Her husband's nephew came to live with them, as Martha never had any
+children, but her nephew grew up and married. Then Martha's husband
+died, and she went to live with the nephew and his wife. They were
+well-to-do young people, and Martha had an easy life there.
+
+"They had a baby, and Martha took care of him, as if she was his own
+mother. Then the nephew enlisted in the war and was killed 'over there.'
+His wife pined a lot, and during the epidemic of the flu, last Winter,
+she took it and died, too.
+
+"That left Martha with the baby, but she hadn't a cent to live on,
+because there was only the money the baby ought to have had from the
+Government, because of losing his father in battle. But Martha didn't
+understand how to go about getting it, and when a friend of hers offered
+to find a good home for the baby, the poor great-aunt consented. She had
+no other choice, as she would have to work herself, and could not be
+hampered by a little boy.
+
+"Then she came to mother and that is how it all happened."
+
+"I wonder what became of her grand-nephew?" asked Polly.
+
+"Mother begged of me not to mention it, and never to refer to the past,
+when Martha was about," said Ruth, seriously.
+
+"I suppose the poor thing misses her little nephew so much!" observed
+Polly, sympathetically.
+
+"Yes, that must be the reason," agreed Ruth.
+
+Mr. Fabian listened attentively and approved of Mrs. Ashby's advice to
+her daughter.
+
+No one came to claim Billy, and the days passed swiftly for the
+self-appointed mothers of the boy. He was so merry and good-natured a
+child, that Mrs. Stewart sighed when she thought of the Studio without
+him. Before November passed, he could walk all alone and even tried to
+climb the stairs.
+
+Martha was a jewel with him. She never seemed too tired to do things for
+him. She it was, who taught him his table manners and insisted upon his
+saying "Plee" and "Tant" for anything. He could say "Dadda" and
+"Biddy"--the latter meaning himself.
+
+Polly and Eleanor spent every spare moment teaching him new
+accomplishments, so that before the middle of Thanksgiving month, the
+boy really was unusually precocious and well-behaved.
+
+Mr. Dalken returned to New York the third week in November and
+immediately sent out cards to his friends for a dinner-party. It was
+very private, only the circle acquainted with Polly and Eleanor were to
+be his guests. But they had a good time, nevertheless, and Mr. Dalken
+appeared more cheerful than of yore.
+
+"Now what do you suppose I called you together for?" said he, after the
+table had been cleared of the roast and everyone was ready to listen
+while waiting for salad.
+
+"Dear me, I hope you are not going to spring a sensational surprise on
+us!" Eleanor said, her face expressing worry.
+
+Everyone laughed, but Mr. Dalken said: "What would you call a
+sensation?"
+
+"Oh, well! in case you were married while in Chicago! That would ruin my
+hopes," interpolated Polly, anxiously.
+
+A general laugh greeted this, and Mr. Dalken retorted:
+
+"I hadn't even dreamed of such a possibility, but now that you plainly
+show me how you have been hoping I would propose to you, I may as well
+take my medicine like a man!"
+
+"Me--you--propose! What _are_ you talking of?" cried Polly, aghast.
+
+Everyone laughed teasingly, but Eleanor explained quickly. "He
+misunderstood your reason for worrying, Polly. Just like a man--they
+think one is always thinking of marriage, even when there are great
+charities being perfected."
+
+Mr. Dalken now showed his surprise, and asked what really was the cause
+of Polly's anxiety.
+
+"Oh, you'll see some day. We can't tell you now!" laughed Eleanor.
+
+"Then I may as well confess to you-all and tell you what my surprise is.
+
+"I finished my business in Chicago much sooner than I had hoped for, and
+went on to Pebbly Pit to see how things were progressing. I had a
+delightful visit at the ranch, and am able to say that work has reached
+the point, now, where the mining machines will start working next week,
+unless snow stops everything."
+
+"Oh, then you saw father and mother!" cried Polly, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, and I have all sorts of good things for you from home. A jar of
+preserves, and a dozen or more of glasses filled with jelly and other
+delectable sweets that Sary insisted that I carry to you. I did my best
+to explain that it would be cheaper and safer if she sent them by
+express or parcel post--but no! She told me 'A bird in th' hand is wuth
+two er three in a bush.'"
+
+Polly and Eleanor instantly visualized Sary as she made this remark, and
+they laughed merrily.
+
+Mr. Dalken then repeated minutest details of the work on Rainbow Cliffs,
+and the gold mine on Grizzly Slide. As everything promised so well, the
+girls felt elated at their future prospects.
+
+Mr. Ashby wanted to know if his friend had succeeded in buying any more
+stock for him, and Mr. Dalken replied: "You'll have to wait until
+Latimer issues another block. No one I know of will sell any of what
+they hold."
+
+The evening passed pleasantly with intimate matters to speak of, and at
+last Anne said: "We must be going, Mr. Dalken. The girls have one of
+their long class days, to-morrow, you know."
+
+"Yes, and Martha will want to go to bed," added Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"Who's Martha? Got a servant at last?" asked Mr. Dalken.
+
+"Why, no, Martha--" Mrs. Stewart began innocently, but the two girls
+wildly interrupted her. Polly shouted unusually loud for her, "Oh, I am
+so tired!"
+
+Eleanor had managed to wink her eyes warningly at Mrs. Stewart, and that
+lady realized that she had almost "put her foot in it." Mr. Dalken
+noticed something was disturbing the two girls, but he never dreamed
+what it was.
+
+The following evening, at art class, Mr. Fabian had news for the two
+girls. "Mr. Ashby has invited Mr. Dalken to have his Thanksgiving Dinner
+with his family, and that will give you the opportunity you need, to get
+Billy settled in his new home."
+
+"Oh, how can we part from him!" sighed Eleanor, wiping an eye, as she
+pictured the lonely rooms.
+
+"Yes--" sighed Polly, mournfully. "That's the worst of having a dog or a
+baby that you become so fond of."
+
+"But you will see Billy three nights a week, and you never could have
+kept him for yourselves, you know," said Mr. Fabian.
+
+Thanksgiving Day Martha seemed all upset. The idea of moving the baby to
+a new home, and perhaps not being welcome, made her cry softly, now and
+then. The little family at the Studio, instead of being very grateful
+for all the blessings they had had during the past year, went about
+looking forlorn and miserable.
+
+They went to the Latimers for dinner that noon, and left Martha with the
+baby. It had been planned that they would get back home by eight o'clock
+and accompany their baby-gift over to Mr. Dalken's apartment. Billy
+would be placed in bed where his new foster father would find him, and
+then would come the joy of it all.
+
+The plans worked out as expected to a certain degree. Mr. Dalken went up
+to the Ashbys for dinner, and a little after eight o'clock, a mournful
+procession wended its way from the Studio door. Martha carried Billy
+carefully. Polly and Eleanor carried the tub, chair, and other articles
+of use for the baby. Anne carried the bundles of clothing, and Mrs.
+Stewart carried the milk-warmer, the other food-equipment, and the extra
+blankets.
+
+Mr. Dalken's chauffeur opened the door to admit the visitors, but when
+he saw the burdens the ladies carried, he was speechless. Eleanor tried
+to explain that they had a new boy for Mr. Dalken, but Henri seemed not
+to appreciate the fact.
+
+Billy was gurgling and trying to get his active fists out of the quilted
+blanket, but Martha held him firmly until she had him in the bedroom
+where Mr. Dalken slept.
+
+"We are going to leave him right in the middle of this big bed, Henri,
+so his new father will find him when he comes in to-night," explained
+Eleanor, arranging the baby's bedding on the large expanse of
+bed-spread.
+
+Billy was arrayed for the night, and everyone kissed him tearfully, as
+if he was about to be placed in his coffin. Then Martha gave him a drink
+of warm milk and placed him in his blankets.
+
+Hardly had they tucked him up, before the bell at the entrance rang
+imperatively. Henri glanced distractedly at the baby and then at the
+other visitors, before he turned to answer the call. It rang a second
+time before he opened the door.
+
+"Let's turn down the light and hide behind the velour porti�res,"
+whispered Anne, anxiously.
+
+The five guilty members of the surprise-party quickly hid themselves as
+best they could, but not so soon, but that they heard Henri returning.
+He was talking, and other voices were replying.
+
+"I donno why the missee's come in an' fetch a bebby. Dey say 'He a big
+surprise,' Mr. Dalken."
+
+To the amazement of the hidden ones, Mr. Dalken's voice now replied:
+"Never mind, Henri. I'll be out with my visitors, in a moment. I only
+want to get a handkerchief from the dresser."
+
+The five culprits saw him switch up the lights and they then heard Billy
+welcome the unusual privilege with a gurgle. Not a sound came from the
+man who must have heard the baby-voice and seen the occupant of his
+massive four-poster.
+
+Polly could stand it no longer. She had to peep out at what was going
+on. The first thing she saw, was Eleanor's head showing from the side of
+the other porti�re. Both girls watched the scene with bated breath.
+
+Mr. Dalken stood beside the bed, looking down at the little bundle that
+made a dent in the middle of his comfortable mattress. Billy was waving
+his fists invitingly, as if to say, "Come on and fight!"
+
+As the two girls watched him, Mr. Dalken smiled and said: "So _you_ are
+Billy Martin, are you?"
+
+The two eaves-droppers glanced at each other in consternation. "How and
+why did Mr. Dalken call _their_ baby Billy Martin?"
+
+"Well, Billy, suppose we go out and see what your Daddy thinks of you.
+For my part, I say you're just about perfect." As Mr. Dalken spoke, he
+carefully lifted the willing baby from the bed and cuddled him in his
+arms. Then he went from the room.
+
+"Polly!" hissed Eleanor, anxiously, "did you hear what he said?"
+
+"S-sh! let us follow and see what's the matter. Someone came in with Mr.
+Dalken, you know," returned Polly in a low voice.
+
+Mrs. Stewart and Anne now crept from behind the heavy window curtains
+and tip-toed after Polly and Eleanor. And, last of all, Martha came from
+behind the door and followed in the wake of the other four. Then they
+heard Mr. Dalken talking.
+
+"Well, here's the boy, but how he ever got into my rooms I cannot say.
+Mrs. Ashby will have to explain that, in a minute, as she is the one who
+seemed to know where to find Martha and the baby."
+
+Martha was still in the hall and could not see who was in the
+living-room with Mr. Dalken, but the four conspirators now stood staring
+at the group in the center of the lighted room.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Ashby were seated in comfortable armchairs, smiling happily
+at the two standing men and about to make the baby comfortable. He had
+been transferred from Mr. Dalken's arms to those of a younger man who
+was trembling with joy at beholding Billy's smiling little face.
+
+"There, now, Martin. Isn't he worth living for? You said you wanted to
+die, when you found your wife was gone. But let me tell you, my boy,
+this baby ought to make you brace up." Mr. Dalken patted the strange
+young man on the shoulder, and just then Martha burst into the room.
+
+"Jimmy! Oh, Jimmy--is it you, or is it someone who looks like my dead
+Jimmy?"
+
+"Aunt Martha--Dear Aunt Martha--it is your own Jimmy. I was a long time
+coming home, but here I am at last!"
+
+Then Polly and Eleanor learned the true story about their precious Billy
+who was, according to them, to have adopted Mr. Dalken for a father.
+
+"Girls, I appreciate your great sacrifice to try and make me happy, for
+I have heard from the Ashbys how much you wanted to keep Billy, but you
+felt that he ought to belong to me. Seeing that he came so near to being
+mine, I shall always take a great interest in him and his relatives,"
+began Mr. Dalken, while Jimmy Martin and Martha went into the other room
+to be alone with the baby.
+
+"You see, Mrs. Ashby is at the bottom of this plot and having roped in
+her husband to believe just as she did, the next step was to make the
+whole plan seem accidental.
+
+"So, when Martha was left with the baby, she called on Mrs. Ashby for
+help. Seeing that the boy had brown eyes and was named Billy, my anxious
+friend decided that he was what I ought to have to cheer me. Martha was
+boarded in a country home until I prepared to go west on my business
+trip.
+
+"Just about that time, you found an unknown babe on your door-step, but
+had we been able to look behind the scenes, I think you would have seen
+the Ashby's car down on the corner, and Martha anxiously waiting to see
+if you took Billy in, all right.
+
+"After that, Billy made his own way with you people, as he is apt to
+make it with everyone. And what was so natural, as that you should fall
+in with Mr. Fabian's well-learned lesson. The Ashbys made him memorize
+just what to say and to do it every day.
+
+"All went as had been planned, and my dear friends here were so pleased
+with themselves at the little scheme, that they planned to return home
+with me to-night and see how I liked the baby-surprise. But this is
+where an unexpected and unknown actor entered upon the stage.
+
+"James Martin was not killed in battle. He was wounded and taken
+prisoner by the Germans. He was so dangerously injured that he was left
+to die in a small town in the interior. But he managed to pull through,
+and after many months of convalescence, he worked his way from Germany
+back to Paris.
+
+"It took several months more to identify him and get a passport for him
+to America. When he went to his old home town to find his wife and
+child, he learned that one was dead and the other was taken away by the
+aunt. The shock sent him to the county hospital again, and it was
+several months before he could get out to start a hunt for his boy.
+
+"He learned where Martha had gone, and to-night, James called at the
+house to ask Mrs. Ashby if she knew anything about his boy and aunt. I
+happened to be in the hall when he came in.
+
+"So here we are, girls; you lose a proteg� and I lose a boy."
+
+"Oh, but James wins back his boy again!" cried Polly, delightedly.
+
+"I want to know, Mr. Dalken," demanded Eleanor, frowning, "did Ruth
+Ashby know the truth about this when she told us that yarn about
+Martha?"
+
+Mr. Dalken laughed. "No, girls. Poor Ruth is as upset about it as you
+could wish her to be. She wants me to adopt Billy, anyway, even with his
+real father on hand to claim him. I really think Mrs. Ashby is the one
+we have to put through the third degree on this whole plot."
+
+Mrs. Ashby looked up and smiled. "Well, I told the truth about the
+matter, didn't I? But I refrained from telling Ruth that Martha was the
+same woman who was aunt to Billy, and I withheld the facts that Billy
+was the same baby that you girls found on your door-step--that's all."
+
+"That's all----" laughed Mr. Dalken. "As if that was not enough! To
+deprive me of the son my two pet girls tried to place in my arms."
+
+Polly flung herself in his arms and hugged him as she said, "Nolla and I
+will have to adopt you ourselves, now."
+
+And he whispered in her ear, so only she could hear: "You haven't any
+idea how happy you girls make me. I have found something in life worth
+while, since I found all of these good friends."
+
+Then Mrs. Ashby said: "Dalk, you have been hunting for a reliable man
+and wife to take charge of your apartment, so I think it is Providence
+that sent Martha and James to you. You will have admirable help in them
+and little Billy, too."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII--POLLY AND ELEANOR LEAVE FOR EUROPE
+
+
+"I do declare! here it is the first of May, and it seems as if it were
+but yesterday that we came back to New York to study," exclaimed
+Eleanor, as Polly and she were returning from art class one evening.
+
+"And we are no more decided about what we shall do this Summer, than we
+were last Fall. If only Dad would consent to our joining the Ashbys and
+Mr. Fabian on the European trip, in June," returned Polly.
+
+"I'm glad father says _I_ may go if your father consents. Of course we
+shall have to go, some time or other, Polly, before we could settle down
+as experienced decorators; but this is a fine opportunity--to be members
+of a party of appreciative people such as is seldom offered to young
+beginners as we are."
+
+"Eleanor, have you thought of what we shall do, next year of school, if
+Anne marries John? You know, Mrs. Stewart says she is going back to
+Denver to keep house for Paul, as he will graduate with the other boys,
+next month."
+
+"Uh-huh! John and Tom will settle down at Pebbly Pit to superintend the
+mine and jewel cliffs, and Paul will join the survey crew in Denver. I
+suppose my brother Pete will be hanging about them, somewhere, doing odd
+jobs, now and then."
+
+Eleanor spoke in a half-humorous tone, but Polly was in earnest.
+
+"Well, then, if Anne is John's wife, and Mrs. Stewart in Denver, where
+do we fit in?"
+
+"I've thought it all out, Polly--never fear! You see Mr. Fabian expects
+to bring his wife and daughter back to America this year, as Nancy has
+finished her art studies abroad. If we make ourselves agreeable to them,
+and then hint gently, on the trip back home, that we have no place to
+live in, the coming winter, they'll take us right in with them. How'd
+you like that!"
+
+"Oh, it would be great, Nolla, but would it be quite the proper thing
+for us to do--to throw ourselves upon their hospitality?"
+
+"Polly, they ought to be thankful to have two such nice girls with them!
+To say nothing of our eventually becoming the greatest interior
+decorators of the present day," exclaimed Eleanor, her well-shaped
+little head rearing itself in conscious pride.
+
+Polly laughed. "Well, Nolla, we will never suffer for lack of
+self-esteem. Even if others declare we know nothing, you will be able to
+keep the family pride up to high-water mark. If we knew but one-third of
+all you _think_ we do, we could take Mr. Ashby in partnership with us,
+now."
+
+"There's another thing, Polly, that is a golden opportunity for us. The
+idea of having a successful decorator like Mr. Ashby plan to take us in
+his business when we are through school, is enough to turn anyone's
+head. But not ours, Polly--we are too sensible!"
+
+Again Polly laughed at her friend's meekness--so-called. "Mr. Ashby may
+change his mind before we are ready to accept his offer. We have two
+years still in which to study, you know."
+
+"That will fly like these past two years have. Why here we are only
+sixteen and just see all we know!"
+
+"Yes, and just see all we have yet to know!" retorted Polly.
+
+"I tell you what, those Saturday mornings we spent in Mr. Ashby's
+sales-rooms were a wonderful help, eh?"
+
+"Yes; I really believe, Nolla, that I learned as much of textiles, and
+fabrics, by simply handling and selling the materials, as if I had given
+days to the study of them."
+
+"It was not only a brilliant idea of Mr. Fabian's, to suggest to Mr.
+Ashby that Ruth and we two girls be permitted to act as clerks in his
+rooms, but it was as kind and generous of Mr. Ashby to take us. The way
+he taught us all about different factories and their best and weakest
+points in manufacture; the time he took to demonstrate differences in
+lace and silk curtains, the best style of linen for covers and
+draperies, the tapestries and carpets of modern factories--why, I can
+tell at a glance now, just whose goods I am handling."
+
+"Yes," admitted Polly. "How many decorators' assistants know the style
+of upholstery buttons that ought to be used on a French divan? Or what
+shaped button ought to go on a Turkish chair? I never dreamed that there
+was any difference, according to art, between a tufted wing-chair and
+one that was smoothly upholstered. I bet the majority of people select
+one or the other because they like the looks, but very few know that
+certain lines in a fireside chair demand tufted upholstery, and another
+period must never have buttons or fringe."
+
+"Exactly! That is what I mean, Polly, when I say I am sure we two know
+an awful lot about decorating, already. It is so."
+
+"Dear old Fabian says, this is our critical year--if we can manage to
+pass through the period between second and third years of study without
+discovering that we know it all, we may eventually hope to become
+average decorators," Polly laughed.
+
+"Pooh! We both know Mr. Fabian is a dotard about us. If anyone dares to
+hint that we are not as advanced as he says we are, he glares like a
+jealous cat over her kittens."
+
+Polly and Eleanor reached the Studio by this time and found Anne reading
+a long letter from John. She was smiling happily as she read, and
+Eleanor grinned charitably at her.
+
+Polly sat down to wait till the letter was read. Then Anne glanced over
+at the girls.
+
+"Well, dears, John has definitely settled everything. Tom Latimer and he
+are coming on to New York directly their college commencement is over.
+Polly's father and mother _may_ decide to come, but that is not yet
+certain. As soon as you two girls are off, we will all go back home and
+stay."
+
+"'And they lived happily ever after,'" quoth Eleanor, teasingly.
+
+Anne smiled. Polly seemed dissatisfied.
+
+"What do you mean 'as soon as you girls are off?'"
+
+"Why, off on the European trip. The Ashbys were here to-night and it is
+all settled. Mr. Brewster wrote a fine letter and thanked them for their
+wonderful offer to chaperone you girls."
+
+"Oh, oh!" shouted Eleanor, springing up and throwing her arms about
+Polly's neck.
+
+Anne and her mother laughed as the impulsive girl whirled Polly around
+and around, until both, exhausted, fell upon the divan. Then Polly asked
+the question Eleanor had choked in her throat.
+
+"What about John, Anne? Are you going to Denver or to Pebbly Pit?"
+
+"I expect to go to Pebbly Pit, dear," said Anne, blushing.
+
+"No need to feel embarrassed over it, Anne," laughed Eleanor. "It isn't
+as if we had never heard of your plan. Besides we are all in the family,
+now--or at least we will be."
+
+"Where does your relationship come in, Nolla?" asked Mrs. Stewart,
+quizzically.
+
+"Why, didn't you know, Mother Stewart? I propose to become Paul's bride,
+some day, but he doesn't know it, either!" and the irrepressible girl
+laughed madly as she ran upstairs to her room.
+
+Her friends in the living-room laughed also, but Polly doubted that it
+was said in fun. She rather suspected Eleanor of receiving many nice
+letters from Paul Stewart, during her second year in New York. But
+Eleanor kept her own secret.
+
+As June entered and schools were all beginning their examinations, Mrs.
+Stewart began to clear up the rooms in the home they had occupied for
+two years. Anne's and her own personal property were to be packed and
+sent to Denver. Polly and Eleanor's had to be sorted and packed and
+stored; the winter clothing in strong moth-proof chests, and the things
+they proposed taking abroad with them, in small steamer trunks.
+
+Mr. Fabian had spoken for the lease on the Studio when Mrs. Stewart's
+time expired, and until then, most of the furniture could remain as it
+was. Polly and Eleanor were to have the two small rooms and live with
+the Fabians, and Mrs. Fabian had written that she would buy back the
+things as they stood, thus saving everyone trouble and time.
+
+As the days of June passed, Anne had another letter from John, begging
+her to come to the graduation in Chicago. But Polly and Eleanor needed
+her in New York, as everything was in a panic preparing for the ocean
+voyage, and working so hard at school, too.
+
+Before the girls knew it, therefore, the westerners were with them in
+New York. Mr. and Mrs. Brewster expected to see Polly off on the
+steamer, and John said he had unexpectedly planned to have Anne marry
+him before Polly sailed.
+
+"Oh, that will be great! A wedding and a farewell party all in one,"
+cried Eleanor.
+
+But John took Polly aside and whispered: "Polly, I want my only sister
+to witness my marriage to the best girl living, so you will have to
+persuade Anne to look at it as I do."
+
+"All right, John," laughingly replied Polly. "I'll do my best to make
+her steal my only brother from me."
+
+Tom Latimer joined them at this moment, and said to Polly: "You have
+grown so tall and look such a fine young lady, that I wonder how Anne
+can steal any man from you. Now if I were John, I should never _want_ to
+be stolen from you."
+
+"Oh, Tom!" laughed Polly, greatly amused at his words. "You talk exactly
+like Winnie Trevors. He's the society pet that expects to marry
+Elizabeth Dalken. But you should see him--and hear him talk!"
+
+"Tom Latimer would never thank you for that left-handed compliment,
+Polly, if he could but see the slim little dude you compared to him,"
+said Eleanor, joining the group.
+
+"I believe I do know him, Polly--If he is the silver-haired lap-dog I
+went to grammar-school with."
+
+"Yes--he _has_ got whitish hair, Tom!" laughed Eleanor.
+
+Polly smiled but said nothing. Then Tom said, "Will you take all that
+back, Poll, or must I punish you severely, some day?"
+
+"I never take back a word I once have said--unless I can see where I can
+benefit myself. You see, Tom, I have changed woefully, since living in
+New York. I am exactly like other citizens here--I am supremely selfish,
+these days."
+
+Tom smiled. "I can offer you a bite of attractive bait. Will you
+apologise for calling me 'exactly like Winnie' if I tell you a profound
+secret?"
+
+"That depends! What do you call 'profound,' and will I be concerned in
+hearing it?" teased Polly.
+
+Eleanor had never known Polly to behave so coquettishly before, and to
+her astonishment, she beheld her little model of virtue flirt
+distractingly with Tom. Or Eleanor _thought_ Polly was flirting, when
+she sent a dazzling look at him from her wonderful eyes.
+
+"It is the secret about the Valentine Roses. At last I have managed to
+learn who really sent them to you."
+
+Eleanor perked up. Here was a delightful situation. Polly had never been
+able to find out who had sent the roses, and Tom was ready to confess.
+
+"Oh, really!" exclaimed Polly, eagerly inquisitive.
+
+Tom laughed. "Are you concerned? Is it a profound secret?"
+
+"Yes, oh, yes, Tom!" cried Eleanor, excitedly. "Do tell us what you
+know."
+
+"But Polly has to show her interest, too. If she says she is sorry for
+likening me to Winfield, I will tell her who sent the roses."
+
+"Is he nice, Tom?" asked Polly, anxiously.
+
+"I have heard people _say_ he is, and _I_ think him great!"
+
+Eleanor chuckled. This was a scene after her own heart.
+
+"Is he old--or ugly, Tom?" added Polly.
+
+"No--he is young, and not _very_ bad-looking."
+
+Polly thought seriously, then said: "Does he live in New York?"
+
+"I won't answer any more such questions, Polly, it isn't fair unless you
+do your part," laughed Tom.
+
+"Oh, well, then, please excuse me for ever mentioning you in the same
+_breath_ with Winnie," giggled Polly. "Now tell me who sent those
+roses."
+
+"I will, Polly, but not to-day. I did not promise to tell you, at
+once--so I will wait until after John's wedding."
+
+Polly stamped her foot as Tom hurried away, and Eleanor laughed merrily
+at the hoax. But there was too much going on all about them, to bother,
+now, about roses that were almost two years old.
+
+Mr. Maynard arrived from Chicago in time for the quiet little wedding at
+"The Church around the Corner," and then everyone went to the Studio for
+a reception. John and his bride left for a very short honeymoon, and
+later, all thoughts centered on Polly and Eleanor. It would be their
+turn to say good-by in a few days.
+
+Tom Latimer outdid himself during the days intervening between John's
+wedding and Polly's sailing. Jim and Ken were back from college, but
+somehow the two girls who had been such fine young pals out in the
+Rockies, and on that Coney Island trip, now seemed several years older
+than these boys. They couldn't understand it.
+
+Mr. Fabian could have explained the change. It was mostly psychological,
+due to the advanced mental training his girls had received in their
+study of a chosen high profession. They truly were far superior, now, to
+either of the two boys at Yale, although they were not aware of it at
+the time.
+
+The day for the sailing of the steamer arrived, and a gay party stood on
+the pier just before the good-bys had to be said. Mrs. Brewster gave
+Polly many warnings and advices, and Mr. Maynard begged Eleanor not to
+bankrupt him during her stay in Paris.
+
+Books, flowers, fruit and candy, had been piled up in the arms of Ruth
+Ashby, Polly and Eleanor, until they could not shake the extended hands
+of their friends when the time came to really say good-by.
+
+"Never mind your hands, we'll kiss your faces!" laughed Mr. Maynard, and
+straightway began kissing the pretty struggling girls.
+
+As everyone in the group was an old friend, each one took toll of the
+girls' cheeks, and just as Jim Latimer, the last in the line, caught a
+swift brush of Ruth's ear, Tom Latimer strolled up.
+
+"Hello, Tom! Where have you been?" called his father.
+
+"Better get your kiss, Tom, or you'll be left," added Jim.
+
+So Tom managed to get his "good-by" from Ruth and from Eleanor, but
+Polly blushed furiously, and reared her head.
+
+"If another silly man kisses me, I'll--I'll--slap him!"
+
+Of course everyone laughed uproariously at this, but the guard suddenly
+shouted, "All aboard." And the sailing party rushed up the gang-plank.
+
+Once on deck, however, Polly remembered something she had meant to ask
+Tom Latimer. She leaned over the rail and called back:
+
+"Oh, Tom! you never told me who sent the roses!"
+
+"You'll find out about it when you reach your stateroom," shouted Tom,
+making a megaphone of his hands. "I met him there, talking to the
+steward, and you will know as soon as you go down."
+
+Eleanor giggled. "That's where Tom was when Mr. Dalken dared anyone to
+take one of his girls away from him."
+
+"But who could Tom have met in our stateroom, Nolla? I thought everyone
+was on the pier with us?"
+
+The steamer had already swung down-stream, and the friends on the pier
+were mere dots, so the curious girls hurried down to see who had sent
+Polly the Valentine roses. Ruth accompanied them, as she felt she should
+have been the third in this girl relationship--like triplets, she said,
+one day, to her father.
+
+Then the door was opened, and sweet fragrance greeted the girls. There
+in a corner of the stateroom stood a dozen American Beauty roses, each
+with a stem almost four feet long. And about the stems a golden cord was
+tied, and upon this cord hung a card.
+
+The three girls stood admiring the great crimson beauties and then Ruth
+said: "See who they are from--and who for?"
+
+"Why, they're Polly's, of course. The same 'old valentine' sent them!"
+laughed Eleanor.
+
+Polly's fingers trembled as she bent forward and read what was written
+on the card: "Your Valentine that was, and is, and always will be, in
+this world, and in the next, and forever, Tom."
+
+"Oh, no! No! No! No! I won't have you so, Tom!" cried Polly, throwing
+herself in the chair and covering her face with her hands. Eleanor and
+Ruth stood perfectly still, not knowing what to do or say.
+
+Then Polly lifted her face. She was trying to smile. "Dear old Tom only
+did that to tease me. Isn't he an old plague?"
+
+"I should say he was!" exclaimed Ruth, innocently.
+
+Eleanor with the worldly wisdom learned from her mother, added
+guilefully: "He sure is. But you tricked him, Polly."
+
+"How?" eagerly inquired Polly.
+
+"He was the only one in the party who didn't get a kiss from you!"
+laughed Eleanor.
+
+"That's so!" admitted Polly, but Eleanor was not sure whether her friend
+was sorry or satisfied at the result.
+
+Then, as the days passed, Eleanor noticed that Polly never mentioned the
+roses again, but they were kept as fresh as possible, and weeks later,
+Eleanor found one of them carefully pressed with the card still tied to
+it.
+
+But this discovery, and all that happened during that Summer in Europe,
+while visiting famous places and viewing rare objects of antiquity, are
+told in another volume called "Polly and Eleanor Abroad."
+
+                                THE END
+
+
+
+
+                           _This Isn't All!_
+
+Would you like to know what became of the good friends you have made in
+this book?
+
+Would you like to read other stories continuing their adventures and
+experiences, or other books quite as entertaining by the same author?
+
+On the _reverse side_ of the wrapper which comes with this book, you
+will find a wonderful list of stories which you can buy at the same
+store where you got this book.
+
+                     _Don't throw away the Wrapper_
+
+Use it as a handy catalog of the books you want some day to have. But in
+case you do mislay it, write to the Publishers for a complete catalog.
+
+
+
+
+THE POLLY BREWSTER SERIES
+
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+A delightful series for girls in which they will follow Polly and
+Eleanor through many interesting adventures and enjoyable trips to
+various places in the United States, Europe and South America.
+
+    POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT
+    POLLY AND ELEANOR
+    POLLY IN NEW YORK
+    POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD
+    POLLY'S BUSINESS VENTURE
+    POLLY'S SOUTHERN CRUISE
+    POLLY IN SOUTH AMERICA
+    POLLY IN THE SOUTHWEST
+    POLLY IN ALASKA
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of the "Bobbsey Twins," "Bunny Brown" Series, Etc.
+
+Uniform Style of Binding. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+These are the tales of the various adventures participated in by a group
+of bright, fun-loving, up-to-date girls who have a common bond in their
+fondness for outdoor life, camping, travel and adventure. They are clean
+and wholesome and free from sensationalism.
+
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN ARMY SERVICE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT THE HOSTESS HOUSE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT BLUFF POINT
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT WILD ROSE LODGE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN THE SADDLE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON CAPE COD
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT FOAMING FALLS
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ALONG THE COAST
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT SPRING HILL FARM
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS BOOKS
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations by
+
+THELMA GOOCH
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself
+
+The Blythe girls, three in number, were left alone in New York City.
+Helen, who went in for art and music, kept the little flat uptown, while
+Margy, just out of a business school, obtained a position as a private
+secretary and Rose, plain-spoken and business-like, took what she called
+a "job" in a department store.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN, MARGY AND ROSE
+
+A fascinating tale of real happenings in the great metropolis
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY'S QUEER INHERITANCE
+
+The Girls had a peculiar old aunt and when she died she left an unusual
+inheritance.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE'S GREAT PROBLEM
+
+Rose, still at work in the big department store, is one day faced with
+the greatest problem of her life.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN'S STRANGE BOARDER
+
+Helen goes to the assistance of a strange girl, whose real identity is a
+puzzle. Who the girl really was comes as a tremendous surprise.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: THREE ON A VACATION
+
+The girls go to the country for two weeks--and fall in with all sorts of
+curious and exciting happenings.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY'S SECRET MISSION
+
+Of course we cannot divulge the big secret, but nevertheless the girls
+as usual have many exciting experiences.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE'S ODD DISCOVERY
+
+A very interesting story, telling how Rose aided an old man in the
+almost hopeless search for his daughter.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+GIRL SCOUTS SERIES
+
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+Author of the "Polly Brewster Books"
+
+Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated
+
+Each Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Here is a series that holds the same position for girls that the Tom
+Slade and Roy Blakeley books hold for boys. They are delightful stories
+of Girl Scout camp life amid beautiful surroundings and are filled with
+stirring adventures.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS AT DANDELION CAMP
+
+This is a story which centers around the making and the enjoying of a
+mountain camp, spiced with the fun of a lively troop of Girl Scouts. The
+charm of living in the woods, of learning woodcraft of all sorts, of
+adventuring into the unknown, combine to make a busy and an exciting
+summer for the girls.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ADIRONDACKS
+
+New scenery, new problems of camping, association with a neighboring
+camp of Boy Scouts, and a long canoe trip with them through the Fulton
+Chain, all in the setting of the marvelous Adirondacks, bring to the
+girls enlargement of horizon, new development, and new joys.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES
+
+On horseback from Denver through Estes Park as far as the Continental
+Divide, climbing peaks, riding wild trails, canoeing through canyons,
+shooting rapids, encountering a landslide, a summer blizzard, a sand
+storm, wild animals, and forest fires, the girls pack the days full with
+unforgettable experiences.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO
+
+The Girl Scouts visit the mountains and deserts of Arizona and New
+Mexico. They travel over the old Sante Fe trail, cross the Painted
+Desert, and visit the Grand Canyon. Their exciting adventures form a
+most interesting story.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE REDWOODS
+
+The girls spend their summer in the Redwoods of California and
+incidentally find a way to induce a famous motion picture director in
+Hollywood to offer to produce a film that stars the Girl Scouts of
+America.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE LILIAN GARIS BOOKS
+
+Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Lilian Garis is one of the writers who always wrote. She expressed
+herself in verse from early school days and it was then predicted that
+Lilian Mack would one day become a writer. Justifying this sentiment,
+while still at high school, she took charge of the woman's page for a
+city paper and her work there attracted such favorable attention that
+she left school to take entire charge of woman's work for the largest
+daily in an important Eastern city.
+
+Mrs. Garis turned to girls' books directly after her marriage, and of
+these she has written many. She believes in girls, studies them and
+depicts them with pen both skilled and sympathetic.
+
+    CLEO'S MISTY RAINBOW
+    CLEO'S CONQUEST
+    BARBARA HALE: A DOCTOR'S DAUGHTER
+    BARBARA HALE AND COZETTE
+    GLORIA: A GIRL AND HER DAD
+    GLORIA AT BOARDING SCHOOL
+    JOAN: JUST GIRL
+    JOAN'S GARDEN OF ADVENTURE
+    CONNIE LORING'S AMBITION
+    CONNIE LORING'S DILEMMA
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+AMY BELL MARLOWE'S BOOKS FOR GIRLS
+
+Charming, Fresh and Original Stories
+
+Illustrated. Wrappers Printed in Colors with individual design for each
+story
+
+Miss Marlowe's books for girls are somewhat of the type of Miss Alcott
+and also Mrs. Meade; but all are thoroughly up-to-date and wholly
+American in scene and action. Good, clean absorbing tales that all girls
+thoroughly enjoy.
+
+THE OLDEST OF FOUR; Or, Natalie's Way Out.
+
+A sweet story of the struggles of a live girl to keep a family from
+want.
+
+THE GIRLS AT HILLCREST FARM; Or, The Secret of the Rocks.
+
+Relating the trials of two girls who take boarders on an old farm.
+
+A LITTLE MISS NOBODY; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall.
+
+Tells of a school girl who was literally a nobody until she solved the
+mystery of her identity.
+
+THE GIRL FROM SUNSET RANCH; Or, Alone in a Great City.
+
+A ranch girl comes to New York to meet relatives she has never seen. Her
+adventures make unusually good reading.
+
+WYN'S CAMPING DAYS; Or, The Outing of the GO-AHEAD CLUB.
+
+A tale of happy days on the water and under canvas, with a touch of
+mystery and considerable excitement.
+
+FRANCES OF THE RANGES; Or, The Old Ranchman's Treasure.
+
+A vivid picture of life on the great cattle ranges of the West.
+
+THE GIRLS OF RIVERCLIFF SCHOOL; Or, Beth Baldwin's Resolve.
+
+This is one of the most entertaining stories centering about a girl's
+school that has ever been written.
+
+WHEN ORIOLE CAME TO HARBOR LIGHT.
+
+The story of a young girl, cast up by the sea, and rescued by an old
+lighthouse keeper.
+
+WHEN ORIOLE TRAVELED WESTWARD.
+
+Oriole visits the family of a rich ranchman and enjoys herself
+immensely.
+
+WHEN ORIOLE WENT TO BOARDING SCHOOL.
+
+How this brave girl bears up under the most trying experiences, makes a
+very interesting story.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS
+
+Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
+
+THE MARJORIE BOOKS
+
+Marjorie is a happy little girl of twelve, up to mischief, but full of
+goodness and sincerity. In her and her friends every girl reader will
+see much of her own love of fun, play and adventure.
+
+    MARJORIE'S VACATION
+    MARJORIE'S BUSY DAYS
+    MARJORIE'S NEW FRIEND
+    MARJORIE IN COMMAND
+    MARJORIE'S MAYTIME
+    MARJORIE AT SEACOTE
+
+THE TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES
+
+Introducing Dorinda Fayre--a pretty blonde, sweet, serious, timid and a
+little slow, and Dorothy Rose--a sparkling brunette, quick, elf-like,
+high tempered, full of mischief and always getting into scrapes.
+
+    TWO LITTLE WOMEN
+    TWO LITTLE WOMEN AND TREASURE HOUSE
+    TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY
+
+THE DICK AND DOLLY BOOKS
+
+Dick and Dolly are brother and sister, and their games, their pranks,
+their joys and sorrows, are told in a manner which makes the stories
+"really true" to young readers.
+
+    DICK AND DOLLY
+    DICK AND DOLLY'S ADVENTURES
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE HONEY BUNCH BOOKS
+
+By HELEN LOUISE THORNDYKE
+
+Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations Drawn by
+
+WALTER S. ROGERS
+
+A new line of fascinating tales for little girls. Honey Bunch is a
+dainty, thoughtful little girl, and to know her is to take her to your
+heart at once.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: JUST A LITTLE GIRL
+
+Happy days at home, helping mamma and the washerlady. And Honey Bunch
+helped the house painters too--or thought she did.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE CITY
+
+What wonderful sights Honey Bunch saw when she went to visit her cousins
+in New York! And she got lost in a big hotel and wandered into a men's
+convention!
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS ON THE FARM
+
+Can you remember how the farm looked the first time you visited it? How
+big the cows and horses were, and what a roomy place to play in the barn
+proved to be?
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE SEASHORE
+
+Honey Bunch soon got used to the big waves and thought playing in the
+sand great fun. And she visited a merry-go-round, and took part in a
+seaside pageant.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST LITTLE GARDEN
+
+It was great sport to dig and to plant with one's own little garden
+tools. But best of all was when Honey Bunch won a prize at the flower
+show.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS IN CAMP
+
+It was a great adventure for Honey Bunch when she journeyed to Camp
+Snapdragon. It was wonderful to watch the men erect the tent, and more
+wonderful to live in it and have good times on the shore and in the
+water.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE BOBBSEY TWINS BOOKS
+
+For Little Men and Women
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of "The Bunny Brown Series," Etc.
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+These books for boys and girls between the ages of three and ten stands
+among children and their parents of this generation where the books of
+Louisa May Alcott stood in former days. The haps and mishaps of this
+inimitable pair of twins, their many adventures and experiences are a
+source of keen delight to imaginative children everywhere.
+
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOW BROOK
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN A GREAT CITY
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON BLUEBERRY ISLAND
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON THE DEEP BLUE SEA
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE GREAT WEST
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CEDAR CAMP
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE COUNTY FAIR
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS CAMPING OUT
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AND BABY MAY
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS KEEPING HOUSE
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CLOVERBANK
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of the Popular "Bobbsey Twins" Books, Etc.
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+These stories are eagerly welcomed by the little folks from about five
+to ten years of age. Their eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively
+doings of inquisitive little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful
+sister Sue.
+
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA'S FARM
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP-REST-A-WHILE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU'S CITY HOME
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE SUNNY SOUTH
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE KEEPING STORE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR TRICK DOG
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT A SUGAR CAMP
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON THE ROLLING OCEAN
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON JACK FROST ISLAND
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+SIX LITTLE BUNKERS SERIES
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of The Bobbsey Twins Books, The Bunny Brown Series, The Blythe
+Girls Books, Etc.
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding. Every Volume
+Complete in Itself.
+
+Delightful stories for little boys and girls which sprung into immediate
+popularity. To know the six little Bunkers is to take them at once to
+your heart, they are so intensely human, so full of fun and cute
+sayings. Each story has a little plot of its own--one that can be easily
+followed--and all are written in Miss Hope's most entertaining manner.
+Clean, wholesome volumes which ought to be on the bookshelf of every
+child in the land.
+
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDMA BELL'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT AUNT JO'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COUSIN TOM'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDPA FORD'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT UNCLE FRED'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT CAPTAIN BEN'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COWBOY JACK'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MAMMY JUNE'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT FARMER JOEL'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MILLER NED'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT INDIAN JOHN'S
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB BOOKS
+
+By ALICE DALE HARDY
+
+Individual Colored Wrappers. Attractively Illustrated.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Here is as ingenious a series of books for little folks as has ever
+appeared since "Alice in Wonderland." The idea of the Riddle books is a
+little group of children--three girls and three boys decide to form a
+riddle club. Each book is full of the adventures and doings of these six
+youngsters, but as an added attraction each book is filled with a lot of
+the best riddles you ever heard.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB AT HOME
+
+An absorbing tale that all boys and girls will enjoy reading. How the
+members of the club fixed up a clubroom in the Larue barn, and how they,
+later on, helped solve a most mysterious happening, and how one of the
+members won a valuable prize, is told in a manner to please every young
+reader.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB IN CAMP
+
+The club members went into camp on the edge of a beautiful lake. Here
+they had rousing good times swimming, boating and around the campfire.
+They fell in with a mysterious old man known as The Hermit of Triangle
+Island. Nobody knew his real name or where he came from until the
+propounding of a riddle solved these perplexing questions.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
+
+This volume takes in a great number of sports, including skating and
+sledding and the building of a huge snowman. It also gives the
+particulars of how the club treasurer lost the dues entrusted to his
+care and what the melting of the great snowman revealed.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB AT SUNRISE BEACH
+
+This volume tells how the club journeyed to the seashore and how they
+not only kept up their riddles but likewise had good times on the sand
+and on the water. Once they got lost in a fog and are marooned on an
+island. Here they made a discovery that greatly pleased the folks at
+home.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+JERRY TODD AND POPPY OTT SERIES
+
+By LEO EDWARDS
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Hundreds of thousands of boys who laughed until their sides ached over
+the weird and wonderful adventures of Jerry Todd and his gang demanded
+that Leo Edwards, the author, give them more books like the Jerry Todd
+stories with their belt-bursting laughs and creepy shivers. So he took
+Poppy Ott, Jerry Todd's bosom chum and created the Poppy Ott Series, and
+if such a thing could be possible--they are even more full of fun and
+excitement than the Jerry Todds.
+
+    THE POPPY OTT SERIES
+      POPPY OTT AND THE STUTTERING PARROT
+      POPPY OTT AND THE SEVEN LEAGUE STILTS
+      POPPY OTT AND THE GALLOPING SNAIL
+      POPPY OTT'S PEDIGREED PICKLES
+
+    THE JERRY TODD BOOKS
+      JERRY TODD AND THE WHISPERING MUMMY
+      JERRY TODD AND THE ROSE-COLORED CAT
+      JERRY TODD AND THE OAK ISLAND TREASURE
+      JERRY TODD AND THE WALTZING HEN
+      JERRY TODD AND THE TALKING FROG
+      JERRY TODD AND THE PURRING EGG
+      JERRY TODD IN THE WHISPERING CAVE
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Polly in New York, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POLLY IN NEW YORK ***
+
+***** This file should be named 37459-8.txt or 37459-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/4/5/37459/
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/37459-8.zip b/37459-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc9d631
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-8.zip
diff --git a/37459-h.zip b/37459-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1262599
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-h.zip
diff --git a/37459-h/37459-h.htm b/37459-h/37459-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..38382ff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-h/37459-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,12411 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" >
+<head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" />
+    <meta content="Polly in New York" name="DC.Title"/>
+    <meta content="Lillian Elizabeth Roy" name="DC.Creator"/>
+    <meta content="en" name="DC.Language"/>
+    <meta content="1922" name="DC.Created"/>
+    <meta name="generator" content="ppgen (1.21) generated Sep 13, 2011 08:28 AM" />
+    <title>Polly in New York</title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+        body                    {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%;}
+        p                       {margin-top:1ex; margin-bottom:0; text-align:justify;}
+        .pagenum                {display:inline; font-size:x-small; text-align:right; text-indent:0;
+                                 position:absolute; right:2%; padding:1px 3px; font-style:normal;
+                                 font-variant:normal; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none;
+                                 background-color:inherit; border:1px solid #eee;}
+        .pncolor                {color:silver;}
+        h1                      {text-align:center; font-weight:normal;
+                                 font-size:1.4em; margin-top:4em; margin-bottom:2em;}
+        h2                      {text-align:left; font-weight:normal;
+                                 font-size:1.2em; margin-top:4em; margin-bottom:2em;}
+        h3                      {text-align:center; font-weight:bold;
+                                 font-size:0.9em; margin-top:1.5em; margin-bottom:1em;}
+        hr.pb                   {margin:30px 0; width:100%; border:none; border-top:thin dashed silver; clear:both;}
+        .sc                     {font-variant: small-caps;}
+        .center                 {margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; text-align:center;}
+        .larger                 {font-size:larger;}
+        .smaller                {font-size:smaller;}
+        .sc                     {font-variant:small-caps}
+        .caption                {font-size: 80%;}
+        .figcenter              {margin: auto; text-align: center;}
+        div.center>:first-child      {margin: .5em auto 0 auto;text-align:center;}
+        div.center p            {margin: 0 auto; text-align:center;}
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Polly in New York, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Polly in New York
+
+Author: Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+Illustrator: H. S. Barbour
+
+Release Date: September 17, 2011 [EBook #37459]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POLLY IN NEW YORK ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='i001' id='i001'></a>
+<img src="images/illus-fpc.jpg" alt="ELEANOR HELD OUT THE SEAL, BUT JIM LOOKED FORLORN. (Page 77)" title=""/><br />
+<span class='caption'>ELEANOR HELD OUT THE SEAL, BUT JIM LOOKED FORLORN. (<em>Page 77</em>)</span>
+</div>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<div class='center'>
+<p><span style='font-size:1.6em;font-weight:bold;'>POLLY</span></p>
+<p><span style='font-size:1.6em;font-weight:bold;'>IN NEW YORK</span></p>
+<p>&#160;</p>
+<p>BY</p>
+<p><span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY</span></p>
+<p>&#160;</p>
+<p><em>Author of</em></p>
+<p>&#160;</p>
+<p>POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT, POLLY IN NEW YORK,</p>
+<p>POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD, POLLY’S</p>
+<p>BUSINESS VENTURE.</p>
+<p>&#160;</p>
+<p>ILLUSTRATED BY</p>
+<p>H. S. BARBOUR</p>
+<p>&#160;</p>
+<p>NEW YORK</p>
+<p>GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP</p>
+<p>PUBLISHERS</p>
+<p>&#160;</p>
+<p>Made in the United States of America</p>
+</div>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<h1>POLLY IN NEW YORK</h1>
+<h2><a name='chI' id='chI'></a>CHAPTER I—IN THE BIG CITY</h2>
+<p>
+The long Pullman train, that left Denver
+behind and carried Polly Brewster away on her
+first venture from the ranch-home, was fitted up
+as luxuriously as capital could do it. Eleanor
+Maynard, Polly’s bosom friend, enjoyed her companion’s
+awe and wonderment—that a mere <em>car</em>
+should be so furnished.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla,” whispered Polly, furtively glancing
+about, “how different are these cars from the ones
+that come in and go out at Oak Creek!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor, whose pet name was Nolla, laughed.
+“I should think they would be, Polly. Why,
+those ‘ancients’ that rock back and forth between
+Denver and Oak Creek, are the ‘only originals’
+now in existence. They’ll be in Barnum’s Show
+next Season as curios.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly seemed to fully appreciate the comfort of
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_1'></a>1</span>
+her traveling carriage, and remarked, “One would
+hardly believe these cars are going at all! They
+run so smoothly and without any awful screeching
+of the joints.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne Stewart, the teacher to whose charge
+these two girls had been committed, had been
+studying the time-table, but she smiled at Polly’s
+words. Then she turned to her mother, a sweet-faced
+woman who was enjoying the trip almost as
+much as the young girls were, and said: “Mother,
+we’ll have at least seven hours in Chicago before
+we have to take the New York train. We can visit
+Paul all that time.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Goody! Then Poll can visit John and I can
+see Daddy,” exclaimed Eleanor, eagerly. “But
+we must first charter the wash-room to turn
+ourselves from dusty travelers into respectable
+citizens.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“There isn’t a fleck of dust to be seen, Anne,”
+objected Polly, glancing around the tidy interior,
+then at herself and friends.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Wait till after we have crossed the plains and
+passed through all kinds of towns—we won’t look
+like the same people.”
+</p>
+<p>
+To Polly, that journey was a source of great interest
+and fun. The dining-car, the folding tables
+for games or work, the sleeping arrangements—all
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_2'></a>2</span>
+were so strangely different from the vast open-air
+life of the ranch.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the express train reached Chicago and the
+recess hours were filled with greetings, visits and
+then good-bys, before the little party of four was
+on its last lap of the journey.
+</p>
+<p>
+After leaving Chicago, Eleanor asked curiously:
+“What did you think of our city, Polly?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I never saw such crowds of troubled people!
+Everyone looked as if the worries of the universe
+rested upon his mind. And not one soul walked
+or acted as if there was a moment to spare before
+the end of the world would throw everything into
+chaos!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly’s graphic description caused her companions
+to laugh, and Eleanor added: “If that
+is what you think of Chicago, just wait until you
+reach New York. The folks, there, are simply
+wild! Now Chicago is considered quite slow, in
+comparison.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly stared unbelievingly at Eleanor, and Anne
+Stewart laughed. But Mrs. Stewart placed a calm
+hand over the amazed girl’s throbbing wrist, and
+said sweetly: “Nolla is joking as usual.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The four members which composed this little
+group of travelers arrived at Grand Central just
+before noon. Polly gazed in consternation at the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_3'></a>3</span>
+vast station where the constant going and coming
+of trains and people made a most interesting sight
+for her.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’ll stop at the Commodore for a few days,
+girls, as it is so convenient for us,” remarked
+Anne, telling a porter to conduct them to the hotel
+mentioned.
+</p>
+<p>
+Placed in a comfortable suite, Anne remarked:
+“I think we will call up the Evans or the Latimers,
+next. You remember, we were told to let them
+know the moment we arrived.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The others agreed to this suggestion, so Anne
+telephoned the two families. Mrs. Latimer was
+out, but Mrs. Evans said she would come right
+down town to meet the new-comers.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, we can unpack our bags while we are
+waiting for her,” suggested Anne. “But we must
+manage to get to a store this afternoon, and do
+some shopping for Polly.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Dear me! I was hoping you would show us all
+the sky-scrapers I’ve read about,” said Polly,
+eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I planned to let the sight-seeing wait for a few
+days, as we <em>must</em> secure a place to live in, first of
+all. Here it is the middle of September, and I
+have to start school work the first of October, you
+know. In a great city like New York, the desirable
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_4'></a>4</span>
+apartments are generally taken as early as
+July and August. So we are up against it, in
+beginning to seek so late in the season.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we can’t hunt at night, Anne, and you
+might take us out to show us the Great White
+Way—as the boys call it,” urged Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Evans came down in time to have luncheon
+with the Westerners, and in the hour she visited
+with them, it was learned that Mrs. Latimer and
+she had scoured the uptown west-side for suitable
+apartments for Mrs. Stewart, but everything had
+been leased long before. She concluded with:
+</p>
+<p>
+“So I really do not see what you are going to
+do, unless you just happen to stumble over a place
+which has recently been resigned. There is absolutely
+no use in doing any place above Ninety-sixth
+street, as we sought diligently from that street
+up as far as One Hundred and Sixty-eighth street,
+and not a decent thing to be seen or had!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But Ninety-sixth street is awfully far uptown,
+isn’t it?” asked Anne, to whom the city was as yet
+a small middle-west town.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, dear, no! It is about the center of the
+city, between North and South, these days.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’m sure we will find just what we want, dear
+Mrs. Evans, but we are grateful to you for being
+so kind to us,” said Polly.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_5'></a>5</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“My dear child, I feel that I have done <em>nothing</em>
+in comparison to all you have done for me and
+mine. To know that my dear brother had friends
+during the last days of his life, means so much to
+me. I always had a horrible feeling that he died
+in the Klondike without money or friends;” and
+Mrs. Evans hurriedly dried the tears welling up
+in her eyes.
+</p>
+<p>
+Of course, that launched the conversation about
+Old Man Montresor, and so interested were all
+concerned, that Mrs. Evans started when she
+heard the mantel clock chime the hour.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Merciful goodness! Here am I—my first
+call, and staying all day!” she laughed.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It’s not late, Mrs. Evans. We were only going
+to look up a first-class shop where Polly can
+buy a few things,” replied Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Perhaps I can be of service in recommending
+a place?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Several shops of quality were spoken of, and
+as these were located on Fifth avenue, not far
+from Forty-second street, everyone felt relieved.
+It would not take much time to do this necessary
+shopping, but Mrs. Stewart preferred to remain
+at the hotel.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Evans said good-by and the three young
+folks walked to Fifth avenue. It was about four
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_6'></a>6</span>
+o’clock and the avenue presented an endless stream
+of automobiles—one line going down, and the
+other line going uptown. The crowds of people
+hurrying to and fro made Polly tremble.
+</p>
+<p>
+“For goodness’ sake, Anne, where <em>do</em> all these
+folks come from, and where are they rushing
+to?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne and Eleanor laughed.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well! If this is your wonderful Fifth avenue,
+I don’t think much of it,” declared Polly, a few
+moments later.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why—it’s simply great!” exclaimed Eleanor,
+having a far different view-point of the city.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Great! Why, just look how narrow the street
+is? Main street, in Oak Creek, is twice as wide.
+And Denver has nicer streets than this famous
+alley you hear so much about,” scorned Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Again her companions laughed merrily. At this
+moment a traffic policeman sounded a shrill
+whistle. Instantly the mass of pedestrians, backed
+up on the curbs, started to cross. Or to use Polly’s
+own description in the letter she wrote home that
+night: “Really, dearies, they catapulted back and
+forth like rockets! We had to rush with them, or
+be trampled upon. It is just awful!
+</p>
+<p>
+“And such freaks, mother! Nolla says it is
+style. Well, all I can say is, spare me from such
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_7'></a>7</span>
+outrageous styles! Most every woman and girl I
+met had faces covered thick with layers of white
+chalk, with a daub of red on each cheek, and lips
+as scarlet as a clown’s. In fact, I had to stand
+stock-still and look at one queer creature—she
+looked exactly as if she was made up for a circus.
+Anne and Nolla laugh at me, all the time. But I
+don’t care, so! These horrid painted things are
+not <em>nice</em>!
+</p>
+<p>
+“If I hadn’t set my heart on being an interior
+decorator, I’d take up lecturing, and teach these
+crazy New Yorkers how to look and enjoy a simple
+life.”
+</p>
+<p>
+From the above account you can see how one
+day’s experience in New York impressed the girl
+of the Mountain Ranges in the West.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly, accustomed as she was to the overstocked
+store in Oak Creek, where shelves were stacked
+high with all sorts of merchandise, opened her eyes
+as Anne led her into a quiet parlor-like room that
+opened directly from Fifth avenue. She stared
+around for a glimpse of the gowns she expected
+to see; but nothing like one was to be seen. The
+dignified lady who met Anne, and a few other well-dressed
+women who conversed in low tones with
+each other, did not look like Polly’s idea of shop-girls.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_8'></a>8</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne’s lady conducted them to a lift, and they
+shot up two stories. Again they came out into a
+lovely lounging-room, but still no sign of dresses.
+The lady pushed a button, and another woman
+hurried in.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Measurements of this young lady. She will
+need several gowns for afternoon and street wear;
+possibly, an evening dress.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Polly was scientifically measured, and in
+a short time a number of models were brought for
+her inspection and approval. These were placed
+upon forms, and every desirable detail of the
+gowns was pointed out to Anne and the girls.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, I just love that one, Poll!” cried Eleanor,
+gazing with rapt eyes at an imported model.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Isn’t it clumsy at the back? And see how narrow
+the bottom of the skirt is. Maybe they didn’t
+have enough goods to make it any wider?” commented
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor giggled but Anne explained to Polly.
+The saleslady seemed not to have heard the western
+girl’s objection to the gown.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then it was tried on Polly, and she saw how
+very becoming it was. But when she endeavored
+to walk over to the full-length mirror, she almost
+fell down upon the rug.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mercy, Anne! I never can amble about in this
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_9'></a>9</span>
+binder! Get me something sensible,” complained
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Eleanor liked the dress and as it fitted her,
+also, she said she would take it as long as Polly
+didn’t.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Take it and welcome, Nolla! but I pity <em>you</em>
+if you try to scoot over the crossings of Fifth avenue
+in <em>that</em> skirt,” laughed Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Other gowns were brought and Polly finally
+found several that she liked, with wide enough
+skirts to suit her comfort. Then Anne asked for
+the bills. The list was added up and when the
+total was mentioned Polly almost fainted. If she
+had not been seated, she might have crumpled to
+the floor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’ll take that gown with us, the others you
+may send,” said Anne, taking up the one to be
+wrapped. Then she gave the name and address
+where the other dresses were to be sent. A fat
+roll of yellow bills now came from Anne’s hand-bag,
+and she paid the enormous sum—or, at least,
+Polly thought it was enormous for so few dresses.
+</p>
+<p>
+Safely out of hearing of the fashionable sales-ladies,
+Polly whispered: “Anne, you paid <em>hundreds</em>
+of dollars for those things!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne nodded, smilingly. Eleanor said: “Why,
+that wasn’t much for what we got, Poll. The dress
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_10'></a>10</span>
+I bought is <em>imported</em>! And a model, at that. It
+was a bargain at that price.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly sighed. Would she ever be able to accommodate
+herself to such a changed life as this
+one now seemed to be? Her friends laughed at
+the sigh and expression of doubt on her face.
+</p>
+<p>
+As Anne led her protegées past the hotel desk,
+a very polite clerk said: “A ’phone call for you,
+Miss Stewart, at five-ten P. M.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne was handed the slip and read: “Mr.
+Latimer called up. Said he would call again at
+six-thirty.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Maybe he wants us to go somewhere, to-night!”
+suggested Eleanor, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, you won’t go to-night, if he does ask
+you. It’s bed at nine, for everyone of us, because
+we have a hard day of house-hunting before us,
+to-morrow,” decreed Anne, courageously.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Eleanor was given no cause to argue that
+evening, for Mr. Latimer called up to invite them
+all to go to the Mardi Gras at Coney Island the
+following evening. He said the Evans and Latimers
+would call at the hotel, in two cars, about six
+o’clock and take them to supper at the Island.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, goody! I never saw Coney Island but I’ve
+heard so much about it!” cried Eleanor, dancing
+about the room.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_11'></a>11</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“I have read how dreadful a place it is,” ventured
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s another point of view, Polly. If you
+go down there to enjoy the fun and games, and
+see the ocean, then you will have nothing but frolic
+and sea. But if one is in quest of crime, then it
+can be found festering there, just as it is in every
+other section of a large city,” explained Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we are only going for a frolic,” added
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I should hope so!” Polly said, so fervently,
+that Anne had to laugh heartily.
+</p>
+<p>
+After dinner that night, Anne said: “I think
+Polly ought to see a sight that no other city can
+offer—that is the wondrous advertising signs on
+Broadway about Times Square, at night.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I am too weary to go out, daughter, but you
+take the girls,” Mrs. Stewart remarked, so they
+hurriedly donned their hats and gloves.
+</p>
+<p>
+When they reached the famous corner of
+Forty-second street and Broadway, and stood at
+the uptown side of Times Square Triangle to look
+at the lights, Polly was speechless.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, it’s as bright as day, everywhere,” whispered
+she.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And just see the moving ads. up on the roofs!”
+cried Eleanor, delighting in the scene.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_12'></a>12</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“I thought there were hordes of mad folks on
+the streets this afternoon, but this beats everything!”
+exclaimed Polly, watching both sides of
+Broadway from her vantage ground. “Honestly,
+Anne, do they not act obsessed, jostling and rushing
+as if Death drove them? They never seem
+to mind trolleys, autos, or policemen. They swirl
+and fly every which way, regardless of everyone
+and everything.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I just love this excitement!” sighed Eleanor,
+smiling.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, I hope to goodness we will live far
+enough away from all this to let me forget it once
+in a while,” said Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, you’ll love it, too, pretty soon,” Eleanor
+said, confidently.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Never! This is Bedlam to me. When I write
+home about it, I shall tell father that it reminds
+me of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah when
+fire and brimstone fell and destroyed those cities.
+I bet the folks never acted any wilder, there, than
+these New Yorkers do, here.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne laughed at Polly’s vivid disgust, and suggested
+that they return to the hotel.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, no, Anne! It is only eight-thirty. And
+for New York that only begins an evening, you
+know. Let’s get up on top of one of the buses on
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_13'></a>13</span>
+Fifth avenue and take the round trip. That ride
+will show Polly lots of sights: the Flat Iron Building,
+Riverside Drive and the Hudson, and heaps
+of things.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor prevailed, and after a delightful drive
+of an hour, the little party was glad to get to the
+hotel and drop into bed.
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_14'></a>14</span><a name='chII' id='chII'></a>CHAPTER II—HOUSE HUNTING IN NEW YORK</h2>
+<p>
+Before the westerners awake to the new day,
+let us renew our acquaintance with them.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly Brewster, of Pebbly Pit, born and reared
+on that wonderful ranch in Colorado where the
+lava-jewels were found, is for the first time in her
+fourteen years, away from home. As she is at the
+most impressionable age, her wise mother authorized
+Anne Stewart, the young teacher who had
+spent the summer with the Brewsters and who was
+engaged to John Brewster, to spare no money
+when fitting Polly out for her life in New York.
+Mrs. Brewster wished Polly to feel herself the
+equal of anyone she met, if it pertained to dress.
+And style was about the only thing that Polly
+lacked, having all fine qualities in her character.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor Maynard, of Chicago, now Polly’s
+dearest friend, never had to count the cost of anything,
+as her father was the best known and richest
+banker of that great city. But because of her ill
+health, being a protegée of Anne Stewart for the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_15'></a>15</span>
+past two years, this association had taught Eleanor
+to think twice before she wasted her allowance.
+</p>
+<p>
+And Anne Stewart, just past twenty-one, was
+experienced for her age, because of her mother’s
+dependence on her for most things, since the
+father died many years before this story opens.
+And Paul, her younger brother now at college in
+Chicago (where the other boys also studied), was
+there because his sister earned the money with
+which to pay his expenses. Now that Anne
+would participate in the shares of the gold mine
+that had been discovered the day of the escape on
+Grizzly Slide, the Stewarts had no need to practise
+such strict economy as hitherto.
+</p>
+<p>
+In the morning Polly was awakened by a knock
+at her door. “Poll, someone wants to speak to
+you over the ’phone,” said Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Me? Why, who can it be? I never talked
+into one of those funny little black horns in my
+life, Anne. Wait, and help me.”
+</p>
+<p>
+In another moment Polly, in a pretty negligée—one
+of the purchases of the previous afternoon—ran
+out of her room. Anne sat her upon a stool
+before the small stand and showed her how to hold
+the instrument.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hello!” whispered Polly, half afraid that
+something would pop out at her.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_16'></a>16</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor had crept out of her room by this time,
+and stood back of Polly, grinning at her friend’s
+nervousness.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Speak louder,” admonished Anne in Polly’s
+ear.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hello!” shouted Polly, trying to adjust her
+senses to the unfamiliar method of conversing with
+an unseen individual.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then a merry laugh and a familiar voice
+sounded in her ear. Her face expressed amazement,
+then pleased surprise, and then excitement.
+She glanced up at Eleanor as the voice continued
+speaking.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, we’re <em>so</em> glad to hear you are in the city.
+Now we shall have <em>lovely</em> times!” exclaimed
+Polly, finally.
+</p>
+<p>
+A joyous boy’s voice continued talking but suddenly
+it ceased, and Polly looked at Anne for an
+explanation. The telephone receiver began clicking
+strangely in her ear, and she held it at arm’s
+length in fear of what might be going to explode
+inside that queer tube.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor laughed and said, “Let me do the talking—it
+sounds like Jim Latimer—is it?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, Ken and he landed from the West at midnight,
+and they are going to the Mardi Gras with
+us to-night.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_17'></a>17</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor now took the telephone, and by the
+time the operator managed to connect the interrupted
+wires, she was ready to chat as if she had
+nothing else to do. After ten minutes of silly boy
+and girl talk, Anne whispered: “Oh, do stop,
+Nolla! It is eight o’clock and we want to fill a
+good day with work.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’ve got to ring off, now, Jim, but we’ll see you
+to-night. Good-by!” Then Eleanor turned to her
+companions, and said:
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, that’s good news, Polly! To have the
+boys in the city to show us a good time before we
+start school.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Without saying anything to cause the girls to
+object because this “good time” with the boys
+might be indefinitely postponed, Anne made up her
+mind that a home would and <em>must</em> be secured
+before anyone planned for pleasure or fun.
+</p>
+<p>
+That day, they sought in buildings on every
+block uptown that had been left uninspected by
+Mrs. Latimer and Mrs. Evans, but with no success.
+If an apartment of five to seven rooms was
+found, it would be found to be dark, dirty, or in
+an objectionable neighborhood. They were ready
+to pay a high rent for six or seven rooms, but
+nothing suitable could be found.
+</p>
+<p>
+When they returned to the hotel, at five o’clock,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_18'></a>18</span>
+to wash and dress for the outing that evening,
+everyone felt discouraged. “And these poor deluded
+New Yorkers call the band-boxes we saw
+to-day, apartment rooms?” said Polly, sneering
+at the homes but not at the poor inmates.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Owners dare not build the rooms larger, Polly,
+because real estate in this city is so valuable and
+taxable. Every inch of property has to be made
+the most of. You know, that is why a builder, in
+large cities, runs his structures up in the sky—the
+sky doesn’t charge taxes on so much per foot, but
+the ground the building stands on does.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, I never thought of that! So that is why
+New York houses go up twenty and thirty stories,
+eh? The owner has to get his rents out of the
+air and sky, and pay it over to the land-assessor,”
+Polly exclaimed, in a tone of understanding.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her friends laughed. “You are an apt pupil,
+Poll,” said Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+When their hosts for the evening called for
+Anne and her party, they were all ready and eager
+to start. So they were soon seated in the two cars;
+Jim driving one, with Polly seated beside him, and
+Ken, Eleanor and Anne in the back seat. Mrs.
+Stewart was welcomed with the two ladies and the
+two men in the other car.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now, Jim,” called Mr. Latimer, “you be sure
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_19'></a>19</span>
+and trail me. I’ll go first, as I know every foot of
+the road to Coney Island.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly had never been in an automobile before,
+and at first she felt frightened; but Jim chatted as
+he drove, and seemed to take it all so naturally,
+that she soon overcame the desire to clutch hold
+on the side of the car.
+</p>
+<p>
+There were hundreds of other automobiles all
+going in the same direction, and when our two cars
+reached the Boulevard, there was such a gay
+stream of machines and people as the girls never
+dreamed of before. Confetti, paper ribbons,
+horns and what-not, were used by the passengers on
+trolleys and in automobiles along the road until
+the lighted spires of The Park, and other pleasure-giving
+resorts of Coney Island were seen.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly looked so different in her smart clothes
+that Jim Latimer wondered what had happened
+to turn this pretty ranch girl into such a stunning
+city girl in so short a time.
+</p>
+<p>
+He kept glancing at her oval face, rounded with
+health and vigor; at her straight little nose, her
+wide-open, deep, soulful eyes that seemed to weigh
+all things wisely; the heavy wavy hair that was
+becomingly looped back from her face, and above
+all, the rich glow in her cheeks, and the creamy
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_20'></a>20</span>
+complexion and fine texture of her skin. “Nothing
+made-up there!” thought Jim.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Polly was happily unaware of Jim’s wondering
+approval, for she was too completely absorbed
+in the sights about her. She could not have
+told anyone what Jim looked like in his city
+clothes. In fact, after the first hasty glance at
+Ken and him, and the realization that they had
+doffed their mountain outfits, she gave no second
+thought to their clothes.
+</p>
+<p>
+At Coney Island, that night, the girls enjoyed
+one continual lark. Even Mrs. Stewart was urged
+to go with the elder Latimers and the Evans upon
+the chutes, the merry-go-rounds, the Twister, the
+Winsome Waves, and what-not. Such a reckless
+spirit of fun seemed to possess everyone in the
+place, that it was contagious.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the evening was almost over, and Polly
+sighed with very surfeit of so much fun, the boys
+managed to “lose” the elders and took the two
+girls to the beach.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, how wonderful! I never thought of the
+ocean. There was so much to see and to do that I
+forgot Coney Island was right on the sea,” exclaimed
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Polly said not a word. She was suddenly
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_21'></a>21</span>
+confronted with the restless mighty ocean that she
+had always longed to see. The sense of frivolity
+that had filled her for the last few hours vanished,
+and she gave herself up to the power of that calm,
+never-ceasing roll of water. A few minutes before
+and she had been weary from so much laughter
+and sport, but now a wonderful peace and rest
+pervaded her being.
+</p>
+<p>
+The boys understood this unusual effect of the
+ocean upon one who had never seen anything like
+it, and finally Polly heaved a sigh.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, this is better than all else. It’s worth
+coming so far east to see. It’s the only decent
+thing of which New York can boast.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Her companions laughed; after digging in the
+soft sand for a short time, and exchanging youthful
+view-points about everything in the universe,
+they all sauntered back to the place where the two
+cars had been parked.
+</p>
+<p>
+A shout greeted them. “There, I <em>knew</em> you
+boys had dodged us on purpose. But Miss Stewart
+thought you were lost in this crowd.”
+</p>
+<p>
+As everyone felt tired before the cars reached
+New York City again, the conversation was intermittent.
+But just before Mr. Latimer drove his
+car up to the hotel, Mrs. Stewart learned how Dr.
+and Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Latimer, and the two boys,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_22'></a>22</span>
+Jim and Ken, had spent that entire day home-hunting
+for the westerners with no success.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It seems very strange that in such a vast city
+one is not able to find a decent apartment,” complained
+Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We are told ‘because of the war.’ The war is
+blamed for everything these days, but the real excuse
+for owners not building now is because of the
+high cost of material and labor. They are all
+waiting for better times; meantime people must
+take what can be had, or go without,” said Mr.
+Latimer.
+</p>
+<p>
+“After hunting the way we have for more than
+a week, and not having found a suitable place,
+Mrs. Stewart, I would suggest your finding a nice
+boarding-house for the winter. If you put it off
+too long, even those places will be filled,” advised
+Mrs. Latimer.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Dear me!” sighed Mrs. Stewart. “That was
+suggested this morning, but I said it seemed dreadful,
+when I came East just to make a home and
+keep house for the three girls.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, it would be much pleasanter for everyone
+to have a home, but in cases like this Fall’s shortage
+of apartments, one must do what is most expedient,”
+returned Mrs. Latimer.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Stewart told the girls, that night, what
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_23'></a>23</span>
+had been said, but they all felt sure something
+<em>must</em> turn up in the next day or two. So the next
+morning before starting out, they laid out a regular
+plan of work.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mother and Eleanor will start where we left
+off, yesterday, and weave a search back and forth
+downtown until they reach the hotel. I will take
+Polly and, beginning at Washington Square, work
+uptown until we finish. If either of us find anything
+at all decent, and in an agreeable neighborhood,
+pay down a deposit to hold it and be sure
+to get a receipt as a binder—Mr. Latimer told me
+that much. Then we will all go for the second
+inspection and decide. Dr. Evans said we’d better
+pay down several deposits rather than lose a place,
+as we can quickly sell out any option we have for
+more than we paid down.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Having instructed her friends, Anne added one
+last bit of advice: “We will go as high as $3,000
+a year for seven rooms, or $1,500 for four to five
+rooms—no more, as that is all shelter is worth. If
+we can’t find a place at that price, we’ll stay in a
+hotel!”
+</p>
+<p>
+So the second day of house-hunting went forward
+by two divisions instead of one, and all that
+day Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor experienced the
+same snubs, weariness, and failures, as thousands of
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_24'></a>24</span>
+other home-hunters in New York had.
+And at evening they returned wearily to the hotel
+to hear what Anne had accomplished.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly and she have not yet arrived,” announced
+Eleanor, as Mrs. Stewart and she entered their
+suite.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I hope she has had better luck than we can brag
+about,” added Mrs. Stewart, dropping into an
+easy chair.
+</p>
+<p>
+A long time after the “first division” had returned,
+baffled, to the hotel, Anne and Polly burst
+into the room with happy faces.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, we just found the most wonderful place!
+Polly and I actually <em>discovered</em> it. We were giving
+up all hope of ever finding a decent apartment
+at any reasonable figure, and had started for the
+subway when we saw this one. The flower-boxes
+caught Polly’s eye, so we are really indebted to her
+for having secured our home.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne’s enthusiasm was contagious, and instantly
+Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor wanted to know where
+it was located.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne and Polly exchanged smiling glances, as
+if the secret was too precious to impart to others.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I suppose you two did up the entire upper sections,
+to-day, eh?” asked Anne, countering their
+eager queries.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_25'></a>25</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Did we? I should say we did! I got a taxi
+for the day and we flew from one pile of stone and
+marble to the next, and so many rides up and down
+in gorgeous elevators all day has kept my head
+still spinning. But we had the same results as
+yesterday. When you inspect one of these modern
+honey-combs you see them all. The only difference
+being that a few owners manage to retain the
+elevator and telephone operators, while the majority
+of superintendents apologise by saying, ‘My
+help went on a strike, to-day.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“It really looks, Anne, as if these poor New
+Yorkers will have to move out to the country if
+they want to live this year,” remarked Mrs. Stewart,
+earnestly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her companions laughed and Anne said:
+“Mother, you are too precocious. But now listen
+to our ‘find’!
+</p>
+<p>
+“As I planned, you two went uptown while
+Polly and I went downtown from here. We covered
+all the lower sections by criss-crossing back
+and forth, but we came away from the Gramercy
+Park section, late this afternoon, with an utter
+sense of failure. In fact, I was silently planning
+to inquire about good boarding-houses, when we
+hailed a Lexington avenue car, going north.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Being woolly westerners, we failed to ascertain
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_26'></a>26</span>
+how far northwards the car went, and having paid
+our fares, sat down. I remember turning to Polly
+and saying, ‘This is actually the first car in New
+York that I have been on that wasn’t crowded to
+the platforms.’”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly laughed at the remembrance, and Anne
+smiled. “But it was our salvation, Anne,” ventured
+the former.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne nodded and continued her story. “Then
+we soon learned why there were vacant seats on
+that car. A pleasant-faced, grey-haired man of
+about fifty, must have overheard my comment because
+he spoke to us after we were seated.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Perhaps you did not know that this car goes
+no farther north than the next block? It is
+switched back downtown, from that point. Did
+not the conductor mention it to you?’
+</p>
+<p>
+“I was furious, and I replied: ‘No! he never
+said a word when I paid the fares.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“By this time the car stopped and the conductor
+called out: ‘All out—dis car goes no furder. We
+switch back next corner!’
+</p>
+<p>
+“So Polly and I had to get off with the others.
+When we stepped down from the car, the nice man
+lifted his hat to us and said: ‘I judge you are
+strangers in the city. Can I direct you anywhere?’
+</p>
+<p>
+“I thanked him and told him we were only going as far
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_27'></a>27</span>
+as Forty-second street to the hotel. Then
+I added, sarcastically: ‘But there may be no cars
+which run as far north as that street!’
+</p>
+<p>
+“He laughed and said: ‘You had better walk
+over to Fourth avenue and get the car there. It
+takes you through the tunnel much quicker than
+the Lexington avenue car runs to Forty-second
+street. But be careful and do not board a car that
+stops at the car-house on Thirty-second street.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“We all laughed at that, as it would have been
+just like me to do so; then we thanked him and
+started along Thirty-first street to reach the car.
+And there we found our Haven of Hope!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Where? Not on Thirty-first street, I trust!”
+exclaimed Mrs. Stewart. “Isn’t that section of the
+city dreadful?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not the block where we found a home,” explained
+Anne. “It has several remodeled houses
+and several other flat houses on it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But just wait until you see our house—it’s
+fine!” said Polly, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly caught hold of my arm and exclaimed:
+‘Oh, Anne! see the lovely flower-boxes in that
+cute little house!’
+</p>
+<p>
+“I saw three narrow windows on the second
+floor with green flower-boxes on the outside sills,
+but then my eyes dropped lower and I spied a
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_28'></a>28</span>
+swinging sign at a side-door. It merely said: ‘To
+Let’ inquire, etc. Polly saw it at the same moment,
+so we stood and gazed at each other.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Let’s try and peep in at this window,’ suggested
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I agreed, and we did our best to see what was
+within; but the long iron-lattice that covered the
+four slits in the wide front doors, were covered
+from the inside. So we went to hunt up the agent.
+</p>
+<p>
+“His office was only a few blocks down Fourth
+avenue, so Polly and I hurried there before it
+should be closed for the day. A boy was told to
+accompany us and we were soon inspecting the
+premises. Our escort offered all the information
+he had heard in the real estate office.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘This hain’t been on our books more’n a day.
+I just hung out the sign this morning. The last
+man what lived here was an artist and he fixed up
+everything like you see it now. But he wanted the
+owner to take out the stable doors and put in a
+studio-winder, and when the owner wouldn’t spend
+a cent, the artist up and moved. My boss said the
+next tenant would insist on having the doors taken
+out, so you might as well kick about them being
+here, and see if you’se kin get the winder in.’”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne’s mimicry of the office-boy was perfect and
+her hearers laughed, but Mrs. Stewart had caught
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_29'></a>29</span>
+the significant words: “Stable doors,” and now
+she looked deeply concerned. Anne hastened to
+end her narrative when she saw her mother’s
+expression.
+</p>
+<p>
+“So Polly and I went back to the agent’s, heard
+the price of the place, and paid down half a
+month’s rent to hold it until you all can go with us
+to-morrow morning to approve of our selection.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Anne! how much was it a month?” exclaimed
+Eleanor, eagerly, while Mrs. Stewart
+looked dubious over such recklessness.
+</p>
+<p>
+“One-fifty a month, and we can have a straight
+lease—no humbugging about clauses.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“And how many rooms, did you say, dear?”
+gasped Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I didn’t say, mother, and I told Poll not to say
+more until after you see it in the morning.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But I like it, and it really does seem as if
+Providence sent us through that street,” added
+Polly, sighing with content.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Eleanor, did you hear Anne say it had stable-doors?”
+now ventured Mrs. Stewart, fearfully.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No! did you, Anne? Why would it have
+stable-doors?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Because in the days of horses and carriages, it
+was some rich man’s private stable,” laughed
+Anne, enjoying the horror on her mother’s face.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_30'></a>30</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“A stable! Ha, ha, ha—for a Maynard of
+Chicago! Oh—ha, ha, ha!” laughed Eleanor,
+rocking back and forth.
+</p>
+<p>
+Even Mrs. Stewart had to laugh at the picture
+Eleanor’s exclamation suggested—Mrs. Maynard
+and Barbara calling upon a member of their family
+who was living in an East Side stable!
+</p>
+<p>
+Any doubt of this being just the place they
+wanted vanished in the morning when Anne and
+Polly proudly escorted Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor
+about their future domicile. True, it had all the
+ear-marks of a stable from the <em>outside</em>, but once
+you were within, there was only an artistic home
+to be seen. The ground-floor which had once held
+four stalls and a harness-room, with space for
+two carriages, was now partitioned off in a manner
+that made the most of the space. A large
+living-room across the front acted as entrance-hall
+and passageway to the rear rooms and second
+floor. In the corner of the living-room, where
+the small brick chimney had served as smoke-vent
+for the stove of former days, there now was a
+wide tiled fire-place which would hold great logs.
+</p>
+<p>
+Double glass-paneled doors led from the front
+room to the dining-room with its two high-set
+square windows opening to the sunlight in the
+rear. Also a single door went to the kitchen,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_31'></a>31</span>
+which also had two high windows like those in
+the adjoining room. From the kitchen, a back
+door opened upon a tiny grass-platted garden of
+about twenty feet square. A fine locust tree grew
+in one corner of the plot and gave shade in the
+afternoon.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne explained certain peculiar features regarding
+the windows of the back-rooms. “Don’t
+you see why they are so high? It is because they
+were once the ventilators to the stalls. Each horse
+had his own window for air. But I think they now
+make the rooms look quaint, don’t you?”
+</p>
+<p>
+The others agreed with her, and Eleanor said:
+“If we had a shelf running along under the windows,
+it would look better.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“And we can use it for china,” added Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne now started to go upstairs, followed by
+the other three; they all examined the bedrooms
+and were delighted with them. There were
+two large front and two smaller rear rooms, with
+a fine tiled bathroom between the back rooms. Not
+one of the rooms was as small as the largest
+chambers seen in the modern apartments.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And all for a hundred and fifty a month!” exclaimed
+Eleanor, joyously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I reckon we’d better take it at once, children,”
+said Mrs. Stewart, approvingly.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_32'></a>32</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“But remember,” said Anne, on the way to the
+agent’s office, “we have to make all inside repairs,
+or redecorate as we want. There is no steam heat
+or hot water supplied, either, like the swell apartment
+houses, uptown, offer us.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’d rather have it so, Anne dear,” replied Mrs.
+Stewart. “I’ve always been used to a coal range
+and those fandangled gas ideas worried me, but I
+didn’t say anything to you-all. I noticed what a
+fine little kitchen stove this one has, so you’ll
+always have hot water—never fear. As for heat!
+Well, a great open fire-place in the front room
+will help heat upstairs, and there is a register in
+the bathroom that comes from the kitchen stove-pipe.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We can use electric or gas radiators, Anne,”
+added Eleanor, eagerly, “in very cold weather.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I never knew what heated bedrooms were like,
+in Pebbly Pit, Anne,” Polly said, anxious to have
+a word.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Besides we may have a very mild winter,” remarked
+Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+So the lease was signed and the first month’s
+rent paid. “We’ll give you any assistance you
+may need in getting the place in order, Mrs. Stewart,”
+said the agent, as he handed the papers to
+his new tenant.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_33'></a>33</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“That will be very nice, and we will take advantage
+of your offer, at once. I want the kitchen
+range and stove pipe put in perfect working order,
+and please see that the radiator in the bathroom
+is not obstructed in any way,” said the lady.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne and the agent exchanged looks and
+laughed. “I can see where Mrs. Stewart expects
+to enjoy herself this winter. Well, I told my wife
+the other day, we were more comfortable when
+we had an old-fashioned flat with a kitchen range,
+than we now are with all the latest modern improvements,”
+returned the agent.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anne, Polly and I want our rooms repapered
+and painted,” whispered Eleanor, tugging at
+Anne’s sleeve.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I was about to suggest that you have all the
+woodwork given one coat of nice fresh paint, but
+the paper now on the walls is very expensive and
+artistic, so I wouldn’t be in too great a hurry to
+have it done over. The last tenant imported his
+own paper at a great expense for that place,”
+explained the agent.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I think you are very kind and sensible to advise
+us in this way. So we’ll have the men do the
+paint but not touch the paper until we have had
+time to look it over again,” said Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“When can we move in?” questioned Polly.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_34'></a>34</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Any time you like; but I would advise having
+the painters out first. I will send two men to begin
+work in there to-morrow.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the four delighted tenants left the office,
+and on the walk back to the corner where they
+wished to board the car they eagerly planned how
+they would furnish their home.
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_35'></a>35</span><a name='chIII' id='chIII'></a>CHAPTER III—FURNISHING THE STABLE</h2>
+<p>
+“Anne, if we hurry and get the furniture, we
+can settle our home before school starts,” suggested
+Eleanor, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If you-all had only let me ship my stuff from
+Denver you wouldn’t have to buy a stick!” declared
+Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+They were standing on the corner waiting for
+an uptown car but not one was in sight. Anne
+showed signs of impatience but exclaimed at her
+mother’s remark:
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mother, you know very well what the crating
+and freight would have cost, and you sold your
+stuff for more than it was worth. I think you are
+most fortunate to have that little roll of money
+on hand, when you consider the wear and tear your
+furniture has had in the last thirty years.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anyway, Mrs. Stewart, I don’t want Victorian
+period in our house. Polly and I want to furnish
+and decorate our own rooms as we like. This is
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_36'></a>36</span>
+to be our first experiment in real artistic work,”
+said Eleanor, comfortingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly nodded her head at these words; but
+standing with her back to the curb, her face was
+opposite a large show-window in the corner building.
+Now, as if by some magnet, her eyes were
+attracted to what that window contained.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, just see there! Right near our street is
+a furniture shop!” With this exclamation, Polly
+ran over to inspect the objects displayed in the
+window. A carved four-poster, and other rare
+antiques, drew the attention of the little group.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly glanced around to see what furniture shop
+it was that was so near their new home.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why! It’s an auction place. Surely, it cannot
+be that such wonderful things are sold in a
+junk room,” exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+That made the other three look also, and Eleanor
+added: “It doesn’t follow that just because
+this is an auction house, that it must be a junk
+room.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, I never saw anything but awful junk in
+the second-hand place in Oak Creek,” explained
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Even the Denver dealers sell only junk, Nolla.
+But it may be different in New York. Everything
+seems to be different,” said Anne.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_37'></a>37</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Of course it is! Why wouldn’t it be when you
+stop to think of it. In the first place, no one in
+Oak Creek ever had anything but junk to sell.
+And in Denver, where everyone hangs on to every
+stick they have, simply because it is so difficult to
+get anything worth while, the poor second-hand
+dealer starves for want of trade. But here, as
+well as in Chicago, folks send stuff to places like
+this for sale, when they can’t find a place to move
+into. I just bet there will be thousands of families
+that will have to sell out this year just because
+there are not enough homes for all of them.”
+Eleanor’s logic was sound, and Polly ventured a
+suggestion.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’d love to go in there and see what they do
+with such pieces. There are lots of well-dressed
+people going in—come on.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Nothing loath to see the interior of a New York
+second-hand shop, the westerners went to the
+front door. There a colored porter stood and
+bowed politely.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Sale goin’ on in third room, right, ladies; have
+a catalogue?”
+</p>
+<p>
+As the uniformed attendant offered Anne a
+pamphlet of about twenty pages, he waved them
+inside out of the doorway. Then he repeated his
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_38'></a>38</span>
+directions to the next couple who followed directly
+after Mrs. Stewart’s party.
+</p>
+<p>
+To say the four friends were astonished at the
+size and quality of the auction-rooms is speaking
+mildly. Not a piece of furniture but looked rare
+and expensive. It seemed improbable that it all
+was for sale.
+</p>
+<p>
+A second attendant now came up and said:
+“Sale now going on in south gallery, ladies.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Anne took her courage in her hands. “We
+have never visited a sale before, so you will confer
+a favor by showing us where to go, or what to do.
+We are about to furnish a house.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The man sensed a good customer, and gallantly
+showed them through several well-stocked rooms
+until they reached the last, where a smiling
+smooth-tongued individual sat behind a raised
+desk and spoke conversationally to the crowd
+which sat in rows before him.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Jake, find me four chairs, in a hurry,” whispered
+the man who was conducting Anne’s party.
+</p>
+<p>
+Without confusion and in a moment’s time, Jake
+carried over four wonderful Jacobean chairs, two
+in each hand, their backs to each other, and
+handled as recklessly as if the fine carving was
+made of unbreakable metal.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_39'></a>39</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now, ladies, enjoy yourselves,” the smiling attendant
+said; then he stopped for a moment at the
+desk to say a word to the auctioneer who continued
+his selling as if no new victims had been introduced.
+</p>
+<p>
+One marvelous article after another was
+brought forth and placed for exhibition upon the
+Persian rug that covered the platform in front of
+the audience. And one after another, the objects
+of art and beauty were sold to different buyers at
+a preposterously low figure.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the wily auctioneer took notice that not a
+member of the newly arrived party was bidding
+on anything. He decided that this must not be, so
+he stood up to address the assembly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Friends, I know that you are here to buy and
+not to waste your time in mere curiosity. If there
+is any particular article you need, or have seen on
+the premises, speak out and I will oblige you by
+introducing it in this sale.”
+</p>
+<p>
+He glanced over the crowd and finally allowed
+his gaze to rest upon the four who sat in the front
+row. They all felt guilty of using his time and
+room when they had no idea of buying any particular
+thing. Mrs. Stewart was about to whisper
+to Anne that they had better go when Eleanor
+spoke up fearlessly.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_40'></a>40</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“I saw a four-poster in the show-window before
+I came in. Is it for sale?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Her three companions felt the shock that is experienced
+when one does an unusual or unexpected
+thing. But they each felt thrilled, too, at the courage
+of that one.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I regret exceedingly, my dear young lady, that
+that particular set of antique mahogany cannot be
+sold until day after to-morrow. In fact, only the
+contents of <em>this</em> vast room is for sale to-day. We
+take them in turn, you see. To-morrow the adjoining
+room goes, and the day following that
+everything is sold and cleared out of the third
+room—where the bed is.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we have a four-poster in this sale, Mr.
+Winters,” quickly said one of the floor-men.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ah, indeed! Perhaps the young lady will like
+it as well as the other one. Bring it forward,
+Joe.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Without the slightest delay, the floor-men then
+pulled and pushed a very elaborately carved four-posted
+bed out upon the dais. It was similar to
+the one in the window but it was smaller, this one
+being four feet wide while the one on exhibition
+for Friday’s sale was full sized.
+</p>
+<p>
+The auctioneer spoke of all the points about this
+particular piece of furniture, and then began to
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_41'></a>41</span>
+offer it for sale. The four visitors in the front
+row sat as if hypnotized at his manner.
+</p>
+<p>
+“What, no one here to appreciate this marvelous
+work of other days, now to be sold for three
+hundred dollars?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Not a sound encouraged him, so he sighed and
+said: “Well, is there anyone who will give two
+hundred for it?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor’s heart thumped. She was willing to
+give it but she found her tongue cleave to the roof
+of her mouth at the very idea of securing the bed
+at such a price.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Too bad! Then I shall have to ask if anyone
+will pay me one hundred dollars? Is this bed not
+worth that to you, young lady—or perhaps you
+need a full-sized bed?” The auctioneer looked at
+Eleanor but failed to see the dazzling glint that
+shot into her eyes when he offered the bed for one
+hundred. He really had no hope of starting it at
+that figure so he over-did it that time.
+</p>
+<p>
+“All right, friends, I am perfectly willing to
+have you set your own price on this magnificent
+piece of carving that is no less than a hundred and
+fifty years old. Now what is your pleasure?
+Fifty, forty, thirty—what? did I hear a bargain-hunter
+say twenty-five? Oh, impossible?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor almost fainted at such a dreadful sacrifice,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_42'></a>42</span>
+and would have stood up to offer him the
+hundred, had not a man in the rear called out
+“Fifty.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ah, that is better—thank you. Now, fifty,
+fifty, fifty—who says seventy-five? I want seventy-five—fifty,
+fifty, fifty, fif—fif-tee, tee, t-e-e—what,
+no one here willing to pay more than fifty dollars
+for this bee-u—utiful bit of antique mahogany?
+Fif-fif-fif—Ah!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor swallowed hard, half-stood up, and the
+auctioneer caught her eye at last. He smiled, acknowledged
+her expression, and now called:
+</p>
+<p>
+“Seventy-five! I now have seventy-five, seven,
+seven, sev-sev-seventy—seventy-fi-ifvvve! I have
+seventy-five dollars for this wonderful mahogany
+bed that is really worth seven hundred dollars in
+any store to-day. And I only have seventy-five
+dollars bid. Seven-tee——”
+</p>
+<p>
+Again Eleanor half-stood up and this time she
+managed to say “One hundred, please!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Thank you, young lady—you certainly understand
+fine furniture. I am now offered one hundred
+dollars by one who knows the value of this
+bed—one hundred, one hundred—hundred—one,
+h-u-ndred dollars offered—who will give a hundred
+and ten—only ten more gets it?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly was so amazed when Eleanor said “One
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_43'></a>43</span>
+hundred dollars” that she giggled hysterically; but
+not wishing to have her friend brag how “she bid
+at this auction and her friends were too shy,” Polly
+looked anxiously at the auctioneer. He saw that
+look and understood.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Don’t hesitate, young lady. You know ‘he who
+hesitates is lost’—in this case, loses a great bargain.
+If you wish to bid, never fear competing
+with a friend. In this business there are no friends—all
+men are strangers. Shall I say one hundred
+and ten for you?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly nodded eagerly and smiled broadly at
+Eleanor. The two girls were so delighted with
+themselves at daring to speak out so bravely in a
+city like <em>New York</em> that they failed to realize the
+auctioneer had knocked down the bed to Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“This young lady in front. I <em>must</em> say she appreciates
+fine furniture!” declared the suave auctioneer
+to everyone in general.
+</p>
+<p>
+“W-h-y, Pol—le-ee! Is that your bed?” gasped
+Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’m sure I don’t know. Is it, Nolla?” laughed
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Just then a brusque voice said: “Name and
+address please—and twenty-five per cent deposit
+money.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_44'></a>44</span>
+The girls looked up in bewilderment. Who was
+the man?
+</p>
+<p>
+He seemed to read their thoughts, for he
+smiled. “I am the cashier. Everyone has to pay
+down a cash deposit on their bids. Everything
+you buy has to be removed by Saturday, or we are
+not responsible for it after that.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh!” Polly and Eleanor looked at each other.
+They were trying to figure out how much money
+he wanted.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Here—I’ll pay the deposit. About thirty
+dollars, isn’t it?” said Anne, in a business-like
+tone.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, thank you. Now name and address,
+please?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“What’s the number of our stable, Anne?”
+laughed Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Anne gave the address the cashier looked
+surprised. “Oh, have you rented the Studio down
+the street?”
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls bowed wonderingly, and he added:
+“The artist who lived there for a number of years,
+used to drop in here every week just for the entertainment
+of picking up curios. In fact, I saw him
+here a few minutes ago. He told me he would
+give fifty percent advance to the tenant who leased
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_45'></a>45</span>
+that place. Here’s a chance for you to make
+money if you want to give up the Studio.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We want a home more than money, mister!”
+declared Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You’ve said it, Poll! If we give up this studio
+we may have to go back and live in our gold mine,
+because New York hasn’t any homes left, this
+year,” laughed Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+The cashier had not missed the mention of “our
+gold mine” and determined to do his utmost to
+please these ladies. Hence he whispered: “I’ll
+look after everything you buy here, and don’t
+worry about moving it away on Saturday. Next
+week will do, if you are not ready to get things
+out this week.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly, Polly! There goes a high-boy that
+matches the bed you got!” cried Eleanor, at this
+moment.
+</p>
+<p>
+“They are pieces of the same set. Strange to
+say, they came from the very place you rented.
+The artist has to sell out because he cannot find an
+apartment, and there is no storage room for his
+furniture,” explained the cashier.
+</p>
+<p>
+So Polly secured the high-boy for sixty dollars
+and felt very proud of her purchases. Eleanor
+bought a pair of brass fire-dogs and irons, and
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_46'></a>46</span>
+Anne bid on a large etching. When it was knocked
+down to her, she turned to her mother and said:
+“I really do not want it. What under the sun did
+I get it for?”
+</p>
+<p>
+And Mrs. Stewart laughed. “It’s always the
+way at these vendues. One gets all kinds of things
+one never needs.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then let’s get out. Girls, I’m going now,”
+whispered Anne, rising to leave.
+</p>
+<p>
+The cashier hurried over when he saw the four
+new customers about to go, and said, “The artist
+would like very much to meet his successors to the
+Studio.”
+</p>
+<p>
+At the same moment, a grey-haired gentleman
+bowed and smiled, and the group waited expectantly.
+Anne and Polly smiled also.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You are the kind friend who advised us, yesterday,
+when we had to leave the car,” Anne said,
+pleasantly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, but I never dreamed I was directing you
+right to my front door,” rejoined the artist.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, Mr. Fabian, as long as you’ve met
+before, I’ll go about my business,” and the cashier
+hurried away, leaving the five people in the adjoining
+room.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne proceeded to introduce her friends and
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_47'></a>47</span>
+then added: “It was providential that we went
+through that street. Now we have a home to our
+liking.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I am delighted that my successors will appreciate
+the place, but I am still seeking for quarters.
+Had I choked my anger and swallowed my pride,
+when the owner refused to keep his word about
+the stable-doors, I would still be enjoying my cozy
+Studio.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian then told the ladies how he had
+taken the stable in its raw state and turned it into
+the lovely dwelling it now was. He had paid for
+all the hardwood floors, for the partitions on the
+ground-floor, and for the kitchen plumbing.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, it must have cost you a small fortune,”
+ventured Anne. “And now it seems too bad that
+you can’t enjoy it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But I did enjoy it, my dear young lady—for
+five years. And I only paid sixty dollars a month,
+during that time, too. When the owner raised
+me, this year, to ninety I rebelled, because I had
+spent so much money on beautifying the rooms. I
+thought he would really relent and say I could
+have it for about seventy-five a month. I was mistaken.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’re paying a hundred and fifty a month and
+make all repairs, ourselves,” Anne ventured.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_48'></a>48</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“He took advantage of the unusual conditions.
+But you have a better bargain, even so, than if you
+had rented a seven-room apartment, uptown, for
+two or three thousand a year.”
+</p>
+<p>
+By this time they were standing on the corner
+once more, and Mr. Fabian seemed ready to leave
+them. Then Polly remembered that the cashier
+had said the bed and high-boy she just bought had
+come from the Studio.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Mr. Fabian, excuse me for speaking of it,
+but did you really own the four-poster I got at the
+sale just now?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, my dear. It was in the room my little
+daughter occupied when she was home. She is
+now in Paris taking an art course.” The girls
+were deeply interested in this intimate information.
+“That box-spring with the mattress on the bed was
+made to order of the best material I could buy.
+You’ll find the silk-floss in that mattress is so soft
+you’ll never care to get up, once you rest upon it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But I didn’t know the spring and mattress went
+with the bed,” Polly said, amazed.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, yes. That is the way they generally sell
+other folks’ goods. But I wish to say, that Nancy
+only used the bed a few weeks, as she had a splendid
+opportunity to enter a class in a friend’s school
+in Paris, so we started her across without delay.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_49'></a>49</span>
+My wife went, too, to look after her; that is one
+reason I refused to pay the increased rent; I
+thought it was too much for one lone man to pay.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“It almost makes me feel as if we ought to take
+you in to live with us,” said Mrs. Stewart, sympathetically.
+“If there only was one extra bedroom,
+now, we could make you a member of our family
+just as well as not.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we haven’t that extra room!” laughed
+Anne, wondering what this stranger would think
+of her mother’s free western hospitality.
+</p>
+<p>
+What he thought was soon expressed. “I certainly
+appreciate such unusual kindness and I see
+it is genuine. So I will dare to do this: I shall
+love to drop in, now and then, and see how you
+all are doing. Perhaps I can be of some assistance
+to you, in various ways.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I know you can!” declared Eleanor, eagerly.
+“Polly and I are taking up art and interior decorating
+and we need lots of ideas from grown-ups
+who have had experience. You can advise us that
+way.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Begin your regular home visits a week from
+Sunday, Mr. Fabian. We will be settled then and
+ready to welcome you to our house,” added Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then they parted and Mr. Fabian went downtown,
+while the four companions walked northwards to the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_50'></a>50</span>
+hotel. As they walked, Anne said:
+“It certainly was queer how that gentleman sent
+us past his own home and we saw it. Now, he
+turns out to be just the kind of a friend Polly and
+Eleanor will need to advise them about art
+school.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anne, what shall we do with the rest of the
+afternoon? We still have two hours before dinner-time,”
+said Eleanor, glancing at her wristwatch.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We can go over to the nearest shop and get
+Polly an everyday hat. I can’t bear to see this
+lovely one hacked out at auction rooms. She
+needs complete outfits of underwear, too, but we
+may be too late at the shops, for that.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anne, I saw in the paper this morning, when
+you were looking for apartments, that a fine Fifth
+avenue shop is having a sale of early fall models.
+Let’s go up and get Polly’s hat there,” advised
+Eleanor, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne laughed. “You are willing to get one for
+yourself, too, eh?”
+</p>
+<p>
+So both girls were supplied with chic hats before
+they returned to the hotel. There they found an
+invitation from the Latimers to come, informally,
+and dine with them that night. Dr. and Mrs.
+Evans would try to come in later.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_51'></a>51</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“It’s now five-thirty. Can we get dressed and
+make it, in time?” asked Eleanor, anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, yes; we haven’t far to go, you know. A
+taxi will take us there in ten minutes,” replied
+Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+All was hurry and bustle, then, and when the
+two girls emerged from their rooms dressed in
+their new gowns, Anne felt that they did her credit.
+She could not but remark at the great improvement
+that clothes, well-fitting and of fine material,
+made in Polly’s appearance. Now the girl looked
+positively beautiful.
+</p>
+<p>
+A pleasant evening ensued, Jim and Ken insisting
+upon the right to escort the ladies home after
+everyone had said good-night.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You know, girls, Ken and I are going to Yale
+next week?” said Jim, as they started down Broadway.
+</p>
+<p>
+“So your father said, to-night. We will miss
+you, Jim,” returned Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we’ll be home every chance we get—Thanksgiving,
+Christmas and other times,” Kenneth
+said, hopefully.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla and I will be awfully busy in school, and
+in trying to get started in the art classes,” added
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I hope you have the stable settled before we
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_52'></a>52</span>
+leave the city. We want to give you-all a house-warming,”
+said Kenneth.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That will be great! Let’s have it, anyway,
+even if everything is not in apple-pie order in the
+house,” exclaimed Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+So before they parted, that night, it was all arranged
+that the house-warming should take place
+the next Tuesday evening. The boys were leaving
+for college on Thursday, and the last few days
+before starting in the new school, would be busy
+ones for the girls.
+</p>
+<p>
+“All right, we’ll tell the folks the fun is on for
+next Tuesday, then,” said Jim, as they shook
+hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And it must be a regular surprise, you know—we
+bring our own refreshments and everything,”
+laughed Kenneth.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, no! That is the least we can do in return
+for all you folks have done for us. We will furnish
+your refreshments!” declared Eleanor, positively.
+</p>
+<p>
+“As long as you furnish plenty, all right. But
+remember, girls, that Ken and I still have our
+Rocky Mountain appetites!”
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_53'></a>53</span><a name='chIV' id='chIV'></a>CHAPTER IV—BARGAINS, BARGAINS EVERYWHERE!</h2>
+<p>
+With the worry of house-hunting gone, the
+young friends felt at liberty to be deliberate while
+apportioning their time. Anne took Polly and
+Eleanor to the West End School, the morning following
+their meeting with Mr. Fabian, and introduced
+them to the proprietress as the two young
+ladies she had written about.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly thought the elegant mansion that looked
+more like a prince’s residence than a school, would
+keep her from concentrating upon her lessons.
+While Anne and the principal of the select school
+talked business, Polly glanced about the reception
+room.
+</p>
+<p>
+The rugs were beautiful, most of them having
+the faded soft colors of the antique Persian and
+Turkish. But the furniture was too gorgeous in
+upholstering for the type of room. Then there
+were heavy boxed oil paintings in rich gilt frames,
+hanging on the walls; and teakwood pedestals
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_54'></a>54</span>
+holding statuettes and busts; and onyx stands with
+palms. The mantel was loaded with bric-a-brac
+of all sorts. Many other minor items showed bad
+taste in whoever furnished the room.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly felt all this, but could not explain just
+why she resented such a conglomeration of color
+and furnishings. But Eleanor, having had the results
+of a decorator’s judgment displayed in her
+home, in Chicago, felt inclined to smile at what
+she saw about her. It was sure evidence of Polly’s
+improvement in artistic interiors since the day she
+thought the green window-shades quite the thing,
+to this time when the indiscriminate mixing of
+colors offended her eyes.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I really am relieved to hear that you will not
+be resident here, Miss Stewart, as I need your
+room for two boarders. I had planned to enlarge
+the dormitory this year, but everything costs so
+much that I postponed it. Now this extra room
+will come in very nicely for me,” Mrs. Wellington
+was saying when Polly and Eleanor had finished
+a survey of the room, and rejoined Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Girls, Mrs. Wellington says we may have a
+look at the class-rooms. Would you like to go
+with me?” said Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+Without demur they followed the lady of the
+house. They passed through the formal parlor
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_55'></a>55</span>
+where guests of distinction were entertained. Here
+the two girls also saw the lack of taste in furnishing.
+Gilded furniture with delicate satin upholstery,
+fought with wallpaper of heavy Spanish-leather
+design. Curtains and portières were of
+velour, heavily edged with fringe. Valances of
+velour were over the windows, and on the mantel.
+Instead of having a delicate French carpet on the
+floor, there were thick napped dark-toned Beloochistan
+rugs.
+</p>
+<p>
+The long library opened out from the parlor,
+and here there was an atmosphere of rest, because
+the entire wall spaces were lined with dark cabinets
+whose shelves were well filled with volumes
+in bindings made to harmonize with the rich paper
+that showed above the book-cases. The window-seats
+were built in and upholstered in tapestry to
+match the paper. The tables and leather armchairs
+were not so glaringly out of keeping with
+the room as the furniture in the first two rooms
+had been.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Wellington waved her hand carelessly at
+this room: “When I bought this house, all the
+books went with it, just as you see them now. The
+window-seats are still covered as they were, but
+I hope soon to spend some money in making this
+library more cheerful for the girls. I like bright
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_56'></a>56</span>
+colors, but that dun wall paper and that dull tapestry
+on the window cushions gives me the blues. If
+the books had not been such a bargain—the executor
+of the estate was most anxious to dispose of
+them—I never would have taken them. Their
+dull green morocco bindings make the room seem
+heavy, don’t you think?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, no! I was just thinking how lovely the
+glint of the gold lettering on each dark book
+makes the room seem. If only there was a dark
+polished floor to reflect the chair and table legs,
+the room would be wonderful! But this large
+carpet spoils that effect!” Nolla exclaimed impetuously.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Wellington straightened her spine and
+looked in hurt amazement at this inexperienced
+miss who babbled like an expert decorator. No
+one had ever criticised that carpet rug before!
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne saw the look and comprehended at once,
+so she dropped oil on the troubled waters. “Oh,
+Nolla! you are so carried away with your hobby
+of studying decorating that you needs must practise
+it and criticise everywhere. Now, I’m sure,
+Mrs. Wellington never would have dreamed of
+your ambition had you not showed it so plainly in
+your words just now.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor understood Anne’s motive in speaking
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_57'></a>57</span>
+thus, and smiled benignly. Polly was still trying
+to grasp the handle to Anne’s remark when the
+lady of the house led them forth again.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Here are a number of smaller rooms where
+girls may sit and read or study in the evening.
+And now we will go up to the class rooms.”
+</p>
+<p>
+If Eleanor and Polly had been able to find flaws
+with the lack of taste shown in the furnishings of
+the first-floor, they could not detect the slightest
+item missing in the equipment and furnishing of
+the different school rooms. Every known modern
+device and object for the comfort, health and help
+of scholars, were in evidence. Anne smiled with
+pleasure as she looked around.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It will be a delight to teach in such a room as
+this, Mrs. Wellington; and I’m sure the scholars
+appreciate all you do for them.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, that is the strange part of it, Miss Stewart.
+The girls who come here seldom think of all
+I do for them in providing these rooms. They
+take it as a matter of course that I should spend
+so much money in keeping everything as I do,
+while my competitors ask higher rates and spend
+less;” the lady looked troubled over it.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now I have a friend down on Seventy-second
+street, who has conducted a most exclusive school
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_58'></a>58</span>
+for years; but she will not spend a cent in these
+ideal accommodations yet she gets higher prices
+than I do. And her waiting list of well-known
+names is endless. I only have a list of about a
+dozen applicants and they are not daughters of
+millionaires, either.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Perhaps,” Anne remarked kindly, “the girls
+<em>you</em> graduate make something of themselves in
+life, whereas those other society girls merely skim
+over lessons and never know how to spell their
+own names.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, that is true; I secure the very best teachers
+and try to instill knowledge wisely. And I
+am sure, my girls, upon leaving here, can compete
+with anyone.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I should say that was a great comfort. To
+look back some day and be able to say: ‘I taught
+that girl how to combat ignorance.’ And the girls
+who sincerely admit what you have done, will rise
+up and call you blessed—for giving them these expensive
+modern helps to acquire wisdom.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Madam seemed pleased with this point of view,
+and said: “You will stop and have luncheon with
+me, won’t you, dears?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We really cannot, Mrs. Wellington. You see
+we have to furnish the home that we just leased,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_59'></a>59</span>
+yesterday. We are most anxious to have everything
+in order before starting with our school work
+on the first,” Anne explained, politely.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, of course, that is wise. Then I will look
+for you Monday morning—the first of October.
+If there is anything you wish to know, you can call
+me up any time during the mornings. And if you
+are in this neighborhood before the first, do come
+in and have tea.”
+</p>
+<p>
+After the girls had gone, Madam smiled and
+thought to herself: “I certainly made no mistake
+in engaging <em>that</em> young teacher. She seems to be
+the best one I have ever interviewed. And the
+girls will take to her, I’m sure.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne led the way to a Broadway trolley, and
+soon they were at the hotel. Mrs. Stewart was
+impatiently awaiting them, so they had an early
+luncheon and then hurried downtown to the “Art
+Galleries” on Fourth avenue.
+</p>
+<p>
+The sale had just opened, and they were able to
+secure front chairs. A list had been made of
+pieces of furniture they really needed to start
+house-keeping with, and now they hoped to be
+able to find just the things they had pictured for
+the Studio.
+</p>
+<p>
+A solid mahogany gate-leg table was knocked
+down to Anne for fourteen dollars and a half.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_60'></a>60</span>
+Then a wing-chair with quaint lines, upholstered
+in orchid blue velour, was sold to Eleanor for
+nineteen dollars.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Dear me, that was a lovely chair, Nolla. I
+wish I had one like it,” sighed Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Isn’t my table a dear!” whispered Anne,
+eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But it has as many legs as a centipede,” replied
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+The others laughed gaily at her criticism but at
+that moment, a comfortable Turkish arm-chair
+was placed upon the dais. It was upholstered in
+a rich tapestry, and looked oh! so luxurious.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly watched the bidders anxiously. She had
+a sudden desire for that chair, but she couldn’t
+manage to get in at the bidding, at all. But when
+she saw a woman opposite, hold up a hand above
+her head, and so learned that that was one way
+to catch the auctioneer’s attention, she, too, followed
+suit.
+</p>
+<p>
+She instantly held up her hand, and just saved
+the chair from being sold to a man at the back.
+So it was knocked down to her at seventeen-fifty.
+</p>
+<p>
+“There! That is Mrs. Stewart’s chair. I saw
+the look in her eye when it was placed upon the
+dais; and I know just how she will enjoy it when
+she has done preparing our dinners. That chair,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_61'></a>61</span>
+out before the open fire-place giving rest to a tired
+house-keeper, will make one feel like new!” Polly
+said.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But, Polly, child! you must not spend your
+money buying <em>me</em> such things!” exclaimed Mrs.
+Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I will if I want to! This is the first stick
+you’ve got for your room. And without you,
+I’d like to know what kind of a home we’d
+have. So don’t you say another word if I want
+to buy other things for you.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne objected. “Maybe this one chair is all
+right, Polly, but no more, please.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anne, just see all the money we’re saving on
+buying our furniture, this way. Why can’t I use
+the surplus as I want to? I say I <em>will</em>—if I see
+anything I want very much to give you or your
+mother.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne knew when Polly was determined to have
+her way, and believed the best plan now would be
+to buy what was needed for herself and her
+mother, so as to forestall Polly or Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+So that afternoon Anne got two single brass
+beds with brand new springs and mattresses. The
+auctioneer explained that the bedding was sent in
+by the Manhattan Factory, because of an order
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_62'></a>62</span>
+that had been cancelled before delivery of goods.
+So Anne secured the bedding at half price.
+</p>
+<p>
+Neither of the girls suspected Anne of any
+secret plot when she bought other articles at that
+sale for the two bedrooms she needed to furnish;
+but when Eleanor eagerly bid on a Priscilla work-table
+of mahogany and got it for Mrs. Stewart,
+Anne felt annoyed.
+</p>
+<p>
+“My goodness, Anne, it was only five-fifty.
+Who ever saw a work-table as cheap as that,
+before? I know your mother will love to darn
+stockings for us all, now—with a nice place in
+which to keep her wools,” argued Eleanor, laughingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Maybe mother would rather not darn stockings
+but let you keep the table, yourself,” suggested
+Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+Before they left the Art Gallery that day, they
+found they had really bought enough articles to
+start in with if they liked. They could add rugs,
+bric-a-brac, and different luxurious chairs, at any
+time.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we need dishes and utensils, girls,” said
+Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’ll get them in a department store, and have
+them delivered at once,” replied Anne.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_63'></a>63</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Let’s run over and see if the painters have
+done anything,” suggested Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Might as well, Anne—we are right here, you
+see,” added Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+So they turned the corner and walked down the
+street to reach the Studio in time to see the painters
+finish the work on the ground floor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“How nice and fresh it looks. But the wallpaper
+looks dusty,” said Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It is dusty, madam. I was just sayin’ to my
+friend here you ought to have someone clean it all
+off with bread crumbs. It is a swell paper if it is
+clean,” remarked the painter.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Bread-crumbs?” ejaculated Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes’m. Best thing known to clean fine paper.
+I’ll get a man to do it if you say so. He knows
+his job.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I wish you would. And ask him to supply the
+bread, too, as we are stopping at a hotel where it
+is hard to get such things.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“An’ I was goin’ to mention—the porcelain tubs
+and basins oughta be cleaned fer you’se. When
+we finish painting I will scour and polish ’em, if
+you say so.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, please do! And the floors ought to be
+polished, too.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’ll take care of all that, if you just tell us
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_64'></a>64</span>
+to go ahead and clean up as we see fit,” said the
+painter.
+</p>
+<p>
+“All right; but don’t make us wait too long
+before we can move in. We are going to have a
+house-warming, here, next week,” explained Eleanor,
+anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’ve got an extra man comin’ on to-morrow,
+and we’ll be out of here by Saturday. Especially
+if we work Sat’aday afternoon—but that means
+double pay, you know.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Never mind that; finish the job as soon as possible,
+for we will save that much extra money in
+hotel bills,” said Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“All right! We’ll turn it over for you Sat’aday
+night!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Everything seemed to be going so well, not only
+with their Studio-home, but with furnishings and
+decorators, that the girls felt elated.
+</p>
+<p>
+The next day they again met Mr. Fabian at the
+Art Galleries, and he proved a very welcome member
+to their party, as he knew all about rugs, porcelains,
+and antiques. Having shown them and
+explained all about the few rare pieces still for sale
+in the auction rooms, he said:
+</p>
+<p>
+“Some day you must go with me to some of the
+other places. There are dozens of these shops in
+New York, and each one seems to incline to some
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_65'></a>65</span>
+particular line of furnishing. Then, too, one can
+see more wonderful antiques in these shabby little
+shops along the avenue, than one would believe
+possible.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I often pick up rare things in these places.
+They are run, mostly, by Hebrews who merely
+know when an object is antique, or in demand. But
+they seldom can tell you the period or name of
+many of their most valuable items. It was in this
+way that a friend of mine once discovered a
+treasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+“His wife wanted a necklace for Christmas—something
+odd and different than any that her
+friends had. So he came to me and said: ‘Fabian,
+I can’t afford Tiffany prices, but I wish I could
+find something unusual. I want to please my wife,
+because she has been such a good sport during
+the time I was hanging over the edge of bankruptcy.
+Now what would you suggest?’
+</p>
+<p>
+“I offered to go with him. So we sauntered out
+of the Studio and walked over here, to Fourth
+avenue. We stopped in every little collector’s shop
+along the street, but could not find just what appealed
+to him. Then we entered that shop across
+the street—the one near the corner.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I knew the old Hebrew well, having often
+looked over his trays filled with every old thing
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_66'></a>66</span>
+conceivable. So I said upon entering: ‘Got any
+odd kind of necklace or chain, Moses? Something
+to go around a lady’s neck, you know?’ I
+had to demonstrate my words as I spoke.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Ya, ya! Shure, I got a chain. I show him
+you?’
+</p>
+<p>
+“It was a long antique-silver chain, the great
+flat links being beautifully filigreed. But it was not
+what my friend wanted, so I bought it for Nancy.
+Then the shop-keeper looked wistful.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Ain’t I got it what you like? Tell me what
+for you want him?’
+</p>
+<p>
+“My friend replied: ‘For my wife. She goes
+to balls and like pearls, or other stones, in a necklace.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Ah, ha! I got yust what you like. A pearl
+necklace vot come in las’ veek wid a lot of odder
+fine tings.’ Then the old man rooted around under
+the counter until he found the tray he wanted. It
+was coated with dust from the floor, but he blew
+this off and carelessly placed the heaped-up tray
+before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Such a tangle of all kinds of jewelry I never
+<em>did</em> see! Finally I got the string of pearls free
+from the snarls of ordinary glass beads and other
+trash, and handed it over to my friend. He curled
+a lip in scorn at the soiled trinket.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_67'></a>67</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Avery, drive a bargain with him for this. I
+honestly think those pearls are quite good. Let
+me rub one up on my sleeve, while you draw the
+fellow’s attention from what I am doing,’ I
+whispered.
+</p>
+<p>
+“While Avery tried to bargain, I cleaned up one
+of the gems and felt sure they were unusually good
+even for artificial pearls.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We actually bought the string for twelve dollars,
+but my friend feared lest he had been taken
+in. So I smiled and said: ‘Leave them with me
+and I’ll see that they are polished up like new by
+to-morrow night. I’ll take them to an old jeweler
+down the street and have them washed and
+the gold links cleaned. Your wife won’t know but
+that they came from Tiffany’s.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Avery laughed and left them with me. So I
+hurried down to Union Square and showed them
+to the old jeweler I knew, there.
+</p>
+<p>
+“He puckered his brow at first, then ran for his
+magnifying glasses. After an unusually keen inspection
+he called to his associate. Both of them
+then examined the string most carefully, and the
+old man finally looked up.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘If I didn’t know you to be an honest man I
+should say: “Where did you steal them?”—but I
+will ask: “How came you by these?”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_68'></a>68</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“I was astonished, as you may know, but I tried
+to appear wise, so I laughingly replied: ‘They are
+not mine, my dear, sir. I only wish they were! I
+just got them from a friend to have someone, who
+is responsible, clean them nicely. I must hand
+them back as soon as you have finished.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Mr. Fabian, I can’t undertake such a job. I
+have no bonded man to do such work and I dare
+not send them out. They may be substituted, you
+know.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then I couldn’t help saying: ‘My good man!
+You don’t value them so highly as that, do you?
+Why, I carried them downtown in my pocket!’
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Ha, ha!’ he laughed, ‘I never saw a better
+matched string of perfect pearls in my life and I
+am nigh onto sixty. If I had to handle that necklace,
+I should instantly insure it with a broker for
+a hundred thousand dollars.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“Fancy, my friends, how I felt! My knees gave
+way and I had to sit down. I loosened my collar
+which seemed suddenly to grow too tight, but I
+couldn’t say a word.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor stood listening with eyes
+bulging and mouths half-open. Anne and her
+mother were also deeply interested.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian smiled to himself before he continued
+his tale, “Well, I took the pearls and hailed
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_69'></a>69</span>
+a taxi. I was taken to Tiffany’s, and asked for the
+manager, at once. Of course they wanted to
+know why I wished to see him, and I said, courageously:
+‘To turn over a valuable pearl necklace
+and insure it for a hundred thousand.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“That brought the manager running. We went
+to a small private room and I placed the string of
+pearls before him. He took it carefully, examined
+it casually, then more minutely. He seemed
+perturbed and got up. ‘Don’t leave this room and
+do not allow anyone to come in and see it. I’ll be
+back in a moment with our expert.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“I felt sure, then, that Avery had actually found
+a <em>real</em> bargain. But I never dreamed of getting
+anything out of it for myself. The manager returned
+with, not only the gem expert, but also with
+the president of the company. He closed the door
+and locked it.
+</p>
+<p>
+“The gem expert used all sorts of tests on the
+pearls and then said in a trembling tone: ‘M’sieur,
+I see like I nevair saw in my life! A string of
+perfect match pearls, each one well worth a fortune.
+But I see more, M’sieu! I will bring my
+acid to clean the engraved clasp set with diamonds.
+Maybe we find interesting fack.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“Everyone felt nervous during the intermission
+granted us, but we said not a word to each other.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_70'></a>70</span>
+Then the Frenchman returned. He was so careful,
+almost reverent, I should say, in touching and
+cleaning the clasp, that I laughed to myself at the
+memory of Old Izaacs shelving the pearls with a
+heap of junk, on a tray that was shoved on the
+floor under a counter.
+</p>
+<p>
+“After many minutes of impatient waiting on
+our side, and as long in a most delicate cleansing
+process of the pearls on the part of the expert, he
+said: ‘Ah! Now vee zee.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“He adjusted his eyeglass and studied the lettering
+on the clasp. Then he jerked forward and
+peered breathlessly at it again. Suddenly he
+dropped the necklace upon the pad and leaned back
+in the chair. ‘Mon Dieu!’ was all he could gasp.
+</p>
+<p>
+“The president then caught up the pearls and
+adjusted the glass and studied the clasp. He also
+gasped and turned pale. The manager took the
+string from his superior and eagerly read the lettering
+aloud, ‘To my queen from Bonaparte.’ And
+then followed the date and year in tiny figures.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian smiled as he saw the impression his
+story had made, and waited to be asked questions
+concerning the pearls.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, do finish the story!” cried Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Were they really that famous pearl necklace?”
+asked Anne.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_71'></a>71</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+But Polly was too amazed to ask anything.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It was the famous necklace of purest pearls
+that had been lost for the past sixty years. It was
+worth about two hundred and fifty thousand
+dollars, at the time it disappeared. To-day it
+would be worth much more. But it belonged to
+the French Museum, and a reward of two hundred
+thousand francs had been offered for trace
+of it, or its return. So long ago had that reward
+been recorded in every civilized land, that the present
+generation had never heard of it—except in
+history.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, I took a receipt from Tiffany for its
+safe-keeping, and they assured me that they would
+communicate with the French Ambassador, without
+delay. Meanwhile I was to communicate with
+my friend Avery. Naturally I withheld all information
+as to the manner in which the necklace had
+been discovered.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I went to Avery’s office, immediately, and
+acted very sorry as I said: ‘Avery, if I were to
+tell you that I lost that necklace, what would you
+do to me?’
+</p>
+<p>
+“He only laughed and said: ‘I’d make you buy
+my wife one as good, or one she <em>might</em> prefer to
+that greasy one!’
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then I said: ‘Avery, I never had, nor do I
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_72'></a>72</span>
+expect to have as much money as that necklace is
+worth! Man alive, it is now in Tiffany’s safe,
+insured for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars,
+against fire or theft!’
+</p>
+<p>
+“I thought Avery would faint, but when he had
+managed to collect his wits, he whispered hoarsely,
+‘I don’t understand—were they <em>genuine</em> pearls?’
+</p>
+<p>
+“So I told him the story and we both rushed
+away to hire a taxi and then we drove madly to
+Tiffany’s, again. I introduced Avery as the owner
+of the pearls, and he was treated to a sight of his
+little twelve-dollar bargain.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, the upshot of it was, Avery received a
+‘present’ of a hundred thousand dollars from the
+French Government, and in return he signed a release
+for himself, his wife, his heirs, friends, acquaintances,
+and, in fact, every American citizen
+in the census. He was told that he would be held
+responsible, thereafter, for all claims or lawsuits
+instituted against France to recover the necklace.
+And he accepted the burden, considering he had
+such a price paid for the job.
+</p>
+<p>
+“One day Izaacs got a present through the mail,
+of a draft for a thousand dollars and to this day
+he doesn’t know who the signer ‘William Avery,’
+can be.
+</p>
+<p>
+“My old jeweler on Union Square got another
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_73'></a>73</span>
+thousand, and I—well, I refused everything, and
+Avery called me a numb-skull and an easy mark!
+So he invested half of all he received in my wife
+and Nancy’s name, and that is how they went to
+Europe.” Mr. Fabian smiled reminiscently at the
+end of the story.
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_74'></a>74</span><a name='chV' id='chV'></a>CHAPTER V—FIRST DAYS AT SCHOOL</h2>
+<p>
+Polly and her friends had moved into the
+Studio and were recovering from the orgy of the
+house-warming given them by the Evans and Latimers
+the previous evening, when the two boys came
+to say good-by.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ah, come on, Nolla—bring Polly and see us
+to the train,” coaxed Jim, watching the clock on
+the mantel.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But, Jim, we honestly haven’t the time! If
+you <em>knew</em> all we had to do this week!” sighed
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, we could have <em>been</em> there in the time you
+have taken to explain how busy you are,” grumbled
+Jim.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then get out! If I have wasted so much precious
+time it is because you stand there and make
+me. Good-by, old pal, now scat!” Eleanor held
+out her hand and laughed. But Jim was not so
+easily daunted.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_75'></a>75</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Where’s Ken all this time? Oh, I say, Ken!
+Come on!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I think Ken and Polly went down the street
+while you two were out in the garden hunting for
+the grass,” said Mrs. Stewart, without a smile.
+</p>
+<p>
+Jim laughed. And Eleanor caught up her hat
+from the divan and ran to the door. “If they go
+away like that, then you and I will, too.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Having reached the corner, however, Jim and
+Eleanor saw Ken and Polly intently studying something
+held in the latter’s palm.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Come on—we will see what it is they caught?”
+said Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Nolla, see what Ken gave me for a keep-sake.
+We found it over at Old Izaac’s,” exclaimed
+Polly, holding out the strange trinket for
+her friend to admire.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, it’s a real scarab. Isn’t it a beauty,”
+said Eleanor, then suddenly wishing Jim had
+thought of giving her a keep-sake.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s why I wanted you to come out with me.
+I told Ken you girls’d forget about us the minute
+we were out of sight, unless you had something to
+remind you of us,” explained Jim.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Come on, then, and let Nolla pick out what
+she wants,” added Ken, laughingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’ll take the queen’s pearl necklace!” and
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_76'></a>76</span>
+young hearts made merry of the pearls that had
+cost so many lives and so much misery.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor selected a peculiar seal set in a strange
+stone. “There, I will use it on the first letter I
+write you,” she said.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now that you are here, you may as well jump
+on the car and take us to the train,” begged
+Jim.
+</p>
+<p>
+And this time he had his way. But they did
+not catch the four o’clock express to New Haven,
+as it was four-ten when they reached the gates and
+found them closed.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now we’ll have to sit and talk until five,”
+laughed Jim, exultantly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’ll do nothing of the sort! I told you we
+had no time to waste on you boys, and we only
+came thus far to be polite in exchange for the
+keep-sakes. But you can have them back if you
+think it gives you the right to order me around.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor held out the seal, but Jim looked forlorn.
+Then she laughed because he felt bad at
+her teasing.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Come now, Jimmy, say good-by like an old
+dear, and tell Polly and me to run home.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I wish you were my sister!” sighed Jim.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Your sister? What good would that do you?”
+asked Eleanor.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_77'></a>77</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Because you’d let me kiss you good-by!” retorted
+he.
+</p>
+<p>
+They all laughed merrily, and Polly said:
+“You’d never want to kiss her if she was a sister.
+You wouldn’t even have asked her to come to the
+station with you.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“You’re right, Poll! Now I’m going—good-by,
+boys!” and Eleanor held forth both hands—one
+to each boy.
+</p>
+<p>
+After many repeated good-bys, the girls left and
+slowly walked down the avenue. When they
+had reached the parkway that runs over the car-tunnel,
+and is known by the name of Madison avenue,
+Polly said: “Why wouldn’t you wait for the
+train, Nolla?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Because, Polly, I like both those boys and I
+don’t want to lose them so soon. If a male thinks
+we females will run at beck and call for them, they
+quickly weary of such a game. It is the one who
+refuses to be wound about a finger, that always
+keeps the beaux on a string.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly laughed. “You are too worldly-wise for
+me. Now I never should have dreamed of such a
+thing.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, I’m right! One reason Bob never has
+a beau is just because she shows how anxious she
+is for one.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_78'></a>78</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, no, Nolla! The reason Bob hasn’t any
+beaux is on account of her disposition—you know
+that!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“That, too, Polly. But mostly, because she
+throws herself at the head of any eligible man. I
+tell you, a man won’t have it so!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Never mind, Nolla. You and I are never going
+to have beaux, so we should worry! We will
+marry our profession!” said Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+The following Monday, Anne escorted her two
+charges to the school on West End avenue. It was
+a wonderful Autumn day and the girls pictured
+how beautiful the mountains about Pebbly Pit must
+look on such a clear day.
+</p>
+<p>
+As the Fifth avenue bus was most convenient
+for Polly and her companions, boarding it at Thirtieth
+street and leaving it at the corner of Seventy-second
+street where West End avenue started
+northward, they had but a short walk to reach the
+school.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor had been most particular with Polly’s,
+and her own appearance, that morning. “For,”
+said she, “first impressions are lasting. We must
+be sure and make a favorable dent in these girls.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we don’t know one of them, Nolla,” argued
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“All the more reason why we should take the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_79'></a>79</span>
+head of the line!” retorted Eleanor, tossing her
+head.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne laughed, and thought to herself, “They
+will surely take the head in everything, for I never
+saw two such live girls.”
+</p>
+<p>
+But to Eleanor’s chagrin the examinations
+classed Polly with girls of fifteen to sixteen, while
+she was placed with girls of fourteen years. This
+caused the temperamental girl to feel discouraged
+and she began to blame her ill-health for her backwardness.
+</p>
+<p>
+In every other way, Polly and she ranked equal;
+and not a girl in the whole exclusive school could
+boast of better or more fashionable dresses than
+these two western scholars. Eleanor was most
+talkative, describing her home in Chicago and the
+people the Maynards knew. Then she whispered,
+covertly, how rich Polly Brewster was—she owned
+a great gold mine all in her own rights. She spoke
+thrillingly of Rainbow Cliffs and the tons upon tons
+of rare stones to be found there, until every girl
+sighed in envy. But Eleanor failed to mention
+that the stones would have to be cut and polished
+before they would be of any use to anyone.
+</p>
+<p>
+A few stray sentences of these conversations
+reached Anne’s ears, and she felt puzzled to know
+what was best to do. Eleanor was not bragging
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_80'></a>80</span>
+because she needed place or power in the group,
+but the teacher understood that she was exaggerating
+for Polly’s sake. She wanted all the girls to
+look up to Polly as a subject would to a queen.
+She knew how Barbara had felt toward the simple
+ranch people, and these girls were of the same ilk—society’s
+pets. And they could make life unhappy
+for Polly, or a dream of joy.
+</p>
+<p>
+That afternoon, as school closed, Anne overheard
+one of the girls repeating Eleanor’s words,
+but they had not lost in the repetition. In fact,
+Anne was sure Eleanor did not say quite all that
+she was credited with. On the way to the Studio,
+therefore, she determined to speak to Eleanor
+about the matter.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Eleanor, you seemed to make a bushel of
+friends without any trouble,” said Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I always do. It’s best to have done with it,
+and then you can sift out those you don’t like,
+afterward,” laughed Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“How about you, Polly?” questioned Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I was too busy with my lessons to bother about
+anyone, but I thought the girls acted rather queer
+this afternoon. I caught some of them whispering
+about me, and some were casting envious glances
+my way. I can’t understand why they should?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor gasped. Here was a danger she had
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_81'></a>81</span>
+not thought of. She wouldn’t risk Polly’s peace
+or popularity for anything in the world, but she
+may have unconsciously done just that very thing!
+</p>
+<p>
+“I heard some of the girls talking of your gold
+mine and Rainbow Cliffs, and I wondered if you
+had made such close friends, so soon,” ventured
+Anne, guilefully.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, <em>I</em> did that! Nothing like putting on a lot
+of ‘dog’ if you want to make a splash in the puddle,”
+hastily explained Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne felt like laughing but she hid her face,
+and Polly turned pale with annoyance.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, Nolla! How could you? You know
+I’d rather be considered a nobody than stand in a
+false light. Now what can I do to clear this up?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“It isn’t false light at all, Polly. You can’t do
+anything now without making me out a fibber,”
+retorted Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You are acting just like your sister Bob might
+have done! That’s the worst thing I can say to
+<em>you</em>,” scorned Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And I did it all for you, too!” whimpered
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Didn’t I tell you, back at Pebbly Pit, that I
+wanted to cut my own cloth? For goodness’ sake,
+don’t interfere in my private life again!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But you’ve got to let folks know you’re someone, or
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_82'></a>82</span>
+you will never climb to the top of the
+heap,” argued Eleanor, stubbornly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I have my own method of reaching the top,
+Eleanor, and it is not <em>that</em> way. I was Polly Brewster
+before you ever knew me and I am that same
+Polly Brewster even after having a gold mine and
+a mile of lava-jewels thrust down my throat. Don’t
+say another word!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly turned her back and went to the end seat
+on the bus, leaving Anne to console poor Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Look’a here, Anne—did I do anything so
+awful?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“You made a serious mistake, Nolla, when you
+talked to those strange girls about Polly. You
+tried to make her appear as if she approved of
+your method of bragging about the mine and
+money.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“W-h-y, I never dreamed of such a thing! I
+only wanted these New York girls to get it straight
+from the start that our Polly of Pebbly Pit was
+‘some punkins’;” Eleanor tried to laugh.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And you succeeded in not only humiliating
+Polly, but me also, because I am responsible for
+both of you, to a certain degree.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Humiliate Polly and you!” gasped Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Exactly what you did. I have been placed in
+command of this little family, and the first day at
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_83'></a>83</span>
+school, you deliberately thrust yourself forward—take
+my place, so to speak—and tell all the strangers
+there who Polly is, and who you and I are. In
+fact, you give out information that should come
+only from me.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’m sorry, but for goodness’ sake let’s drop it,
+now.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’d better settle the matter once for all,
+Nolla, before we drop it. If Polly and you are to
+continue the wonderful friendship begun this Summer
+at the ranch, you must never again say, or do
+anything, that trespasses on her rights. Remember
+that each one of us has an individual right to
+impart what we like about our private affairs—be
+it family or fortune. But the moment another
+speaks for us, then it becomes gossip and scandal
+on the part of that impertinent one.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I do not propose having my time and thoughts
+disturbed by any inharmony rising between you
+two girls, and if another occasion comes up, when
+Polly and you disagree as you have to-day, I’ll
+wire to your father to come and take you home.
+If Polly is to blame, then I’ll send her home. But,
+thus far, it is you who trespassed on Polly’s rights.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If you’ll think this over quietly, and without
+prejudice, I’m sure you’ll agree that I am just and
+right in my stand.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_84'></a>84</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+That evening, Eleanor apologised to Anne and
+Polly for her thoughtless impulse that day, and
+fervently prayed that she never be tempted to open
+her lips again.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was not Polly’s nature to sulk or remember
+unpleasant episodes, so everything went along
+smoothly after that first day at school.
+</p>
+<p>
+Tuesday evening Mr. Fabian called, and was
+welcomed to his erstwhile fireside. During that
+visit, it developed that he had accepted an offer
+which several of his friends had urged upon him.
+He was to teach, three times a week, a class in art
+designing at Cooper Union Institute. And before
+he said good-night to the ladies, it had been suggested
+and settled, that Polly and Eleanor were
+to join the evening classes on the three nights a
+week that their friend taught at the school.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Stewart worried lest the girls would be
+wearing themselves out with too much study. But
+it was found that the work in the art classes under
+Mr. Fabian’s watchful eye, was a pleasure rather
+than a study or work.
+</p>
+<p>
+Thus they started to build on a firm foundation,
+and by degrees they mastered the rudiments of
+geometrical drawing, then went on to ornamental
+designing, next taking up the study of architecture
+in so far as it applied to interior decorating, and
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_85'></a>85</span>
+at the end of the year they were drawing free hand
+and perspective sketches. But that was not until
+the school term was almost over.
+</p>
+<p>
+By the end of the first week at Mrs. Wellington’s
+school, the girls had chosen their friends for
+the term. It was most interesting to Anne to note
+that a certain social element looked up to Eleanor
+as their natural leader, while the quiet persistent
+sort silently fell in line with Polly. Both girls
+were admired and heartily liked, by teachers as
+well as scholars, but there was one disturbing
+young lady who resented the usurping of her
+former undisputed sway in the school by the two
+new-comers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Elizabeth Dalken was the pretty, but vain
+daughter of a superficial society woman who
+thought of nothing but self-indulgence, leaving the
+training of her child to Fate. Hence, Elizabeth
+was the usual product: selfish, proud, arrogant and
+hypocritical. She was but fifteen, yet she could
+slyly cheat at bridge, smoke her mother’s cigarettes,
+and flirt with the men who frequented her
+home, as cleverly as her mother could.
+</p>
+<p>
+For two previous years she had taken the reins
+of leadership at Wellington’s school and she had
+returned the third Fall fully expecting to resume
+her authority.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_86'></a>86</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+To learn that a western ranch-girl without a
+record in “Who’s Who,” and a mere <em>Chicago</em>
+Miss, governed her former subjects, turned Elizabeth
+white with rage. She could say nothing
+about it, however, without starting her school
+friends’ teasing and laughing at her downfall. And
+she could not leave the school, because her mother
+had deserted her husband. He was the cashier for
+all the luxuries Mrs. Dalken and her daughter indulged
+themselves in, and he had selected Wellington’s
+school for the girl, and had paid the tuition
+fee in advance, so it stood to reason that he would
+not consent to a change, now, on account of her
+jealousy.
+</p>
+<p>
+So on that first Friday evening, upon leaving
+school, Elizabeth promised herself that she would
+“get square” with those “two nobodys” in short
+order! She would show those other girls at Mrs.
+Wellington’s just who <em>she</em> was, and why they
+should have kept her as their leader!
+</p>
+<p>
+But the western girls were not shamming their
+lovable characters, and as time went on, their companions
+appreciated, more and more, the sterling
+qualities in their chosen leaders. Thus Elizabeth
+found it no easy task to influence the girls against
+them.
+</p>
+<p>
+October passed and November began, with the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_87'></a>87</span>
+girls at Mrs. Wellington’s planning for a Thanksgiving
+entertainment to close their school for the
+holiday. Here Polly was discounted, as she had
+never taken part in amateur theatricals, and knew
+nothing about them. Had anyone asked her to differentiate
+between the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian
+or Composite order of classic periods of
+architecture, she could have described either, or all
+of them, almost as well as Mr. Fabian himself
+could do. But the scholars at Mrs. Wellington’s
+never dreamed of Polly’s ambition and knowledge
+along such lines of study.
+</p>
+<p>
+So Elizabeth found herself the one to whom
+everyone appealed about costumes, parts, and the
+general management of affairs. Eleanor resented
+the obvious fact that <em>she</em> was completely ignored
+when the various important parts were distributed,
+but Polly never gave it a thought.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We couldn’t accept a part, anyway, Nolla,
+with all the time we have planned to give to exhibitions
+and lectures, this month,” Polly reminded
+her.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And your Daddy will be visiting New York
+that last week, Nolla, and you must devote your
+spare time to his entertainment—not be fussing
+with a lot of girls over a silly poem,” added Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+Thus the sharp sting was withdrawn and Eleanor forgot
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_88'></a>88</span>
+all about her injured feelings. But
+Elizabeth Dalken believed she was merely pretending
+that she felt no grudge against the Director
+of the Play. And it gave Elizabeth great
+satisfaction to believe she had actually offended
+the two popular western girls.
+</p>
+<p>
+During November afternoons, and on several
+evenings, Mr. Fabian took the three friends to
+the Metropolitan Museum where wonderful exhibits
+of private collections were given. Here
+every New Yorker was admitted free to see genuine
+antiques of furniture, paintings, tapestries and
+rugs, plate and ornaments. And with such a marvelous
+judge to escort them about and explain details
+that might have escaped other than his knowing
+eye, Anne and her two charges felt well repaid
+for their time. It proved not only instructive but
+very absorbing—these personal talks with Mr.
+Fabian about the rare and ancient articles.
+</p>
+<p>
+Valuable volumes treating on subjects which
+most aspirants of art are acquainted with, began
+to fill the shelves in the rooms on the first floor of
+the stable-studio; and quite often, Mr. Fabian
+brought in a “treasure” he had picked up at a
+second-hand book shop. He would read aloud in
+a cultivated voice, such bits as he thought would
+interest young and ambitious girls. Then, after
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_89'></a>89</span>
+he had bid his hostesses good-night, he generally
+left the volume behind.
+</p>
+<p>
+Perhaps the very fact that Polly and Eleanor
+seemed to be apart from the other school-girls
+and their pastimes, made them all the more desirable
+to court. Not but that the two western girls
+liked fun and frolic as much as anyone, but they
+seemed always to have engagements with people
+the school-girls had never met, nor heard of.
+</p>
+<p>
+Now and then, Mrs. Wellington took her girls
+to a matinee, and then Polly and Eleanor laughed
+and enjoyed the play as heartily as the others. But
+while other school-girls were foolishly mincing up
+and down the Peacock Allies of the large hotels,
+and sipping tea in company with young men, the
+two girl chums were eagerly listening to a lecture
+given at one of the art buildings, or admiring a
+private collection only open to the public for a
+few afternoons.
+</p>
+<p>
+A few days before Thanksgiving, Mr. Maynard
+arrived and then the routine of the girls’
+daily life suddenly changed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor insisted upon her father taking her
+room while she went to Polly’s chamber to sleep
+upon the day-bed there. Mr. Maynard wanted to
+remain at the hotel to save the girls any inconvenience,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_90'></a>90</span>
+but the girls would not hear of his being
+away from Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+The school play was scheduled for the Tuesday
+evening before Thanksgiving Day. But all the
+ball-rooms and other auditoriums, had been engaged
+weeks before November, so Mrs. Wellington
+had to take what she could get, or postpone
+the date of the play. Elizabeth Dalken was determined
+to have it on the evening set, and so the
+poor lady started again, to seek for some available
+hall, with Elizabeth accompanying her. Finally
+they secured a small assembly hall near Central
+Park West, but it was far from being desirable
+for the girls.
+</p>
+<p>
+The dirty walls had to be hidden beneath flags
+and bunting, and the tarnished gas chandeliers had
+to be covered with crepe paper. The crude stage
+was decorated with pine branches and palms, and
+in places where the doors or windows were located,
+(minus the doors,) the girls grouped palms
+and evergreens, so that the hall looked quite inviting
+before evening.
+</p>
+<p>
+A bevy of happy girls superintended the decorations
+while butlers, grooms, and even the chauffeurs,
+did the hard work. Polly and Eleanor
+joined the merry group and instantly offered to
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_91'></a>91</span>
+work, but Elizabeth Dalken scorned their assistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+“People who live in a <em>stable</em> can know nothing
+about decorating!” she said, insultingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly sent her a glance of pity, but Eleanor retorted:
+“Stable! Well, the richest and most respected
+banker of Chicago is visiting us in that
+stable! And he is my very own father, too! If
+you were out there, now, I’d hate to think of what
+we’d do to <em>you</em>!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Elizabeth sneered and was about to reply, but
+Polly dragged her friend away, forcibly, and they
+were soon leaving the room.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Wellington had been thoroughly enjoying
+her conversation with the pleasant banker from
+Chicago, and now she smilingly said: “I can
+readily see where Eleanor gets her common sense
+and pleasing manners.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Maynard laughed and watched the two
+girls hurry over to join him. A glance at his
+daughter’s face, however, told him that something
+had gone wrong, but Mrs. Wellington hoped to
+check the complaint at that moment. She suddenly
+turned her head, seemed to hear someone
+call, and then spoke to Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Come with me, dears, I believe we are wanted
+in the dressing rooms.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_92'></a>92</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Once out of ear-shot of Mr. Maynard, she
+whispered: “Oh, do not allow Eleanor to say one
+word to her father that will spoil everything. I
+will look into this matter myself after to-night.
+But so much depends on this play going smoothly,
+and how can it if some one causes an explosion?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly felt sorry for poor Mrs. Wellington, for
+she really did have a hard life of it, trying to keep
+peace continually where so many girls were concerned.
+And she promised to try and calm Eleanor’s
+fury and determination to oust Elizabeth
+Dalken from the Wellington School for Young
+Ladies.
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_93'></a>93</span><a name='chVI' id='chVI'></a>CHAPTER VI—THE NIGHT OF THE PLAY</h2>
+<p>
+Of the sixty odd pupils in Mrs. Wellington’s
+school, at least fifteen of them were to participate
+in the play. There was to be a Chorus of six girls,
+and a Ballet, besides the principals who also acted
+the drama to follow. Consequently the representative
+scholars not appearing on the stage, had
+been asked to act as ushers, and general supervisors
+of harmony.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian and Mr. Maynard conducted Anne
+and her mother to the seats reserved for them, and
+soon the friends and families of the scholars filed
+in and took their seats. As the hall was generally
+used for other purposes, the floor was not graded,
+and the seats were not attached to the floor. They
+were ordinary wooden folding chairs to be piled
+up at the end of the performance.
+</p>
+<p>
+The pianist and other music teachers from
+school formed the orchestra, and their opening
+number was rendered so well that an encore
+followed.
+</p>
+<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='i002' id='i002'></a>
+<img src="images/illus-094.jpg" alt="POLLY STAGGERED OUT OF THE DOOR CARRYING ELIZABETH ON HER SHOULDER." title=""/><br />
+<span class='caption'>POLLY STAGGERED OUT OF THE DOOR CARRYING ELIZABETH ON HER SHOULDER.</span>
+</div>
+<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_94'></a>94</span></div>
+<p>
+Eleanor whispered comically to Polly, as they
+stood in the entrance door: “Maybe the friends
+hope to postpone the acting a little longer.”
+</p>
+<p>
+When the curtain was drawn aside and the first
+act of the playlet began, individuals in the audience
+became interested in watching their own girls
+in the troupe. The Chorus did very well, and the
+Ballet danced as gracefully as well-taught girls
+should, but once the actual acting began, there was
+a slight disappointment felt by the spectators.
+</p>
+<p>
+The leading lady (the programme said it was
+Miss Elizabeth Dalken) was the whole show. She
+managed to keep in the lime-light even when she
+was not speaking, or acting a part. And so much
+of one actress, whether good or bad, was bound to
+pall on the audience.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly, she’s spoiling the whole play! I wonder
+the other girls stood for it at the rehearsals,”
+whispered Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“She didn’t act that way, before, I’m sure.
+Marion King told me all about it. She’s doing it
+now just to show off!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not to her family! because not one of her folks
+are here. I heard her tell Estelle that her mother
+was going to a fashionable ball, and, of course,
+her father wouldn’t come because he had no invitation
+from Elizabeth.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_95'></a>95</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well,” persisted Polly, feeling sorry for the
+girl, “she must have uncles or aunts or cousins,
+here.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“She hasn’t any in New York. Her father
+comes from upstate and his folks lived there. No
+one knows who her mother was, so she hasn’t a
+soul, here, but the chauffeur. He’s downstairs
+having refreshments.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The second act ended and everyone sighed in
+relief because the play was foolish and so poorly
+acted, even for amateurs. Mrs. Wellington felt
+deeply hurt when she found how Elizabeth had
+chosen chums rather than actors for the principal
+parts in the play.
+</p>
+<p>
+The third act began, in which Elizabeth was
+dressed in a spangled green ball-gown. It was
+very tight about the ankles and very low about
+the neck. It was too daring, even for a young girl
+acting a part. The gown had a long swishing tail
+at the back that could have been graceful on a
+vampire, but not on this posing girl.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Wellington shook her head disapprovingly
+at sight of Elizabeth, and wished, more than
+once, that she had taken more time to review the
+actors and their costumes, before they appeared
+in public.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Assembly Hall building where the play
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_96'></a>96</span>
+was given, had four stories. The first floor was
+used for refreshments, with a kitchen at the back.
+The second was a billiard parlor for the use of
+private clubs. The third floor was given over to
+the Hall, and the fourth floor was turned
+into dressing-rooms, card-rooms, smoking-room,
+et cetera.
+</p>
+<p>
+As no late arrivals were expected after the third
+act had opened the ushers, placed at the doors,
+closed them to shut out the talking and laughing
+in the billiard rooms. Then they sat down at
+either side of the door, to watch the play.
+</p>
+<p>
+The third act was progressing slowly, when the
+ushers heard sounds of confusion coming from
+downstairs. But they merely exchanged glances
+and thought some men were quarreling over
+a game of billiards.
+</p>
+<p>
+Soon afterward, a faint odor and a haze of
+smoke penetrated through the chinks of the doors,
+and Polly jumped up quickly to investigate. The
+moment she opened a door, however, a thick cloud
+of smoke poured in. She had to cough, but she
+remembered to instantly slam the door again.
+</p>
+<p>
+The other girls saw the smoke and a panic might
+have followed, had not Anne immediately jumped
+upon the stage and shouted:
+</p>
+<p>
+“Remember—do not lose your heads! That is
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_97'></a>97</span>
+the only danger. We can all get out safely if
+everyone will be calm and orderly.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Maynard took Mrs. Stewart with one arm,
+and caught Eleanor in his other, then called to Mr.
+Fabian to do the same with Anne and Polly. But
+there was such a dense mob at the only exit doors,
+that it was impossible to force a way through there,
+and the heavy smoke was now rapidly filling the
+hall.
+</p>
+<p>
+To add to the scene of fear and confusion, the
+women in the assembly cried, some screamed, the
+girls ran back and forth, and the men were venting
+their fears in calling upon Deity,—some
+scarcely audible, and others in shrill screams of
+excitement.
+</p>
+<p>
+Outside, one could hear the mingled calls and
+shouts of onlookers, the clanging of bells on the
+engines, and the yells of the people who had escaped
+and wanted to help their friends out. There
+were four front windows of the hall where the
+school entertainment was being given, but these
+were now jammed with women who sought that
+way to gain a breath of air, but were too timid to
+jump out to the street; and there were no fire-escapes
+to be found. The hallways and several
+doors opening to them, were a pitiful sight. The
+men, women, and children were crying, jostling,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_98'></a>98</span>
+and stampeding each other in their vain efforts to
+get out and find the stairway in the dense smoke
+that kept pouring up from below.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian saw the panic and realized that his
+friends must seek a rear exit, or remain until the
+tardy firemen brought the ladders up to the building
+to help them out. So he hurried to the door
+back of the stage. It had escaped the frightened
+eyes of others. Having learned that this door
+opened upon an entry that ran to a rear window,
+he next discovered the usual fire-escape that ran
+down to the yard, and up to the roof. It took him
+but a moment to assure himself that the escape
+was safe, then he rushed back.
+</p>
+<p>
+“This way! Follow me—everyone!” he shouted
+to his friends.
+</p>
+<p>
+They all hurried to the window and Mr. Fabian
+went first, in order to assist the ladies out to
+the iron-slatted platform, and then to start them,
+sure-footed, on the upward climb of the narrow
+iron steps.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Stewart went first, but she was so nervous
+that Mr. Fabian followed closely behind her to
+steady her trembling form. Anne followed after
+her mother in climbing through the window, and
+Mr. Maynard followed her. The two girls were
+about to climb out on the platform when they
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_99'></a>99</span>
+heard a moan, and then a shrill cry, from the small
+dressing-room back of the stage.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne ordered the girls to come out, but Polly
+turned and ran back. Eleanor followed, and
+Anne, distracted, climbed back, too.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla, tie something over your mouth and nose—use
+your chiffon scarf,” commanded Polly, winding
+a wide silk sash about her own head.
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls groped along the entry but could not
+distinguish a thing in the thick, choking haze. Then
+Polly came to the dressing-room back of the stage.
+This was comparatively clear from smoke, and
+there the girls saw Elizabeth Dalken stretched
+upon the floor, a cut in her forehead attesting to
+the cause of her sharp scream.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Great Scott, Polly! What can we do now?”
+cried Eleanor, as the idea of trying to carry the
+girl up the steep ladder-way flashed across her
+mind only to be spurned. She had no idea of leaving
+her there to her fate, however.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If we only had a rope!” wailed Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we haven’t! If I only knew this house
+better I might find a back-stairway. Most city
+houses have them and I should think this place
+would have one.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Of course! Nolla, close this door to keep out
+smoke. I’ll look for the stairs.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_100'></a>100</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+The few excited sentences were muttered
+through the mufflers tied over the girls’ mouths
+and noses. Then both girls began groping their
+way to the rear, hunting for the back-stairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+The mass of people that had surged from the
+Hall had made for the wide front stairs, and but
+few remembered to seek for a back exit. And
+these had speedily found a way down. Polly and
+Eleanor also found the narrow back stairs, then
+Polly hastily commanded:
+</p>
+<p>
+“Run and tell Anne—she can call to your Dad
+and explain. Then tell her to come this way, with
+us. I’ll lift Elizabeth over my shoulders and
+start down with her—Anne and you follow, at
+once!”
+</p>
+<p>
+In another moment, Polly was back in the dressing-room
+while Eleanor was running for the rear
+window to advise Anne. But she found her already
+inside tying a veil over her mouth and nose.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla—where’s Polly?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“All right—come on!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I told your father—they are safe on the roof—hurry
+now!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor led Anne through the smoke, and just
+as they reached the entry, Polly staggered out of
+the stage-door with the unconscious girl hanging
+over her shoulder.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_101'></a>101</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly! Polly! You never can carry her!”
+cried Anne, in a smothered voice through the
+veiling.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Polly kept her mouth closed and struggled
+on to the back stairs. Anne began to cough and
+choke as a reward for trying to speak, but she
+reached the stairs first and rushed on down to see
+if there was a safe passage below. Eleanor was
+close upon her heels, and Polly followed more
+circumspectly.
+</p>
+<p>
+They reached the kitchen of the house without
+trouble but the heat as they passed by the second
+floor was terrific. Once down on the ground floor
+they found the rear of the place quite free from
+smoke, but it might only be because the fire overhead
+was blazing upward. At any moment the
+wall or upper floors might crash down and fall
+upon them.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla—how can we get out of this pen?” cried
+Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If the house is anything like Chicago’s, I’ll
+show you. There must be an area or cellar exit to
+the street.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The kitchen light was still burning but it looked
+weird in the smoke-laden atmosphere. Eleanor
+tried different doors but found that they opened
+into passages leading to closets or to the front
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_102'></a>102</span>
+rooms. Finally she opened one and caught a whiff
+of fresh uncontaminated air.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Thank heavens! Here it is, but I don’t know
+where it ends.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne and she pushed out, with Polly behind
+them. They were in a dark alley, now, and had
+to trust to good fortune to come out somewhere,
+in safety. Down several stone steps, and along
+another dark, damp area they went, and then Eleanor
+stumbled against a closed door.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, mercy! Are we locked in here?” she
+yelled desperately, beating the door with her
+clenched fists.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla—let me feel for a handle—you are
+hysterical!” cried Anne, swiftly passing her hands
+over the rough wood.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hurry, hurry! I can’t carry this weight a minute
+longer!” breathed Polly, hoarsely.
+</p>
+<p>
+Just at that moment, Anne’s hand struck an iron
+bolt. In a second she had shot it backwards, and
+the heavy door swung open to give them an exit
+to the side street.
+</p>
+<p>
+All three girls ran frantically forward and Polly
+dropped her heavy burden upon a grass strip
+which edged the curb. Eleanor sobbed with relief
+and Anne fell upon her knees in silent thanksgiving.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_103'></a>103</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’m off, girls, to see if I can help, in front.
+Have a care for Elizabeth,” cried Polly, and away
+she flew.
+</p>
+<p>
+That silenced Eleanor’s hysteria quicker than
+anything else, and in another moment she was
+gone after her friend, leaving Anne to watch the
+still unconscious girl on the grass.
+</p>
+<p>
+The scene in front of the building was one of
+spectacular interest. Seeing the crowds of fashionably-dressed
+people grouped opposite the flaring
+house, it would seem that everyone of the
+guests had escaped. But there was a deafening
+mixture of cries and shouts from every direction.
+Some were crying for lost friends, some wailed for
+help because of injuries inflicted by the stampede;
+firemen signaled their associates; the old proprietor
+of the Hall ran madly to and fro shouting
+and gesticulating wildly to everyone; in fact, it
+was a scene that shocked Polly to witness because
+she thought city people had great presence of
+mind.
+</p>
+<p>
+Streams of water were pouring upon the flames
+that shot from the second-story windows, but the
+scaling ladders had not yet arrived, and the firemen
+were striving to enter the front door in order
+to carry the hose nozzle to a more effectual spot.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Chief had sent some men through adjacent
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_104'></a>104</span>
+houses to reach the roofs and work downwards
+from that vantage spot. But they had not yet appeared
+when Polly saw how she could assist.
+</p>
+<p>
+Acting upon an impulse, and doing exactly as
+she would do if she was witnessing a fire at Oak
+Creek, where the ranchers turn out and try to subdue
+the flames, Polly hastily dropped the clinging
+skirt of her evening dress. Having already removed
+the silk sash while in the Hall, she now
+dipped it in the flood of water that poured from
+the hydrant on the curb and tied it over her mouth
+and nose. Then she made a dash across the street.
+</p>
+<p>
+She caught a coil of rope from the hook where
+it hung on the back of the engine, and pushed a
+way through the staring men. Before anyone
+dreamed of her plan, or the firemen could restrain
+her she had reached the corner of the building and
+was agilely climbing the height by holding to the
+copper leader.
+</p>
+<p>
+A chorus of breathless gasps and frightened
+screams came from the crowd but Polly heard
+them not. She was too intent on her work. Being
+nimble and so light-weight, and thoroughly accustomed
+to climb up almost perpendicular cliffs, or
+along dizzy peaks, this ascent seemed like play to
+the mountain girl. But the onlookers were thrilled
+to silence as they watched her climb to the roof,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_105'></a>105</span>
+and then safely crawl over the ledge. Instantly
+there was such a wild cheer from the street, that
+Polly wondered if something dreadful had happened.
+She never thought that the acclamation
+was meant for her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Without hesitation, she ran over to a nearby
+chimney and wound one end of the long rope about
+it, then lowered the other end to the street. The
+Chief saw the purpose, at once, and signaling
+back to the girl who was leaning over the edge of
+the roof, he had his men tie the rope ladder to the
+rope. Then Polly began hoisting it slowly, until
+its end came over the cornice.
+</p>
+<p>
+Meantime, when Eleanor found her friend halfway
+up the building, clinging to the leader and
+finding foothold in the crevices between the bricks,
+or on the steel bands that held the metal pipe to
+its moorings, she also ran across the street, and
+attempted to break through the cordon which had
+been formed to permit the men to hold out a life-net
+in case the daring climber should fall.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I want to help Polly—she is my best friend!”
+cried Eleanor, when the fireman made her turn
+back.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then she remembered the rear entrance from
+which they had escaped. She turned to the Chief
+and called hurriedly: “Send some men with
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_106'></a>106</span>
+me—I’ll show them the cellar entrance where they can
+reach the roof and different floors from the back!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hallam! Colter! Take your equipment and
+follow this girl to a back door. You know what
+to do!”
+</p>
+<p>
+The men detailed for this duty, beckoned a few
+others, and all ran after Eleanor who now made
+for the area door. She flew past Anne who was
+holding Elizabeth’s head upon her lap, but forgot
+to glance that way. Having gained the cellar
+door, she was about to go in but Hallam stopped
+her.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, Miss—we dare not permit anyone to enter
+a burning building, you know.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, but I want to join Polly on the roof! The
+only reason I showed you this way was to get
+through myself!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’d lose my place in the contest for prize
+medals, Miss, if I broke rules. You wouldn’t want
+me to lose my promotion?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor felt that he had the best of the argument,
+so she very reluctantly turned and went back
+to the front of the house. There she saw that the
+firemen had climbed the ladder and were stationed
+on the roof and on window ledges, holding the
+hose from which the water poured in torrents upon
+the fire inside.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_107'></a>107</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the multitude now gathered on both
+streets and the corners of the Parkway, were
+treated to another thrill. The strand of rope Polly
+had taken with her, was now used by her for
+descent. Down the taut rope like a trained
+monkey, came she, and safely jumped to the street.
+</p>
+<p>
+Before she reached the ground however, a
+chorus of wild yells and hurrahs went forth from
+everyone in the crowd. The Chief called imperative
+orders to his men waiting with him, and the
+moment he had caught Polly, he forced his way
+across the street, carrying her in his arms as if she
+were a babe.
+</p>
+<p>
+His men began climbing the rope ladder taking
+a hose with them. From the vantage-points
+gained by Polly’s courage, the firemen now kept
+steady streams of water playing through the open
+windows upon the fire beneath, and thus managed
+to subdue it before the hook-and-ladder truck
+wheeled up beside the building.
+</p>
+<p>
+The men, led by Eleanor to the back-stairs,
+directed their efforts from that side, and soon the
+whole second and third floors became a bed of
+wet smoldering embers. The rest of the structure
+was saved.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was learned, later, that the club members giving
+the “smoker” to friends, had been careless of
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_108'></a>108</span>
+butts and papers, and thus the fire must have
+originated.
+</p>
+<p>
+The family living in the beautiful house opposite
+the fire, took Polly in charge, and kept away
+the mob of curious people who wished to see and
+talk with the heroine.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly was all right, and wondered why she
+should be kept indoors when others on the outside
+might need assistance. Suddenly she remembered
+her discarded skirt!
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, mercy me! Did I climb up that pipe looking
+like this?” she cried, blushing furiously and
+burying her face in the cushions of the divan.
+</p>
+<p>
+“My dear child! It was a wonderful sight! No
+one gave the slightest thought to your bloomers.
+But now you shall have one of Ruth’s skirts,” returned
+the lady of the house, fervently.
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_109'></a>109</span><a name='chVII' id='chVII'></a>CHAPTER VII—MRS. WELLINGTON’S THANKSGIVING</h2>
+<p>
+The moment Polly was given a skirt, she
+donned it gratefully and said to Mrs. Ashby, her
+hostess: “Now I must find Elizabeth and have
+her cared for. I left her with Anne.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Where—where is she? I’ll send James for
+them. But I want you to keep quiet, or you’ll be
+prostrated, dear child.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly smiled—she prostrated! But she explained:
+“Anne is sitting on the grass on the side
+street around the corner, taking care of the girl
+who fainted in the back-room of the theatre.”
+</p>
+<p>
+James was summoned from the front window
+where he had been watching the fight against the
+fire, and now took his orders eagerly. Polly
+pointed out the corner where she had left her
+friends and, in another moment, the butler was
+gone.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I s’pose I ought to go and hunt up my friends
+who escaped over the roofs,” ventured Polly.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_110'></a>110</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“You’ll rest here upon this divan, or your
+parents will sue me!” retorted Mrs. Ashby, trying
+to compel, with gentle hands, obedience to her
+command.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly laughed softly. “My parents would sue
+you if you prevented me from doing my duty to
+others. Why, you-all make such a fuss over that
+pipe-climbing, and it is next to nothing for a Rocky
+Mountain girl. A day in a blizzard on the cliffs
+is ten times more hazardous.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Ashby was consumed with curiosity to ask
+this handsome girl who she was, and all about herself,
+but she controlled herself admirably, for she
+knew her guest ought to keep quiet.
+</p>
+<p>
+The door-bell rang and its echo pealed through
+the house, but the servants were out watching the
+exciting events of the fire, and James had been
+sent for the other girls. So Mrs. Ashby opened
+the door.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I just heard that Polly Brewster was here—oh!
+is she all right!” cried the excited voice of
+Mrs. Wellington.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Right as a trivet, dear Mrs. Wellington!”
+called Polly springing from the couch to greet the
+lady.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh—oh! Thank God! I’ve worried and
+cried over you three precious girls until my eyes
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_111'></a>111</span>
+are blinded! They told me that everyone was out
+of the place but you three!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Did everyone manage to escape safely?” asked
+Polly, anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Everyone got out, but oh! such a panic! Some
+are torn, and battered black and blue, from the
+stampede down through those front stairs and
+hall. I don’t believe a single soul got out with a
+whole gown! They tell me it was all the fault
+of that ‘Pool Club’ on the second floor; they gave
+a ‘smoker’ to-night, and when the fire was discovered
+on their floor, they caused the dreadful
+block in the front halls.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Gowns are of no account if everyone escaped
+with life,” said Mrs. Ashby.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But it is most unfortunate for me, just now.
+The story getting into the newspapers, will ruin
+my reputation as a school principal. Folks will
+ask, ‘Why did she ever choose such a place for
+an entertainment;’ but they will never know that I
+tried everywhere else, first, and found everything
+engaged for this week. I begged the girl who
+started the idea to postpone the play until the
+week after Thanksgiving holiday, but she stubbornly
+refused. So I took what I could get. I
+dare not tell the reporters that it was merely to
+<em>please</em> Elizabeth Dalken, and because Elizabeth’s
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_112'></a>112</span>
+father pays strictly in advance and has his daughter
+take all ‘extras.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“You have no idea what it means to me. I am
+paying off the mortgages on that house where the
+school is located, so that I might be able to take
+a deep breath before I am too old to work. But
+this unhappy accident will ruin my reputation as
+a careful superintendent.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Elizabeth Dalken! I know her father very
+well, and we think he is one of the finest of men.
+We seldom meet Mrs. Dalken or the daughter, as
+we do not belong to the same set. Since Mr.
+Dalken separated from his wife, we have not seen
+her at all, but he was here and dined with us, this
+very evening,” said Mrs. Ashby.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If I could only explain to him just how this
+happened, he might not blame me for his daughter’s
+injury.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Was she hurt?” exclaimed Mrs. Ashby. Then
+James came in, followed by three girls, and the
+adults who had escaped over the roofs.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Here we are, Polly—safe and sound,” Mr.
+Maynard’s cheery voice greeted the girl who
+jumped up at sight of them.
+</p>
+<p>
+Excited cries, and hugs, and happy laughs now
+followed as each one found the others without a
+hurt, Elizabeth Dalken being the only one who
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_113'></a>113</span>
+had received an injury, and that was merely a
+flesh-wound cut by the edge of the door as her
+head struck it.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Ashby took charge of Elizabeth, and
+washed her face; then placed a strip of court plaster
+over the cut to keep it clean.
+</p>
+<p>
+The fire was out and the crowd had dispersed
+before the firemen finished their work in and about
+the house. The Chief came to Mrs. Ashby’s door
+and asked for the young lady who was such a
+marvellous climber. So he was invited in to see
+for himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Young lady, I want to make a record of this
+deed, as I have to report everything to the police
+department, you know. And I am proud to say,
+our records are never kept in the dark when visitors
+come in to see our engine house. It’s seldom
+we can talk about, or show a page, with such a
+brave act as yours, written upon it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly smiled. “But it really wasn’t anything to
+fuss over. It wasn’t dangerous, you know, and for
+anyone who can climb as well as I can, it would
+have been cowardly to stand by and <em>not</em> act. You
+needed a light, agile climber whose weight would
+not break that leader away from the wall; and I
+happened to be that one.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The Chief and Mrs. Ashby exchanged glances,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_114'></a>114</span>
+then laughed. “I guess it’s no use trying to make
+a heroine of her—she won’t have it so!” said he.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Eleanor spoke up. “That’s because she’s
+accustomed to doing such great deeds out in the
+mountains where she comes from—walking on the
+heads of rattle-snakes, killing grizzlies and lions
+as if they were rabbits, saving a lot of tenderfeet
+from blizzards and landslides—these are but a
+few of the <em>little</em> things she does out there!”
+</p>
+<p>
+The New Yorkers gasped in astonishment; even
+James, the butler, stood gaping with open mouth
+at a real live heroine—never seen before by him
+except on the movie screen. So intensely interested
+was he, that he failed to hear his master enter
+by the front door, followed by a gentleman. They
+both burst into the room and stood amazed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Mr. Ashby apologised for the abrupt entrance:
+“Dalken and I were at the Club when
+we heard of the fire so near my place. And when
+Dalken heard that it was Mrs. Wellington’s
+school-girls who were entertaining on the third
+floor, he came with me to see if his daughter is
+safe. Does anyone know where Elizabeth is?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Here—right here, Mr. Dalken,” Mrs. Ashby
+quickly assured the father. And she beckoned
+Mrs. Wellington to bring the girl from the alcove
+where she had been resting.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_115'></a>115</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“My poor little girl!” quavered the father,
+taking the meek and broken-spirited Elizabeth in
+his arms. “Are you badly hurt?”
+</p>
+<p>
+She began to cry softly against his coat collar
+but Mrs. Ashby reassured Mr. Dalken. “Only a
+scratch. Her forehead may swell a bit and be discolored
+for a few days, but that is all. Elizabeth
+owes her life to these two girls here, Mr. Dalken.
+One carried her out of the building after she had
+fainted, and the other went first and found a way
+down the back stairs.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not really!” the amazed man gasped. “Tell
+me about it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+But Polly was a poor narrator, so Anne decided
+to speak. She was bound that Polly should not
+belittle this deed as she had the climbing to the
+fourth floor of the burning building.
+</p>
+<p>
+That Mr. Dalken was deeply moved, everyone
+could see, and when he shook hands with the two
+girls he said gravely, “I shall never forget how
+you kept me from being childless. My baby boy
+died three years ago to-night, and I could not have
+stood losing my little girl, too, on the anniversary
+of that sad experience.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Elizabeth then remembered the date and hiding
+her face, ran back to the alcove to cry softly to
+herself. Mrs. Ashby and Mrs. Wellington knew
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_116'></a>116</span>
+the sad story, so they allowed her to weep alone.
+But Mr. Dalken, tender-hearted, would have gone
+to comfort the girl, had not Mrs. Ashby placed a
+detaining hand upon his arm and said: “No, dear
+friend—better leave her to remember and realize
+everything.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor saw and heard and could not
+understand, but they thought it was no concern of
+theirs, so they forgot it.
+</p>
+<p>
+Everyone had been introduced informally to
+everyone else, and at last Mrs. Ashby said: “I
+have had a bit of refreshment served for you, in
+the dining room, before you go home. After such
+exposures and excitement, I think we all will need
+something.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian wished to excuse himself, but his
+friends would not hear of it. Then Mr. Dalken
+came over and spoke to him. “Are you Mr.
+Fabian, the artist?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“They say I am an artist, but I doubt it, myself,”
+replied Mr. Fabian, humbly, but smiling at
+the questioner.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then I am delighted to have met you, for I
+have a niece studying in Paris, and she writes me
+pages upon pages about Mrs. Fabian and the
+daughter Nancy, and how lovely they have been
+to take her about with them.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_117'></a>117</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+His wife and daughter were Mr. Fabian’s pet
+subject so now he seemed to expand marvellously,
+and smiled benignly upon everyone present. On
+the way to the dining-room, Mr. Dalken and the
+artist exchanged heart-to-heart ideas and were
+soon fast friends.
+</p>
+<p>
+But scarcely had they seated themselves ere
+another mad peal of the door-bell took James
+from the pleasant task of serving an impromptu
+supper. He was heard arguing with someone in
+the hall, then Mrs. Ashby turned to her husband
+and said: “You go and see what is the matter.”
+</p>
+<p>
+After a short time, three re-entered the room—James,
+Mr. Ashby, and an ambitious-looking
+young man with alert bright eyes.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Representative from the Press wants us to give
+him all the inside news about the fire,” explained
+Mr. Ashby, looking at the circle about the table.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Wellington turned pale and gazed beseechingly
+at Mr. Maynard, hoping he could help
+her out in the inevitable story that would be written
+up about her school. But Mr. Dalken saw
+the look and comprehended immediately.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hello, Dunlap! How’d you get this assignment
+from the night-editor?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh—it’s Mr. Dalken. I’m delighted to see
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_118'></a>118</span>
+you, sir,” returned the reporter, very respectfully.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, these are friends of mine. Some of them
+are the dearest friends I have, so I do not wish
+them to be annoyed by finding a garbled story in
+the papers to-morrow morning. Consequently, I
+will, with the assistance of these friends, give you
+the facts, simple and straightforward, but see that
+you add nothing to them nor delete a line. Tell
+your boss that I said so!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I sure will, Mr. Dalken, and maybe I won’t
+be the thankful guy if you tell me the story! Can
+I say it came from you?” was the eager reply of
+the man Dunlap.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, sir! I am not in this at all, except as one
+who rushed here to help friends. Now this is the
+story for your paper.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Wellington had been anxiously whispering
+to Mr. Fabian, and the latter now secured Mr.
+Dalken’s attention. “May I have a word with
+you, in private, before the reporter takes down
+any notes?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Out of hearing of the others, Mr. Fabian then
+explained that Elizabeth had stubbornly refused
+to postpone the entertainment, and because of her
+insistence, Mrs. Wellington had taken whatever
+hall she could find. But she did not want Elizabeth
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_119'></a>119</span>
+to be made to bear any of the blame, so she
+wants you to touch wisely on anything that has to
+do with the theatricals.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I certainly appreciate Mrs. Wellington’s
+thoughtfulness and I will remember this. I’ll see
+what can be done with Dunlap.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mr. Dalken is a born story-teller, Dunlap, and
+that is why he is so popular, I think,” remarked
+Mr. Ashby, just then.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Sit down there by Fabian, Dunlap, and join
+our circle,” cordially invited the story-teller, after
+he had frowned threateningly at his host.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Give Dunlap some coffee and don’t let him jot
+down a word until I’ve done talking. Then we
+will pick out the notes he is to have,” added Mr.
+Dalken.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, you can tell it so well, do let me write as
+you narrate?” begged the reporter.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, sir! I can’t read short-hand and you may
+get in a word I don’t want you to take. Here,
+James, remove the pencil and pad from that young
+man.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Everyone laughed, and Dunlap meekly surrendered
+the articles mentioned. Directly Mr.
+Dalken began his story, the wily reporter had another
+pencil and pad before him. But Fabian
+stealthily took possession of these also, and the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_120'></a>120</span>
+laugh went against the young man that time.
+</p>
+<p>
+While Mr. Dalken wove a veritable thriller out
+of the material provided by the fire, Mrs. Wellington
+wondered how it was possible to present
+the facts so well and at the same time prove,
+beyond doubt, that the young ladies of Mrs. Wellington’s
+school were so perfectly trained and educated
+that they were a great factor in saving lives
+and property that night. At the end of the story,
+Mr. Dalken said that some bright investor might
+find a handsome revenue in building a fire-proof
+Hall where just such entertainments could be
+given—high-school girls who loved to give parties
+but could not lease one of the hotel ball-rooms,
+weeks in advance and pay exorbitant prices, and
+then possibly change their plans before the event.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You can make a separate paragraph of what I
+said, if you like, and preface it with the remark:
+‘When asked what he thought about the fire, Mr.
+Dalken, who viewed the blaze from a house opposite
+the scene, said’: you know the rest,” the
+famous financier saw that the reporter comprehended,
+and then he turned to the others seated
+about the table.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anything to add to my story?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“It was very fine, especially about our dear
+Principal, but you didn’t say enough about Polly
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_121'></a>121</span>
+carrying Elizabeth safely out,” Eleanor said,
+eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I followed a lead given me by Mr. Fabian.
+We all think it best not to mention names, but to
+make the incident impersonal,” explained Mr.
+Dalken.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor pouted, for she wanted to have Polly
+given all the credit for what she did. But a sly
+look from the reporter gave her an idea, and she
+smiled back understandingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the story was pieced out for Dunlap and
+when he had taken down all his notes, he jumped
+up and said: “I know you will excuse me for rushing
+away, but I want to get this in type at once. In
+case you have forgotten something, or wish to send
+me a photograph of anyone, call 10000 Greeley
+and I’ll see to it, without fail.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s all you’ll get on this occasion,” laughed
+Mr. Dalken as James started to show the young
+man to the door. But in passing Eleanor, Dunlap
+sent her a mental telegram, and she closed one eye
+significantly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh—he left his pencils and paper!” exclaimed
+Eleanor, jumping up instantly and running with
+them to the front door.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mr. Dunlap—here is your private property
+that Mr. Fabian had charge of,” was what the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_122'></a>122</span>
+guests in the dining-room heard. But to Dunlap
+she hurriedly whispered: “I’ll ’phone you after
+I leave here.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Before the party broke up that night, Mrs. Ashby
+learned that Mrs. Maynard was an old schoolmate
+of hers, and expressed a wish that Polly and
+Eleanor would visit her again and meet Ruth who
+was then visiting friends for Thanksgiving week.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I really cannot voice my gratitude to all these
+kind friends,” said Mrs. Wellington, as they stood
+in the reception hall saying good-night. “Not only
+has dear Mr. Dalken turned harsh public condemnation
+from my doors, but the story as he told
+it, actually brings glory to the school.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“And why should it not, my dear Madam?
+Have you not fought and struggled with every
+girl in your charge, to perfect and express just the
+qualities I have given you credit for?” said Mr.
+Dalken.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, yes, <em>I</em> have tried so hard, but how many
+people, or even parents, would credit me with such
+endeavors? Once they read it in the papers they
+will accept the statement, but it is so hard to impress
+folks by actual demonstration,” sighed the
+thankful lady.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Thank heavens, Mrs. Wellington, that you
+have a whole day of peace before you, in which to
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_123'></a>123</span>
+remember that you have found a group of people,
+here, who not only appreciate your efforts but have
+tried to make others approve them,” said Mrs.
+Ashby, earnestly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Indeed I have! I expect to have the very best
+of Thanksgivings, due to all of you dear people.
+Some day I will be able to show my gratitude for
+this.” And the lady’s voice quavered with emotion.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And you’ll find the story in the papers will not
+only spare you any criticism, but actually praise
+your school,” added Mr. Ashby.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You may be overwhelmed with new scholars,”
+suggested Polly, innocently.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s so! I’ve always heard that discreet
+publicity is the finest kind of advertising,” Eleanor
+declared. “This fine tale about your scholars
+ought to bring back fifty percent returns.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Everyone laughed heartily at hearing so young
+a girl talk so business-like, and Mr. Dalken said:
+“I am interested to know just where you got that
+information?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Isn’t it true?” demanded Eleanor, turning her
+bright eyes on him. “You see, Polly and I are
+going into business together, pretty soon, and I
+have to take notice of all approved methods of
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_124'></a>124</span>
+winning success. I am to be the business manager
+while Polly is the decorator.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The new acquaintances were highly amused at
+such talk, and Mr. Ashby laughingly inquired:
+“What profession have you chosen?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Interior decorators. We have started, already;
+we go to Cooper Union three nights a week
+and Mr. Fabian takes us to all the lectures and
+exhibitions on any subject that will give us ideas
+and help.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well!” exclaimed Mr. Dalken, finding the
+girls were really serious. Mrs. Ashby was deeply
+interested, but her husband took each of the prospective
+decorators by the hand and shaking them
+cordially, said: “Let us congratulate each other,
+for I am already established as a decorator. I
+want to help you onward in every possible way,
+my dear girls, so call on me whenever you want
+help. Just as Fabian takes you to these valuable
+exhibitions and lectures, so the four of us pulling
+together ought to arrive somewhere.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian was as pleased at the news as either
+of his protegées, and they left the Ashbys feeling
+very much at peace with the world and everything
+in it.
+</p>
+<p>
+As Eleanor ran down the shallow brown-stone
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_125'></a>125</span>
+steps to the sidewalk, she turned back and called
+to Mr. Ashby: “Who knows! We may end by
+going into partnership with you, some day!”
+</p>
+<p>
+He laughed, and said: “Who knows?”
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_126'></a>126</span><a name='chVIII' id='chVIII'></a>CHAPTER VIII—A WEEK OF PLEASURE</h2>
+<p>
+As Mr. Maynard occupied Eleanor’s room at
+the Studio, and she used the couch moved into
+Polly’s room for the time being, it seemed difficult
+for Eleanor to follow her desire to communicate
+with Dunlap, the reporter, as soon as she got
+home.
+</p>
+<p>
+Everyone was dog-tired from the excitement
+and the visit at the Ashbys afterward, so there was
+no time lost before tumbling into bed. Eleanor
+found it very hard to keep her eyes open until she
+could hear Polly sleeping heavily. Then she crept
+from the bed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Downstairs was the print of a photograph taken
+a few weeks before, of a group of Mrs. Wellington’s
+scholars. Polly and herself were in this
+group, and Eleanor planned to get it into the reporter’s
+hands for reproduction to print a picture
+of Polly in the morning’s paper.
+</p>
+<p>
+She found the photograph without noise or
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_127'></a>127</span>
+trouble and then sat down before the telephone
+stand in the corner of the living room. “I hope to
+goodness no one upstairs will hear me talk,”
+thought Eleanor to herself, as she gave the number
+to Central.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hello—is this 10000 Greeley?
+</p>
+<p>
+“Give me Mr. Dunlap, please.
+</p>
+<p>
+“The lady who said she would call him about
+the fire.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, you won’t do! I want Dunlap!
+</p>
+<p>
+“He isn’t in? I don’t believe you! Get off the
+wire!
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hello—hello! H-e-l-lo! I want editor’s desk—10000
+Greeley, and be quick about it!” snapped
+Eleanor, feeling quite irritable because of the loss
+of sleep, and the strange reporter’s laugh at her.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Is this the night-editor?” now asked Eleanor,
+eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“U—um! May I speak to Mr. Dunlap—the
+reporter you assigned on the fire story uptown,
+to-night?
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh—he isn’t in? Well, but he said he would
+wait to take some important notes from me. I
+can’t believe he is out.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, then, you may be the night-editor, but
+you sound exactly like that fresh reporter who
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_128'></a>128</span>
+spoke to me a moment ago. I cannot understand
+why you employ such rude youths as he is.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor grinned to herself for she was quite
+sure she was speaking to the same reporter who
+answered the call, at first. An answering laugh
+convinced her she was right, and she hissed
+through the telephone: “If you knew who I was,
+you wouldn’t keep me sitting in the cold like this.
+Now you can either call Dunlap or I’ll give
+my story to your enemy downtown. The reporters
+of that paper are just dying to get my story.”
+</p>
+<p>
+That proved miraculous. To prevent the downtown
+competitor from getting the story, the unknown
+was willing to turn it over to his opponent,
+Dunlap.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor recognised Dunlap’s voice the moment
+he took the ’phone, and she gave him some interesting
+personal facts about Polly and herself, and
+why they were now studying in New York. She
+talked for half-an-hour, praising Polly and her
+wonderful character, and finally began telling
+about the escape from Grizzly Peak at the time
+of the landslide. But Dunlap interrupted her
+with:
+</p>
+<p>
+“I can’t get all of that in—we go to press very
+shortly.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_129'></a>129</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, dear! Can’t you run over here and get
+this photo of Polly, that I have ready for you?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“For the morning edition?” gasped Dunlap.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, to accompany the story of the fire.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“My dear young lady—do you know how long
+it takes to make a plate for the paper?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“A plate? I said ‘a photograph,’ Mr. Dunlap.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we have to make a reproduction of yours,
+then print it on a plate, then give it an acid bath,
+then etch and rout, and mount—and it all takes
+time before the plate is ready to be stereotyped
+for the printing in the paper.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh! I thought you just took the picture and
+copied it in the paper. Of course, I never stopped
+to inquire into what process it went through. But
+if you say you can’t use it, I’m sorry.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“So’m I. But you might bring it in early in the
+morning and I’ll see if there is enough interest in
+the story to rake up an evening’s yarn.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Very well. I’ll do that.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Come in, anyway, and bring your friends. I’ll
+show you through the engraving plant of the
+paper. You’ll be interested.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Thank you—good-by.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor hung up the receiver and listened intently
+to hear if anyone was stirring upstairs. All
+was quiet, so she placed the photograph back on
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_130'></a>130</span>
+the shelf and crept upstairs again. She jumped
+into bed shivering, after being exposed so long to
+the cold, downstairs. But utter weariness soon
+brought her sleep and all was forgotten until
+breakfast time.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Maynard, speaking, woke Eleanor. She
+sat up and rubbed her eyes sleepily. “Thank
+goodness, we do not have to go to school for a
+whole week!” declared she, throwing a shoe at
+Polly’s half-buried head.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly! Pol-le—ee! Wake up!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Wha-foh?” grunted Polly, half-dazed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then both girls heard Mr. Maynard call: “I’ll
+be right back to breakfast, Mrs. Stewart—I’m
+going to the corner for the papers.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor suddenly remembered her share in the
+telling of the story about the fire, and she jumped
+out of bed. “I’m going to hurry down and read
+what the paper says about the fire,” said she.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly turned over and stretched lazily. “I don’t
+care what they say. I’m going to sleep all day.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor was annoyed. “No, you won’t! We’ve
+got to keep a date with Mr. Fabian this noon, and
+you’ve <em>got to</em> get up!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, that’s so! Mr. Fabian is going to take us
+to Grand Central Palace to show us how carpets
+are made. I forgot that exhibition was to-day.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_131'></a>131</span>
+And Polly jumped up at that remembrance when
+other things had failed to move her.
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls were downstairs in time to open the
+front door for Mr. Maynard. He was grinning
+teasingly, as he tried to keep a great mass of
+morning papers from slipping out from under his
+arm. He held out an opened sheet for the girls
+to see.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, what a horrid face! Who is it?” exclaimed
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“The paper states it is you, my dear,” laughed
+her father.
+</p>
+<p>
+“What—never! Oh, what awful people these
+newspaper men are! Dad, can’t you go down there
+and horse-whip them? I never looked like that
+in all my life!” and Eleanor stamped her foot in a
+fury.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly had been gazing at the two faces printed
+on the front sheet of the morning paper, but now
+she laughed. “Oh, if I looked like that picture, I
+could have put out the fire by merely turning my
+face to it!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne and her mother came in when they heard
+Mr. Maynard’s loud laughter. They, too, stared
+at the oval-framed pictures said to be “The two
+heroines of the dreadful fire at Assembly Hall.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anne, where under the sun did the newspapers
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_132'></a>132</span>
+get those two pictures?” asked Polly, tittering
+every time she saw the ovals.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Every newspaper has a department known
+as the ‘morgue,’ or some such name. They
+keep, filed away, pictures of every well-known person
+in the world. In the package indexed under
+the proper name, are one or two ‘cuts’ ready to use
+in case of a hurry. Then when a person dies, or
+is married, or something or other happens, the
+newspaper rushes to its files and gets out the picture,
+or cut, needed.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It is the same with famous buildings, or ships,
+or objects of any kind. If something comes up
+that brings the thing to the public attention, there
+the papers have the pictures all ready to print.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now they keep lots of photographs, just like
+these two, which they buy from cheap photographers.
+They buy a hundred in a job lot, and if
+they want a picture and can’t secure a legitimate
+one, or a snap-shot from the reporter’s kodak,
+they use what they have on hand.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It would be extremely amusing to be present
+when these girls see their faces in the paper. It
+will prove almost as funny as seeing you two girls
+scorning these strange faces.”
+</p>
+<p>
+But Mr. Maynard had been reading the article
+while Anne had explained the methods of many
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_133'></a>133</span>
+newspapers, and now he exclaimed: “By jove!
+Dalken never said a word about all this life-history!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“What’s that, Daddy? Read it to us,” begged
+Eleanor, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why—wh-y-y—the young rascal hit it right on
+the head, all right! But where did he get it?”
+continued Mr. Maynard.
+</p>
+<p>
+“For pity’s sake—read it aloud!” commanded
+Eleanor, hardly able to hold her tongue about the
+story.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Mr. Maynard read it, and it lost none of
+its vivid coloring by his reading, either. When he
+had almost concluded, Polly began to grow angry.
+When he finished, she was furious.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’m going up to that office and I’ll fight that
+reporter. He had no more right to print that than
+those other men had to use someone else’s photographs
+and call them ours. So there!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Maynard had been thinking seriously, and
+now he nailed Eleanor with a penetrating look.
+“Nolla, did you tell that young rascal this story
+when you ran to the door with his pencil and paper
+last night?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, indeed! I did not, Daddy! You can ask
+the butler if I ever did! He stood right there
+when I handed Dunlap the pencil!”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_134'></a>134</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor’s denial was so emphatic that everyone
+believed she was innocent of any such plot; so they
+never found out who was the guilty one.
+</p>
+<p>
+While at breakfast, the telephone rang. “This
+is Mr. Latimer, Anne. We have just read the
+papers and were so surprised! When we saw the
+pictures of the two heroines, we feared some
+dreadful thing had happened to distort their faces
+so that we failed to recognise them, and I hastened
+to inquire. Do you need Dr. Evans’ services to
+straighten out those faces?”
+</p>
+<p>
+An amused laugh could be heard over the wire,
+and Anne laughed back. “No, thanks; a good
+night’s rest has brought back their natural looks.
+The faces in the paper must have been taken by
+the flickering flame of the burning dwelling.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Jim and Ken came home late last night for the
+Holiday. We wanted to congratulate you girls
+on trying so hard for the Carnegie Medal, but
+now Jim wants to say ‘good-morning.’”
+</p>
+<p>
+In another moment, Jim’s voice was heard
+speaking. “Oh, good-morning, Anne. Have you
+used Pears Soap?” Then a gay laugh.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We have, but you haven’t! Your father
+just told me you got in at midnight, and if you’re
+up as early as this, I’m sure the sleep hasn’t been
+washed from your eyes,” retorted Anne.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_135'></a>135</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor crowded close and hung over
+the ’phone so they could hear what Jim had to say.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I only wanted to say, I’ve got tickets for the
+show, to-night, and the girls are not to go anywhere
+else.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, tell him we’re out of town on a week-end
+party,” Eleanor whispered, hurriedly to Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Are the tickets good for Eleanor’s father and
+my mother, in case the girls go out of town?”
+teased Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Say—you really don’t mean that?” Jim’s voice
+sounded very sad.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I cannot tell a lie—I am like George, you see,
+and I’ll let the girls fib for themselves,” laughed
+Anne, getting up from the stool and handing the
+instrument to Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, here, Nolla! You do it! You know I
+don’t like this jiggery quivery thing!” cried Polly,
+quickly placing the telephone apparatus on the
+table and making room for Eleanor on the chair.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor was delighted to talk with Jim, and she
+kept at it until a clicking in her ear notified her
+that someone wanted to get them on the wire, so
+she hurriedly rang Jim off.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hello!” called Eleanor to the next inquirer.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hello—1234 Madison Square?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_136'></a>136</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“This is Mr. Ashby speaking. Is this one of
+the heroines?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Mr. Ashby! Yes, it is Nolla. What do
+you think of the story in the paper—and the funny
+photographs?” laughed Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I laughed myself sick over it at breakfast. My
+wife and I wondered how that young rascal got
+them, and James explained.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Eleanor turned white, for she wondered
+if the butler really had seen her wink at Dunlap.
+“My, but I’m thankful I got at this wire instead
+of Anne,” said she to herself.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Two of our maids had their postal-card pictures
+taken the other day, and upon rushing out
+of the front door to watch the fire last night, they
+laid them upon the hall table. James saw them
+there, later, but thinking the girls would soon be
+coming in to take them upstairs, he did nothing
+about it.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then in the excitement of watching Miss Polly
+climb the front of the house, and have the Chief
+carry her over to our house, the pictures were completely
+forgotten. As the young reporter went
+out, James saw Miss Eleanor take his hat from
+the stand and hand it to him. But nothing was
+thought about the cards. Later, however, they
+were gone.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_137'></a>137</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“This morning the papers have the photographs
+of Mary, the waitress, and Gladys, the upstairs
+girl, as heroines of the fire. Maybe our
+maids are not tickled to pieces to find themselves
+so famous.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor heard both Mr. and Mrs. Ashby laughing
+merrily over the mistake, and then she said:
+“Do you suppose I handed the cards to Dunlap
+when I picked up his papers and hat?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Undoubtedly. But the joke is, he thinks you
+meant to do it very secretly, you see, so he never
+mentioned it but hurried the work on the pictures
+so as to have them in the morning’s paper. He
+most likely believes that that was why you ran
+after him—to manage to give him those two
+photographs to use. I think the laugh is entirely
+on him, don’t you, Eleanor?”
+</p>
+<p>
+But Eleanor did not say. She sat and studied
+the pattern in the rug for a time, refusing to answer
+all the questions asked. Then she decided
+that Mr. Ashby must have heard from Dunlap
+that morning, and was told how she had added
+many facts to Mr. Dalken’s story. But this funny
+error of using the maid’s photographs, was retribution
+on her head.
+</p>
+<p>
+The young people, with Anne to chaperone
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_138'></a>138</span>
+them, enjoyed the play that night, and then the
+boys outlined the programme they had made for
+the week.
+</p>
+<p>
+The next day, being Thanksgiving, the entire
+party was to dine at the Latimers’. Then they
+would go for an automobile drive, and in the evening
+all would enjoy an impromptu supper and
+dance at the Evans’.
+</p>
+<p>
+Friday morning the boys would take the girls
+skating at St. Nicholas Rink. They begged to
+attend Mr. Fabian and the girls in the afternoon
+at the Textile Exhibition, then dinner at the Studio,
+and another play at night.
+</p>
+<p>
+Saturday morning the girls were going to visit
+Mr. Ashby’s famous decorating establishment, and
+get a glimpse first-hand of what a modern decorator
+must do and know to succeed. In the afternoon
+the boys wanted to take in a matinee, but the
+girls were invited to dinner at the Ashbys, and to
+spend the evening with their daughter Ruth. So
+Jim said nothing, but he instantly planned how
+to meet the Ashbys.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now don’t go and make any more dates for
+next week, without asking us, understand!” declared
+Jim, when he heard that Saturday was
+engaged and Sunday, partly so.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_139'></a>139</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“How can we help it if our parents and chaperones
+do it without our knowledge,” queried
+Eleanor, innocently.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, I’ll speak to them, then. Ken and I will
+have to be off again next week; so for the few days
+we have at home we want you girls to pass up all
+other fun. You’ve got all the year for other beaux,
+you know,” grumbled Jim.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor laughed. “Oh, yes,” said the
+latter, “we just keep on the go continually, every
+afternoon and evening, with a devoted swain each
+day to replace the ones of the day before.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Where do you meet them?” demanded Jim,
+jealously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We-ll—the first one Polly and I snared, we
+‘picked up’ at an art sale. But we have many
+opportunities to meet others, you know.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes,” added Polly, entering the joke, “at
+night school, you know, there are loads of young
+men; and at lectures and exhibitions—and everywhere.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Is that why you both are so crazy to go to
+these dry lecture affairs?” jeered Kenneth, thinking
+himself very clever, indeed.
+</p>
+<p>
+But they failed to get the girls to break the engagement
+with the Ashbys, and Jim barely managed,
+through his father’s kind auspices, to meet
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_140'></a>140</span>
+Mr. Dalken Saturday morning, and thus open the
+way to call on the Ashbys that evening.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken was young in spirit if not in years,
+and he enjoyed helping the two boys work out the
+little plot so as to be present with Polly and Eleanor
+at the Ashbys, that evening. But the boys
+never knew that their benefactor passed up an
+exciting game of chess at his club, that Saturday
+night, in order to introduce them to his friends.
+</p>
+<p>
+There were so many wonderful things to do
+during that Holiday Week, that the girls could not
+attend them all. Many of their school-friends
+were eager to have them at teas and parties and
+matinees, but all these had to be refused with
+regrets. Eleanor remarked: “Wait for school
+to open. We’ll be the most popular girls there.
+In fact, every last girl will want to fag for us!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why?” asked Polly, wonderingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Because they think we are in such demand,
+everywhere, that we can’t accept any invitations
+of theirs. Don’t you suppose they have told each
+other? Lots of those girls travel around together,
+and they talk everything over. But I guess they
+are wondering who takes us out so much, and what
+society we travel in.” Eleanor laughed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly looked at her with pity. “Nolla, sometimes
+I feel <em>so</em> sorry for you! All your joy and
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_141'></a>141</span>
+pleasure in having others act nice or kind to you,
+is lost because of the education you’ve had in Bob’s
+school. Now I don’t believe those girls ask us
+just to cater to us because we are popular. I think
+they really like us and would love to have us with
+them. If I wasn’t so frightfully busy with school
+at night, and other worth-while occupations, I’d
+jaunt about with them.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor said nothing more, but she did a lot of
+thinking.
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_142'></a>142</span><a name='chIX' id='chIX'></a>CHAPTER IX—POLLY’S MUSCLE</h2>
+<p>
+Mr. Maynard was delighted with Eleanor’s
+evident improvement in health, and all fears of
+the New York climate vanished entirely, before
+he finished his visit in New York. He remained
+a week and then said good-by, reminding Mrs.
+Stewart that she had invited him for the Christmas
+Holidays. They all laughed because he was
+welcome, at all times, to remain as long as he
+could.
+</p>
+<p>
+Regular studies began again after the Thanksgiving
+Holiday and, with the reopening of the
+classes, the girls started in on a new line of art at
+Cooper Union. Anne Stewart used to escort the
+girls to and from the school on class-nights, but it
+was such a tiresome trip for her to make, after a
+hard day at school, and with lessons to go over
+at home, that the girls insisted upon her staying
+home.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian generally conducted them home
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_143'></a>143</span>
+after class, and then went on to his own rooms.
+As it was hardly dark by seven-thirty, in October
+and early November, it was no more hazardous
+for the two girls to walk or ride down to the
+Square than it would be in the daytime.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the days were becoming so much shorter
+after Thanksgiving, that it was quite dark by six
+o’clock. Hence Anne worried about their going
+downtown, alone, even though it was but a few
+blocks.
+</p>
+<p>
+The second week of class in December, found
+Mr. Fabian absent. He had taken a severe cold
+and thought better of risking his health in the bitter
+wind and Scotch mist that night.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor did not speak of it to Anne,
+as she, too, felt wretched that day; and they would
+rather have stayed at home than have had her accompany
+them to night school in her state of
+health.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You’re not to worry about us, Anne, if we do
+not come in as early as usual,” said Eleanor, upon
+opening the door to go out.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why—where will you be?” asked Anne, instantly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Exams. Some of the teachers are testing us
+in all the work we did this last term, and we have
+to write our answers. We may be a full hour later
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_144'></a>144</span>
+than usual; but we’ll come uptown, together,
+so there’s nothing to worry about,” explained
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne thought she meant Mr. Fabian by “we-all”
+but Polly meant several of the students who
+lived a few blocks north of the Square.
+</p>
+<p>
+Both girls were well bundled up in heavy storm
+coats, mufflers, and close-fitting woollen caps
+pulled down over their ears. Besides their books
+and other materials, they had umbrellas to carry
+but it was too windy to open them.
+</p>
+<p>
+The examination questions proved to be most
+interesting; and the answers required a great deal
+of careful thought, before describing the various
+types, methods and ideals of architecture and
+decoration.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly described at large such questions as: “Can
+you describe the different types that go to make
+up the Egyptian people?” or the question: “How
+does plant-life affect Egyptian ornament—sketch
+two such plants.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“What is a torus molding? Where is echinus
+molding used? Sketch the cyma recta.”
+</p>
+<p>
+When Polly found the questions: “Describe a
+scarabæus,” and “Why did ancient Egyptians
+prepare their dead as they did, and describe a
+mummy and the methods used for its preservation,” she
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_145'></a>145</span>
+was elated, for she had made a particular
+study of these subjects at the Metropolitan
+Museum where the collection of Egyptian antiques
+is unsurpassed.
+</p>
+<p>
+There were many other interesting questions, all
+of which Polly was eager to answer, but time was
+too limited for her to say all she wished to. For
+instance, she wanted to describe, at length, Greek
+art and the Greek nation that was characteristic
+for its own type of art and ornament.
+</p>
+<p>
+She was anxious to tell what she knew about
+color and its importance in art. Of polychromy
+and what it was. In fact, she needed hours in
+which to speak fully of the difference between
+Greek, Egyptian and Assyrian art and ornament.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor on her part, wrote graphically of the
+difference between the Arabs and Persians, and
+how their modes and habits had a corresponding
+effect on art. She liked to describe the style of
+Romanesque art and how it governed all Eastern
+Europe at one time.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor leaned to the Moorish classics and had
+a weakness for Turkish designs; she loved the
+warm coloring used by the Moors in their work,
+and the harsh bright colors employed by the
+Turks. She had no hesitation in selecting from
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_146'></a>146</span>
+samples shown, the Mohammedan designs, the
+Chinese, the Byzantine, or Arabian patterns. She
+was expert in stating why the fall of Rome affected
+all art in Eastern and Western Europe, and what
+was its highest development and its period of all
+architecture.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was more than an hour later than usual, when
+the two girls put away their work and started out
+for home. The scholars who lived on streets uptown,
+had gone long before, and Polly and Eleanor
+found that the high wind made it impossible for
+them to open their umbrellas.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It’s so icy we will have to use them as props,”
+laughed Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“My! But this sleet in one’s face is cold, isn’t
+it?” gasped Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Let’s take a short cut across the Plaza,” suggested
+Polly, breaking into a run across the diamond
+that separates the streets at Third and
+Fourth avenues, and Eighth street.
+</p>
+<p>
+Having reached the small oasis about the subway
+station, Eleanor said: “Why not take the
+subway, here, to Twenty-eighth street, Poll?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, I hate those subways! This wonderful
+sleet and the quiet hissing of the ice on the windows
+and walks makes me feel as if I were home.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_147'></a>147</span>
+No clatter of wheels, no shouting of burly men, no
+<em>nothing</em> that makes a city so horrid. Let’s walk
+all the way home.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“All right,” laughed Eleanor. “I’m game!”
+</p>
+<p>
+So they started up Fourth avenue, past Wanamakers,
+and were soon lost to their surroundings
+in their discussion of the examinations.
+</p>
+<p>
+“What answer did you give to the question
+‘Tell the basis of religions existing with the Persians
+and the Arabs: describe the differences,’
+Polly?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I was not quite sure of that, Nolla, but I did
+make a good thing of that question ‘Why did
+Egyptians use bright colors in art?’ And also that
+question that read: ‘When colors of the pattern
+contrast with the colors of the back-ground, what
+general rule must govern?’ You know, I just love
+to ferret out these ideas.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“So do I. But I never dreamed there was so
+much wonderful knowledge to be obtained in a
+course of this kind,” said Eleanor, holding her arm
+before her face in order to speak distinctly.
+</p>
+<p>
+They had now reached Eleventh street, and
+were passing a saloon still brightly lighted, in spite
+of Prohibition Laws. In the doorway lounged
+three tough-looking young men; but the red-cheeked
+girls scarcely saw them—they were too
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_148'></a>148</span>
+interested in their conversation. An empty auto
+stood by the curb, but no other vehicle or person
+was in sight.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the girls came under the arc of light that
+reflected from the globes in the saloon-window,
+one of the flippant young men said, quite loud
+enough for Polly and Eleanor to hear: “I say!
+Ain’t them two goils peaches, though!”
+</p>
+<p>
+His two companions laughed rudely, but the
+girls hastened on without a word or look. Another
+of the trio then said: “Betcha they’d be
+glad of comp’ny. I’ll try it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor whispered anxiously to Polly: “What
+time do you think it is?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“It was almost eleven when we stopped writing.
+It must be nearly eleven-thirty now.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Pretty late for such a bad night. We’ll take
+the subway at Fourteenth street, Polly.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Reckon we’d better. Are there no policemen
+about these corners?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not when you need one. On fine summer
+nights you will see them strolling about, maybe.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls tittered, but instantly hushed when
+they heard voices directly behind them.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Pretty evenin’ fer a walk, goils.”
+</p>
+<p>
+No reply was vouchsafed to this remark but the
+girls kept right on with their customary swift gait.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_149'></a>149</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ain’t che hankerin’ fer comp’ny?” chuckled
+another tough.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ah, come on back, fellers. What’s th’ use
+foolin’ wid a coupla high-brows on such a nasty
+night!” argued one of the three.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor fervently hoped they would
+go back, but the other fellow replied: “G’wan
+back, if yeh wants. Bill and me er goin’ to have
+some fun. Come on, Bill.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly now glanced at Eleanor and said in a low
+tone: “Get a good grip on your umbrella. Thank
+heavens we haven’t any books or papers to carry,
+as we usually have.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the fellow called Bill, said: “You amble
+up to the peacherino on the outside, whiles I take
+to the inside one, Andy.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“There’s the boss’s car waiting fer nuttin. We
+kin give them a ride—a joy ride fer us,” harshly
+laughed Andy.
+</p>
+<p>
+Bill joined in the suggestive laugh, and both
+girls unconsciously hastened their steps.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No hurry, my pretties. There ain’t a cop twixt
+here an’ the saloon on Fourteenth street. Don’t
+we’se know this districk? Ha-ha!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ready for a fight, Nolla!” hissed Polly, suddenly
+wheeling and facing the accosters.
+</p>
+<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_150'></a>150</span></div>
+<p>
+Eleanor also turned, a second later, and both
+men were taken by surprise. Polly’s eyes blazed
+and she gave the roughs such a scornful look that
+it should have withered them as they stood there.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now you two out-laws turn-about-face and
+march downtown as fast as you know how!” commanded
+she.
+</p>
+<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='i003' id='i003'></a>
+<img src="images/illus-150.jpg" alt="“NOW YOU TWO OUT-LAWS TURN-ABOUT-FACE AND MARCH!” COMMANDED POLLY." title=""/><br />
+<span class='caption'>“NOW YOU TWO OUT-LAWS TURN-ABOUT-FACE AND MARCH!” COMMANDED POLLY.</span>
+</div>
+<p>
+“Ah, ha, Bill! I envy you your choice! She
+turns out to be a regerler sport. See them eyes
+shoot fire? Let me have a kiss, me pritty, afore
+Bill gits them all!” As the fellow Andy spoke
+insinuatingly, he stepped forward to take hold of
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+At the same moment her umbrella swung back
+over her head and the muscular young arm instantly
+brought down the heavy metal knob upon
+the soft cap that covered the head of the ruffian.
+The blow was so unexpected, and forceful as well,
+that it staggered Polly’s assailant.
+</p>
+<p>
+Both men cursed fluently, then, and Bill threatened:
+“Jus’ fer dat, you’se is goin’ to get what’s
+comin’ to yeh!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor wanted to turn and run, but she would
+not have deserted Polly for all the world, so she
+screamed “Help! Help!” with all her lung-power—and
+she had plenty of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+Bill hesitated to attack Eleanor as she yelled
+and screamed for help, but Andy was raging and
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_151'></a>151</span>
+tried to close in with Polly. The umbrella was
+flung aside, and in another minute Polly launched
+at his face with a closed fist. It struck him between
+the eyes and caused a howl of pain.
+</p>
+<p>
+Before he could collect himself, the daring girl
+had struck him another fearful blow under the
+chin. This sent him back flat upon his back, and
+while he was trying to crawl up on his knees, the
+amateur pugilist turned and sent a blow at Bill.
+But he had stood gaping at the amazing encounter
+with his pal, and he now dodged his own
+undoing.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor saw her opportunity. She had no time
+to lift her umbrella for a blow, and it had no solid
+handle like Polly’s, but she fiercely rammed
+the steel-capped end of the rod into the pit of
+the rascal’s stomach, so that, instantly, he buckled
+up. He sank down groaning while he struggled
+to get his breath.
+</p>
+<p>
+Andy was up on his feet again by this time, but
+Bill was out of the fight, so both girls gave full
+attention to the second villain. He fought now,
+as slum ruffians will, but he was no match for the
+hard knuckles, steel muscles and lithe movements,
+of the Rocky Mountain maid who had grappled
+with wild animals and had won out.
+</p>
+<p>
+The groveling Bill now managed to reach out
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_152'></a>152</span>
+a hand, planning to catch Eleanor by the ankle
+and trip her. But at that moment a silent-running
+automobile slid up to the curb and, at the instant
+of its stopping, the door flew open and a gentleman
+leaped out. In his hand he pointed a revolver,
+and Andy immediately threw up both hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+“W-h-y—Mr. Dalken. Oh, thank goodness
+you came!” cried Eleanor, trembling nervously.
+</p>
+<p>
+The chauffeur was standing guard over Bill at
+the same time, so Mr. Dalken asked frowningly:
+“What are you girls doing down here at this hour?—all
+alone, too!”
+</p>
+<p>
+By this time the truant officer ran over to the
+group and wanted to know what was wrong. Mr.
+Dalken turned on him in just anger. “Wrong—why,
+you were not on the beat! That’s what’s
+wrong.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But I was—I got a beat bigger than any Fift’
+avenoo cop what only has to parade in front of a
+swell’s house.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“You needn’t try to bull-doze me, my man. Evidently
+you fail to recognise me, but we will talk
+this over at the City Hall, in the morning. Now
+arrest these two foot-pads.” As the officer
+snapped hand-cuffs on his prisoners, Dalken
+added, “By the way, why is a saloon open at this
+hour—to sell soft drinks?”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_153'></a>153</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+The scorn in Mr. Dalken’s tone silenced the
+policeman. “Now, girls, jump into the car and I
+will take you home,” offered their rescuer. But
+the officer interfered when they would have
+stepped inside the car.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Your names, please, and addresses. And how
+do I know that you will take these young ladies to
+their home?” The tone of the man was insulting.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If it were not for the fact that I want to hurry
+these children to their family as quickly as possible,
+I’d take the keenest pleasure in answering
+you in a manner that you’d understand and respect.
+Now you go about your tardy business and I will
+see to mine. Here’s my card. The girls do not
+appear in this matter at all. I am the man who
+caused the ruffians’ arrest, and I will answer in
+Court.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken followed the girls into the car and
+the driver instantly shot away; in a short time the
+car stopped in front of the Studio. As Polly and
+Eleanor gratefully took Mr. Dalken’s hand, he
+advised them. “Better not speak of this affair to
+anyone—leave it to me to settle. But, hereafter,
+do not dream of going about so late at night, unattended.
+One never can tell!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we can’t expect Anne to trot about with us
+when she is tired out at night,” explained Eleanor.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_154'></a>154</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then use my car on the nights you have to go
+to school. I’ll send down my Sedan, after this,
+because the butler understands its tricks thoroughly.
+He seldom has anything to do on
+those evenings you go to school, and he can oblige
+us by driving that car should I need Henri for this
+car.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls thanked him again, and then hurried
+indoors.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Where <em>have</em> you been so late, dears?” cried
+Anne, anxiously, as they came in.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We told you we would be late,” began Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But it is past twelve, now; I was about to call
+up the police-station at Ninth street, and find out
+if anything had happened.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The two girls laughed and Eleanor pulled
+Anne’s ear playfully, as she said: “Now, silly,
+what could happen to us!”
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_155'></a>155</span><a name='chX' id='chX'></a>CHAPTER X—CHRISTMAS AND WHAT IT BROUGHT</h2>
+<p>
+Anne never suspected that Polly and Eleanor
+had had a “hold-up” at any time, but she wondered
+why Mr. Dalken should be so kind as to
+loan his car to the girls on school-nights. Polly
+explained simply. “Why, he never forgot what
+we did for Elizabeth, and when he learned we
+were trudging back and forth alone, he just
+wouldn’t have it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“He said he couldn’t bear the thought of our
+even having to travel in the subway, alone, late at
+night,” added Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+So Anne, although she read about the two ruffians
+who had tried to rob a wealthy broker, one
+night, never dreamed that <em>her</em> two girls were victimized
+before Mr. Dalken appeared to rescue
+them.
+</p>
+<p>
+Madam Wellington’s school prospered splendidly
+from the publicity given it in the papers
+directly after the fire. And later, when it was
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_156'></a>156</span>
+learned that Mr. Ashby, Mr. Dalken, and two
+other wealthy men had purchased the corner which
+had always been disfigured by the old four-story
+amusement hall, and proposed erecting a twelve-story
+high-class apartment house on the land, the
+mention of the fire and the bravery of the Wellington
+School girls again appeared in the papers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Letters between Pebbly Pit and New York
+passed twice a week, and the last news from home
+was: “How we should love to have you spend
+Christmas with us, Polly dearest. It will not seem
+like a real Christmas with both my children away
+from home.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The letter made Polly feel home-sick and she
+wrote to her mother immediately, saying: “I feel
+that I shall have to come home even if it takes a
+month out of school and delays me in my art
+studies, unless you can plan some other way that
+we might see each other this Christmas.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly had a very clever plan that suddenly came
+to her, as she read her mother’s words, and her
+reply was the first step in working out her plan
+successfully.
+</p>
+<p>
+The second step was to go downtown and call
+upon Mr. Latimer at his office. She was welcomed
+there and asked what good wind blew her
+downtown.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_157'></a>157</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly laughed. “It’s a blizzard from the
+Rockies—that is why I’m here.” Then she told
+him about her mother’s home-sick words. “And
+this is what we must do, Mr. Latimer, or I’ll have
+to leave school and go back home.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Dear me, I will do anything rather than lose
+you from New York, Polly,” Mr. Latimer laughingly
+replied.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You must find some excuse on the mining or
+jewel business, that needs Daddy’s personal presence
+here in New York. Make it necessary for
+him to be here just before, or after Christmas.
+Then I will write and let them know that you told
+me about it, and insist upon having mother come
+East with father, for her Christmas. Why, even
+John and Paul might join us here without much
+expense or trouble.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Latimer smiled. “There is no harm in
+trying the plan, even if your father <em>won’t</em> leave
+his ranch while it is under six feet of snow.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly laughed at that. “Exactly! Dad doesn’t
+have to stick there in winter-time, any more than
+I do. Especially with Jeb on hand to take care
+of everything.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then remembering a warning, she said: “But
+you’ve got to find a real worthy reason for his
+coming East, because I know my Dad!”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_158'></a>158</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’ll have you approve the reason before I send
+it West—how will that do?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I think you will do well. Because I may be
+able to make a suggestion—knowing my father as
+I do.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Latimer laughed and patted Polly on the
+head. “Well, now that that is settled, let us talk
+about Jim and Ken. You know, do you not, that
+we expect them home in a few days?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I didn’t know, but I took for granted that they
+would soon be home for the Holidays. Although
+it seems like yesterday that they were home for
+Thanksgiving Week.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not to Jim’s mother and me. We miss him
+very much, as he always was such a lively boy at
+home.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’m afraid we won’t see much of him this time.
+He never even called us on the ’phone when he
+came from New Haven to see Ruth Ashby, two
+weeks ago Sunday,” said Polly, never dreaming
+that his father was ignorant of the visit.
+</p>
+<p>
+“He didn’t! Then Ken should have called
+on you. He did not come to see a girl, too, did
+he?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Ken never knew Jim was coming—so
+Ruth told us. Jim telephoned her early Sunday
+morning and found she would be home, so he ran
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_159'></a>159</span>
+in Town on the noon train and stayed until the
+nine o’clock.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’ll see that Jim does not go back on his first
+loves quite so suddenly,” laughed Mr. Latimer,
+thinking of the teasing he would give Jim.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we are not ‘loves’ at all—Nolla and I are
+only good pals for the boys,” corrected Polly,
+anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Whatever you call it, Jim ought to be well
+advised on such matters, as long as legal advice
+costs him nothing.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly failed to follow Mr. Latimer, and he immediately
+changed the subject. “Now that you
+are here and it is lunch-hour, why not come with
+me. I promised to take you to the Café Savarin
+or the Lawyer’s Club, some day, and this is the
+day.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, it would be lovely, but I just couldn’t leave
+Nolla out of the treat, you know!” exclaimed
+Polly, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If Nolla is at home, we will have her down in
+twenty minutes. We’ll wait for her, and meanwhile
+I’ll dictate a letter to your father for you
+to O.K.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor was moping around the house, wondering
+where Polly could be, when the telephone rang
+and she was invited to join her friends at luncheon.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_160'></a>160</span>
+So in less than half-an-hour the trio were having a
+merry time in the sumptuous private restaurant
+on lower Broadway.
+</p>
+<p>
+The letter that Polly approved, reached Sam
+Brewster, and he showed it to his wife. “Ah have
+been thinking, dear, that we-all might surprise
+Polly by dropping in on her just about Christmas
+time, eh?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Rather than let her come West and lose all
+that time from classes, I should say ‘yes,’ Sam.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We really have nothing to tie us down at the
+ranch for a few weeks, unless the snow buries us
+for the winter.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Sary would be in her glory could she keep
+house alone with Jeb for a time. Ever since they
+returned from their honeymoon in Denver, she
+has been sighing to run the house,” said Mrs.
+Brewster, “feeding the fire” carefully.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Let’s go! By the Great Horned Spoon, I feel
+like taking a vacation to some other part of the
+world—so New York will do!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then it was quickly decided that they would
+start on Monday, and this being Friday, there was
+no time to lose.
+</p>
+<p>
+Sary and Jeb accepted the amazing news with
+smiles and exchange of knowing looks. But they
+were relieved when Mrs. Brewster herself suggested
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_161'></a>161</span>
+to Sary: “Have all the good times you
+want, Sary, while we are gone. Invite your
+friends, and neighbors, if they can get through the
+drifts, and have apple-parties, corn-poppers, Virginia
+Reels, and anything on earth you like!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Would you-all keer if we-all ast as much as
+twenty to a time?” asked Sary, fearfully.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ask forty, if you like—and if you can find
+them,” laughed Mrs. Brewster, recklessly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Only see to it that they leave the roof, Sary,”
+ha-hawed Sam Brewster. “And that the sky-larkin’
+is all over when we return.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Sary nodded understandingly. She had instantly
+planned how to create envy in the souls of
+her old friends at Yellow Jacket Pass, by asking
+them all to her parties.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Brewsters sent John a wire to say that they
+would spend a few hours in Chicago, and would
+like him to keep that time open. But when they
+reached Chicago, John was standing on the platform
+holding a suit-case in his hand. Tom Latimer
+and Paul Stewart stood beside him.
+</p>
+<p>
+John explained: “Paul and Tom are going,
+too. Some good fairy sent us round-trip tickets,
+but we don’t know who it was. Not a line came
+with the tickets. So here we are—ready to help
+in the surprise.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_162'></a>162</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+John then introduced Paul, and Mrs. Brewster
+took his hand as she looked into his face. “You
+are the image of our Anne, Paul; I would have
+known you anywhere.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“That he is,” added Sam Brewster, shaking
+Paul’s hand heartily. So the party of five continued
+on the journey, smiling as they pictured the
+glad surprise to be given the family at the Studio.
+Little did they dream that the Studio family were
+busy preparing for a gladsome Christmas for them
+all. For Mr. Latimer had told them about the
+telegram from Pebbly Pit, and that he had heard
+from Tom that he and John and Paul were going
+to join the party coming East. But he did not say
+that he, incognito, had mailed the tickets.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Twentieth Century had a long line of Pullmans
+to take to New York that trip, and it was
+small wonder that passengers having berths in the
+last coach, should fail to meet anyone traveling
+in the first one. So it was with speechless amazement,
+that the Brewsters met the Maynards at
+Grand Central Station when both parties were
+waiting to get taxi-cabs.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, well, Ah believe it’s Mr. Maynard!”
+exclaimed Sam Brewster, in his deep western
+thunder.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Brewster? so it is! Indeed I am glad to see
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_163'></a>163</span>
+you here. Come to cheer up the little girl, eh?”
+and Eleanor’s father grasped the ranchman’s big
+hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Brewster and her two young male companions
+(Tom had gone to telephone) were now
+introduced to Barbara and Mrs. Maynard. The
+latter had never met the Brewster family, and
+Barbara, thinking it wiser to assume indifference,
+smiled coldly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’re stopping at the Park Hotel, Brewster—what
+about you folks? Might as well go where
+we do,” suggested Mr. Maynard.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I wired there for accommodations; Polly mentioned
+it in several of her letters as being quite
+near the Studio.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Fine! Then we will go right along. Here
+Taxi! eight of us and baggage.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“You mean seven, Mr. Maynard?” ventured
+John, politely.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No—didn’t you know Pete was here with us?
+He came on another coach with some chums who
+were coming East.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I haven’t seen much of Pete, this term. I’ve
+been cramming every moment, so as to finish and
+be ready to help in the mine, you see,” explained
+John, hesitatingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Maynard saw the expression and said nothing, but
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_164'></a>164</span>
+he determined to find out why Pete had
+not seen much of Paul and John and Tom, that
+term. Three young men who could be of great
+advantage to a wild young student should be cultivated,
+he thought.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Sam Brewster did anything, he never did
+it by halves; consequently when he wired the Park
+Hotel for rooms, the day he left Denver, he engaged
+a whole suite. No better accommodations
+than he had, were to be found in the building, and
+the Maynards had to accept second-best.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Mr. Maynard found the ranchman had
+the very finest the hotel afforded, he chuckled delightedly
+to himself, for he had silently watched
+the manner in which Barbara received the greetings
+of the people who were so kind to her that
+Summer.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Maynard was furious with her husband.
+“My dear! what possessed you to come to this
+horrid place. Don’t you know that Bob’s position
+must be catered to? Even the best hotels here are
+rather too ordinary. She should be stopping at
+the newest and most exclusive one uptown.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“When she marries that little numb-skull you’ve
+tagged to her skirts, she can stop where she likes.
+But her Dad is running this show. I’m here to
+visit Nolla, and I stop where I can call and see
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_165'></a>165</span>
+her, or she can run in to see us, without wasting
+time traveling on the streets.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“You always did spoil Nolla—while poor Bob
+has to take third place in your affections,” complained
+Mrs. Maynard.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Bob’s mother makes up for any lack in me.
+That’s why I have to give double love to Nolla
+and Pete—Bob has <em>all</em> of yours.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The usual ending to similar scenes might have
+resulted, had not Mr. Maynard gone out to hurry
+over to the Studio. But his wife and Barbara
+sulkily unpacked their trunks and made very fine
+toilets before they thought of calling at the Studio.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Maynard rang at the front door of the
+Studio, but he had to wait a few moments before
+the door opened. From within, merry laughter
+and joyous shouting could be heard. Then in
+another moment, Eleanor was in her father’s arms
+and was dragging him into the happy circle.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Brewsters, and Paul and Pete were already
+there, so that the newcomer’s appearance added
+another reason for Polly and Eleanor’s happiness.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I haven’t enough china to go around for such
+a family!” Mrs. Stewart said plaintively; as she
+came into the room with her arms dusted with
+flour.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_166'></a>166</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“And only half of us here, too!” laughed Mr.
+Maynard.
+</p>
+<p>
+“What—more on the way?” exclaimed Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla’s mother and Bob will be, shortly.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mother—and Bob!” cried Eleanor, eagerly,
+happy that her mother and sister cared enough
+for her to come and visit her.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now that adds to all my troubles,” Mrs.
+Stewart declared as she dropped into a nearby
+chair.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But why—the more the merrier,” laughed
+Mrs. Brewster.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why—because there are only seven straight
+chairs in this stable. All the others are great
+cushiony things that won’t do in a small dining-room
+such as ours.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Motherkins!” said Paul, laughingly picking
+his mother up and seating her upon his strong
+knees, “Did her think we-all would permit her to
+cook a great supper for such a mob?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Of course—I like it, dear, but I am staggered
+at the limitations—china and chairs.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mrs. Stewart, we are not going to eat a crumb
+in this house during the Holidays, unless it be a
+theatre supper or afternoon tea! That is all settled
+beforehand. Run upstairs and put on your
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_167'></a>167</span>
+evening dress. We propose making a party of it
+this first night,” called Mr. Maynard, trying to
+make himself heard above the general din.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Is it your party, Dad?” asked Eleanor, gayly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, and to please Bob it is to be at the Ritz.
+To-morrow it will be Brewster’s turn, and that’s
+up to him to say where we go.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Daddy—I know a place!” exclaimed
+Polly, eagerly. “Eleanor and I have never been,
+but we’ve heard lots about it and this is the chance.
+We’ll all go down to Chinatown, to-morrow!”
+</p>
+<p>
+A wild chorus of laughter greeted this proposal,
+and Polly looked surprised. To make matters
+worse, she added explanatorily: “Why, the girls
+say chop-suey is great! And at Christmas time
+the Chinks’ stores are beautiful! The lovely
+things one can buy then are the best that are imported
+from the Orient.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’ll do Chinatown, thoroughly, Poll, but it
+may not be to-morrow night,” promised John, who
+had hitherto been completely engaged with Anne’s
+whispers and looks.
+</p>
+<p>
+Thereafter followed delight upon delight, each
+day filled with new plans and exciting fulfillments.
+Ken and his parents, the four Latimers, the Ashbys,
+Mr. Fabian, and even Mr. Dalken, were included
+in the gay whirl of these pleasure-seekers.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_168'></a>168</span>
+Mrs. Maynard and Barbara actually enjoyed the
+wholesome fun and almost forgot to be affected
+or snobbish. To associate intimately with Mr.
+Dalken, whose social standing was well-known in
+Chicago, as well as in other large cities, was excuse
+enough to accept all the other friends. But
+added to that pleasure, the friendship and evident
+intimacy the Ashbys and Latimers entertained
+for Polly and Eleanor, made Mrs. Maynard feel
+there might be hope for Nolla in the future.
+</p>
+<p>
+Christmas fell on the Thursday after the Westerners
+had arrived in New York; and considering
+all the fun and gadding that had been indulged
+in, on the days preceding the twenty-fifth, that day
+passed quietly for all. Each family enjoyed its
+own gathering and gifts, and all assembled at the
+Ashbys in the evening, to enjoy music and dancing,
+and everyone declared it had been a fine
+day!
+</p>
+<p>
+Friday started anew the excitement of planning
+and enjoying whatever came in the way of the
+party. But Saturday night had been set aside for
+Mr. Dalken’s Christmas party. Elizabeth was invited
+to bring her friends, and everyone in Polly’s
+and Eleanor’s friendship ring were included.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken lived in modest but very large
+rooms of a bachelor apartment house, downtown,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_169'></a>169</span>
+and here he had an enormous tree fixed in the
+center of the living-room. No one was allowed
+to see that room until all had assembled, but when
+the doors were opened, there were “ahs” and
+“ohs” from everyone.
+</p>
+<p>
+The tree was so beautifully trimmed that it
+seemed a pity that it should ever be dismantled.
+But soon, the attractive white packages tied with
+red ribbons, filled the guests with curiosity; and
+once Eleanor had peeped at the name written on
+one box, there was no peace but her host must
+distribute the gifts.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken never spared time or money when
+he did anything for his friends, and his Christmas
+Party was to be one all would remember. The
+gifts were carefully selected for each individual
+and those for the four girls—Elizabeth, Ruth
+Ashby, Polly and Eleanor, were exquisite and
+costly. Elizabeth had craved a ring. She had it.
+Ruth, Polly, and Eleanor each had a long barpin
+of platinum daintily jewelled.
+</p>
+<p>
+With her usual impetuosity, Eleanor suddenly
+sprang up and hugged Mr. Dalken gratefully for
+her gift. Polly smiled and shyly shook hands,
+while Ruth said he must have read her thoughts,
+for she had asked Dad for a pin and had been
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_170'></a>170</span>
+refused. Now she had it, anyway, and from her
+second-best Dad. Elizabeth was pleased, too, but
+merely murmured “Thanks, Papa.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“How do you like the jewels in the pins, girls?”
+asked Mr. Latimer, quizzically, as no one had
+mentioned the gems.
+</p>
+<p>
+Suddenly Polly looked up at him. She caught
+the twinkle in his eyes, and instantly wheeled to
+look at the other men. Each one was smiling as
+if there was a fine secret here.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I just know these are Rainbow Cliff jewels!”
+exclaimed Polly, joyously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No—are they?” demanded Eleanor, holding
+the pin aloft to let the light flash over and through
+them.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now I am deeply offended! I want the girls
+to see that I got the very best and finest stones in
+New York, and someone dares suggest that they
+may be lava!” grumbled Mr. Dalken, trying to be
+peevish.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I can find out by taking mine to Tiffany’s, to-morrow,”
+said Ruth, wisely.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, you won’t—Tiffany says his store is to be
+closed all day to-morrow,” laughed Mr. Ashby.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why—some one in his family dead?” asked
+Elizabeth.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_171'></a>171</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“No—but it is Sunday, and he is a church
+member.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Every one laughed, as it had been forgotten the
+Sabbath was so near at hand. Then Eleanor had
+an idea.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why wait for Tiffany? Maybe the box will
+give us a clue.” So she found her box and examined
+it. Inside the silk-padded lid were the
+words in gold ink: “Rainbow Cliffs’ Jewel Company.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, oh! It is our lava! Polly, now you can
+carry a little of Pebbly Pit about with you!” cried
+Eleanor, dancing about.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, it is a bit of Polly’s own dear heath.
+These are the very first jewels the company perfected.
+And as I am one of the corporation, I
+wheedled the cutter into giving me his first output.
+So, girls, you not only have pretty pins, but also
+you have what may be considered a curiosity,”
+explained Mr. Dalken.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Are you one of our company?” Polly asked,
+eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, Mr. Ashby and I took stock soon after
+the fire, because we said this was going to be a big
+thing, some day.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’m so <em>glad</em>, Mr. Dalken,” said Polly simply,
+and in a voice that only he could hear. “I like
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_172'></a>172</span>
+you <em>so</em> much, and I’m happy to know that you and
+I are members, together, in something.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly, dear, that is the very best Christmas
+gift I have had in years,” murmured Mr. Dalken,
+feelingly.
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_173'></a>173</span><a name='chXI' id='chXI'></a>CHAPTER XI—THE VALENTINES</h2>
+<p>
+With the passing of this gay Holiday Season,
+the two girls began to feel that it would be a relief
+to sit down once more and spend a quiet evening
+at school. Two weeks of constant going and dissipation
+had become tiresome.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Westerners had gone home again; John,
+Tom, Paul and Pete back to Chicago, and the two
+boys, Ken and Jim, back at Yale; and then Mrs.
+Wellington’s school reopened. Lessons went on
+as if there never had been a vacation, and on
+Wednesday evening of that same week, the art
+school resumed classes.
+</p>
+<p>
+This term was to be devoted to Applied Design
+and its uses in architecture and decorations of interiors.
+After having had such interesting work
+as Egyptian ornament, art, and symbols, it seemed
+rather dry to start out the New Year with drawing
+straight lines an inch long.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then to draw a dozen of these lines—next to
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_174'></a>174</span>
+connect them and make a design of these dozen
+simple lines. But the next lesson was still more
+foolish. They were told to draw a square. Then
+this large square of twenty inches each side was
+divided into smaller squares. And in each of
+these squares the pupils were told to draw whatever
+they liked, but each square must repeat the
+first one figure designed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Thus the scholars found that they had a pattern
+of the design. This began to look more
+promising, and Eleanor wished she had paid more
+attention to the squares so that the design would
+have been neater.
+</p>
+<p>
+The next lesson was on grouping certain designs.
+The talk given by Mr. Fabian that evening
+was on eye-measurement and judgment in lines.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Unless one has a good eye for lines in anything,
+it is a waste of time to study a profession
+that is based fundamentally on a true judgment of
+lines—whether of beauty, grace, or usefulness.
+Unless one has a true sense of ‘line’ one can never
+know where to build a window, a door, or a fire-place.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not only does ‘line’ govern the size of rooms
+and halls, but the entire building is dependent upon
+true lines. Also, this basis line governs furniture
+and decorations in an interior.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_175'></a>175</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Can you picture a room where the portières
+are all of different lengths?—because the decorator
+had no sense of ‘line value?’ And what
+would one say if the chairs had legs of various
+lengths? Is not ‘line value’ to be used here, too?
+It is found necessary, everywhere.”
+</p>
+<p>
+So the lessons and lectures continued until the
+girls took up the study of colors. This was very
+interesting, and soon, both Polly and Eleanor
+knew that yellow, blue and red were primary
+colors and they could glibly tell you what that
+meant, and how important a part the knowledge
+played, in the progressive art of decorating.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the demonstration of these lessons began
+in the painting, the girls realized that they were
+actually going to be able to carry home samples
+of their work. From that time on, they showed
+more zeal in doing everything as correctly and
+perfectly as possible. And Mr. Fabian, at his
+next monthly report to Mr. Ashby (which were
+quite unknown to Polly and Eleanor) said:
+“They’re deeply interested in the actual art and
+not merely for the fun of some day going into
+business.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I am glad to hear it. There is so much of this
+idea of taking up interior decorating because it is
+comparatively a new field, but so few really ought
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_176'></a>176</span>
+to be in it. It should be made a matter of diplomas
+the same as other professions. Then the
+restriction would soon clear away all the quacks
+in the art. If these two girls but escape the snares
+of matrimony until they are finished artists, I shall
+be rejoiced to welcome them to our fold.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian nodded approvingly, and murmured:
+“I have faith in them. I’m sure that
+both these girls are sensible and not to be easily
+influenced by a good looking beau.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Ashby smiled. “They’re much safer in
+New York than if they lived in smaller towns.
+Girls in this city haven’t time to find beaux or
+think of husbands.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Don’t be so sure, Mr. Ashby,” retorted Mr.
+Fabian. “If the girls are as pretty as my two
+are, and clever and rich as well, they’d find it hard
+to escape.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But you are speaking of society girls, while
+these two students seldom give that empty life a
+thought—I’m glad to say.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Which conversation goes to show that more
+than one adult was watching the experiment these
+two girls were unconsciously making of their
+school days, with intense interest and a desire to
+aid.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor were not aware of all that
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_177'></a>177</span>
+had been done to insure them perfect freedom and
+liberty to continue their art classes. Had they
+known the arguments Mr. Latimer had had with
+Jim and Ken to keep those boys from usurping so
+much of the time the girls had to devote to study!
+Then Jim had blustered and boasted of all he
+would do once he was at college: His father
+wouldn’t know how many letters he would write,
+nor the visits to the girls, of an evening!
+</p>
+<p>
+And one reason Tom Latimer and John seldom
+wrote to Polly and Eleanor, was because of Anne’s
+suggestion—to leave the girls to plan their spare
+time for their very own work, and not be made
+to feel that they had letters to answer, all the time.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was Tom who had begged Jim not to waste
+his own, or the girls’ time, in writing silly letters
+or in traveling back and forth from college to New
+York. And Tom, wise big brother that he was,
+took Jim into his confidence and explained how
+anxious John and he were to have Polly climb to
+the top of the ladder in her art. That she had to
+make good in New York those first two years or
+go back home and starve her artistic soul on a
+lonesome ranch.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Valentine’s Day was coming, and Jim felt
+that on that day he would be privileged to not only
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_178'></a>178</span>
+write to the girls, but to send each one a fine valentine,
+describing his sentiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor could not forget Valentine’s
+Day was at hand, for every shop-window they
+passed invited sentimental people to step in and
+see the love cards.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’d like to send a perfect dear to Mr. Dalken,
+Nolla,” said Polly, reading the verse on a card.
+</p>
+<p>
+“To Mr. Dalken! Why, Poll, he is an old
+married man!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But what of that! Can’t I send him a card
+that states how much I like him?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, ye-es—I suppose so; but valentines are
+really meant for lovers, you see.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“It’s nothing of the kind, Nolla. Dear old St.
+Valentine never meant all his notes for lovers; but
+for everyone he <em>loved!</em> and that is very different,
+I think.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, send yours to anyone you like, but I am
+going to buy one for Jim,” said Eleanor, searching
+over the piles of cards on the tray, but not
+finding what she sought.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Nolla,” laughed Polly, teasingly. “Are
+you selecting Jim for your first love?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“First love! I should say double no! I am
+hunting for a <em>comic</em> one for him—just because he
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_179'></a>179</span>
+is so sentimental and sits with moony eyes when he
+is near any pretty girl. I thought I would die
+with laughter that night he sat and gazed with
+soulful eyes at Ruth.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Finally the girls found several very funny cards
+which had sarcastic lines under the pictures. These
+they were going to mail to Jim and Ken. Then
+Eleanor had an idea.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I just guess I’ll mail one each to John, Tom,
+Pete and Paul, too. If I dared, I’d get Pete to
+re-mail one to Bob so she wouldn’t know who sent
+it. Being postmarked ‘Chicago’ she’d break her
+head trying to think who sent it to her.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, that will be fun, Nolla. Have them remailed
+so the boys won’t know we sent them. Let’s
+do that with all of ours.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The need of secrecy, and the trouble of selecting
+appropriate lines for each of their friends,
+took time. But Eleanor wired her father to keep
+the secret and do the mailing for them, and he
+wired back his consent. So the valentines meant
+for the Chicago friends went to Mr. Maynard,
+and duly reached each one as had been intended.
+</p>
+<p>
+And those for Jim and Ken were handed to a
+porter on the train that ran to New Haven, with a
+liberal tip if he would drop them in a letter-box
+when he jumped from the train. His wide grin
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_180'></a>180</span>
+showed he was ready to abet the pranks such generous
+pretty young misses planned to tease their
+beaux.
+</p>
+<p>
+Elizabeth Dalken had taken a violent fancy to
+Jim Latimer when she met him at the different
+Christmas parties, and Valentine’s Day being an
+opportunity for love-lorn misses and youths, she
+bought a very expensive Valentine, with sentiment
+as soft as down, and suggestive of heart-aches and
+sighs and what-not.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Elizabeth had no independence, whatever,
+and once she had the Valentine boxed and ready
+to post, she wished she knew someone who would
+address it. She feared to have her own cramped
+writing seen on it.
+</p>
+<p>
+In Mrs. Wellington’s school was a clever girl
+who could imitate hand-writing to perfection, and
+Elizabeth presented her with a box of bon-bons a
+few days before Valentine’s Day. Then the following
+day she asked a favor. Would Myrtle address
+a box for her?
+</p>
+<p>
+Myrtle comprehended, but the candies had been
+delicious so she laughed: “Got a valentine to
+send?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, but it is a joke. I want the receiver to
+believe Eleanor Maynard sent it. Can you imitate
+her writing?”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_181'></a>181</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Easy as pie. Get me her exercise from this
+noon’s class.”
+</p>
+<p>
+And in short order the box was addressed in
+Eleanor’s hand-writing. Elizabeth mailed it, and
+the day following the 14th, Jim mailed, what he
+considered, a lover’s work of art—such ardent
+lines and such sentiment seldom entered his
+thoughts, but the mushy words of the valentine
+excused his letter.
+</p>
+<p>
+“W-e-ll—Jim’s gone clean mad!” gasped
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Is the thick letter from him?” asked Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, but read it, Poll, and tell me what ails
+him.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly read, but not without giggles and many a
+lifted eyebrow when she came to the extra fine
+phrases of love-making.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla, he sure is daffy. Can you see through
+it?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not at all. I expected a comic from him—not
+this.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla, do you think anyone we know would
+send him a soft valentine and pretend it came from
+you?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Maybe—for a joke! Now who would do it?”
+</p>
+<p>
+They asked Anne, and showed her the letter.
+She laughed with them, but when they were not
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_182'></a>182</span>
+present, she sat down and wrote to Jim—a nice
+sisterly letter cuttingly blunt that told him that she
+had her hands full with school and girls, and
+house, so that any extra care would drive her insane.
+Letters such as the one that came to Nolla,
+were the worst danger she had to ward off from
+the girls.
+</p>
+<p>
+By the last mail on the thirteenth and during the
+day of the fourteenth other valentines came for
+Polly and Eleanor; some of real merit as tokens
+of friendship; some of beauty; and many with a
+little line of love. But Polly received no vague or
+sentimental one during Valentine’s day.
+</p>
+<p>
+That evening, however, the bell rang, and Mrs.
+Stewart asked who was there. The girls were
+already upstairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Messenger with a box.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mother—wait till I get there!” called Anne,
+anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+In another moment, Anne, in a negligée, ran
+downstairs and opened the street-door which
+opened into a vestibule.
+</p>
+<p>
+A large long box was handed in and Anne
+signed the book. It was addressed to “Miss Polly
+Brewster, Studio, 1003 East Thirtieth Street, New
+York.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly, here’s a great box of flowers from someone,”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_183'></a>183</span>
+Anne called, standing at the foot of the
+stairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+“For me?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Your name is on the tag,” said Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+Instantly, Polly and Eleanor scrambled downstairs
+and Polly tremblingly tried to untie the
+string about the box.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Dear me—it won’t even break!” said she, trying
+to tear the cord by pulling at it.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Here—take the knife!” cried Eleanor, having
+dashed to the dining-room to catch up a silver
+knife, and returning with it.
+</p>
+<p>
+The string was cut, the lid taken off, and several
+wrappers of oiled paper removed. Then,
+there, upon a bed of lace-paper rested a dozen of
+magnificent American Beauties, with stems more
+than a yard long. And to the cluster, about the
+middle of the stems, was attached a fine golden
+cord holding a papier maché heart. The heart
+had a golden arrow half-buried in its plump center.
+</p>
+<p>
+“What wonderful roses!” breathed Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Isn’t the heart cute!” giggled Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No card, or sign, to say where they came
+from?” asked Anne, picking the heart up carefully.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, there’s another heart—see! On the point
+of the arrow at the back,” cried Eleanor. And
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_184'></a>184</span>
+there was another heart fastened to the first one
+by means of the sharp arrow.
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls sought carefully for some clue of the
+sender, but the sweet perfume wafted from the
+roses was all that rewarded their search.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Whoever it was, he is a dear!” said Polly,
+fondly touching the waxen stems.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And we’ll try to keep them as long as possible
+so, whoever it was, will see that we appreciate the
+flowers,” said Anne, going for water.
+</p>
+<p>
+“At last I have found a use for that tall vase I
+bought that first week of auctions,” laughed Eleanor,
+taking the glass from under the window-seat.
+</p>
+<p>
+Scarcely were the roses arranged to satisfy the
+admiring group, when the bell rang again. Eleanor
+being nearest the door, ran out to the small
+vestibule and peeped through the window in the
+street-door.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, of all things! Another messenger.
+Maybe he has a valentine for me.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The door was opened, Eleanor said “yes” to his
+query if Mrs. Stewart lived there, and having
+signed the book, hurried in with a tier of boxes.
+There were four in all.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Miss Anne Stewart the first on top,” read
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+The second was for Mrs. Stewart, and the third
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_185'></a>185</span>
+for Polly, the last being Eleanor’s. Each box contained
+a beautiful spray of cut flowers but no card.
+Not even a suggestion of the sender.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, it beats all. Why couldn’t our admirers
+have sent our flowers in the morning,” laughed
+Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+Again the bell pealed. “It surely can’t be more
+flowers!” laughed Polly, running to the door. But
+it was. A card on the outside read: “Say it with
+Flowers,” to Miss Anne Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+By this time everyone was laughing and trying
+to guess who could have sent the blossoms. And
+had the bell sounded again, no one would have
+been surprised. But it didn’t, and after guessing
+of all impossible persons who might be the senders
+of the flower-valentines, Anne ventured:
+“Someone may have telegraphed to New York
+this morning, you know, to send us these flowers,
+at once. I’ve heard said, the florists were so
+rushed to-day with valentine orders that they
+couldn’t secure enough flowers from the wholesale
+shops.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s about it!” declared Eleanor. “John
+sent you this last box, and maybe Daddy sent us
+each the smaller boxes. But <em>who</em> could have sent
+Polly a hundred dollars’ worth of American Beauties?”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_186'></a>186</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Finally they went to bed with the great question
+still unsolved; and Polly often wondered, thereafter,
+if Mr. Dalken could have sent her those
+roses? Had she guessed the truth, would she have
+been content to go on so serenely with her studies
+of interior decorating?
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_187'></a>187</span><a name='chXII' id='chXII'></a>CHAPTER XII—MR. FABIAN PLOTS FOR FACTS</h2>
+<p>
+The roses kept for more than two weeks, filling
+the Studio rooms with fragrance, but keeping
+their secret as to who had sent them to Polly. She
+had gone to everyone she knew and tried to find
+out who had given them to her. Then she beguiled
+Mr. Ashby into finding out if Mr. Dalken
+was the guilty one. And when he was found innocent,
+she bribed Mr. Dalken to find out if the
+Latimers or the Evans sent them—but she could
+not see why anyone should spend so much money
+on her, and try to hide the fact.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Mr. Fabian was satisfied that it was not
+one of their old friends who had sent the roses,
+he thought of a way to find out. The box had had
+the name on its cover, of one of Fifth avenue’s
+most fashionable florists, so he went there and
+tried to learn what he wanted to know, by asking
+the proprietor.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the man smiled and shook his head. “We
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_188'></a>188</span>
+are never allowed to divulge state secrets, Mr.
+Fabian.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not even when that secret concerns a protegée
+of mine? I do not wish to use the knowledge, but
+merely to relieve my mind.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“If I were to tell you, Mr. Fabian, I should
+have to also tell the six other individuals who
+begged me to tell them confidentially who ordered
+the roses.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Six others! Have others been here to ask
+this same question?” asked Mr. Fabian, amazed.
+</p>
+<p>
+The florist laughed. “Yes, that pretty miss
+seems to be very popular. Who is she, anyway?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“A little girl that attends my art class, and I
+am bound to keep her mind free from nonsense
+until her education is finished.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Can you keep a secret—on your oath?” asked
+the florist.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, yes!” eagerly agreed Mr. Fabian, thinking
+he was now going to hear who sent the roses.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, then, this much I may tell you—just
+to ease your fears: the individual who sent those
+roses is as anxious as you can be, to keep the girl’s
+heart and mind free from nonsense and to allow
+her to complete her art education without thoughts
+of beaux.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Is that all you’ve got to say?”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_189'></a>189</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“My goodness, don’t you appreciate that much!
+You only wanted to know something to ease your
+mind, and now I have told you.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“How do <em>you</em> know what the gentleman thinks
+or wants?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I was told so by the one who ordered the roses.
+But I did not tell you it was a gentleman.”
+</p>
+<p>
+This was still more disconcerting to Mr. Fabian,
+but he never told a soul that he had visited
+the florist. He did wonder, however, if the man
+had given the others the same confidence he had
+imparted confidentially to him.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly, the cause of all this secret concern of her
+friends, had forgotten all about the valentine, and
+was devoting her entire time and attention to the
+absorbing lessons at art school.
+</p>
+<p>
+Easter Week came early, and the term beginning
+immediately after the Easter Holidays, would
+start a course on mural decorations, and the study
+of tapestries. So interesting had their night-classes
+become, that Polly and Eleanor neglected
+their studies at day-school. Anne noticed their
+daily marks and worried over it. At last she consulted
+with Mr. Fabian.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You must realize, Mr. Fabian, that the girls
+are still young. Even if they were prepared to
+enter the profession they are proposing to follow
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_190'></a>190</span>
+they would be too young in years to make a success
+of it. People are not apt to turn over contracts
+for art or decorating, to girls under twenty.
+Therefore I advise you to make them drop their
+night school until after they have caught up in
+their day classes.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian was secretly pleased at the news
+that his two pet scholars preferred <em>his</em> teachings
+to the dry high-school lessons. But he dared not
+express his satisfaction to Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“All you say is true, but there is no need for my
+girls to give up their art class. The night school
+closes for a two weeks’ holiday at Easter, and
+then, as warm weather comes on apace, I find my
+pupils begin to lose zeal in their constant attendance
+at class. You will see that Polly and Eleanor
+will turn more to their day studies, then. But I
+would not advise you to cut off their pursuit in art
+work, now. It will only create deeper zest for it,
+and turn their thoughts completely from day-studies.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne replied that this was logical, and so the
+girls never knew that they had been standing upon
+the danger-line of having to suspend their favorite
+studies.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian was roused to a more temperate art
+“diet” for the two girls, thereafter. And Polly
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_191'></a>191</span>
+and Eleanor found, as Spring advanced, that lessons
+in night school were simpler and not quite so
+absorbing to their time, as those of the recent
+weeks had been.
+</p>
+<p>
+In the mural decoration study that began with
+the new Spring term, the pupils found that, beginning
+with the order of antiquity, Egyptian first,
+and then Greek, Roman, Medieval, Moresque and
+Persian styles—much of their work done in the
+other classes now proved useful. In fact, the historical
+studies of these races of people and their
+periods of time, proved valuable in review, for
+the further perfection of mural art.
+</p>
+<p>
+So when they were given a design to do in
+“wave ornament” it was at once recognised as
+Egyptian art. Or should a wall decoration be required
+where geometrical forms were the principle,
+the pupils remembered the religion of the Arabs
+and Moors which restricted them to the use of
+natural forms which would not conflict with their
+worship.
+</p>
+<p>
+Thus Polly and Eleanor began to understand
+how important their previous lessons had been, and
+how necessary it was for every earnest student of
+art to be present at each class, that no connecting
+link in instruction might be dropped and lost.
+</p>
+<p>
+As the weeks went by, and the end of the term
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_192'></a>192</span>
+drew near, the night classes thinned out perceptibly,
+many of the less enthusiastic pupils preferring
+outdoor sports to close application to art
+pursuits. But Polly and Eleanor found their
+pleasure in hearing all Mr. Fabian had to say to
+them on various subjects.
+</p>
+<p>
+Perhaps the girls might not have been so keen
+for school during the warm evenings, had not Mr.
+Fabian’s knowledge and fascinating descriptions
+of anything pertaining to his profession, been so
+freely given them at all times. He continued to
+discover exhibits, lectures, and other educational
+pastimes, to which he conducted his favorite pupils,
+so that there was no dearth of material to aid and
+demonstrate his teachings.
+</p>
+<p>
+As June came in, Polly found New York not
+nearly as cool and pleasant an abode as Pebbly Pit
+with its altitude upon the crests of the Rockies.
+And she longed for a breath of the mountain air
+that would renew jaded senses. Both Eleanor and
+Polly began to show the strain of the close application
+to study that they had had since October, so
+Anne was thankful that the schools would soon
+close for the Summer.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the last class in Cooper Union ended, and
+Mr. Fabian escorted his girls to their home. Already,
+they were planning for the coming year of
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_193'></a>193</span>
+work, but their instructor smiled and interrupted.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I have refused an offer to continue my classes
+in the school, so I will not be there next year.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“What!” gasped Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not teach us!” cried Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not teach at Cooper—no. I feel that I am
+not strong enough to keep up such arduous labors;
+and so many there do not seem to appreciate what
+I am sacrificing for them. I find there are some
+people who think that, because a thing is free, it
+is not as valuable as if they had to pay for it. You
+can see, for yourselves, how many scholars
+dropped out of the classes when other diversions
+offered themselves. They join an art class and
+attend it when nothing else can be had. They
+take my thought and time, and when they weary
+of the routine, they fail to appear. It is very disheartening.
+But it is so every year, and I am tired
+of trying to keep up the interest of such lazy
+leeches.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor heard their dear professor’s
+words in sorry silence. What would night school
+be without him?
+</p>
+<p>
+“But I have planned a far different school beginning
+with next October. I have chosen the
+faithful few who really mean business, and to these
+I shall offer my services for a small return. I
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_194'></a>194</span>
+feel sure that this will mean greater benefit to
+individuals in a small class, as I can devote much
+more time to each student and give better advice
+wherever it is needed. I have thought of seven
+scholars for my little school.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Mr. Fabian—I do hope Polly and I are
+among them!” exclaimed Eleanor, anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian smiled. “Perhaps it was because
+of Polly and you that I thought of this idea. You
+two girls really should have personal instruction,
+instead of having to waste hours in a general class
+waiting for delinquents to catch up with you.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That has always been the weak spot in any
+large class; there are those who forge ahead
+eagerly, and the lazy ones who miss a class every
+few nights, causing the whole body to delay and
+wait while they work to catch up on what they
+have missed.
+</p>
+<p>
+“When the few ambitious workers can be
+grouped together and not hampered by the
+leeches, one can readily see how much better it
+is for all concerned. This is what I propose
+doing.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, it will be splendid! and I am glad, for one,
+to be able to look forward to such teachings. To
+know that we can ask all the questions freely, and
+not have to wait to have the easiest lesson explained
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_195'></a>195</span>
+to the thick-headed, will be a great relief,”
+said Polly, gratefully.
+</p>
+<p>
+At the door of the Studio, Mr. Fabian said
+good-by. “I am planning to sail for Europe very
+soon, my dears, and I am looking forward to a
+good time with my little family. We intend visiting
+all the famous places of interest to an artist,
+and when I return in the Fall, I will be able to tell
+you about the great cathedrals, the wonderful collections
+of antiques, and other sights.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“As for Polly and me—we won’t be able to give
+you any such tales, as we are going to spend our
+vacation at Pebbly Pit, again. But we will bring
+back plenty of health and renewed zeal,” laughed
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ah! That is what I need of you now, children.
+See that you fill out the hollows in your
+cheeks, and gather ample strength and health for
+another strenuous year in New York. I plan to
+put both of you on the firing-line next school-year.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We’ll not fail you, Mr. Fabian,” promised
+Polly, taking his hand a second time and patting
+it fondly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then I’ll not fail <em>you</em>, dear students!” responded
+Mr. Fabian, stooping and kissing each
+girl affectionately on the forehead, then taking his
+leave.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_196'></a>196</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+A few days after this the Studio was swathed
+in dust-covers, the windows locked and shuttered,
+the burglar alarm attached, and at last the front
+door was closed by a representative from the insurance
+company. The four tenants were on their
+way to Grand Central where Jim Latimer and
+Kenneth Evans were to meet them. They then
+were going to take the Twentieth Century Limited
+to Chicago.
+</p>
+<p>
+Jim and Ken had been engaged by Carew, to
+join his camp of surveyors in the mountains for
+this second season’s work; and, as Polly and her
+friends were to spend the summer vacation at
+Pebbly Pit, it was quite natural that all six should
+journey westward, together.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken and the Ashbys came to see the
+friends off, and as the parent Latimers and Evans
+were with their boys to the last, there was a large
+merry party to accompany the travelers to the
+Pullman.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Don’t be surprised to see me bring the Ashbys
+to Pebbly Pit in my touring car, some fine day,
+soon,” announced Mr. Dalken.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, that would be lovely!” cried Polly,
+eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And leave Ruth with us for the Summer?”
+added Eleanor.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_197'></a>197</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, yes, Daddy—I’d love to spend my vacation
+with Polly and Eleanor at the ranch!” exclaimed
+Ruth Ashby.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Where would you put us all—even if we did
+come?” asked Mrs. Ashby, who had heard of the
+limitations of the ranch-house.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, you forget! John writes that we will be
+surprised to find the marvelous work that has gone
+on at the Cliffs. Not only is the great road down
+through the Devil’s Causeway completed for heavy
+traffic, but rows and rows of buildings back of the
+Imps are ready for occupancy, the moment the
+machinery is set up for work on the lava. If the
+miners have not yet taken possession of the barracks
+we could invite loads of people to visit the
+ranch.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly spoke eagerly, and her eyes shone as she
+beheld her friends enjoying the Brewster hospitality.
+</p>
+<p>
+Everyone laughed at her anxiety to have them
+visit her, and Mr. Dalken promised: “I’ll do my
+best to bring my friends, Polly.”
+</p>
+<p>
+A quizzical look in his eyes suddenly caused
+Polly to remember the valentine she had sent
+him. She smiled back at him, but as suddenly
+another thought flashed into her mind.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Mr. Dalken, I’ve wanted to ask you for
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_198'></a>198</span>
+the <em>longest</em> time! Now that it is ancient history,
+you won’t mind confessing, will you?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken shook his head as a concession to
+her eager look. And Polly continued: “<em>Did</em> you
+send me those American Beauties’ valentine?”
+</p>
+<p>
+A roar greeted this question, as everyone of the
+grown-ups had asked the same question of Mr.
+Dalken months before. And Mr. Dalken not
+only repudiated any knowledge of the valentine
+but told how he had visited the florist and had not
+been able to ascertain who the Cupid really was.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly, I will confess, as they say that open confession
+is good for the soul. I was guilty of sending
+four boxes of flowers to the Studio on Valentine
+Day, to four charming friends, but I showed
+no partiality, I think, in the bouquets. I would
+like to know, myself, who the Cupid was who sent
+such gorgeous roses as you received.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I wonder! I’m sure it wasn’t Jim,” here Polly
+looked searchingly at the young student, and he
+shook his head laughingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I couldn’t have, had I wanted to. My pocket
+money went for that love-sonnet that was so
+harshly condemned,” said he.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And I’m sure Ken never dreamed of doing it.
+Then there is Mr. Latimer and the doctor—they
+are both innocent, I know, as they never think
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_199'></a>199</span>
+of anything other than the old patented jewel
+cutter.”
+</p>
+<p>
+As Polly explained thus in earnest tones, everyone
+laughed at the two men so calmly criticised
+for their absorption in patents.
+</p>
+<p>
+“So I am inclined to believe it was my <em>own</em>
+Daddy. He always did send me the cutest valentines
+each year, and I received no card from him
+this year—so that is who it was!” declared Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And the only kind of a Cupid to have, these
+days, Polly,” approved Mr. Dalken.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the happy circle standing on the platform
+of the train-shed were now notified that the passengers
+must get on as the train would leave in a
+few moments.
+</p>
+<p>
+Good-bys were said, hands shaken, kisses
+wafted from the girls to the group remaining in
+New York, and then the travelers were gone.
+</p>
+<p>
+Scarcely had the train slowed up in the Chicago
+Terminal before John and Tom Latimer were
+on board, pushing a way through the Pullmans, in
+search of familiar faces.
+</p>
+<p>
+“There they are—there comes John!” cried
+Polly, excitedly, jumping up and pointing to the
+other end of the coach.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh—!” sighed Anne, flushing joyously as her
+glance rested upon her fiancé.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_200'></a>200</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+But John had no eyes for anyone but Anne.
+Polly was left standing with hands out-stretched,
+her whole soul quivering with anticipation of her
+beloved brother’s greeting, and now he forgot
+she was alive! Then Paul Stewart and Pete Maynard
+ran in.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Stewart was embraced by Paul, and Pete
+hugged his sister Eleanor. Tom Latimer stood
+a pace apart, his features working desperately to
+control his feelings as he saw John joyously scanning
+Anne’s face, and Polly limply sitting down
+in the parlor chair. Then he quickly went over
+and greeted her.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly, and you boys”—turning to Jim and Kenneth—“we
+sure are happy to see you-all again.
+My, what a change New York has made in you.
+I see quite a wonderful young lady, where once I
+remember my little ranch pal with pigtails.”
+Tom tried to laugh merrily.
+</p>
+<p>
+Kenneth suddenly launched into a silly conversation
+to cheer Polly. But Polly never could dissimulate,
+and she was too deeply hurt at her
+brother’s neglect to pretend to be merry. John,
+however, now turned to embrace and kiss his sister,
+and evidently had had no thought of neglecting
+her.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Come, children, we must get out or we’ll be
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_201'></a>201</span>
+carried to the round-house,” suggested Jim Latimer,
+taking up certain bags.
+</p>
+<p>
+Once on the platform where Mr. Maynard welcomed
+them, Tom said: “When do Ken and you
+go on to Denver?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“On the next train, leaving here at two. That
+gives us an hour and a half with you.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anyone want dinner, or did you eat on the
+train?” now asked Paul Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“All dined, but now waiting for someone to
+suggest a party for Ken and I, as we go on in a
+little while,” said Jim.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Here!” offered Mr. Maynard. “Pile into
+taxis and we’ll be at the house in a jiffy. No place
+like home when there’s no other place to go to.”
+</p>
+<p>
+So, laughing, the entire party bundled itself into
+cabs, John managing to get Anne and her luggage
+to himself. Immediately, he signalled the driver
+to start off.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Maynard, Paul and Mrs. Stewart got in
+another cab and Jim, Ken, and Eleanor in another.
+That left Polly and Tom Latimer, with the remaining
+bags, to get in the last taxi. It was all
+done in such noisy confusion, that no one dreamed
+how one clever manager had so manipulated matters
+as to have Polly alone in the last cab.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, Polly, I hear you are soaring in your
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_202'></a>202</span>
+ambition. Mr. Fabian wrote me how interested
+he was in Nolla and you.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, did the dear man write you? I didn’t
+know he and you corresponded.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I took a great fancy to the idealist, and having
+always loved art for itself, I told him I would
+consider it a great pleasure if he would exchange
+letters with me when he had the opportunity. He
+has done better for me than I had any right to
+expect. He writes the most interesting letters—just
+as clever as his talks on art.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Having found a willing listener in Tom, Polly
+expanded on her private opinion of such a wonderful
+teacher as Mr. Fabian was, and before the
+taxi drew up in front of the Maynard’s brown-stone
+mansion, Tom had the comforting assurance
+that Polly had quite forgotten her brother
+John’s unintentional neglect.
+</p>
+<p>
+Jim and Ken enjoyed their hasty visit and then
+took their departure to catch their train going
+west. When Mrs. Maynard and Barbara dispensed
+tea, the three young men, John, Tom and
+Paul, had to enter into service for the hostess; but
+they would greatly have preferred to enjoy their
+time as each inclined—John alone with Anne in
+the conservatory, Tom and Polly talking art, and
+Paul making merry with Eleanor.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_203'></a>203</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Barbara, who a year ago would have resented
+oblivion for herself, now smiled contentedly and
+gazed upon a huge solitaire.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Bob, shall we announce it?” whispered her
+mother.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, they do not know Percival, and, moreover,
+not one of these people appreciate his social
+standing.”
+</p>
+<p>
+So the young people now gathered about Mrs.
+Maynard’s tea-table were deprived (so Bob
+thought) of the greatest event of the past social
+season—her engagement to one of the most aristocratic
+and wealthiest eligibles on the market, Percival
+Weston.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barbara twirled her solitaire smilingly, nor
+cared that her Percival was bald and diminutive,
+past the prime in life, and not over-brilliant. Had
+he not been the catch at Newport the previous
+Summer? And had he not attached himself to
+her as soon as she appeared in the Adirondack
+Camp presided over by the famous society leader
+of New York?
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_204'></a>204</span><a name='chXIII' id='chXIII'></a>CHAPTER XIII—BACK AGAIN AT PEBBLY PIT</h2>
+<p>
+“Oh, Nolla! Isn’t this great after old New
+York?” cried Polly, as they were all jostled in the
+big ranch-wagon driven by Mr. Brewster, as it
+rumbled over the trail to Pebbly Pit.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We-all think it’s great, Poll; but wait till you
+see what your going to New York did to the old
+Pit! No one to blame for it but yourself,”
+laughed her father.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We heard there was a row of buildings down
+behind the Imps, and that a fine roadway was constructed
+through the Devil’s Causeway,” said
+Polly, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But no one told you how John and Tom came
+here as soon as college closed, and brought a railroad
+man with them to see about building a spur
+from Bear Forks to the valley at the foot of
+Grizzly Slide. It’s twenty miles nearer Denver
+than Oak Creek, so the company agreed to risk
+the work if Pebbly Pit would guarantee a certain
+amount of travel and freight over the road.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_205'></a>205</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well—did you, Daddy?” asked Polly, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Tom Latimer did. Agreed to put up bonds
+for same.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Tom? Why Tom Latimer?” asked Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Tom is mighty ambitious, you know, and
+seems as if he liked this section better than the
+East. However, it is Tom we-all can thank for
+that new railroad. When you-all come home next
+year, you-all will be riding over your own tracks.”
+Mr. Brewster chuckled.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Is Tom going to join that crew of engineers
+that John and he were with last year?” now asked
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, indeed! Tom and John will be right here
+with us this summer. We-all need their help in
+working out the problems of the mine and Rainbow
+Cliffs,” responded Sam Brewster.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I don’t suppose we’ll see a bit of John as long
+as Anne and her mother remain in Denver, visiting
+their old friends,” pouted Polly, jealously.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her father glanced slyly at her, and smiled. He
+felt sorry for his little girl who had always felt
+that her brother John was her own personal property.
+Now that someone claimed first love and
+attention from him it was mighty hard for her, as
+well as for Mrs. Brewster.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ah should wonder at John if he failed in
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_206'></a>206</span>
+gallantry to his sweetheart,” was all Sam Brewster
+said aloud.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh! Everyone makes me tired! Anyone’d
+think Anne Stewart was a saint. She’s only a
+girl the same as Nolla, or me. And no one is
+found going mad over either one of <em>us</em>!” cried
+Polly, pettishly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor laughed. “Give us a few years and
+then see!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly curled her lip impatiently. “A few years
+from now and I’ll be in Europe with dear old
+Fabian, studying art. I won’t want attention from
+anyone, then.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Seems to me,” ventured Mr. Brewster, gently,
+“my little girl is hankering for homage or a beau—which
+is it?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly stared aghast. “Neither one! How dare
+you say so.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“You-all were speaking of attention.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But I was only thinking of <em>John</em>. He’ll have
+Anne for a wife all his life long—after next year.
+But he won’t have <em>me</em> after I finish school.”
+</p>
+<p>
+In spite of the tearful tone, Mr. Brewster had
+to laugh. “Don’t waste your time on John, Polly
+girl. Let me make up for him and be your devoted
+attendant. Ah’ll always be at your beck and
+call!”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_207'></a>207</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Dad! That reminds me!” exclaimed
+Polly, turning square around to face her father,
+and forgetting her recent misery over John.
+“<em>How</em> did you ever manage about that rose valentine
+you sent me?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Sam Brewster let the reins dangle recklessly as
+he, in turn, stared at his daughter. “What valentine?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly winked roguishly and laughed. “You
+can’t pull the wool over my eyes, Daddy. I’ve
+spent a whole year in New York to some advantage,
+you see. I have seen lots of such feigned
+innocence as yours.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But honest, Poll, Ah don’t even know what
+you-all are talking about; Ah got your sweet valentine,
+and so did maw.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly frowned at her father. “Didn’t you
+wire to a florist in New York and order a dozen
+great roses for my valentine? And tie the two
+hearts pierced by a golden arrow, about the center
+of the flower-stems?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Positively, this is the first word Ah’ve heard
+of it!” declared Sam Brewster so emphatically,
+that the girls believed him.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now, Polly, the hunt is narrowing down,”
+laughed Eleanor. “We know it was no one in
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_208'></a>208</span>
+New York, and it wasn’t Jim or Ken. Your
+father says he didn’t do it, so it leaves only a few
+more to ask.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Suddenly Polly clasped her hands. Her face
+was radiant. “Why, of course! How could I
+forget? It was dear old John! He, too, always
+remembered me on Valentine Day.” Then turning
+to her father, and shaking a finger at him, she
+added: “But you didn’t remember me, this year,
+bad man.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Tell truth, Polly, there was so much to think
+about and so much to do, over the buildings and
+mines, that Ah clean forgot there ever was such
+a day, until I got your card. Then I felt sorry.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, thank goodness, John remembered!”
+sighed Polly. And Eleanor noticed that she
+smiled again in forgiveness of her brother’s shortcomings.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the wagon stopped at the porch of the
+ranch-house, Eleanor laughed: “Just as we drove
+up last year—but oh, how different this year!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Brewster hurried out to welcome her dear
+girls, and laughed at Eleanor’s remark. “Still
+making Irish bulls, Nolla!”
+</p>
+<p>
+They all laughed merrily, and then Sary rushed
+from her kitchen, and clasped Polly to her ample
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_209'></a>209</span>
+bosom. Eleanor came in for her share of the
+maid’s embrace before she had to hurry back to
+the dinner.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ah’se cookin’ cabbige soup, Miss Nolla,” she
+explained.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, Sary, that first night we were here last
+summer, you had ‘cabbidge’ soup, too!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We-all has to hev it once a week reg’ler now,
+’cause Jeb loves it, an’ he is a foreman, you know.”
+Sary’s pride in her spouse’s promotion was most
+evident.
+</p>
+<p>
+While Polly and her mother cozily sat together
+on the porch and smiled happily to be in
+each other’s company, once more, Eleanor walked
+to the barns with Mr. Brewster. She had an object
+in view, and she never delayed in finding out
+what she wanted to know, should the opportunity
+come and offer itself to her.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mr. Brewster, do tell me honestly—<em>did</em> you
+send the roses, or do you know who did send
+them to Polly?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Nolla, Ah never heard of them until to-day.
+Ah’m as curious as you, to know who sent them.
+What were they like, anyway?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, you must know, Mr. Brewster, that
+American Beauty roses like they were, cost a
+small fortune in New York, at that time of the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_210'></a>210</span>
+year. Each one of those roses cost not less than
+five or six dollars. And the trinket that was
+bound to the stems was not a cheap thing, either.
+In fact, the chain was of fine, gold-plated links,
+and the arrows were gold-plated, too. It was an
+imported curio.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“By the Great Horned Spoon! Roses that cost
+like that! Why, they wilted, didn’t they?” gasped
+Sam Brewster.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor laughed merrily. “Sure thing! But
+we kept them as long as possible. That is just
+where the joy comes in of getting costly roses—they
+wilt. And anyone, who will spend that much
+money on one, must think a heap of her first—see?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Brewster stood stock-still. He caught at
+Eleanor’s arm. “Ah’ve got it!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“What—who?” Eleanor was breathless in
+her eagerness.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Find the silly swain that’s making eyes at my
+Polly, and you’ve caught the rascal who sent the
+roses.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor screamed with laughter. “Oh, you’re
+funny! But isn’t that exactly what everyone’s
+been doing?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh—have they?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Sure! I learned that Mr. Fabian tried to find
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_211'></a>211</span>
+out who the fellow was. And then Mr. Dalken
+wanted to know. The Latimers and Evans put
+Jim and Ken through the third degree, but no one
+confessed to it. Now do <em>you</em> believe John sent
+them?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I do not!” was the positive reply.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Neither do I! Because John sent Anne a
+bunch of roses for <em>her</em> valentine but they were
+only seven dollars. She got a dozen, the usual
+short-stemmed Bride Roses. He wouldn’t dare
+send his sister such gorgeous ones and only give
+his fiancée cheaper ones.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Sam Brewster smiled at his companion. “Nolla,
+you’re a wise little owl.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anyone would be, after having had the social
+training that was fed to me from the bottle up!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Brewster laughed at this, and Eleanor then
+said: “Guess I’ll be going back, now, Mr. Brewster.
+I wanted to know your opinion about John
+and the roses.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Wait, Nolla. Have you any answer to it yourself?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“U—m, yes—I have a sort of a suspicion. But
+it isn’t fair to anyone to even hint at it. So don’t
+ask me.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“This much you might answer, however, seeing
+that Ah’m Polly’s father and the most concerned
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_212'></a>212</span>
+in the beaux she has. Do you fancy it might have
+been your brother Pete?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“<em>Pete!</em>” The very tone made Mr. Brewster
+smile as he saw that Eleanor had never thought
+of him. “Anyway, Pete and Poll hardly know
+each other.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ah wonder if it could have been Paul Stewart—he
+seemed dreadfully attentive to her that time
+when we-all were visiting you-all in New York.”
+Mr. Brewster watched Eleanor shrewdly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I just guess it <em>wasn’t</em> Paul! He sent me a
+lovely card for a valentine; and while we were
+home in Chicago, I asked him about flowers. He
+never thought to wire a florist about sending me
+any flowers, he said. So I know Paul hadn’t anything
+to do with it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ah! Well, Nolla, now we know who he was,
+eh?” laughed Sam Brewster, tweaking Eleanor’s
+ear and hastening away to the barns.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor stood watching him. Then she laughed
+softly: “He sure did put one over on me, that
+time!”
+</p>
+<p>
+As she walked slowly back to the ranch-house
+she soliloquized to herself. “That’s just who it
+was. Gee! It’s almost as fine as having a romance
+of my very own. But Polly doesn’t want it so.
+</p>
+<p>
+“All the same, when John and Tom come down
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_213'></a>213</span>
+here, I’m going to tease Tom about the wonderful
+roses Polly’s brother sent her. Then we’ll see
+what we’ll see!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor could keep her own counsel as well as
+Sam Brewster, but the two exchanged wise looks,
+now and then, when no one was watching. Still,
+never a word was said again on the rose subject.
+</p>
+<p>
+A week after the two girls got home, the others
+in the party came down from Denver. Mrs.
+Stewart was to be Mrs. Brewster’s guest that Summer,
+Eleanor was Polly’s, and Anne said she was
+John’s visitor. Then Tom Latimer laughed and
+said: “I’ll have to be Mr. Brewster’s pal.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I can promise you that you won’t have your
+head turned by any pretty school-girl, Tom, if you
+are <em>my</em> guest,” chuckled Sam Brewster.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor tittered, Tom flushed, but the others
+laughed at such a speech.
+</p>
+<p>
+Plans had been made to take a three-day trip
+up over Top Notch Trail, and inspect the progress
+on the mine, but Mrs. Brewster and her guest
+would remain at home, by preference.
+</p>
+<p>
+The merry cavalcade started out, Polly on her
+beloved Noddy as usual, and Eleanor on Choko.
+The others rode their horses, and Jeb led an extra
+horse with the packs.
+</p>
+<p>
+There was no planned order in riding; first one
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_214'></a>214</span>
+girl would have one of the escort, and then another
+would ride up and “cut in” to urge the other
+onward. Thus everyone was laughing and teasing
+and talking merrily until they reached the falls
+on top of the mountains. Here, where Polly had
+caught the trout, the year before, they all had
+dinner.
+</p>
+<p>
+“My goodness! Folks in New York never
+know what they miss by never coming to the
+Rockies,” declared Polly, her eyes wandering to
+the far-off line of mountain-ranges.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And folks who live near these mountains are
+never happy until they get to New York,” remarked
+Mr. Brewster.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly laughed. “Oh, that is when one needs
+education. I have always had too <em>much</em> mountain
+and not enough of other good things. But now
+that I am tasting a little of everything, I like my
+mountains as well as anything I’ve seen.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“D’ye think you-all will stay at home after
+this?” eagerly asked her father.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Double no!” affirmed Polly, emphatically.
+</p>
+<p>
+Everyone laughed at the expressive slang, and
+Polly added: “At least, not until I have seen
+Europe, year after next, and tried a hand in my
+profession. Maybe—if I fall in love, some day—I’ll
+come back to Pebbly Pit to raise my family.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_215'></a>215</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+John Brewster thought this so funny that he
+ha-ha-haed loudly, but the others smiled doubtfully.
+Eleanor could not help sending a swift
+look at Tom Latimer to see how he received the
+information. But Tom was scrambling to his
+feet, so his face could not be observed. Eleanor
+glanced away from him to Sam Brewster, and saw
+the latter with a twinkle cornering his eyes as he
+noticed Tom’s awkward movement.
+</p>
+<p>
+“U—m!” muttered Eleanor. “I’ve got your
+number, Tom Latimer!” But no one overheard
+her whispered thought.
+</p>
+<p>
+As the riders proceeded on their way, Paul
+Stewart said: “I don’t see why you folks should
+think this such a tough trail. I consider it rather
+broad and good.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Humph! It’s a highway these days, what with
+all the riding up and down. But last year you
+wouldn’t have been able to see any thing but trees
+and rocks,” Polly returned.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was as Polly said: almost as clear a trail as
+any woodland road. At Four-Mile-Blaze where
+the girls were well-nigh lost on their first ride over
+the trail, there now was a good but narrow bridle-path.
+Thence it was easy going up the steep side
+to Grizzly Slide.
+</p>
+<p>
+“W-ell! See the crowd of men working up
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_216'></a>216</span>
+there? And hear the sound of tools and machinery!”
+exclaimed Polly, as she rode out of the
+screening forest, and came to a man-made clearing.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Of all things! Trees chopped down and turned
+into huts; an army of workmen living here as if
+they belonged,” added Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We are blasting and clearing away the rubble
+that hides your mine. We had both ends working
+a few weeks ago, but now we are trying to drop a
+shaft from the top,” said Mr. Brewster.
+</p>
+<p>
+The visitors camped at the miners’ settlement,
+that night, and the next day the girls were taken
+about to see the great progress made according to
+the plans to mine the ore.
+</p>
+<p>
+A cable-road was being built from Choko’s
+Cave down the steep mountain-side, to the valley,
+and this was to be used to carry the ore-cars up
+and down. As the girls stood on top of the ledge
+that overhung the cave, they could look straight
+down the awesome mountain-side, where the forest
+had been cleared for the cable-line.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It looks as if it all cost a heap of money,” said
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had been so engaged in looking at the
+change wrought in her beloved mountain, that
+she failed to see that the others had wandered
+away. But someone stood behind her. She felt
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_217'></a>217</span>
+it. As no reply came to her statement, she turned
+and found Tom Latimer waiting for her.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, where are the others?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Gone over to the other side where the underground
+river comes out, you know.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I was saying, Tom, that this must have taken
+a lot of money.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“More than we figured on, but once we begin
+to get out the ore, it will roll back four-fold.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly was impressed, but still wondered
+“Where did all the money come from, Tom?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Stocks. We wanted to keep most of the Capital
+for you and the first owners, you know; but
+investors wouldn’t put up so much money without
+a vote. So we had to sell out some of the voting
+shares. That’s where Mr. Dalken came in—he
+bought a big block of your stock, and it is his
+money that’s doing this.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I think he is the nicest man! I used to think
+he sent me a wonderful bunch of American Beauty
+roses for a valentine, but I only learned the other
+day that it was John! Wasn’t it funny?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Tom laughed with Polly, and said: “What
+made you think Mr. Dalken sent them?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, something happened once to Nolla and
+me, in New York that nobody knows—so don’t
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_218'></a>218</span>
+you go and tell on us, Tom!” Polly waited
+anxiously to get Tom’s promise, then she proceeded.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And Mr. Dalken happened along in time to
+save us from the beasts. After that he made us
+use his small automobile when we went to night-school.
+We were awfully grateful to him for it.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then when Valentine Day came along, I suggested
+to Nolla that we send him a lovely card
+telling him how good he was to us. I sent it, and
+late that night the roses came. I felt sure, all the
+time, that he sent them; I thought he had forgotten
+it was Valentine Day until after my card
+reached him. I always wondered why he didn’t
+put Nolla’s name on the card, too, as well as mine.
+But now I know he never sent them.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Does John know you’ve found him out?”
+asked Tom.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, not yet; but some day I’ll tease him about it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Don’t! let him think you are still trying to
+guess who sent the roses. It will tickle him to
+pieces to believe you think it is an ardent admirer
+of yours.” Tom laughed merrily with Polly at
+the very idea.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s just what I will! And you and I will
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_219'></a>219</span>
+sometimes pretend <em>you</em> sent the roses to me, and
+then we will watch John’s face. Maybe he will up
+and tell the truth!” added Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, I doubt it. You see, Polly, John is a
+wonderful actor, and one never knows just what
+he thinks. If he managed to keep a close mouth
+to me, his best friend, all this time, it must be
+because he didn’t want Anne to find out he sent
+you such roses.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the two conspirators walked back to join
+the others, but Polly and Tom felt that they had
+a good joke between them, thereafter.
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_220'></a>220</span><a name='chXIV' id='chXIV'></a>CHAPTER XIV—ANOTHER YEAR AT SCHOOL</h2>
+<p>
+The summer vacation passed quickly for Polly
+and Eleanor, and September came in with wonderful
+Autumn weather, when riding and mountain-climbing
+were just the thing. However, all
+such outings ended to plan for the return to New
+York.
+</p>
+<p>
+A letter had arrived from Mr. Fabian, in which
+he spoke of his delightful visit with his wife and
+daughter. They had gone to various places in
+Europe and England, inspecting and studying all
+the famous old works of art, and the ancient
+buildings that made fitting caskets for these rare
+curios.
+</p>
+<p>
+“When I read this letter, of all Mr. Fabian has
+done with his Summer, I feel guilty,” said Polly
+to her friend, Nolla.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why should you? We had to rest and drop
+all idea of study so’s to be fresh for this year’s
+work. Didn’t we do it?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, we rested, all right, Nolla; but it seems
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_221'></a>221</span>
+we might have done some of the work we planned
+to do, before we left New York. There is that
+chest with our colors, paper and other things—we
+never as much as unlocked it.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly, I can paint any sort of drapery you
+want, and in any light or shadow. I can paint a
+vase, a chair or a lamp; I can draw a hall, or a
+room, or a window. What more do you want?
+Why should we sit down and make loads of these
+things all summer, when we know how to do the
+work, already?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I don’t know, Nolla, except that we ought to
+practise!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Pooh! I’m ready for all the work they want
+to pile up on me, now and I’m glad I’ve been so
+lazy all summer.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“To tell the truth, Nolla, <em>I</em> am more than ready
+to work with all my heart. I feel as if I would
+dry up if I played any more,” admitted Polly,
+laughingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+With this desire to again take up their studies in
+New York, the girls left Pebbly Pit the second
+week in September. By the last of the month,
+they were eagerly planning with Mr. Fabian for
+the new year’s school work in art and decoration.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I have a pleasant surprise for you, girls,” announced
+Mr. Fabian, after greetings were exchanged. They all
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_222'></a>222</span>
+sat under the locust tree in
+the little yard of the Studio.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘On with the dance,’” laughed Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“As you know, I landed in New York the first
+week of September, and found most of my friends
+still away in the country. But Mr. Dalken was in
+evidence, as ever, eager to offer me his hospitality,
+until I located for the Winter.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We sat in the medieval library of his apartment,
+and I remarked, casually, at the unusual size
+of his rooms.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Yes,’ replied he. ‘That’s the advantage of
+leasing one of the old-fashioned apartments not
+so far uptown. One gets the benefit of being near
+the center of activities in the city, and at the same
+time one can have the great rooms once occupied
+by the old gentry of the town.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘What a splendid room for gatherings,’ I said,
+never dreaming of his inspiration.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Seeing that you are looking for a suitable
+room in which to conduct your little private class
+of art decorators, why not use this library? I
+have all kinds of reference books in the cases and
+I am so seldom at home in the early part of the
+evening that you will be undisturbed.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“I was astonished, as you may imagine, and I
+said, ‘But, Mr. Dalken, we couldn’t think of using
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_223'></a>223</span>
+this room and the apartment, without some return
+for your kindness.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“He laughed. ‘What do I want of rent or its
+equivalent? I am only too glad to do you and
+those charming students of yours a good turn.
+You see, I still owe Polly and Eleanor a great balance
+which can never be paid. Were it not for
+those two girls I would not have a child—even
+though I seldom see my little one.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“I felt that he was so earnest about the offer
+that I said we would talk it over with Mr. Ashby
+and let him judge. Not that I did not see the advantage
+of using the rooms, but I wanted an impartial
+friend of Mr. Dalken’s to decide whether
+or no he might regret the generous offer, later;
+and then not care to tell us that we bothered him
+with our regular classes three nights a week.
+</p>
+<p>
+“So we visited the Ashbys the following evening,
+and to my amazement, Mr. Ashby was enthusiastic
+over the plan. He said: ‘Now you’ve
+started out right, Dalk, and to prove how much I
+think of your offer, I am going to have Ruth join
+the class this year—if Mr. Fabian will take her.
+It might be rather nice to have Elizabeth join the
+class, also, even though she may not show any
+talent for the work.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Now, Ashby, you must pardon me if I speak
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_224'></a>224</span>
+frankly,’ Mr. Dalken then said. ‘One of the main
+reasons for Mr. Fabian’s resignation from
+Cooper, and giving all his valuable time to a small
+class, is to urge those talented ones forward. If
+my little girl, who detests application to study of
+any sort, were to join this class, the basic idea
+would be ruined. The class would be held back
+by one delinquent. But I appreciate your motive
+in suggesting a way that I might enjoy the companionship
+of Elizabeth so often, without the
+tyranny and incompatibility of her mother’s
+temper.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mr. Ashby colored, as he thought he had been
+diplomatic in his hint,” concluded Mr. Fabian.
+“So now it is settled that Ruth Ashby joins our
+art class, this year, and we will meet at Mr. Dalken’s
+rooms for our work. That is nice for you
+girls, as it is only a short walk of a few blocks
+from the Studio.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“<em>Nice</em> for us—why, it is just scrumptious!” exclaimed
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And such a wonderful environment as that
+library, will give us inspiration, too,” added Polly.
+“I never <em>did</em> see such a kind man as Mr. Dalken!
+If I had my way to accomplish it, I’d shower all
+the joys and successes in heaven or earth upon his
+generous heart.”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_225'></a>225</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“He <em>is</em> great and good, and it seems as if justice
+must be sleeping, when such a man must
+suffer alone because of a silly moth of a wife. If
+he would only hearken to his friends and seek
+freedom from such galling bonds! but he doesn’t
+think divorce ever righted a wrong, and he still
+hopes he can bring Mrs. Dalken to a sense of her
+family-obligations and gratitude, for all she has
+been so unselfishly given. Poor fellow!” Mr.
+Fabian shook his head despondently over their
+benefactor’s future.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly and I never knew what was the trouble
+in the Dalken family, Mr. Fabian, but what we
+have seen and known of our dear friend, I’m sure
+that <em>he</em> was never to blame for it,” said Eleanor,
+defensively.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I never care to gossip or to repeat a story,
+children, but now I think you ought to know why
+Mr. Dalken lives alone so much as he does. If
+we are to use his rooms, you must know what a
+magnificent character he is, and then should you
+hear any disagreeable gossip that can be traced to
+his wife, you will understand the situation.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Whatever you say, Mr. Fabian, will never be
+repeated by either Nolla or me,” promised Polly,
+solemnly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I know it, that is why I feel I ought to tell you.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_226'></a>226</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mr. Dalken, as you know, is a descendant of
+one of the oldest Dutch Settlers in America. His
+family, from olden times down to the present day,
+were patriotic and loyal Americans. He is as
+staunch an American as you will find, anywhere.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mrs. Dalken was a poor girl, and not over-brilliant.
+But Mr. Dalken admired her prettiness
+when she was a young miss, and when he was but
+a slip of a youth. They went to entertainments
+together in the small town where they both lived,
+and enjoyed each other’s company for two or three
+years.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then the young man went to college and saw
+the world. He realized how superficial Amy
+Lathrop was, and as time went by, he would have
+forgotten her completely, had she not kept up her
+side of the correspondence. And gradually a suggestive
+note crept into her letters.
+</p>
+<p>
+“When his college days were over, young Dalken
+returned to his birth-place to settle the country
+estate that was his. Then he met Amy again, and
+she found him so chivalrous that it was an easy
+matter to give him to understand that she had
+waited for him these five years—that she had been
+the soul of faithfulness.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Without consulting his friends, or mentioning
+the matter to others in the town, he became engaged
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_227'></a>227</span>
+to her on the claim from her, that it had so
+been understood before he went to college.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, they were married, one day, and then
+our poor friend’s martyrdom began. Amy Dalken
+was of no use in anything or in any way. True,
+she had two children, but it may have been much
+better had she never become a mother. She had
+no affection for them or the father, and only
+thought of spending money and enjoying herself
+to the utmost.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Dalken was wealthy before he married Amy,
+and his alert mind coupled with his unusual foresightedness
+in finance soon rolled up fortunes for
+him. His wife spent money like water, and was
+sought after by the vultures of society—those who
+fawn and fondle as long as they can get something
+out of the victim.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mrs. Dalken’s balls and bridge-parties were
+famous—I might say, notorious—for at the former
+the extravagance was a matter of newspaper
+comment, and at the latter, the stakes were so high
+that others lifted their eyebrows at the losses and
+gains.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Little Billie Dalken was eighteen months old,
+and the joy of our good friend’s life, when a
+dreadful thing happened. Billie was a chubby,
+handsome little chap exactly like his father—the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_228'></a>228</span>
+same intelligent brown eyes, the same fine features,
+and he was unusually clever and large for
+his age.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mr. Dalken had been called to Washington
+on business one day, and that same day his wife
+was about to give a grand dinner and bridge, later.
+There were plenty of servants in the household,
+but on such an occasion everyone was busy with
+the extra work. Billie’s own nurse gave him his
+supper and was about to put him to bed when she
+discovered a wheezing sound in his throat. She
+feared another attack of croup. She was about to
+apply the remedies she knew of, when Mrs. Dalken’s
+maid came to the nursery.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘The mistress says you are to go to her at
+once and I am to sit with the baby for a while.
+She wants her head massaged because it aches
+so!’
+</p>
+<p>
+“And the nurse answered as she thought proper,
+‘Go and tell your mistress that Billie has a bad
+cold and I must remain to take care of him.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“The maid tossed her head and left the room.
+She hadn’t any desire to remain with a baby, especially
+if it was wheezing and beginning to cough.
+So she may have exaggerated the reply somewhat.
+However, that did not excuse Mrs. Dalken from
+her next act. She was furious and sent the butler
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_229'></a>229</span>
+to the nursery to pay off the nurse and see that she
+left the house at once!
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then she sent the parlor-maid to sit in the
+nursery with the child. That dinner was a great
+success, but just before the card-party began, the
+maid sent down word that Mrs. Dalken was to
+come up to the nursery at once, and see what ailed
+the baby—he was so red in the face and had a
+fever, she said.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mrs. Dalken whispered a reply: ‘I’ll be up as
+soon as I can get the tables started.’ Then she
+never gave it another thought.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Three times during that evening the frightened
+parlor-maid sent down for the mother to
+come up. And three times the hostess smiled and
+nodded and then forgot all about the call. Before
+midnight, the boy began choking and gagging and
+the hysterical maid ran back and forth hoping to
+find the butler, or someone, who would help in
+this extremity.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Every servant in the house was busy serving
+drinks, cards, or cigarettes, and none had time to
+call up a doctor. Then the daring maid telephoned
+for a doctor she knew. But he lived so
+far uptown that it took half an hour to arrive at
+the house.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Before he got there, little Billie Dalken was
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_230'></a>230</span>
+sleeping in the last long rest. No one was with
+him but the parlor-maid when he strangled to
+death; but the awful contortions of his face and
+body showed the suffering he endured during the
+convulsions.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mr. Dalken came home early in the morning,
+the Washington business having been successfully
+consummated without any loss of time. It was
+not yet seven o’clock, but everyone in the house
+seemed astir. The heavy fumes of smoke and the
+aftermath of a riotous night’s play were evident
+throughout the first floor rooms. He smiled sardonically
+at it all, then rushed upstairs two steps
+at a time to peep at his beloved children.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Elizabeth was weeping fearfully in her little
+crib that stood in the room connecting with the
+nursery. The moment she saw her father she
+screamed with relief.
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘Oh, Daddy! Billie’s so twisted and queer—and
+he won’t answer when I call him.’
+</p>
+<p>
+“Poor Dalken had a sudden premonition of
+catastrophe and rushed into the nursery. He almost
+collapsed at what he saw there. A strange
+woman was about to take up the stiff little form
+and do for it what a loving mother should reverently
+insist upon doing.
+</p>
+<p>
+“The father, with a broken heart, took his beloved
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_231'></a>231</span>
+boy and prepared him for his last resting-place.
+All through the three days elapsing after
+the night of Billie’s death, Mrs. Dalken remained
+locked in her boudoir, her maid seeing that the
+smelling salts were handy whenever her lady called
+for them. Between the visits of condolence from
+her intimates, and the fittings of the deep mourning,
+the mother was kept too busy to meet her
+husband, or watch with the remains of her baby.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But after the funeral (that also buried most
+of Dalken’s joy in living) he insisted upon a serious
+talk with his butterfly wife. She promised
+everything, even to giving up her gambling games,
+if he would but refrain from the publicity of the
+cause of Billie’s death and the subsequent separation.
+She used her sharpest weapon to gain her
+point—Elizabeth.
+</p>
+<p>
+“So several more months went by, but the poor
+man was a mere money-machine in his own home.
+Even his little daughter began to believe that
+society was everything, and love or home-ties only
+a necessity that interfered with one’s pet pleasures
+and freedom.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Without consulting her husband, Mrs. Dalken
+planned to visit Europe with a party of friends.
+To keep her grasp on her money-supplier she took
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_232'></a>232</span>
+Elizabeth with her. A nurse looked after the girl.
+She remained abroad for more than a year, and
+when she returned she went directly to a fashionable
+hotel instead of seeing that her home was reopened
+in New York.
+</p>
+<p>
+“She had ordered everything swathed and
+packed for the time she was abroad, and had left
+but two rooms livable for the owner and master
+of the magnificent dwelling.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Dalken lived there in gloomy sorrow for a few
+months and finally his friends insisted upon his
+going to the Club where he could meet cheerful
+companions and stop brooding over his irreparable
+loss.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mrs. Dalken was in no hurry to reopen her
+home, and all that Winter she remained at the
+hotel, while her husband stopped at his club. She
+allowed him to call upon her two or three times
+a week, when others were present, and she not
+only accepted all the checks he offered her, but
+ran up fearful debts everywhere. He was permitted
+to take Elizabeth out at certain times, but
+Mrs. Dalken was clever enough to keep hold on
+the girl, as she knew it was her only hope of keeping
+her clutch on her provider.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Just after the Holidays, that season, she went
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_233'></a>233</span>
+to Palm Beach, but she entered Elizabeth in a
+boarding school out of the city. Dalken tried,
+in many ways, to learn where his child was, but
+he had no success in his search.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then he wired his wife that she must turn
+over the girl to him while she was running around,
+or he would instantly stop her income and sue her
+for desertion. Then she came back to New York
+and took Elizabeth out of school again, but matters
+got worse and worse for poor Dalken.
+Finally his dear friends, who loved him for what
+he was and is, persuaded him to sue for a legal
+separation. They hoped Mrs. Dalken would turn
+over the girl whom she had no natural love for, to
+the father, as a hostage.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But she was a wise woman, by this time. She
+accepted the separation without demur, but refused
+to give up Elizabeth. It was then agreed
+that the girl might choose which one of the parents
+she preferred to live with. Having had so many
+years of life with her mother, the girl became like
+her—selfish, vain, and arrogant. No love or
+gratitude was found in her character.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Just at this time, Mr. Dalken was taken very
+ill, and his mother (who is a dear, you will find,
+when you meet her) came from England to nurse
+him. He was ill for more than a year, so Elizabeth
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_234'></a>234</span>
+chose to remain with her mother for the time
+being.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mrs. Dalken, Senior, took her only child back
+to England with her, as soon as he could travel,
+and there she kept him well-nursed and cared for,
+in her cousin’s English country-house, until he had
+regained his strength and fairly good health.
+Then mother and son went to the Continent to
+visit the scenes of the famous battle-fields, and
+then on to the Riviera for a month.
+</p>
+<p>
+“The wise mother knew that taking Mr. Dalken’s
+thoughts from his own miserable state, and
+making him think of other’s woes, would the
+sooner brace him up to face his life-problem. And
+so it was.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Elizabeth elected to remain with her frivolous
+mother but Mr. Dalken supports her handsomely,
+and often bribes her to spend an afternoon or
+evening with him, by having a valuable gift awaiting
+her coming. Mr. Ashby, and other friends,
+have advised Dalken against this pernicious way
+of baiting the inclinations of the girl, but he says
+they do not know his heart-hunger, and so cannot
+judge his actions.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Mr. Fabian! Our poor, dear Mr. Dalken!”
+sobbed Polly, when the speaker had ended
+his story.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_235'></a>235</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“If I ever meet that horrid woman I shall tear
+her hair out, I know I shall!” wept Eleanor,
+vehemently.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If only we could do something, Nolla, to make
+up to our dear Dalk, for all his sorrow,” sighed
+Polly, drying her eyes.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You can love him the more for this story,
+girls, but do not refer to it, as he is still tender
+over his loss.”
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_236'></a>236</span><a name='chXV' id='chXV'></a>CHAPTER XV—THE FOUNDLING</h2>
+<p>
+The sad story told the girls, about their friend
+Mr. Dalken, filled them with love and compassion
+for the great-hearted man, and they wondered
+how they could do <em>something</em> for him that
+would not only show their appreciation of his
+kindness to them, but at the same time give him
+pleasure or happiness. But there seemed no material
+thing that he needed, and really, nothing
+that one could do for him.
+</p>
+<p>
+“There must be times when he sits alone brooding
+over his boy and how different things might
+have been had he married a different type of
+woman,” remarked Eleanor, one evening, after
+leaving their new class-room.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes; but it seems to me he should have been
+able to see through such a shallow thing as that
+woman must have been, when he returned from
+college and found her apparently waiting for
+him,” Polly replied.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_237'></a>237</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“But he’s so tender-hearted, you see, he couldn’t
+bear to give her any pain or trouble. That must
+have been the only reason why he allowed her to
+get him.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I suppose so. Why, even now, he is an easy
+prey to the scheming people who know he has
+barrels of money, and who simply pretend to be
+friendly for what they can get out of him.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“It’s too bad he can’t be satisfied with just Mr.
+Ashby and Mr. Fabian for man friends, and we
+few women for his women friends,” mused Eleanor.
+“We’d love him for himself.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly smiled. “Wouldn’t you and I give him a
+gay time—with high-school keeping us employed
+every week-day, and art class every other night in
+the week, to say nothing of lectures, exhibitions,
+and other things that Mr. Fabian has us do, in
+line with our work.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The two girls had crossed Madison and Fourth
+avenues by this time, and were slowly walking
+down the street towards the Studio. It was
+a beautiful Fall night, and the moon was almost
+full, hence they were in no hurry to reach home
+and go indoors.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I hear Anne singing—she must have company,”
+said Polly as they neared the house.
+</p>
+<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em'>
+<a name='i004' id='i004'></a>
+<img src="images/illus-238.jpg" alt="HE WAS A CHUBBY LITTLE FELLOW." title=""/><br />
+<span class='caption'>HE WAS A CHUBBY LITTLE FELLOW.</span>
+</div>
+<div><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_238'></a>238</span></div>
+<p>
+“Yes; the windows are open in the living-room,
+and I can peep under the shades and see Anne at
+the piano,” whispered Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+Just then the breeze wafted one of the shades
+back from the window, and the girls recognised
+Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Latimer as the guests of
+Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Let’s hurry in!” exclaimed Eleanor, suddenly
+turning from the front window and darting into
+the vestibule.
+</p>
+<p>
+The outside door was open wide, and as Eleanor
+ran up the one step that raised the tiled entrance
+from the sidewalk, she stumbled over a
+soft bundle that seemed pushed against the wall.
+</p>
+<p>
+By this time, Polly also reached the vestibule,
+but the inside door being closed and locked for
+protection, it was too dark in the vestibule for
+either of the girls to see what the huge bundle
+contained.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It feels like a bundle of old clothes. Maybe
+some servant hid it here for a time—she may be
+going to come back for it,” observed Eleanor,
+prodding the bundle with her foot.
+</p>
+<p>
+But to the surprise of both girls, a little squeal
+issued from the roll. In the semi-darkness, they
+stood spell-bound and gazed at each other.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It’s a baby—of all things!” cried Polly, hastily
+trying the handle of the door.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_239'></a>239</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Ring—ring the bell like mad. I’ll pick it up!”
+Eleanor exclaimed, excitably.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Open the door—Anne—hurry up! We’ve
+found a baby!” called Polly, leaning over the iron
+rail that projected over the area door, in front
+of the windows.
+</p>
+<p>
+Both girls forgot that they had latch keys, but
+Mrs. Evans sat nearest the window where Polly
+stood, and quickly answered her call. Eleanor,
+meanwhile, had carefully picked up the rolled-up
+baby and, the moment the door was flung open,
+carried it indoors.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Where did you find it?” exclaimed four
+amazed women.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Right at our door—in the vestibule,” said
+Eleanor, placing her bundle on the divan and proceeding
+to open it.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Wasn’t anyone in sight?” asked Mrs. Latimer,
+cautiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Not that we noticed; but, of course, we never
+thought to look, when we found what was in the
+bundle,” explained Polly, nervously eager to assist
+Eleanor in what she was doing.
+</p>
+<p>
+Before the swaddling blankets were released
+from the baby, it began to utter baby-talk. The
+females, grouped closely in front of the divan,
+smiled appreciatively.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_240'></a>240</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Finally the last wrapper, which was of mosquito
+netting, came off, and there lay a chubby little fellow
+of about fifteen months. He had a fist in his
+mouth, and with the other dimpled hand he
+clutched at Polly’s hair as she leaned over him.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh! Isn’t he a darling! He must belong to
+a neighbor!” exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“He certainly is not starved or poorly cared
+for,” added Mrs. Evans, with experienced voice.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But he only has on his nightie! Not another
+stitch to be found,” said Anne, carefully rolling
+the baby over to see if he had any clothes under
+him.
+</p>
+<p>
+“There’s a note—pinned on the blanket!” cried
+Polly, anxiously removing the pin and taking the
+paper over to the light.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It says—just one word—‘Billy.’ Did you
+ever!” exclaimed Polly, glancing from one to the
+other of the friends who were waiting expectantly
+to hear about the boy.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Let’s see!” demanded Eleanor, frowning at
+such a short explanation.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly handed the slip of paper to her friend and
+joined Anne at the divan where she was divesting
+the boy of his nightie to see if further clues might
+be found. About his fat neck was a very fine gold
+chain, and suspended from that was a tiny flat
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_241'></a>241</span>
+heart-shaped locket. It did not open, but on the
+plain gold face was a monogram of three letters:
+B— D— W—.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now we’ve got something to work on! ‘B’
+stands for Billy, of course, but what can ‘D’ and
+‘W’ mean?” Eleanor said excitedly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No child is christened ‘Billy,’” Anne contradicted.
+“He would be ‘William’—and that is
+what the ‘W’ is for. Children are nicknamed
+‘Billy’ or ‘Willy’ later. Now his middle and last
+name must begin with the ‘B’ and ‘D’—or vice
+versa.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Shake out the blankets carefully—perhaps
+another paper is pinned to one of them,” said
+Polly, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+But there was no other message in the blankets.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Let’s take off his flannel shirt! There may be
+something there,” ventured Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+In less than a minute, the pins were out and the
+woven shirt of Merino was removed, but no further
+information rewarded the anxious seekers.
+So the shirt was carefully replaced and the boy’s
+nightie slipped over his head again.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It’s all hand-made of fine linen,” remarked
+Mrs. Latimer, as she felt of the hem at the bottom.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And one can see that he is no slum child,”
+added Mrs. Evans.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_242'></a>242</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“<em>Who</em> can he be? and why should anyone want
+to leave him?” were the perplexing questions Polly
+asked of the others.
+</p>
+<p>
+They all shook their heads and wondered. But
+the boy had no use for such condolences; he
+crawled over the divan and when he found not
+what he was in search of, he screwed up his
+dimpled face and began a lusty call.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne instantly took him up and began to chirp
+to him. He smiled a cheerful thanks and showed
+eight little front teeth. That brought all his new
+friends to his feet—metaphorically speaking.
+</p>
+<p>
+“<em>Isn’t</em> he a dear!” declared Mrs. Stewart to no
+one in particular.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, but we have to advertise him at once. It
+may be that a villain kidnapped him and ran away
+with him just to get a reward. He may have been
+seen, or chased by the police, and then dropped
+the baby in our vestibule,” said Mrs. Latimer.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne laughed. “Which analysis shows that one
+of us married a lawyer—Mrs. Latimer gives us
+good advice.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Or he may belong to a young mother who cannot
+longer earn a living for him,” added Mrs.
+Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s not likely, mother,” returned Anne.
+“As the child would look thin and sickly if a
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_243'></a>243</span>
+mother found it hard to support it. I rather think
+it is a babe that belongs to some distracted mother
+in the neighborhood. He has evidently been put
+to bed for the night. Possibly a vindictive nurse-girl
+took him from his home to make his parents
+seek for him and then left him at the most convenient
+door.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Anne’s reason sounds the most plausible, and
+we’d better ’phone the police-stations at once.
+Billy’s parents may even now be wild with despair,
+for we do not know how long he was in the vestibule.
+All we know is, he was not there when we
+came in, about eight o’clock,” said Mrs. Evans.
+</p>
+<p>
+So she telephoned the police-stations, near by,
+and also asked the morning papers to run a short
+notice under a suitable caption. Before she had
+finished this work, however, Master Billy began
+his complaints again, and now he was beginning to
+look as impatient as such a good-natured baby
+could.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Maybe he’s hungry?” suddenly suggested Mrs.
+Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s just what ails him—but we haven’t any
+bottle!” exclaimed Mrs. Evans.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Perhaps he drinks from a cup—he is old
+enough to have been weaned, you know,” ventured
+Mrs. Latimer.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_244'></a>244</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+A cup of warmed milk was brought in short
+order, and Mrs. Stewart held it out to Anne, as
+she was still holding the baby. The moment Billy
+saw the cup, he almost leaped from Anne’s arms,
+and immediately began gurgling for very glee.
+</p>
+<p>
+Everyone laughed at his antics, and Anne was
+about to hold the cup to his lips, when two fat
+hands clutched at it in a hungry endeavor to reach
+the contents. Of course, part of the milk spilled
+on his nightie but the remainder he drank greedily.
+</p>
+<p>
+“He’s well-trained—whoever he is. I should
+say that he has had every attention in the past, to
+have him act like this at his age,” said Mrs.
+Latimer.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we don’t know how old he is. He may be
+months older than we thought for,” argued Mrs.
+Evans.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, he isn’t more than eighteen months at
+the most,” declared Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor stood silently by listening to
+these experienced mothers, but Anne smiled indulgently
+at them, and kept her opinions to herself.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dr. Evans and Mr. Latimer stopped for their
+wives, and when they had heard and been shown
+the fine boy, they gave their masculine opinions.
+</p>
+<p>
+“A baby who was boarded out, and the parents
+hadn’t paid up recently. So the woman left him
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_245'></a>245</span>
+on the first door-step to get rid of him,” was the
+doctor’s verdict.
+</p>
+<p>
+“There spoke the doctor who knows of such
+cases,” said Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That isn’t it, however,” remarked Mr. Latimer.
+“I am of the opinion that this child is of
+wealthy parentage. He likely is a stumbling-block
+for some heirs, who wish him safely out of the
+way so they may claim the estate.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne laughed again. “There speaks the attorney.
+But you should have had the jealous heirs
+remove this monogramed locket before they tried
+to get rid of all evidence of a barrier to their
+inheritance.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Reckon we’d better stop romancing and put
+Billy to bed,” said Polly, in a matter-of-fact voice.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her common sense caused a general laugh, and
+Dr. Evans added: “Well, ladies! Come on, if
+we are to get home to-night.”
+</p>
+<p>
+With a last look at the sleepy cherub, and a
+good-night to the friends living in the Studio, the
+four New Yorkers went out.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Where shall he sleep to-night?” asked Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Let me have him?” cried Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh—I found him first—let me have him,”
+begged Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No, girls; babies should sleep absolutely alone.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_246'></a>246</span>
+I will get a drawer from the high-boy and
+rig him up a nice little bed therein. To-morrow
+night he will be in his own home, most likely,”
+explained Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+So saying, she hurried upstairs, and in a short
+time returned, carrying the drawer. Anne and
+the two girls helped cushion it softly, and then
+they placed Billy in it.
+</p>
+<p>
+He was asleep almost before the bed was ready,
+and the moment his head sank into the soft pillow,
+he closed his eyes.
+</p>
+<p>
+“He seems unusually good, Anne,” ventured
+Mrs. Stewart, as the four foster mothers stood
+gazing down at the flushed little baby-face.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And very pretty for a young child,” added
+Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well,” sighed Polly, “I suppose we’ll have to
+hand him back in the morning.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Some time during the night, most likely,”
+grumbled Eleanor. “The police will tell his folks
+where he is, and they will be at our door ten minutes
+later.”
+</p>
+<p>
+But no one called for Billy, that night, and in
+the morning the papers told the story of the foundling.
+A minute description of his appearance and
+clothing was given, and the telephone number of
+the family where he was to be found. Mrs.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_247'></a>247</span>
+Evans had wisely refrained from giving any names
+of the tenants of the Studio.
+</p>
+<p>
+Before seven o’clock that morning, the telephone
+began ringing. Anne answered it, but described
+the baby left on their door-step differently
+from what the anxious mother on the other end
+of the wire had expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+By eight-thirty, the telephone had called Anne
+or Polly five times. At last Polly said: “My
+goodness! how can five mothers lose boys like ours
+in one evening? Can’t they take care of them?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor then said, “Why, in Chicago, there are
+records of more than a score of babies lost every
+day. Most of them find their parents again, but
+lots of them don’t.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“What happens to the poor tots who can’t find
+their folks again?” asked Polly, horrified.
+</p>
+<p>
+“They go to the orphan asylum—or the Children’s
+Home.”
+</p>
+<p>
+With a gasp, Polly glanced at their laughing
+little Billy. Then she looked anxiously at her
+three companions. They had all thought of the
+same thing, it seems.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I just couldn’t let him go to a foundling home,”
+Polly whimpered.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We can afford to keep him, Polly. You and
+I can adopt him,” declared Eleanor.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_248'></a>248</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+But Anne did not seem to approve of the plan.
+She shook her head as she gazed at the curly-haired
+boy who was banging the breakfast table
+with a teaspoon. “That would never do for you,
+girls.”
+</p>
+<p>
+But another ring on the telephone interrupted
+further argument on that subject. Anne described
+Billy all over again—“Large brown eyes,
+very soft silky hair—yellow and curly. About
+thirty pounds weight, eight front teeth, aged about
+sixteen months.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Before she had completed her description of the
+foundling, the distracted mother at the other end
+of the wire sighed: “He’s not mine—thank
+you.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly and I are not going to school this morning,
+Anne,” Eleanor now informed the young
+teacher.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I don’t see why not?” demanded she.
+</p>
+<p>
+“First, your mother can’t be chasing back and
+forth to the ’phone all day; and secondly, we do
+not propose having a stranger calling and stealing
+our baby. Unless the parents present perfectly
+satisfactory evidence that Billy is theirs, no one
+shall get him.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne smiled, but seeing that it was almost nine
+o’clock, she consented to the two girls remaining
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_249'></a>249</span>
+home that session; furthermore, she promised to
+explain to Mrs. Wellington about the magnet that
+had kept them at home.
+</p>
+<p>
+Later in the morning, Dr. Evans stopped in to
+see if any one had called for the baby. Polly and
+Eleanor were in the midst of giving Billy his bath
+in the large tub. Such laughing and shouting had
+never been heard in that bathroom before. Even
+Mrs. Stewart laughed in sympathy, as she told the
+doctor what a fine well-behaved child Billy was.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’ll call again this evening, Mrs. Stewart. If
+he has not been claimed by that time, I will see
+what I can do to relieve you of his care.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh—he is no care whatever, doctor; and I
+doubt whether the girls will consent to your taking
+him to a home—for a few days, at any rate. They
+think someone will call for him.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But you haven’t any clothes or other necessities
+for him, have you?” asked the doctor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We didn’t have at first, but Nolla and Polly
+ran to a department store on Fifth avenue—it’s
+only a few blocks over, you know,—and bought
+him everything he needs. When he had his shoes
+on he stood up and began walking about while
+he held fast to the chairs. He certainly is a bright
+child.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, the girls ought not to go silly over him.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_250'></a>250</span>
+Buying clothes and shoes and everything—until
+they know who he is.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“If no one ever calls, Billy has to have clothes;
+anyway, we thought we ought to get them, now,
+instead of later.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I can see, Mrs. Stewart, that you are as foolish
+about the baby, as the two girls are themselves,”
+laughed Dr. Evans, as he took up his hat to depart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Stewart laughed, but the moment the doctor
+was out of the front door, she hurried upstairs
+to help dress the boy after his bath.
+</p>
+<p>
+Once he was dressed in his new clothing, and
+had had a full cup of warm milk and gruel, he
+cuddled down for his nap.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now, no use talking! he is a wonder!” declared
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We can keep him, as well as not. He isn’t one
+mite of trouble,” added Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Having waited until Billy was fast asleep, Mrs.
+Stewart tip-toed from the bedroom, beckoning the
+girls to follow her out.
+</p>
+<p>
+The police-department had sent their detective
+to get all the facts from Eleanor and Polly, and
+the press had sent to find out if there was any
+other clue or information about the boy; then, no
+further interruptions took place that day.
+</p>
+<p>
+The two girls sat out under the locust tree in
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_251'></a>251</span>
+the yard, because there they could hear the first
+whimper from Billy, when he awoke from his nap.
+As they sat there, they discussed his future.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If no one ever calls for him, what <em>shall</em> we do
+with him?’ asked Polly, giving Eleanor a penetrating
+look.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You’ve got something on your mind—what is
+it?” countered Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, I have, but I want to hear what <em>you</em> have
+to say.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’d love to keep him, Polly—at least as long
+as we are in New York. I suppose it would be impossible
+to take him abroad with us, next summer,”
+returned Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes—impossible. And if we keep him with
+us, we will have to hire a nurse-maid, as poor Mrs.
+Stewart can’t look after a lively youngster all day,
+while we are at school.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“What was your idea, then?” wondered
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Can’t you guess, Nolla? And his name is
+Billy, too!”
+</p>
+<p>
+For an instant Eleanor’s face looked too surprised
+to allow her to speak. Then she stammered:
+“Well—of all things!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“What do you make of it?” laughed Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Wonderful—but what is your plan?”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_252'></a>252</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Seeing his name is Billy, and his eyes are dark
+brown and his hair golden curls, and he is about
+sixteen months old—all of which are in his favor
+to advance my little scheme, I should say that we
+try to keep him a few weeks, right now, and see if
+we can add to Billy’s winsome ways. Meanwhile,
+we will use every effort to find if he has any relatives;
+then should he be a veritable foundling, we
+will present him to dear Mr. Dalken for his very
+own.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Splendiferous! Perfectly great!” cried Eleanor,
+slapping her friend on the back in her delight.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We will quietly advertise for and select a fine
+elderly nurse for Billy, right off, and when we
+have him all ready to be given away, he will be a
+little wonder that no one can refuse.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Mr. Dalken won’t think of refusing him,
+I know! He will be so happy to have a boy
+again,” Eleanor said, enthusiastically.
+</p>
+<p>
+Several times during the day, the telephone rang
+and someone asked for a description of the baby.
+Also a number of wild looking people called at the
+address to have a look at the child, but all departed
+with forlorn hopes.
+</p>
+<p>
+As that night was not a class-evening, the girls
+were free to do as they liked with their time. Anne
+and her mother were amusing themselves, as much
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_253'></a>253</span>
+as the baby, by teaching him to say ‘Billy.’ Polly
+and Eleanor were eagerly watching results. But
+harshly upon this sweet scene, the door-bell
+jangled.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’ll go!” called Eleanor, and in another minute
+she had opened the door.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Mr. Fabian. Do come in and see our
+baby!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then another admirer joined the circle of worshippers
+around Billy’s feet. Mr. Fabian had
+heard the story from Dr. Evans and dropped in
+to see if the boy was still with his friends.
+</p>
+<p>
+“He is a dear little shaver, isn’t he?” laughed
+Mr. Fabian. “But what will you do with him if
+no one claims him?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“We really haven’t thought of that,” said Anne.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’m afraid, if we keep him here with us a week,
+or more, we won’t want to give him up again,”
+added Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian saw, from the corner of his eye,
+that Polly was behind him trying to draw his attention.
+So he managed to turn his head without
+attracting Anne’s or Mrs. Stewart’s attention, and
+saw the two girls shake their heads wisely, meantime
+their fingers rested upon their lips in sign of
+keeping silence.
+</p>
+<p>
+Consequently no more was said, that evening,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_254'></a>254</span>
+about Billy, and when Mr. Fabian was ready to
+leave, Polly and Eleanor said they believed they
+would walk to the corner with their old friend.
+The baby had been in bed for some time, and
+Anne was busy writing manuscript, so no one objected
+to the proposal. Mrs. Stewart merely
+remarked: “Don’t go any farther than the corner,
+dearies. And hurry right back home.”
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_255'></a>255</span><a name='chXVI' id='chXVI'></a>CHAPTER XVI—BILLY FINDS A FATHER</h2>
+<p>
+The moment the two girls had Mr. Fabian outside
+of the Studio, where they could talk in perfect
+freedom, they told him of their secret plan.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We are going to keep the baby for a few weeks
+and see that he is perfectly trained, then we are
+going to present him to dear Mr. Dalken,” began
+Polly, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, but we will try and find a sensible woman
+who will take all care of him, and Mr. Dalken
+can enjoy Billy when he is at home with nothing
+else to do,” added Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian was speechless, then he smiled.
+“Does our friend know about this?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mercy sakes, no! We want to surprise him.
+We thought it would be fine, if we could keep the
+baby that long, to leave him at Mr. Dalken’s
+apartment on Thanksgiving morning,” returned
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Don’t you think he would like that?” from
+Eleanor, eagerly.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_256'></a>256</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mr. Dalken is now out west on important business,
+so of course, he doesn’t know a thing about
+Billy, unless he read about it in the New York
+papers,” remarked Mr. Fabian, thoughtfully. “I
+don’t suppose he will take time to glance over
+every news item in the papers, as he is too preoccupied,
+at present, with the financial pages.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, what has that to do with our plan?”
+asked Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“He won’t know a thing about the baby, and
+you can easily keep the idea secret until Thanksgiving,
+if you can get the right kind of a woman
+to take daily care of the boy. Of course, you
+were going to do that, anyway, were you
+not?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I suppose so—we really hadn’t got as far as
+that in our planning,” admitted Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“But we will, Mr. Fabian, now that you have
+mentioned it. How shall we know if we have the
+right sort of nurse?” added Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’ll call up Ashby. I was there for dinner to-night,
+and they told me of a woman they know
+well, who is compelled to earn her living, because
+of family reverses. Shall we stop in the hotel
+across the street and use the booth there?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, yes! Let’s, Mr. Fabian!” exclaimed
+Eleanor.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_257'></a>257</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“No time like the present when you have any
+important work to do,” added Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian left the door of the telephone booth
+slightly ajar so the two girls could assist in the
+conversation. He soon had Mr. Ashby’s house
+number and asked if Mr. or Mrs. Ashby were in.
+</p>
+<p>
+Shortly thereafter a man’s voice was heard talking
+on the wire. “Is this Fabian—oh, yes. What
+can I do for you, old man?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Mr. Fabian replied: “Why, I called
+upon my girls at the Studio this evening, after I
+left you, and I found the most astonishing addition
+to their family circle. A little baby boy was left
+on their door-step, it seems. A fine little fellow,
+too.
+</p>
+<p>
+“So far, no one has called to claim him, and
+should no one come, the two girls have a plan to
+place him in a good home. They told me all about
+it, and I rather approve of the idea, too. But
+what they need, at once, is an experienced, capable
+woman to take care of the boy, until Thanksgiving
+Day—perhaps after that, if she is found to be
+satisfactory.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I thought, at once, of that woman that Mrs.
+Ashby and you were speaking of, at table, to-night.
+Do you suppose she would consider a position as
+second-mother to a baby?”
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_258'></a>258</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls strained their ears to hear the reply
+but Mr. Ashby spoke too low, and they could but
+judge what he said by Mr. Fabian’s words afterward.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Fine! If Mrs. Ashby will not consider it too
+much trouble. And she will bring Martha down
+to-morrow afternoon when the girls are home
+from school?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor smiled with relief, and Mr.
+Fabian said over the ’phone, “All right! Thanks,
+Ashby. And thank your wife for the two girls,
+too, who are waiting here for the verdict.”
+</p>
+<p>
+As the three left the hotel again, Mr. Fabian
+said: “Now that much is satisfactorily settled for
+you, and Billy shall have a good woman to look
+after him, if he is still unclaimed to-morrow afternoon.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls were altogether too inexperienced to
+realize that it was curious how easily the Ashbys,
+Mr. Dalken’s most intimate friends, and Mr.
+Fabian agreed to such a strange plan as trying to
+saddle a foundling baby on a man who lived a
+hermit’s life when in his own home.
+</p>
+<p>
+They never questioned the readiness with which
+these friends accepted their proposition, but they
+were delighted at the “lucky chance” that brought
+a woman to Mrs. Ashby on the very day that they
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_259'></a>259</span>
+began to think of employing a woman-nurse for
+the baby.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian walked back to the Studio door
+with them, smiling at their dreams of future bliss
+for Mr. Dalken. In fact, their thoughts traveled
+so far into the future, that they saw Billy a fine
+young man and Mr. Dalken, white-haired and
+bent, depending on his beloved adopted son for
+everything.
+</p>
+<p>
+The four inmates of the Studio were not aware
+that they had been kept singularly free from constant
+annoyance from reporters and police. Nor
+did they realize that the short news article that had
+appeared in the papers, had been a wonderful
+story to catch the eyes of curious readers, but
+<em>some</em>one in authority had ordered it “cut” to an
+inch.
+</p>
+<p>
+The afternoon following Mr. Fabian’s visit to
+the girls, they hurried home from school and
+found Mrs. Ashby’s car in front of the house.
+They quickly entered the front door and greeted
+her with a smiling welcome.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I see you have Billy in hand, already,” laughed
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes; isn’t he a friendly little fellow?” replied
+Mrs. Ashby.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_260'></a>260</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Wonderful! We never knew babies were so
+easy to live with,” added Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mrs. Stewart took Martha upstairs to show
+her how you managed for the baby. He may need
+extra things, or other conveniences,” suggested
+Mrs. Ashby.
+</p>
+<p>
+Even as she spoke, the sound of steps was heard
+descending the front stairs, and soon after, Mrs.
+Stewart led Martha in, and introduced her to
+Polly and Eleanor. The girls liked the refined
+look and quiet sensible words and manners of the
+nurse-to-be.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Isn’t it splendid that Martha should have been
+relieved, last week, of just such a position as we
+now need her for? She was in the country taking
+charge of a baby of about this boy’s age, but some
+friends came and took him away, so she was free
+to find another position,” explained Mrs. Ashby.
+</p>
+<p>
+Martha handled Billy as if she was an expert,
+and the boy crowed and tried to talk to her, as if
+he had known her all his life.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I never saw a friendlier baby than this one.
+He smiles and is contented with anybody, and that
+will make it fine for Martha,” remarked Mrs.
+Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+So it was immediately decided to retain Martha
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_261'></a>261</span>
+during the day, but she would have to find a place
+to lodge, nearby and leave Billy with the girls
+during the night. This pleased them well, for
+they did not wish to relinquish all rights of attendance
+on their baby to a stranger.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I may as well remain for the rest of this afternoon,
+Madam,” said Martha, speaking to Mrs.
+Ashby, “as I have no other place to go.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“How about seeking for a room in the neighborhood
+and taking it to-day? You may not have
+a free half hour, like this, again,” suggested Mrs.
+Ashby.
+</p>
+<p>
+Martha silently acquiesced but she cast a
+troubled gaze at the child; when Eleanor picked
+him up by the arms, she immediately corrected the
+mistake, by saying, “Miss, you should always hold
+a baby at his age, about the waist—a hand on each
+side of him. <em>Never</em> by the arms!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Ashby offered to drive Martha about to
+hunt up a furnished room, so the girls said good-by
+to their callers.
+</p>
+<p>
+That evening was school-night again, and Mr.
+Fabian was interested in hearing if Martha had
+proved satisfactory. Even Ruth Ashby took a
+personal interest in the baby-boy, now that Martha
+was to be his nurse.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_262'></a>262</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Do you know Martha?” asked Polly, surprised.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Of course. Wasn’t she mother’s nurse, years
+ago?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh—I thought she was a lady of means who
+had just lost everything,” remarked Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, it is this way. When mother was a little
+mite Martha was a girl of about fourteen.
+Grandma engaged her to push mother’s carriage
+out for a walk every day. Then Martha grew
+up and married and mother never saw her again,
+for a long time.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Her husband’s nephew came to live with them,
+as Martha never had any children, but her nephew
+grew up and married. Then Martha’s husband
+died, and she went to live with the nephew and his
+wife. They were well-to-do young people, and
+Martha had an easy life there.
+</p>
+<p>
+“They had a baby, and Martha took care of
+him, as if she was his own mother. Then the
+nephew enlisted in the war and was killed ‘over
+there.’ His wife pined a lot, and during the epidemic
+of the flu, last Winter, she took it and died,
+too.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That left Martha with the baby, but she hadn’t
+a cent to live on, because there was only the money
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_263'></a>263</span>
+the baby ought to have had from the Government,
+because of losing his father in battle. But Martha
+didn’t understand how to go about getting it, and
+when a friend of hers offered to find a good home
+for the baby, the poor great-aunt consented. She
+had no other choice, as she would have to work
+herself, and could not be hampered by a little boy.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then she came to mother and that is how it all
+happened.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I wonder what became of her grand-nephew?”
+asked Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Mother begged of me not to mention it, and
+never to refer to the past, when Martha was
+about,” said Ruth, seriously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I suppose the poor thing misses her little
+nephew so much!” observed Polly, sympathetically.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, that must be the reason,” agreed Ruth.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian listened attentively and approved
+of Mrs. Ashby’s advice to her daughter.
+</p>
+<p>
+No one came to claim Billy, and the days passed
+swiftly for the self-appointed mothers of the boy.
+He was so merry and good-natured a child, that
+Mrs. Stewart sighed when she thought of the
+Studio without him. Before November passed,
+he could walk all alone and even tried to climb
+the stairs.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_264'></a>264</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Martha was a jewel with him. She never
+seemed too tired to do things for him. She it was,
+who taught him his table manners and insisted
+upon his saying “Plee” and “Tant” for anything.
+He could say “Dadda” and “Biddy”—the latter
+meaning himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor spent every spare moment
+teaching him new accomplishments, so that before
+the middle of Thanksgiving month, the boy really
+was unusually precocious and well-behaved.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken returned to New York the third
+week in November and immediately sent out cards
+to his friends for a dinner-party. It was very
+private, only the circle acquainted with Polly and
+Eleanor were to be his guests. But they had a
+good time, nevertheless, and Mr. Dalken appeared
+more cheerful than of yore.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Now what do you suppose I called you together
+for?” said he, after the table had been
+cleared of the roast and everyone was ready to
+listen while waiting for salad.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Dear me, I hope you are not going to spring
+a sensational surprise on us!” Eleanor said, her
+face expressing worry.
+</p>
+<p>
+Everyone laughed, but Mr. Dalken said: “What
+would you call a sensation?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, well! in case you were married while in
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_265'></a>265</span>
+Chicago! That would ruin my hopes,” interpolated
+Polly, anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+A general laugh greeted this, and Mr. Dalken
+retorted:
+</p>
+<p>
+“I hadn’t even dreamed of such a possibility,
+but now that you plainly show me how you have
+been hoping I would propose to you, I may as well
+take my medicine like a man!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Me—you—propose! What <em>are</em> you talking
+of?” cried Polly, aghast.
+</p>
+<p>
+Everyone laughed teasingly, but Eleanor explained
+quickly. “He misunderstood your reason
+for worrying, Polly. Just like a man—they think
+one is always thinking of marriage, even when
+there are great charities being perfected.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken now showed his surprise, and asked
+what really was the cause of Polly’s anxiety.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, you’ll see some day. We can’t tell you
+now!” laughed Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Then I may as well confess to you-all and tell
+you what my surprise is.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I finished my business in Chicago much sooner
+than I had hoped for, and went on to Pebbly Pit
+to see how things were progressing. I had a delightful
+visit at the ranch, and am able to say that
+work has reached the point, now, where the mining
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_266'></a>266</span>
+machines will start working next week, unless
+snow stops everything.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, then you saw father and mother!” cried
+Polly, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, and I have all sorts of good things for
+you from home. A jar of preserves, and a dozen
+or more of glasses filled with jelly and other delectable
+sweets that Sary insisted that I carry to you.
+I did my best to explain that it would be cheaper
+and safer if she sent them by express or parcel
+post—but no! She told me ‘A bird in th’ hand is
+wuth two er three in a bush.’”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor instantly visualized Sary as
+she made this remark, and they laughed merrily.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken then repeated minutest details of
+the work on Rainbow Cliffs, and the gold mine on
+Grizzly Slide. As everything promised so well,
+the girls felt elated at their future prospects.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Ashby wanted to know if his friend had
+succeeded in buying any more stock for him, and
+Mr. Dalken replied: “You’ll have to wait until
+Latimer issues another block. No one I know of
+will sell any of what they hold.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The evening passed pleasantly with intimate
+matters to speak of, and at last Anne said: “We
+must be going, Mr. Dalken. The girls have one
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_267'></a>267</span>
+of their long class days, to-morrow, you know.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, and Martha will want to go to bed,”
+added Mrs. Stewart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Who’s Martha? Got a servant at last?”
+asked Mr. Dalken.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, no, Martha—” Mrs. Stewart began innocently,
+but the two girls wildly interrupted her.
+Polly shouted unusually loud for her, “Oh, I am
+so tired!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor had managed to wink her eyes warningly
+at Mrs. Stewart, and that lady realized that
+she had almost “put her foot in it.” Mr. Dalken
+noticed something was disturbing the two girls, but
+he never dreamed what it was.
+</p>
+<p>
+The following evening, at art class, Mr. Fabian
+had news for the two girls. “Mr. Ashby has invited
+Mr. Dalken to have his Thanksgiving Dinner
+with his family, and that will give you the
+opportunity you need, to get Billy settled in his new
+home.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, how can we part from him!” sighed Eleanor,
+wiping an eye, as she pictured the lonely
+rooms.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes—” sighed Polly, mournfully. “That’s
+the worst of having a dog or a baby that you
+become so fond of.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But you will see Billy three nights a week, and
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_268'></a>268</span>
+you never could have kept him for yourselves,
+you know,” said Mr. Fabian.
+</p>
+<p>
+Thanksgiving Day Martha seemed all upset.
+The idea of moving the baby to a new home, and
+perhaps not being welcome, made her cry softly,
+now and then. The little family at the Studio, instead
+of being very grateful for all the blessings
+they had had during the past year, went about
+looking forlorn and miserable.
+</p>
+<p>
+They went to the Latimers for dinner that noon,
+and left Martha with the baby. It had been
+planned that they would get back home by eight
+o’clock and accompany their baby-gift over to Mr.
+Dalken’s apartment. Billy would be placed in bed
+where his new foster father would find him, and
+then would come the joy of it all.
+</p>
+<p>
+The plans worked out as expected to a certain
+degree. Mr. Dalken went up to the Ashbys for
+dinner, and a little after eight o’clock, a mournful
+procession wended its way from the Studio door.
+Martha carried Billy carefully. Polly and Eleanor
+carried the tub, chair, and other articles of use
+for the baby. Anne carried the bundles of clothing,
+and Mrs. Stewart carried the milk-warmer,
+the other food-equipment, and the extra blankets.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken’s chauffeur opened the door to admit
+the visitors, but when he saw the burdens the
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_269'></a>269</span>
+ladies carried, he was speechless. Eleanor tried to
+explain that they had a new boy for Mr. Dalken,
+but Henri seemed not to appreciate the fact.
+</p>
+<p>
+Billy was gurgling and trying to get his active
+fists out of the quilted blanket, but Martha held
+him firmly until she had him in the bedroom where
+Mr. Dalken slept.
+</p>
+<p>
+“We are going to leave him right in the middle
+of this big bed, Henri, so his new father will find
+him when he comes in to-night,” explained Eleanor,
+arranging the baby’s bedding on the large
+expanse of bed-spread.
+</p>
+<p>
+Billy was arrayed for the night, and everyone
+kissed him tearfully, as if he was about to be
+placed in his coffin. Then Martha gave him a
+drink of warm milk and placed him in his blankets.
+</p>
+<p>
+Hardly had they tucked him up, before the bell
+at the entrance rang imperatively. Henri glanced
+distractedly at the baby and then at the other visitors,
+before he turned to answer the call. It rang
+a second time before he opened the door.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Let’s turn down the light and hide behind the
+velour portières,” whispered Anne, anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+The five guilty members of the surprise-party
+quickly hid themselves as best they could, but not
+so soon, but that they heard Henri returning. He
+was talking, and other voices were replying.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_270'></a>270</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“I donno why the missee’s come in an’ fetch a
+bebby. Dey say ‘He a big surprise,’ Mr.
+Dalken.”
+</p>
+<p>
+To the amazement of the hidden ones, Mr. Dalken’s
+voice now replied: “Never mind, Henri.
+I’ll be out with my visitors, in a moment. I only
+want to get a handkerchief from the dresser.”
+</p>
+<p>
+The five culprits saw him switch up the lights
+and they then heard Billy welcome the unusual
+privilege with a gurgle. Not a sound came from
+the man who must have heard the baby-voice
+and seen the occupant of his massive four-poster.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly could stand it no longer. She had to peep
+out at what was going on. The first thing she saw,
+was Eleanor’s head showing from the side of the
+other portière. Both girls watched the scene with
+bated breath.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken stood beside the bed, looking down
+at the little bundle that made a dent in the middle
+of his comfortable mattress. Billy was waving
+his fists invitingly, as if to say, “Come on and
+fight!”
+</p>
+<p>
+As the two girls watched him, Mr. Dalken
+smiled and said: “So <em>you</em> are Billy Martin, are
+you?”
+</p>
+<p>
+The two eaves-droppers glanced at each other
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_271'></a>271</span>
+in consternation. “How and why did Mr. Dalken
+call <em>their</em> baby Billy Martin?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, Billy, suppose we go out and see what
+your Daddy thinks of you. For my part, I say
+you’re just about perfect.” As Mr. Dalken
+spoke, he carefully lifted the willing baby from the
+bed and cuddled him in his arms. Then he went
+from the room.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly!” hissed Eleanor, anxiously, “did you
+hear what he said?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“S-sh! let us follow and see what’s the matter.
+Someone came in with Mr. Dalken, you know,”
+returned Polly in a low voice.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Stewart and Anne now crept from behind
+the heavy window curtains and tip-toed after Polly
+and Eleanor. And, last of all, Martha came from
+behind the door and followed in the wake of the
+other four. Then they heard Mr. Dalken talking.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, here’s the boy, but how he ever got into
+my rooms I cannot say. Mrs. Ashby will have to
+explain that, in a minute, as she is the one who
+seemed to know where to find Martha and the
+baby.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Martha was still in the hall and could not see
+who was in the living-room with Mr. Dalken, but
+the four conspirators now stood staring at the
+group in the center of the lighted room.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_272'></a>272</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. and Mrs. Ashby were seated in comfortable
+armchairs, smiling happily at the two standing
+men and about to make the baby comfortable. He
+had been transferred from Mr. Dalken’s arms to
+those of a younger man who was trembling with
+joy at beholding Billy’s smiling little face.
+</p>
+<p>
+“There, now, Martin. Isn’t he worth living
+for? You said you wanted to die, when you found
+your wife was gone. But let me tell you, my boy,
+this baby ought to make you brace up.” Mr. Dalken
+patted the strange young man on the shoulder,
+and just then Martha burst into the room.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Jimmy! Oh, Jimmy—is it you, or is it someone
+who looks like my dead Jimmy?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Aunt Martha—Dear Aunt Martha—it is your
+own Jimmy. I was a long time coming home, but
+here I am at last!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Polly and Eleanor learned the true story
+about their precious Billy who was, according to
+them, to have adopted Mr. Dalken for a father.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Girls, I appreciate your great sacrifice to try
+and make me happy, for I have heard from the
+Ashbys how much you wanted to keep Billy, but
+you felt that he ought to belong to me. Seeing
+that he came so near to being mine, I shall always
+take a great interest in him and his relatives,”
+began Mr. Dalken, while Jimmy Martin and
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_273'></a>273</span>
+Martha went into the other room to be alone with
+the baby.
+</p>
+<p>
+“You see, Mrs. Ashby is at the bottom of this
+plot and having roped in her husband to believe
+just as she did, the next step was to make the whole
+plan seem accidental.
+</p>
+<p>
+“So, when Martha was left with the baby, she
+called on Mrs. Ashby for help. Seeing that the
+boy had brown eyes and was named Billy, my
+anxious friend decided that he was what I ought
+to have to cheer me. Martha was boarded in a
+country home until I prepared to go west on my
+business trip.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Just about that time, you found an unknown
+babe on your door-step, but had we been able to
+look behind the scenes, I think you would have seen
+the Ashby’s car down on the corner, and Martha
+anxiously waiting to see if you took Billy in, all
+right.
+</p>
+<p>
+“After that, Billy made his own way with you
+people, as he is apt to make it with everyone. And
+what was so natural, as that you should fall in with
+Mr. Fabian’s well-learned lesson. The Ashbys
+made him memorize just what to say and to do it
+every day.
+</p>
+<p>
+“All went as had been planned, and my dear
+friends here were so pleased with themselves at
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_274'></a>274</span>
+the little scheme, that they planned to return home
+with me to-night and see how I liked the baby-surprise.
+But this is where an unexpected and unknown
+actor entered upon the stage.
+</p>
+<p>
+“James Martin was not killed in battle. He
+was wounded and taken prisoner by the Germans.
+He was so dangerously injured that he was left to
+die in a small town in the interior. But he managed
+to pull through, and after many months of
+convalescence, he worked his way from Germany
+back to Paris.
+</p>
+<p>
+“It took several months more to identify him
+and get a passport for him to America. When he
+went to his old home town to find his wife and
+child, he learned that one was dead and the other
+was taken away by the aunt. The shock sent him
+to the county hospital again, and it was several
+months before he could get out to start a hunt for
+his boy.
+</p>
+<p>
+“He learned where Martha had gone, and to-night,
+James called at the house to ask Mrs. Ashby
+if she knew anything about his boy and aunt. I
+happened to be in the hall when he came in.
+</p>
+<p>
+“So here we are, girls; you lose a protegé and
+I lose a boy.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, but James wins back his boy again!” cried
+Polly, delightedly.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_275'></a>275</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“I want to know, Mr. Dalken,” demanded Eleanor,
+frowning, “did Ruth Ashby know the truth
+about this when she told us that yarn about
+Martha?”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Dalken laughed. “No, girls. Poor Ruth
+is as upset about it as you could wish her to be.
+She wants me to adopt Billy, anyway, even with
+his real father on hand to claim him. I really
+think Mrs. Ashby is the one we have to put
+through the third degree on this whole plot.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Ashby looked up and smiled. “Well, I
+told the truth about the matter, didn’t I? But I
+refrained from telling Ruth that Martha was the
+same woman who was aunt to Billy, and I withheld
+the facts that Billy was the same baby that
+you girls found on your door-step—that’s all.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s all——” laughed Mr. Dalken. “As if
+that was not enough! To deprive me of the son
+my two pet girls tried to place in my arms.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly flung herself in his arms and hugged him
+as she said, “Nolla and I will have to adopt you
+ourselves, now.”
+</p>
+<p>
+And he whispered in her ear, so only she could
+hear: “You haven’t any idea how happy you girls
+make me. I have found something in life worth
+while, since I found all of these good friends.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Mrs. Ashby said: “Dalk, you have been
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_276'></a>276</span>
+hunting for a reliable man and wife to take charge
+of your apartment, so I think it is Providence that
+sent Martha and James to you. You will have admirable
+help in them and little Billy, too.”
+</p>
+<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_277'></a>277</span><a name='chXVII' id='chXVII'></a>CHAPTER XVII—POLLY AND ELEANOR LEAVE FOR EUROPE</h2>
+<p>
+“I do declare! here it is the first of May, and it
+seems as if it were but yesterday that we came
+back to New York to study,” exclaimed Eleanor,
+as Polly and she were returning from art class one
+evening.
+</p>
+<p>
+“And we are no more decided about what we
+shall do this Summer, than we were last Fall. If
+only Dad would consent to our joining the Ashbys
+and Mr. Fabian on the European trip, in
+June,” returned Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’m glad father says <em>I</em> may go if your father
+consents. Of course we shall have to go, some
+time or other, Polly, before we could settle down
+as experienced decorators; but this is a fine opportunity—to
+be members of a party of appreciative
+people such as is seldom offered to young beginners
+as we are.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Eleanor, have you thought of what we shall
+do, next year of school, if Anne marries John?
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_278'></a>278</span>
+You know, Mrs. Stewart says she is going back to
+Denver to keep house for Paul, as he will graduate
+with the other boys, next month.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Uh-huh! John and Tom will settle down at
+Pebbly Pit to superintend the mine and jewel cliffs,
+and Paul will join the survey crew in Denver. I
+suppose my brother Pete will be hanging about
+them, somewhere, doing odd jobs, now and then.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor spoke in a half-humorous tone, but
+Polly was in earnest.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, then, if Anne is John’s wife, and Mrs.
+Stewart in Denver, where do we fit in?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I’ve thought it all out, Polly—never fear! You
+see Mr. Fabian expects to bring his wife and
+daughter back to America this year, as Nancy has
+finished her art studies abroad. If we make ourselves
+agreeable to them, and then hint gently, on
+the trip back home, that we have no place to live
+in, the coming winter, they’ll take us right in with
+them. How’d you like that!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, it would be great, Nolla, but would it be
+quite the proper thing for us to do—to throw ourselves
+upon their hospitality?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Polly, they ought to be thankful to have two
+such nice girls with them! To say nothing of our
+eventually becoming the greatest interior decorators
+of the present day,” exclaimed Eleanor, her
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_279'></a>279</span>
+well-shaped little head rearing itself in conscious
+pride.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly laughed. “Well, Nolla, we will never
+suffer for lack of self-esteem. Even if others declare
+we know nothing, you will be able to keep the
+family pride up to high-water mark. If we knew
+but one-third of all you <em>think</em> we do, we could take
+Mr. Ashby in partnership with us, now.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“There’s another thing, Polly, that is a golden
+opportunity for us. The idea of having a successful
+decorator like Mr. Ashby plan to take us in his
+business when we are through school, is enough to
+turn anyone’s head. But not ours, Polly—we are
+too sensible!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Again Polly laughed at her friend’s meekness—so-called.
+“Mr. Ashby may change his mind before
+we are ready to accept his offer. We have two
+years still in which to study, you know.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“That will fly like these past two years have.
+Why here we are only sixteen and just see all we
+know!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, and just see all we have yet to know!”
+retorted Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I tell you what, those Saturday mornings we
+spent in Mr. Ashby’s sales-rooms were a wonderful
+help, eh?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes; I really believe, Nolla, that I learned as
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_280'></a>280</span>
+much of textiles, and fabrics, by simply handling
+and selling the materials, as if I had given days to
+the study of them.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“It was not only a brilliant idea of Mr. Fabian’s,
+to suggest to Mr. Ashby that Ruth and we
+two girls be permitted to act as clerks in his rooms,
+but it was as kind and generous of Mr. Ashby to
+take us. The way he taught us all about different
+factories and their best and weakest points in
+manufacture; the time he took to demonstrate differences
+in lace and silk curtains, the best style of
+linen for covers and draperies, the tapestries and
+carpets of modern factories—why, I can tell at a
+glance now, just whose goods I am handling.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes,” admitted Polly. “How many decorators’
+assistants know the style of upholstery buttons
+that ought to be used on a French divan? Or
+what shaped button ought to go on a Turkish
+chair? I never dreamed that there was any difference,
+according to art, between a tufted wing-chair
+and one that was smoothly upholstered. I
+bet the majority of people select one or the other
+because they like the looks, but very few know that
+certain lines in a fireside chair demand tufted
+upholstery, and another period must never have
+buttons or fringe.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Exactly! That is what I mean, Polly, when I
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_281'></a>281</span>
+say I am sure we two know an awful lot about
+decorating, already. It is so.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Dear old Fabian says, this is our critical year—if
+we can manage to pass through the period
+between second and third years of study without
+discovering that we know it all, we may eventually
+hope to become average decorators,” Polly
+laughed.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Pooh! We both know Mr. Fabian is a dotard
+about us. If anyone dares to hint that we are not
+as advanced as he says we are, he glares like a
+jealous cat over her kittens.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly and Eleanor reached the Studio by this
+time and found Anne reading a long letter from
+John. She was smiling happily as she read, and
+Eleanor grinned charitably at her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly sat down to wait till the letter was read.
+Then Anne glanced over at the girls.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Well, dears, John has definitely settled everything.
+Tom Latimer and he are coming on to New
+York directly their college commencement is over.
+Polly’s father and mother <em>may</em> decide to come, but
+that is not yet certain. As soon as you two girls
+are off, we will all go back home and stay.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“‘And they lived happily ever after,’” quoth
+Eleanor, teasingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne smiled. Polly seemed dissatisfied.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_282'></a>282</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“What do you mean ‘as soon as you girls are
+off?’”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, off on the European trip. The Ashbys
+were here to-night and it is all settled. Mr. Brewster
+wrote a fine letter and thanked them for their
+wonderful offer to chaperone you girls.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, oh!” shouted Eleanor, springing up and
+throwing her arms about Polly’s neck.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anne and her mother laughed as the impulsive
+girl whirled Polly around and around, until both,
+exhausted, fell upon the divan. Then Polly asked
+the question Eleanor had choked in her throat.
+</p>
+<p>
+“What about John, Anne? Are you going to
+Denver or to Pebbly Pit?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I expect to go to Pebbly Pit, dear,” said Anne,
+blushing.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No need to feel embarrassed over it, Anne,”
+laughed Eleanor. “It isn’t as if we had never
+heard of your plan. Besides we are all in the
+family, now—or at least we will be.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Where does your relationship come in,
+Nolla?” asked Mrs. Stewart, quizzically.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, didn’t you know, Mother Stewart? I
+propose to become Paul’s bride, some day, but he
+doesn’t know it, either!” and the irrepressible girl
+laughed madly as she ran upstairs to her room.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her friends in the living-room laughed also, but
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_283'></a>283</span>
+Polly doubted that it was said in fun. She rather
+suspected Eleanor of receiving many nice letters
+from Paul Stewart, during her second year in New
+York. But Eleanor kept her own secret.
+</p>
+<p>
+As June entered and schools were all beginning
+their examinations, Mrs. Stewart began to clear
+up the rooms in the home they had occupied for
+two years. Anne’s and her own personal property
+were to be packed and sent to Denver. Polly and
+Eleanor’s had to be sorted and packed and stored;
+the winter clothing in strong moth-proof chests,
+and the things they proposed taking abroad with
+them, in small steamer trunks.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian had spoken for the lease on the
+Studio when Mrs. Stewart’s time expired, and
+until then, most of the furniture could remain as
+it was. Polly and Eleanor were to have the two
+small rooms and live with the Fabians, and Mrs.
+Fabian had written that she would buy back the
+things as they stood, thus saving everyone trouble
+and time.
+</p>
+<p>
+As the days of June passed, Anne had another
+letter from John, begging her to come to the
+graduation in Chicago. But Polly and Eleanor
+needed her in New York, as everything was in a
+panic preparing for the ocean voyage, and working
+so hard at school, too.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_284'></a>284</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Before the girls knew it, therefore, the westerners
+were with them in New York. Mr. and
+Mrs. Brewster expected to see Polly off on the
+steamer, and John said he had unexpectedly
+planned to have Anne marry him before Polly
+sailed.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, that will be great! A wedding and a farewell
+party all in one,” cried Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+But John took Polly aside and whispered:
+“Polly, I want my only sister to witness my marriage
+to the best girl living, so you will have to
+persuade Anne to look at it as I do.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“All right, John,” laughingly replied Polly.
+“I’ll do my best to make her steal my only brother
+from me.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Tom Latimer joined them at this moment, and
+said to Polly: “You have grown so tall and look
+such a fine young lady, that I wonder how Anne
+can steal any man from you. Now if I were John,
+I should never <em>want</em> to be stolen from you.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Tom!” laughed Polly, greatly amused at
+his words. “You talk exactly like Winnie Trevors.
+He’s the society pet that expects to marry
+Elizabeth Dalken. But you should see him—and
+hear him talk!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Tom Latimer would never thank you for that
+left-handed compliment, Polly, if he could but see
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_285'></a>285</span>
+the slim little dude you compared to him,” said
+Eleanor, joining the group.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I believe I do know him, Polly—If he is the
+silver-haired lap-dog I went to grammar-school
+with.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes—he <em>has</em> got whitish hair, Tom!” laughed
+Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly smiled but said nothing. Then Tom said,
+“Will you take all that back, Poll, or must I punish
+you severely, some day?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I never take back a word I once have said—unless
+I can see where I can benefit myself. You
+see, Tom, I have changed woefully, since living in
+New York. I am exactly like other citizens here—I
+am supremely selfish, these days.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Tom smiled. “I can offer you a bite of attractive
+bait. Will you apologise for calling me ‘exactly
+like Winnie’ if I tell you a profound secret?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“That depends! What do you call ‘profound,’
+and will I be concerned in hearing it?” teased
+Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor had never known Polly to behave so
+coquettishly before, and to her astonishment, she
+beheld her little model of virtue flirt distractingly
+with Tom. Or Eleanor <em>thought</em> Polly was flirting,
+when she sent a dazzling look at him from
+her wonderful eyes.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_286'></a>286</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“It is the secret about the Valentine Roses. At
+last I have managed to learn who really sent them
+to you.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor perked up. Here was a delightful
+situation. Polly had never been able to find out
+who had sent the roses, and Tom was ready to
+confess.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, really!” exclaimed Polly, eagerly inquisitive.
+</p>
+<p>
+Tom laughed. “Are you concerned? Is it a
+profound secret?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Yes, oh, yes, Tom!” cried Eleanor, excitedly.
+“Do tell us what you know.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But Polly has to show her interest, too. If
+she says she is sorry for likening me to Winfield,
+I will tell her who sent the roses.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Is he nice, Tom?” asked Polly, anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+“I have heard people <em>say</em> he is, and <em>I</em> think him
+great!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor chuckled. This was a scene after her
+own heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Is he old—or ugly, Tom?” added Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“No—he is young, and not <em>very</em> bad-looking.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly thought seriously, then said: “Does he
+live in New York?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I won’t answer any more such questions, Polly,
+it isn’t fair unless you do your part,” laughed Tom.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_287'></a>287</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, well, then, please excuse me for ever mentioning
+you in the same <em>breath</em> with Winnie,”
+giggled Polly. “Now tell me who sent those
+roses.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I will, Polly, but not to-day. I did not promise
+to tell you, at once—so I will wait until after
+John’s wedding.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly stamped her foot as Tom hurried away,
+and Eleanor laughed merrily at the hoax. But
+there was too much going on all about them, to
+bother, now, about roses that were almost two
+years old.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Maynard arrived from Chicago in time for
+the quiet little wedding at “The Church around
+the Corner,” and then everyone went to the Studio
+for a reception. John and his bride left for a very
+short honeymoon, and later, all thoughts centered
+on Polly and Eleanor. It would be their turn to
+say good-by in a few days.
+</p>
+<p>
+Tom Latimer outdid himself during the days
+intervening between John’s wedding and Polly’s
+sailing. Jim and Ken were back from college, but
+somehow the two girls who had been such fine
+young pals out in the Rockies, and on that Coney
+Island trip, now seemed several years older than
+these boys. They couldn’t understand it.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mr. Fabian could have explained the change.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_288'></a>288</span>
+It was mostly psychological, due to the advanced
+mental training his girls had received in their study
+of a chosen high profession. They truly were far
+superior, now, to either of the two boys at Yale,
+although they were not aware of it at the time.
+</p>
+<p>
+The day for the sailing of the steamer arrived,
+and a gay party stood on the pier just before the
+good-bys had to be said. Mrs. Brewster gave
+Polly many warnings and advices, and Mr. Maynard
+begged Eleanor not to bankrupt him during
+her stay in Paris.
+</p>
+<p>
+Books, flowers, fruit and candy, had been piled
+up in the arms of Ruth Ashby, Polly and Eleanor,
+until they could not shake the extended hands of
+their friends when the time came to really say
+good-by.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Never mind your hands, we’ll kiss your faces!”
+laughed Mr. Maynard, and straightway began
+kissing the pretty struggling girls.
+</p>
+<p>
+As everyone in the group was an old friend,
+each one took toll of the girls’ cheeks, and just as
+Jim Latimer, the last in the line, caught a swift
+brush of Ruth’s ear, Tom Latimer strolled up.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Hello, Tom! Where have you been?” called
+his father.
+</p>
+<p>
+“Better get your kiss, Tom, or you’ll be left,”
+added Jim.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_289'></a>289</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+So Tom managed to get his “good-by” from
+Ruth and from Eleanor, but Polly blushed furiously,
+and reared her head.
+</p>
+<p>
+“If another silly man kisses me, I’ll—I’ll—slap
+him!”
+</p>
+<p>
+Of course everyone laughed uproariously at
+this, but the guard suddenly shouted, “All
+aboard.” And the sailing party rushed up the
+gang-plank.
+</p>
+<p>
+Once on deck, however, Polly remembered
+something she had meant to ask Tom Latimer.
+She leaned over the rail and called back:
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, Tom! you never told me who sent the
+roses!”
+</p>
+<p>
+“You’ll find out about it when you reach your
+stateroom,” shouted Tom, making a megaphone
+of his hands. “I met him there, talking to the
+steward, and you will know as soon as you go
+down.”
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor giggled. “That’s where Tom was when
+Mr. Dalken dared anyone to take one of his girls
+away from him.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“But who could Tom have met in our stateroom,
+Nolla? I thought everyone was on the pier
+with us?”
+</p>
+<p>
+The steamer had already swung down-stream,
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_290'></a>290</span>
+and the friends on the pier were mere dots, so the
+curious girls hurried down to see who had sent
+Polly the Valentine roses. Ruth accompanied
+them, as she felt she should have been the third
+in this girl relationship—like triplets, she said, one
+day, to her father.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the door was opened, and sweet fragrance
+greeted the girls. There in a corner of the stateroom
+stood a dozen American Beauty roses, each
+with a stem almost four feet long. And about the
+stems a golden cord was tied, and upon this cord
+hung a card.
+</p>
+<p>
+The three girls stood admiring the great crimson
+beauties and then Ruth said: “See who they
+are from—and who for?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Why, they’re Polly’s, of course. The same
+‘old valentine’ sent them!” laughed Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+Polly’s fingers trembled as she bent forward
+and read what was written on the card: “Your
+Valentine that was, and is, and always will be, in
+this world, and in the next, and forever, Tom.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“Oh, no! No! No! No! I won’t have you so,
+Tom!” cried Polly, throwing herself in the chair
+and covering her face with her hands. Eleanor
+and Ruth stood perfectly still, not knowing what
+to do or say.
+<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_291'></a>291</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Polly lifted her face. She was trying to
+smile. “Dear old Tom only did that to tease me.
+Isn’t he an old plague?”
+</p>
+<p>
+“I should say he was!” exclaimed Ruth, innocently.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eleanor with the worldly wisdom learned from
+her mother, added guilefully: “He sure is. But
+you tricked him, Polly.”
+</p>
+<p>
+“How?” eagerly inquired Polly.
+</p>
+<p>
+“He was the only one in the party who didn’t
+get a kiss from you!” laughed Eleanor.
+</p>
+<p>
+“That’s so!” admitted Polly, but Eleanor was
+not sure whether her friend was sorry or satisfied
+at the result.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, as the days passed, Eleanor noticed that
+Polly never mentioned the roses again, but they
+were kept as fresh as possible, and weeks later,
+Eleanor found one of them carefully pressed with
+the card still tied to it.
+</p>
+<p>
+But this discovery, and all that happened during
+that Summer in Europe, while visiting famous
+places and viewing rare objects of antiquity, are
+told in another volume called “Polly and Eleanor
+Abroad.”
+</p>
+<div class='center'>
+<p>THE END</p>
+</div>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<div class='center'>
+<p><em>This Isn’t All!</em></p>
+</div>
+<p>
+Would you like to know what
+became of the good friends you
+have made in this book?
+</p>
+<p>
+Would you like to read other
+stories continuing their adventures
+and experiences, or other books
+quite as entertaining by the same
+author?
+</p>
+<p>
+On the <em>reverse side</em> of the wrapper
+which comes with this book,
+you will find a wonderful list of
+stories which you can buy at the
+same store where you got this book.
+</p>
+<div class='center'>
+<p><em>Don’t throw away the Wrapper</em></p>
+</div>
+<p>
+Use it as a handy catalog of the books
+you want some day to have. But in
+case you do mislay it, write to the
+Publishers for a complete catalog.
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE POLLY BREWSTER SERIES</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+</p>
+<p>
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+A delightful series for girls in which they will follow
+Polly and Eleanor through many interesting
+adventures and enjoyable trips to various places in
+the United States, Europe and South America.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POLLY AND ELEANOR<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POLLY IN NEW YORK<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POLLY’S BUSINESS VENTURE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POLLY’S SOUTHERN CRUISE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POLLY IN SOUTH AMERICA<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POLLY IN THE SOUTHWEST<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POLLY IN ALASKA<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+</p>
+<p>
+Author of the “Bobbsey Twins,” “Bunny Brown” Series, Etc.
+</p>
+<p>
+Uniform Style of Binding. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+These are the tales of the various adventures participated
+in by a group of bright, fun-loving, up-to-date
+girls who have a common bond in their fondness for
+outdoor life, camping, travel and adventure. They are
+clean and wholesome and free from sensationalism.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN ARMY SERVICE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT THE HOSTESS HOUSE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT BLUFF POINT<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT WILD ROSE LODGE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN THE SADDLE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AROUND THE CAMPFIRE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON CAPE COD<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT FOAMING FALLS<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ALONG THE COAST<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT SPRING HILL FARM<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE BLYTHE GIRLS BOOKS</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+</p>
+<p>
+Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations by
+</p>
+<p>
+THELMA GOOCH
+</p>
+<p>
+Every Volume Complete in Itself
+</p>
+<p>
+The Blythe girls, three in number, were left alone in
+New York City. Helen, who went in for art and music,
+kept the little flat uptown, while Margy, just out
+of a business school, obtained a position as a private
+secretary and Rose, plain-spoken and business-like, took
+what she called a “job” in a department store.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN, MARGY AND ROSE
+</p>
+<p>
+A fascinating tale of real happenings in the great metropolis
+</p>
+<p>
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY’S QUEER INHERITANCE
+</p>
+<p>
+The Girls had a peculiar old aunt and when she died she left
+an unusual inheritance.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE’S GREAT PROBLEM
+</p>
+<p>
+Rose, still at work in the big department store, is one day faced
+with the greatest problem of her life.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN’S STRANGE BOARDER
+</p>
+<p>
+Helen goes to the assistance of a strange girl, whose real identity
+is a puzzle. Who the girl really was comes as a tremendous
+surprise.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: THREE ON A VACATION
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls go to the country for two weeks—and fall in with all
+sorts of curious and exciting happenings.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY’S SECRET MISSION
+</p>
+<p>
+Of course we cannot divulge the big secret, but nevertheless
+the girls as usual have many exciting experiences.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE’S ODD DISCOVERY
+</p>
+<p>
+A very interesting story, telling how Rose aided an old man in
+the almost hopeless search for his daughter.
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>GIRL SCOUTS SERIES</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+</p>
+<p>
+Author of the “Polly Brewster Books”
+</p>
+<p>
+Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated
+</p>
+<p>
+Each Volume Complete in Itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here is a series that holds the same position for girls that
+the Tom Slade and Roy Blakeley books hold for boys.
+They are delightful stories of Girl Scout camp life amid
+beautiful surroundings and are filled with stirring adventures.
+</p>
+<p>
+GIRL SCOUTS AT DANDELION CAMP
+</p>
+<p>
+This is a story which centers around the making and the
+enjoying of a mountain camp, spiced with the fun of a lively
+troop of Girl Scouts. The charm of living in the woods, of
+learning woodcraft of all sorts, of adventuring into the unknown,
+combine to make a busy and an exciting summer
+for the girls.
+</p>
+<p>
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ADIRONDACKS
+</p>
+<p>
+New scenery, new problems of camping, association with
+a neighboring camp of Boy Scouts, and a long canoe trip
+with them through the Fulton Chain, all in the setting of
+the marvelous Adirondacks, bring to the girls enlargement
+of horizon, new development, and new joys.
+</p>
+<p>
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES
+</p>
+<p>
+On horseback from Denver through Estes Park as far as
+the Continental Divide, climbing peaks, riding wild trails,
+canoeing through canyons, shooting rapids, encountering a
+landslide, a summer blizzard, a sand storm, wild animals,
+and forest fires, the girls pack the days full with unforgettable
+experiences.
+</p>
+<p>
+GIRL SCOUTS IN ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO
+</p>
+<p>
+The Girl Scouts visit the mountains and deserts of Arizona
+and New Mexico. They travel over the old Sante Fe
+trail, cross the Painted Desert, and visit the Grand Canyon.
+Their exciting adventures form a most interesting story.
+</p>
+<p>
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE REDWOODS
+</p>
+<p>
+The girls spend their summer in the Redwoods of California
+and incidentally find a way to induce a famous motion
+picture director in Hollywood to offer to produce a
+film that stars the Girl Scouts of America.
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE LILIAN GARIS BOOKS</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+Lilian Garis is one of the writers who always wrote.
+She expressed herself in verse from early school days and
+it was then predicted that Lilian Mack would one day
+become a writer. Justifying this sentiment, while still at
+high school, she took charge of the woman’s page for a
+city paper and her work there attracted such favorable
+attention that she left school to take entire charge of
+woman’s work for the largest daily in an important
+Eastern city.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mrs. Garis turned to girls’ books directly after her
+marriage, and of these she has written many. She believes
+in girls, studies them and depicts them with pen both
+skilled and sympathetic.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CLEO’S MISTY RAINBOW<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CLEO’S CONQUEST<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BARBARA HALE: A DOCTOR’S DAUGHTER<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BARBARA HALE AND COZETTE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;GLORIA: A GIRL AND HER DAD<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;GLORIA AT BOARDING SCHOOL<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JOAN: JUST GIRL<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JOAN’S GARDEN OF ADVENTURE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CONNIE LORING’S AMBITION<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CONNIE LORING’S DILEMMA<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>AMY BELL MARLOWE’S BOOKS FOR GIRLS</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Charming, Fresh and Original Stories
+</p>
+<p>
+Illustrated. Wrappers Printed in Colors with individual design for each story
+</p>
+<p>
+Miss Marlowe’s books for girls are somewhat of the
+type of Miss Alcott and also Mrs. Meade; but all are
+thoroughly up-to-date and wholly American in scene
+and action. Good, clean absorbing tales that all girls
+thoroughly enjoy.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>THE OLDEST OF FOUR; Or, Natalie’s Way Out.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+A sweet story of the struggles of a live girl to keep a family from want.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>THE GIRLS AT HILLCREST FARM; Or, The Secret of the Rocks.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+Relating the trials of two girls who take boarders on an old farm.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>A LITTLE MISS NOBODY; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+Tells of a school girl who was literally a nobody until she solved the
+mystery of her identity.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>THE GIRL FROM SUNSET RANCH; Or, Alone in a Great City.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+A ranch girl comes to New York to meet relatives she has never seen.
+Her adventures make unusually good reading.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>WYN’S CAMPING DAYS; Or, The Outing of the GO-AHEAD CLUB.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+A tale of happy days on the water and under canvas, with a touch of
+mystery and considerable excitement.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>FRANCES OF THE RANGES; Or, The Old Ranchman’s Treasure.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+A vivid picture of life on the great cattle ranges of the West.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>THE GIRLS OF RIVERCLIFF SCHOOL; Or, Beth Baldwin’s Resolve.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+This is one of the most entertaining stories centering about a girl’s
+school that has ever been written.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>WHEN ORIOLE CAME TO HARBOR LIGHT.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+The story of a young girl, cast up by the sea, and rescued by an old
+lighthouse keeper.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>WHEN ORIOLE TRAVELED WESTWARD.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+Oriole visits the family of a rich ranchman and enjoys herself immensely.
+</p>
+<p>
+<b>WHEN ORIOLE WENT TO BOARDING SCHOOL.</b>
+</p>
+<p>
+How this brave girl bears up under the most trying experiences, makes
+a very interesting story.
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE MARJORIE BOOKS
+</p>
+<p>
+Marjorie is a happy little girl of twelve, up to
+mischief, but full of goodness and sincerity. In her
+and her friends every girl reader will see much of
+her own love of fun, play and adventure.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MARJORIE’S VACATION<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MARJORIE’S BUSY DAYS<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MARJORIE’S NEW FRIEND<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MARJORIE IN COMMAND<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MARJORIE’S MAYTIME<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MARJORIE AT SEACOTE<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+THE TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES
+</p>
+<p>
+Introducing Dorinda Fayre—a pretty blonde,
+sweet, serious, timid and a little slow, and Dorothy
+Rose—a sparkling brunette, quick, elf-like, high
+tempered, full of mischief and always getting into
+scrapes.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TWO LITTLE WOMEN<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TWO LITTLE WOMEN AND TREASURE HOUSE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+THE DICK AND DOLLY BOOKS
+</p>
+<p>
+Dick and Dolly are brother and sister, and their
+games, their pranks, their joys and sorrows, are told
+in a manner which makes the stories “really true”
+to young readers.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DICK AND DOLLY<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DICK AND DOLLY’S ADVENTURES<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE HONEY BUNCH BOOKS</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+By HELEN LOUISE THORNDYKE
+</p>
+<p>
+Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations Drawn by
+</p>
+<p>
+WALTER S. ROGERS
+</p>
+<p>
+A new line of fascinating tales for little girls. Honey
+Bunch is a dainty, thoughtful little girl, and to know her
+is to take her to your heart at once.
+</p>
+<p>
+HONEY BUNCH: JUST A LITTLE GIRL
+</p>
+<p>
+Happy days at home, helping mamma and the washerlady. And Honey
+Bunch helped the house painters too—or thought she did.
+</p>
+<p>
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE CITY
+</p>
+<p>
+What wonderful sights Honey Bunch saw when she went to visit her
+cousins in New York! And she got lost in a big hotel and wandered into
+a men’s convention!
+</p>
+<p>
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS ON THE FARM
+</p>
+<p>
+Can you remember how the farm looked the first time you visited it?
+How big the cows and horses were, and what a roomy place to play in the
+barn proved to be?
+</p>
+<p>
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE SEASHORE
+</p>
+<p>
+Honey Bunch soon got used to the big waves and thought playing in the
+sand great fun. And she visited a merry-go-round, and took part in a seaside
+pageant.
+</p>
+<p>
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST LITTLE GARDEN
+</p>
+<p>
+It was great sport to dig and to plant with one’s own little garden tools.
+But best of all was when Honey Bunch won a prize at the flower show.
+</p>
+<p>
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS IN CAMP
+</p>
+<p>
+It was a great adventure for Honey Bunch when she journeyed to Camp
+Snapdragon. It was wonderful to watch the men erect the tent, and more
+wonderful to live in it and have good times on the shore and in the water.
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE BOBBSEY TWINS BOOKS</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+For Little Men and Women
+</p>
+<p>
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+</p>
+<p>
+Author of “The Bunny Brown Series,” Etc.
+</p>
+<p>
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
+</p>
+<p>
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+These books for boys and girls between the ages of three
+and ten stands among children and their parents of this
+generation where the books of Louisa May Alcott stood in
+former days. The haps and mishaps of this inimitable pair
+of twins, their many adventures and experiences are a
+source of keen delight to imaginative children everywhere.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOW BROOK<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN A GREAT CITY<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON BLUEBERRY ISLAND<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON THE DEEP BLUE SEA<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE GREAT WEST<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CEDAR CAMP<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE COUNTY FAIR<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS CAMPING OUT<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS AND BABY MAY<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS KEEPING HOUSE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CLOVERBANK<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+</p>
+<p>
+Author of the Popular “Bobbsey Twins” Books, Etc.
+</p>
+<p>
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
+</p>
+<p>
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+These stories are eagerly welcomed by the little folks
+from about five to ten years of age. Their eyes fairly dance
+with delight at the lively doings of inquisitive little Bunny
+Brown and his cunning, trustful sister Sue.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA’S FARM<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP-REST-A-WHILE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU’S CITY HOME<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE SUNNY SOUTH<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE KEEPING STORE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR TRICK DOG<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT A SUGAR CAMP<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON THE ROLLING OCEAN<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON JACK FROST ISLAND<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>SIX LITTLE BUNKERS SERIES</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+</p>
+<p>
+Author of The Bobbsey Twins Books, The Bunny
+Brown Series, The Blythe Girls Books, Etc.
+</p>
+<p>
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+Delightful stories for little boys and girls which sprung
+into immediate popularity. To know the six little Bunkers
+is to take them at once to your heart, they are so intensely
+human, so full of fun and cute sayings. Each story has a
+little plot of its own—one that can be easily followed—and
+all are written in Miss Hope’s most entertaining manner.
+Clean, wholesome volumes which ought to be on the bookshelf
+of every child in the land.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDMA BELL’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT AUNT JO’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COUSIN TOM’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDPA FORD’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT UNCLE FRED’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT CAPTAIN BEN’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COWBOY JACK’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MAMMY JUNE’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT FARMER JOEL’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MILLER NED’S<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT INDIAN JOHN’S<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE RIDDLE CLUB BOOKS</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+By ALICE DALE HARDY
+</p>
+<p>
+Individual Colored Wrappers. Attractively Illustrated.
+</p>
+<p>
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here is as ingenious a series of books for little folks as
+has ever appeared since “Alice in Wonderland.” The idea
+of the Riddle books is a little group of children—three girls
+and three boys decide to form a riddle club. Each book is
+full of the adventures and doings of these six youngsters,
+but as an added attraction each book is filled with a lot of
+the best riddles you ever heard.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE RIDDLE CLUB AT HOME
+</p>
+<p>
+An absorbing tale that all boys and girls will enjoy reading.
+How the members of the club fixed up a clubroom in the Larue
+barn, and how they, later on, helped solve a most mysterious
+happening, and how one of the members won a valuable prize,
+is told in a manner to please every young reader.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE RIDDLE CLUB IN CAMP
+</p>
+<p>
+The club members went into camp on the edge of a beautiful
+lake. Here they had rousing good times swimming, boating
+and around the campfire. They fell in with a mysterious old man
+known as The Hermit of Triangle Island. Nobody knew his
+real name or where he came from until the propounding of a
+riddle solved these perplexing questions.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE RIDDLE CLUB THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
+</p>
+<p>
+This volume takes in a great number of sports, including
+skating and sledding and the building of a huge snowman.
+It also gives the particulars of how the club treasurer lost the
+dues entrusted to his care and what the melting of the great
+snowman revealed.
+</p>
+<p>
+THE RIDDLE CLUB AT SUNRISE BEACH
+</p>
+<p>
+This volume tells how the club journeyed to the seashore and
+how they not only kept up their riddles but likewise had good
+times on the sand and on the water. Once they got lost in a fog
+and are marooned on an island. Here they made a discovery
+that greatly pleased the folks at home.
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+<p>
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+&#160;<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>JERRY TODD AND POPPY OTT SERIES</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+By LEO EDWARDS
+</p>
+<p>
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+Hundreds of thousands of boys who laughed until their
+sides ached over the weird and wonderful adventures of
+Jerry Todd and his gang demanded that Leo Edwards,
+the author, give them more books like the Jerry Todd
+stories with their belt-bursting laughs and creepy shivers.
+So he took Poppy Ott, Jerry Todd’s bosom chum and
+created the Poppy Ott Series, and if such a thing could be
+possible—they are even more full of fun and excitement
+than the Jerry Todds.
+</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE POPPY OTT SERIES<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POPPY OTT AND THE STUTTERING PARROT<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POPPY OTT AND THE SEVEN LEAGUE STILTS<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POPPY OTT AND THE GALLOPING SNAIL<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;POPPY OTT’S PEDIGREED PICKLES<br />
+&#160;<br/>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE JERRY TODD BOOKS<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JERRY TODD AND THE WHISPERING MUMMY<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JERRY TODD AND THE ROSE-COLORED CAT<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JERRY TODD AND THE OAK ISLAND TREASURE<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JERRY TODD AND THE WALTZING HEN<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JERRY TODD AND THE TALKING FROG<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JERRY TODD AND THE PURRING EGG<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JERRY TODD IN THE WHISPERING CAVE<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class='sc'>Publishers</span>, NEW YORK
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Polly in New York, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POLLY IN NEW YORK ***
+
+***** This file should be named 37459-h.htm or 37459-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/4/5/37459/
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/37459-h/images/illus-094.jpg b/37459-h/images/illus-094.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fa9a2e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-h/images/illus-094.jpg
diff --git a/37459-h/images/illus-150.jpg b/37459-h/images/illus-150.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e005a49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-h/images/illus-150.jpg
diff --git a/37459-h/images/illus-238.jpg b/37459-h/images/illus-238.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..627aac7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-h/images/illus-238.jpg
diff --git a/37459-h/images/illus-fpc.jpg b/37459-h/images/illus-fpc.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6f527be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459-h/images/illus-fpc.jpg
diff --git a/37459.txt b/37459.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a95d2a4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,8081 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Polly in New York, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Polly in New York
+
+Author: Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+Illustrator: H. S. Barbour
+
+Release Date: September 17, 2011 [EBook #37459]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POLLY IN NEW YORK ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ELEANOR HELD OUT THE SEAL, BUT JIM LOOKED FORLORN.
+(_Page 77_)]
+
+
+
+
+                                 POLLY
+                              IN NEW YORK
+
+                                   BY
+                         LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+                              _Author of_
+
+                POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT, POLLY IN NEW YORK,
+                 POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD, POLLY'S
+                           BUSINESS VENTURE.
+
+                             ILLUSTRATED BY
+                             H. S. BARBOUR
+
+                                NEW YORK
+                            GROSSET & DUNLAP
+                               PUBLISHERS
+
+                  Made in the United States of America
+
+
+
+
+POLLY IN NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I--IN THE BIG CITY
+
+
+The long Pullman train, that left Denver behind and carried Polly
+Brewster away on her first venture from the ranch-home, was fitted up as
+luxuriously as capital could do it. Eleanor Maynard, Polly's bosom
+friend, enjoyed her companion's awe and wonderment--that a mere _car_
+should be so furnished.
+
+"Nolla," whispered Polly, furtively glancing about, "how different are
+these cars from the ones that come in and go out at Oak Creek!"
+
+Eleanor, whose pet name was Nolla, laughed. "I should think they would
+be, Polly. Why, those 'ancients' that rock back and forth between Denver
+and Oak Creek, are the 'only originals' now in existence. They'll be in
+Barnum's Show next Season as curios."
+
+Polly seemed to fully appreciate the comfort of her traveling carriage,
+and remarked, "One would hardly believe these cars are going at all!
+They run so smoothly and without any awful screeching of the joints."
+
+Anne Stewart, the teacher to whose charge these two girls had been
+committed, had been studying the time-table, but she smiled at Polly's
+words. Then she turned to her mother, a sweet-faced woman who was
+enjoying the trip almost as much as the young girls were, and said:
+"Mother, we'll have at least seven hours in Chicago before we have to
+take the New York train. We can visit Paul all that time."
+
+"Goody! Then Poll can visit John and I can see Daddy," exclaimed
+Eleanor, eagerly. "But we must first charter the wash-room to turn
+ourselves from dusty travelers into respectable citizens."
+
+"There isn't a fleck of dust to be seen, Anne," objected Polly, glancing
+around the tidy interior, then at herself and friends.
+
+"Wait till after we have crossed the plains and passed through all kinds
+of towns--we won't look like the same people."
+
+To Polly, that journey was a source of great interest and fun. The
+dining-car, the folding tables for games or work, the sleeping
+arrangements--all were so strangely different from the vast open-air
+life of the ranch.
+
+Then the express train reached Chicago and the recess hours were filled
+with greetings, visits and then good-bys, before the little party of
+four was on its last lap of the journey.
+
+After leaving Chicago, Eleanor asked curiously: "What did you think of
+our city, Polly?"
+
+"I never saw such crowds of troubled people! Everyone looked as if the
+worries of the universe rested upon his mind. And not one soul walked or
+acted as if there was a moment to spare before the end of the world
+would throw everything into chaos!"
+
+Polly's graphic description caused her companions to laugh, and Eleanor
+added: "If that is what you think of Chicago, just wait until you reach
+New York. The folks, there, are simply wild! Now Chicago is considered
+quite slow, in comparison."
+
+Polly stared unbelievingly at Eleanor, and Anne Stewart laughed. But
+Mrs. Stewart placed a calm hand over the amazed girl's throbbing wrist,
+and said sweetly: "Nolla is joking as usual."
+
+The four members which composed this little group of travelers arrived
+at Grand Central just before noon. Polly gazed in consternation at the
+vast station where the constant going and coming of trains and people
+made a most interesting sight for her.
+
+"We'll stop at the Commodore for a few days, girls, as it is so
+convenient for us," remarked Anne, telling a porter to conduct them to
+the hotel mentioned.
+
+Placed in a comfortable suite, Anne remarked: "I think we will call up
+the Evans or the Latimers, next. You remember, we were told to let them
+know the moment we arrived."
+
+The others agreed to this suggestion, so Anne telephoned the two
+families. Mrs. Latimer was out, but Mrs. Evans said she would come right
+down town to meet the new-comers.
+
+"Well, we can unpack our bags while we are waiting for her," suggested
+Anne. "But we must manage to get to a store this afternoon, and do some
+shopping for Polly."
+
+"Dear me! I was hoping you would show us all the sky-scrapers I've read
+about," said Polly, eagerly.
+
+"I planned to let the sight-seeing wait for a few days, as we _must_
+secure a place to live in, first of all. Here it is the middle of
+September, and I have to start school work the first of October, you
+know. In a great city like New York, the desirable apartments are
+generally taken as early as July and August. So we are up against it, in
+beginning to seek so late in the season."
+
+"But we can't hunt at night, Anne, and you might take us out to show us
+the Great White Way--as the boys call it," urged Eleanor.
+
+Mrs. Evans came down in time to have luncheon with the Westerners, and
+in the hour she visited with them, it was learned that Mrs. Latimer and
+she had scoured the uptown west-side for suitable apartments for Mrs.
+Stewart, but everything had been leased long before. She concluded with:
+
+"So I really do not see what you are going to do, unless you just happen
+to stumble over a place which has recently been resigned. There is
+absolutely no use in doing any place above Ninety-sixth street, as we
+sought diligently from that street up as far as One Hundred and
+Sixty-eighth street, and not a decent thing to be seen or had!"
+
+"But Ninety-sixth street is awfully far uptown, isn't it?" asked Anne,
+to whom the city was as yet a small middle-west town.
+
+"Oh, dear, no! It is about the center of the city, between North and
+South, these days."
+
+"I'm sure we will find just what we want, dear Mrs. Evans, but we are
+grateful to you for being so kind to us," said Polly.
+
+"My dear child, I feel that I have done _nothing_ in comparison to all
+you have done for me and mine. To know that my dear brother had friends
+during the last days of his life, means so much to me. I always had a
+horrible feeling that he died in the Klondike without money or friends;"
+and Mrs. Evans hurriedly dried the tears welling up in her eyes.
+
+Of course, that launched the conversation about Old Man Montresor, and
+so interested were all concerned, that Mrs. Evans started when she heard
+the mantel clock chime the hour.
+
+"Merciful goodness! Here am I--my first call, and staying all day!" she
+laughed.
+
+"It's not late, Mrs. Evans. We were only going to look up a first-class
+shop where Polly can buy a few things," replied Anne.
+
+"Perhaps I can be of service in recommending a place?"
+
+Several shops of quality were spoken of, and as these were located on
+Fifth avenue, not far from Forty-second street, everyone felt relieved.
+It would not take much time to do this necessary shopping, but Mrs.
+Stewart preferred to remain at the hotel.
+
+Mrs. Evans said good-by and the three young folks walked to Fifth
+avenue. It was about four o'clock and the avenue presented an endless
+stream of automobiles--one line going down, and the other line going
+uptown. The crowds of people hurrying to and fro made Polly tremble.
+
+"For goodness' sake, Anne, where _do_ all these folks come from, and
+where are they rushing to?"
+
+Anne and Eleanor laughed.
+
+"Well! If this is your wonderful Fifth avenue, I don't think much of
+it," declared Polly, a few moments later.
+
+"Why--it's simply great!" exclaimed Eleanor, having a far different
+view-point of the city.
+
+"Great! Why, just look how narrow the street is? Main street, in Oak
+Creek, is twice as wide. And Denver has nicer streets than this famous
+alley you hear so much about," scorned Polly.
+
+Again her companions laughed merrily. At this moment a traffic policeman
+sounded a shrill whistle. Instantly the mass of pedestrians, backed up
+on the curbs, started to cross. Or to use Polly's own description in the
+letter she wrote home that night: "Really, dearies, they catapulted back
+and forth like rockets! We had to rush with them, or be trampled upon.
+It is just awful!
+
+"And such freaks, mother! Nolla says it is style. Well, all I can say
+is, spare me from such outrageous styles! Most every woman and girl I
+met had faces covered thick with layers of white chalk, with a daub of
+red on each cheek, and lips as scarlet as a clown's. In fact, I had to
+stand stock-still and look at one queer creature--she looked exactly as
+if she was made up for a circus. Anne and Nolla laugh at me, all the
+time. But I don't care, so! These horrid painted things are not _nice_!
+
+"If I hadn't set my heart on being an interior decorator, I'd take up
+lecturing, and teach these crazy New Yorkers how to look and enjoy a
+simple life."
+
+From the above account you can see how one day's experience in New York
+impressed the girl of the Mountain Ranges in the West.
+
+Polly, accustomed as she was to the overstocked store in Oak Creek,
+where shelves were stacked high with all sorts of merchandise, opened
+her eyes as Anne led her into a quiet parlor-like room that opened
+directly from Fifth avenue. She stared around for a glimpse of the gowns
+she expected to see; but nothing like one was to be seen. The dignified
+lady who met Anne, and a few other well-dressed women who conversed in
+low tones with each other, did not look like Polly's idea of shop-girls.
+
+Anne's lady conducted them to a lift, and they shot up two stories.
+Again they came out into a lovely lounging-room, but still no sign of
+dresses. The lady pushed a button, and another woman hurried in.
+
+"Measurements of this young lady. She will need several gowns for
+afternoon and street wear; possibly, an evening dress."
+
+Then Polly was scientifically measured, and in a short time a number of
+models were brought for her inspection and approval. These were placed
+upon forms, and every desirable detail of the gowns was pointed out to
+Anne and the girls.
+
+"Oh, I just love that one, Poll!" cried Eleanor, gazing with rapt eyes
+at an imported model.
+
+"Isn't it clumsy at the back? And see how narrow the bottom of the skirt
+is. Maybe they didn't have enough goods to make it any wider?" commented
+Polly.
+
+Eleanor giggled but Anne explained to Polly. The saleslady seemed not to
+have heard the western girl's objection to the gown.
+
+Then it was tried on Polly, and she saw how very becoming it was. But
+when she endeavored to walk over to the full-length mirror, she almost
+fell down upon the rug.
+
+"Mercy, Anne! I never can amble about in this binder! Get me something
+sensible," complained Polly.
+
+But Eleanor liked the dress and as it fitted her, also, she said she
+would take it as long as Polly didn't.
+
+"Take it and welcome, Nolla! but I pity _you_ if you try to scoot over
+the crossings of Fifth avenue in _that_ skirt," laughed Polly.
+
+Other gowns were brought and Polly finally found several that she liked,
+with wide enough skirts to suit her comfort. Then Anne asked for the
+bills. The list was added up and when the total was mentioned Polly
+almost fainted. If she had not been seated, she might have crumpled to
+the floor.
+
+"We'll take that gown with us, the others you may send," said Anne,
+taking up the one to be wrapped. Then she gave the name and address
+where the other dresses were to be sent. A fat roll of yellow bills now
+came from Anne's hand-bag, and she paid the enormous sum--or, at least,
+Polly thought it was enormous for so few dresses.
+
+Safely out of hearing of the fashionable sales-ladies, Polly whispered:
+"Anne, you paid _hundreds_ of dollars for those things!"
+
+Anne nodded, smilingly. Eleanor said: "Why, that wasn't much for what we
+got, Poll. The dress I bought is _imported_! And a model, at that. It
+was a bargain at that price."
+
+Polly sighed. Would she ever be able to accommodate herself to such a
+changed life as this one now seemed to be? Her friends laughed at the
+sigh and expression of doubt on her face.
+
+As Anne led her protegees past the hotel desk, a very polite clerk said:
+"A 'phone call for you, Miss Stewart, at five-ten P. M."
+
+Anne was handed the slip and read: "Mr. Latimer called up. Said he would
+call again at six-thirty."
+
+"Maybe he wants us to go somewhere, to-night!" suggested Eleanor,
+eagerly.
+
+"Well, you won't go to-night, if he does ask you. It's bed at nine, for
+everyone of us, because we have a hard day of house-hunting before us,
+to-morrow," decreed Anne, courageously.
+
+But Eleanor was given no cause to argue that evening, for Mr. Latimer
+called up to invite them all to go to the Mardi Gras at Coney Island the
+following evening. He said the Evans and Latimers would call at the
+hotel, in two cars, about six o'clock and take them to supper at the
+Island.
+
+"Oh, goody! I never saw Coney Island but I've heard so much about it!"
+cried Eleanor, dancing about the room.
+
+"I have read how dreadful a place it is," ventured Polly.
+
+"That's another point of view, Polly. If you go down there to enjoy the
+fun and games, and see the ocean, then you will have nothing but frolic
+and sea. But if one is in quest of crime, then it can be found festering
+there, just as it is in every other section of a large city," explained
+Anne.
+
+"But we are only going for a frolic," added Eleanor.
+
+"I should hope so!" Polly said, so fervently, that Anne had to laugh
+heartily.
+
+After dinner that night, Anne said: "I think Polly ought to see a sight
+that no other city can offer--that is the wondrous advertising signs on
+Broadway about Times Square, at night."
+
+"I am too weary to go out, daughter, but you take the girls," Mrs.
+Stewart remarked, so they hurriedly donned their hats and gloves.
+
+When they reached the famous corner of Forty-second street and Broadway,
+and stood at the uptown side of Times Square Triangle to look at the
+lights, Polly was speechless.
+
+"Why, it's as bright as day, everywhere," whispered she.
+
+"And just see the moving ads. up on the roofs!" cried Eleanor,
+delighting in the scene.
+
+"I thought there were hordes of mad folks on the streets this afternoon,
+but this beats everything!" exclaimed Polly, watching both sides of
+Broadway from her vantage ground. "Honestly, Anne, do they not act
+obsessed, jostling and rushing as if Death drove them? They never seem
+to mind trolleys, autos, or policemen. They swirl and fly every which
+way, regardless of everyone and everything."
+
+"I just love this excitement!" sighed Eleanor, smiling.
+
+"Well, I hope to goodness we will live far enough away from all this to
+let me forget it once in a while," said Polly.
+
+"Oh, you'll love it, too, pretty soon," Eleanor said, confidently.
+
+"Never! This is Bedlam to me. When I write home about it, I shall tell
+father that it reminds me of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah when fire
+and brimstone fell and destroyed those cities. I bet the folks never
+acted any wilder, there, than these New Yorkers do, here."
+
+Anne laughed at Polly's vivid disgust, and suggested that they return to
+the hotel.
+
+"Oh, no, Anne! It is only eight-thirty. And for New York that only
+begins an evening, you know. Let's get up on top of one of the buses on
+Fifth avenue and take the round trip. That ride will show Polly lots of
+sights: the Flat Iron Building, Riverside Drive and the Hudson, and
+heaps of things."
+
+Eleanor prevailed, and after a delightful drive of an hour, the little
+party was glad to get to the hotel and drop into bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II--HOUSE HUNTING IN NEW YORK
+
+
+Before the westerners awake to the new day, let us renew our
+acquaintance with them.
+
+Polly Brewster, of Pebbly Pit, born and reared on that wonderful ranch
+in Colorado where the lava-jewels were found, is for the first time in
+her fourteen years, away from home. As she is at the most impressionable
+age, her wise mother authorized Anne Stewart, the young teacher who had
+spent the summer with the Brewsters and who was engaged to John
+Brewster, to spare no money when fitting Polly out for her life in New
+York. Mrs. Brewster wished Polly to feel herself the equal of anyone she
+met, if it pertained to dress. And style was about the only thing that
+Polly lacked, having all fine qualities in her character.
+
+Eleanor Maynard, of Chicago, now Polly's dearest friend, never had to
+count the cost of anything, as her father was the best known and richest
+banker of that great city. But because of her ill health, being a
+protegee of Anne Stewart for the past two years, this association had
+taught Eleanor to think twice before she wasted her allowance.
+
+And Anne Stewart, just past twenty-one, was experienced for her age,
+because of her mother's dependence on her for most things, since the
+father died many years before this story opens. And Paul, her younger
+brother now at college in Chicago (where the other boys also studied),
+was there because his sister earned the money with which to pay his
+expenses. Now that Anne would participate in the shares of the gold mine
+that had been discovered the day of the escape on Grizzly Slide, the
+Stewarts had no need to practise such strict economy as hitherto.
+
+In the morning Polly was awakened by a knock at her door. "Poll, someone
+wants to speak to you over the 'phone," said Anne.
+
+"Me? Why, who can it be? I never talked into one of those funny little
+black horns in my life, Anne. Wait, and help me."
+
+In another moment Polly, in a pretty negligee--one of the purchases of
+the previous afternoon--ran out of her room. Anne sat her upon a stool
+before the small stand and showed her how to hold the instrument.
+
+"Hello!" whispered Polly, half afraid that something would pop out at
+her.
+
+Eleanor had crept out of her room by this time, and stood back of Polly,
+grinning at her friend's nervousness.
+
+"Speak louder," admonished Anne in Polly's ear.
+
+"Hello!" shouted Polly, trying to adjust her senses to the unfamiliar
+method of conversing with an unseen individual.
+
+Then a merry laugh and a familiar voice sounded in her ear. Her face
+expressed amazement, then pleased surprise, and then excitement. She
+glanced up at Eleanor as the voice continued speaking.
+
+"Oh, we're _so_ glad to hear you are in the city. Now we shall have
+_lovely_ times!" exclaimed Polly, finally.
+
+A joyous boy's voice continued talking but suddenly it ceased, and Polly
+looked at Anne for an explanation. The telephone receiver began clicking
+strangely in her ear, and she held it at arm's length in fear of what
+might be going to explode inside that queer tube.
+
+Eleanor laughed and said, "Let me do the talking--it sounds like Jim
+Latimer--is it?"
+
+"Yes, Ken and he landed from the West at midnight, and they are going to
+the Mardi Gras with us to-night."
+
+Eleanor now took the telephone, and by the time the operator managed to
+connect the interrupted wires, she was ready to chat as if she had
+nothing else to do. After ten minutes of silly boy and girl talk, Anne
+whispered: "Oh, do stop, Nolla! It is eight o'clock and we want to fill
+a good day with work."
+
+"I've got to ring off, now, Jim, but we'll see you to-night. Good-by!"
+Then Eleanor turned to her companions, and said:
+
+"Well, that's good news, Polly! To have the boys in the city to show us
+a good time before we start school."
+
+Without saying anything to cause the girls to object because this "good
+time" with the boys might be indefinitely postponed, Anne made up her
+mind that a home would and _must_ be secured before anyone planned for
+pleasure or fun.
+
+That day, they sought in buildings on every block uptown that had been
+left uninspected by Mrs. Latimer and Mrs. Evans, but with no success. If
+an apartment of five to seven rooms was found, it would be found to be
+dark, dirty, or in an objectionable neighborhood. They were ready to pay
+a high rent for six or seven rooms, but nothing suitable could be found.
+
+When they returned to the hotel, at five o'clock, to wash and dress for
+the outing that evening, everyone felt discouraged. "And these poor
+deluded New Yorkers call the band-boxes we saw to-day, apartment rooms?"
+said Polly, sneering at the homes but not at the poor inmates.
+
+"Owners dare not build the rooms larger, Polly, because real estate in
+this city is so valuable and taxable. Every inch of property has to be
+made the most of. You know, that is why a builder, in large cities, runs
+his structures up in the sky--the sky doesn't charge taxes on so much
+per foot, but the ground the building stands on does."
+
+"Oh, I never thought of that! So that is why New York houses go up
+twenty and thirty stories, eh? The owner has to get his rents out of the
+air and sky, and pay it over to the land-assessor," Polly exclaimed, in
+a tone of understanding.
+
+Her friends laughed. "You are an apt pupil, Poll," said Anne.
+
+When their hosts for the evening called for Anne and her party, they
+were all ready and eager to start. So they were soon seated in the two
+cars; Jim driving one, with Polly seated beside him, and Ken, Eleanor
+and Anne in the back seat. Mrs. Stewart was welcomed with the two ladies
+and the two men in the other car.
+
+"Now, Jim," called Mr. Latimer, "you be sure and trail me. I'll go
+first, as I know every foot of the road to Coney Island."
+
+Polly had never been in an automobile before, and at first she felt
+frightened; but Jim chatted as he drove, and seemed to take it all so
+naturally, that she soon overcame the desire to clutch hold on the side
+of the car.
+
+There were hundreds of other automobiles all going in the same
+direction, and when our two cars reached the Boulevard, there was such a
+gay stream of machines and people as the girls never dreamed of before.
+Confetti, paper ribbons, horns and what-not, were used by the passengers
+on trolleys and in automobiles along the road until the lighted spires
+of The Park, and other pleasure-giving resorts of Coney Island were
+seen.
+
+Polly looked so different in her smart clothes that Jim Latimer wondered
+what had happened to turn this pretty ranch girl into such a stunning
+city girl in so short a time.
+
+He kept glancing at her oval face, rounded with health and vigor; at her
+straight little nose, her wide-open, deep, soulful eyes that seemed to
+weigh all things wisely; the heavy wavy hair that was becomingly looped
+back from her face, and above all, the rich glow in her cheeks, and the
+creamy complexion and fine texture of her skin. "Nothing made-up there!"
+thought Jim.
+
+But Polly was happily unaware of Jim's wondering approval, for she was
+too completely absorbed in the sights about her. She could not have told
+anyone what Jim looked like in his city clothes. In fact, after the
+first hasty glance at Ken and him, and the realization that they had
+doffed their mountain outfits, she gave no second thought to their
+clothes.
+
+At Coney Island, that night, the girls enjoyed one continual lark. Even
+Mrs. Stewart was urged to go with the elder Latimers and the Evans upon
+the chutes, the merry-go-rounds, the Twister, the Winsome Waves, and
+what-not. Such a reckless spirit of fun seemed to possess everyone in
+the place, that it was contagious.
+
+When the evening was almost over, and Polly sighed with very surfeit of
+so much fun, the boys managed to "lose" the elders and took the two
+girls to the beach.
+
+"Oh, how wonderful! I never thought of the ocean. There was so much to
+see and to do that I forgot Coney Island was right on the sea,"
+exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+But Polly said not a word. She was suddenly confronted with the restless
+mighty ocean that she had always longed to see. The sense of frivolity
+that had filled her for the last few hours vanished, and she gave
+herself up to the power of that calm, never-ceasing roll of water. A few
+minutes before and she had been weary from so much laughter and sport,
+but now a wonderful peace and rest pervaded her being.
+
+The boys understood this unusual effect of the ocean upon one who had
+never seen anything like it, and finally Polly heaved a sigh.
+
+"Well, this is better than all else. It's worth coming so far east to
+see. It's the only decent thing of which New York can boast."
+
+Her companions laughed; after digging in the soft sand for a short time,
+and exchanging youthful view-points about everything in the universe,
+they all sauntered back to the place where the two cars had been parked.
+
+A shout greeted them. "There, I _knew_ you boys had dodged us on
+purpose. But Miss Stewart thought you were lost in this crowd."
+
+As everyone felt tired before the cars reached New York City again, the
+conversation was intermittent. But just before Mr. Latimer drove his car
+up to the hotel, Mrs. Stewart learned how Dr. and Mrs. Evans, Mrs.
+Latimer, and the two boys, Jim and Ken, had spent that entire day
+home-hunting for the westerners with no success.
+
+"It seems very strange that in such a vast city one is not able to find
+a decent apartment," complained Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"We are told 'because of the war.' The war is blamed for everything
+these days, but the real excuse for owners not building now is because
+of the high cost of material and labor. They are all waiting for better
+times; meantime people must take what can be had, or go without," said
+Mr. Latimer.
+
+"After hunting the way we have for more than a week, and not having
+found a suitable place, Mrs. Stewart, I would suggest your finding a
+nice boarding-house for the winter. If you put it off too long, even
+those places will be filled," advised Mrs. Latimer.
+
+"Dear me!" sighed Mrs. Stewart. "That was suggested this morning, but I
+said it seemed dreadful, when I came East just to make a home and keep
+house for the three girls."
+
+"Yes, it would be much pleasanter for everyone to have a home, but in
+cases like this Fall's shortage of apartments, one must do what is most
+expedient," returned Mrs. Latimer.
+
+Mrs. Stewart told the girls, that night, what had been said, but they
+all felt sure something _must_ turn up in the next day or two. So the
+next morning before starting out, they laid out a regular plan of work.
+
+"Mother and Eleanor will start where we left off, yesterday, and weave a
+search back and forth downtown until they reach the hotel. I will take
+Polly and, beginning at Washington Square, work uptown until we finish.
+If either of us find anything at all decent, and in an agreeable
+neighborhood, pay down a deposit to hold it and be sure to get a receipt
+as a binder--Mr. Latimer told me that much. Then we will all go for the
+second inspection and decide. Dr. Evans said we'd better pay down
+several deposits rather than lose a place, as we can quickly sell out
+any option we have for more than we paid down."
+
+Having instructed her friends, Anne added one last bit of advice: "We
+will go as high as $3,000 a year for seven rooms, or $1,500 for four to
+five rooms--no more, as that is all shelter is worth. If we can't find a
+place at that price, we'll stay in a hotel!"
+
+So the second day of house-hunting went forward by two divisions instead
+of one, and all that day Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor experienced the same
+snubs, weariness, and failures, as thousands of other home-hunters in
+New York had. And at evening they returned wearily to the hotel to hear
+what Anne had accomplished.
+
+"Polly and she have not yet arrived," announced Eleanor, as Mrs. Stewart
+and she entered their suite.
+
+"I hope she has had better luck than we can brag about," added Mrs.
+Stewart, dropping into an easy chair.
+
+A long time after the "first division" had returned, baffled, to the
+hotel, Anne and Polly burst into the room with happy faces.
+
+"Oh, we just found the most wonderful place! Polly and I actually
+_discovered_ it. We were giving up all hope of ever finding a decent
+apartment at any reasonable figure, and had started for the subway when
+we saw this one. The flower-boxes caught Polly's eye, so we are really
+indebted to her for having secured our home."
+
+Anne's enthusiasm was contagious, and instantly Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor
+wanted to know where it was located.
+
+Anne and Polly exchanged smiling glances, as if the secret was too
+precious to impart to others.
+
+"I suppose you two did up the entire upper sections, to-day, eh?" asked
+Anne, countering their eager queries.
+
+"Did we? I should say we did! I got a taxi for the day and we flew from
+one pile of stone and marble to the next, and so many rides up and down
+in gorgeous elevators all day has kept my head still spinning. But we
+had the same results as yesterday. When you inspect one of these modern
+honey-combs you see them all. The only difference being that a few
+owners manage to retain the elevator and telephone operators, while the
+majority of superintendents apologise by saying, 'My help went on a
+strike, to-day.'
+
+"It really looks, Anne, as if these poor New Yorkers will have to move
+out to the country if they want to live this year," remarked Mrs.
+Stewart, earnestly.
+
+Her companions laughed and Anne said: "Mother, you are too precocious.
+But now listen to our 'find'!
+
+"As I planned, you two went uptown while Polly and I went downtown from
+here. We covered all the lower sections by criss-crossing back and
+forth, but we came away from the Gramercy Park section, late this
+afternoon, with an utter sense of failure. In fact, I was silently
+planning to inquire about good boarding-houses, when we hailed a
+Lexington avenue car, going north.
+
+"Being woolly westerners, we failed to ascertain how far northwards the
+car went, and having paid our fares, sat down. I remember turning to
+Polly and saying, 'This is actually the first car in New York that I
+have been on that wasn't crowded to the platforms.'"
+
+Polly laughed at the remembrance, and Anne smiled. "But it was our
+salvation, Anne," ventured the former.
+
+Anne nodded and continued her story. "Then we soon learned why there
+were vacant seats on that car. A pleasant-faced, grey-haired man of
+about fifty, must have overheard my comment because he spoke to us after
+we were seated.
+
+"'Perhaps you did not know that this car goes no farther north than the
+next block? It is switched back downtown, from that point. Did not the
+conductor mention it to you?'
+
+"I was furious, and I replied: 'No! he never said a word when I paid the
+fares.'
+
+"By this time the car stopped and the conductor called out: 'All
+out--dis car goes no furder. We switch back next corner!'
+
+"So Polly and I had to get off with the others. When we stepped down
+from the car, the nice man lifted his hat to us and said: 'I judge you
+are strangers in the city. Can I direct you anywhere?'
+
+"I thanked him and told him we were only going as far as Forty-second
+street to the hotel. Then I added, sarcastically: 'But there may be no
+cars which run as far north as that street!'
+
+"He laughed and said: 'You had better walk over to Fourth avenue and get
+the car there. It takes you through the tunnel much quicker than the
+Lexington avenue car runs to Forty-second street. But be careful and do
+not board a car that stops at the car-house on Thirty-second street.'
+
+"We all laughed at that, as it would have been just like me to do so;
+then we thanked him and started along Thirty-first street to reach the
+car. And there we found our Haven of Hope!"
+
+"Where? Not on Thirty-first street, I trust!" exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+"Isn't that section of the city dreadful?"
+
+"Not the block where we found a home," explained Anne. "It has several
+remodeled houses and several other flat houses on it."
+
+"But just wait until you see our house--it's fine!" said Polly, eagerly.
+
+"Polly caught hold of my arm and exclaimed: 'Oh, Anne! see the lovely
+flower-boxes in that cute little house!'
+
+"I saw three narrow windows on the second floor with green flower-boxes
+on the outside sills, but then my eyes dropped lower and I spied a
+swinging sign at a side-door. It merely said: 'To Let' inquire, etc.
+Polly saw it at the same moment, so we stood and gazed at each other.
+
+"'Let's try and peep in at this window,' suggested Polly.
+
+"I agreed, and we did our best to see what was within; but the long
+iron-lattice that covered the four slits in the wide front doors, were
+covered from the inside. So we went to hunt up the agent.
+
+"His office was only a few blocks down Fourth avenue, so Polly and I
+hurried there before it should be closed for the day. A boy was told to
+accompany us and we were soon inspecting the premises. Our escort
+offered all the information he had heard in the real estate office.
+
+"'This hain't been on our books more'n a day. I just hung out the sign
+this morning. The last man what lived here was an artist and he fixed up
+everything like you see it now. But he wanted the owner to take out the
+stable doors and put in a studio-winder, and when the owner wouldn't
+spend a cent, the artist up and moved. My boss said the next tenant
+would insist on having the doors taken out, so you might as well kick
+about them being here, and see if you'se kin get the winder in.'"
+
+Anne's mimicry of the office-boy was perfect and her hearers laughed,
+but Mrs. Stewart had caught the significant words: "Stable doors," and
+now she looked deeply concerned. Anne hastened to end her narrative when
+she saw her mother's expression.
+
+"So Polly and I went back to the agent's, heard the price of the place,
+and paid down half a month's rent to hold it until you all can go with
+us to-morrow morning to approve of our selection."
+
+"Oh, Anne! how much was it a month?" exclaimed Eleanor, eagerly, while
+Mrs. Stewart looked dubious over such recklessness.
+
+"One-fifty a month, and we can have a straight lease--no humbugging
+about clauses."
+
+"And how many rooms, did you say, dear?" gasped Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"I didn't say, mother, and I told Poll not to say more until after you
+see it in the morning."
+
+"But I like it, and it really does seem as if Providence sent us through
+that street," added Polly, sighing with content.
+
+"Eleanor, did you hear Anne say it had stable-doors?" now ventured Mrs.
+Stewart, fearfully.
+
+"No! did you, Anne? Why would it have stable-doors?"
+
+"Because in the days of horses and carriages, it was some rich man's
+private stable," laughed Anne, enjoying the horror on her mother's face.
+
+"A stable! Ha, ha, ha--for a Maynard of Chicago! Oh--ha, ha, ha!"
+laughed Eleanor, rocking back and forth.
+
+Even Mrs. Stewart had to laugh at the picture Eleanor's exclamation
+suggested--Mrs. Maynard and Barbara calling upon a member of their
+family who was living in an East Side stable!
+
+Any doubt of this being just the place they wanted vanished in the
+morning when Anne and Polly proudly escorted Mrs. Stewart and Eleanor
+about their future domicile. True, it had all the ear-marks of a stable
+from the _outside_, but once you were within, there was only an artistic
+home to be seen. The ground-floor which had once held four stalls and a
+harness-room, with space for two carriages, was now partitioned off in a
+manner that made the most of the space. A large living-room across the
+front acted as entrance-hall and passageway to the rear rooms and second
+floor. In the corner of the living-room, where the small brick chimney
+had served as smoke-vent for the stove of former days, there now was a
+wide tiled fire-place which would hold great logs.
+
+Double glass-paneled doors led from the front room to the dining-room
+with its two high-set square windows opening to the sunlight in the
+rear. Also a single door went to the kitchen, which also had two high
+windows like those in the adjoining room. From the kitchen, a back door
+opened upon a tiny grass-platted garden of about twenty feet square. A
+fine locust tree grew in one corner of the plot and gave shade in the
+afternoon.
+
+Anne explained certain peculiar features regarding the windows of the
+back-rooms. "Don't you see why they are so high? It is because they were
+once the ventilators to the stalls. Each horse had his own window for
+air. But I think they now make the rooms look quaint, don't you?"
+
+The others agreed with her, and Eleanor said: "If we had a shelf running
+along under the windows, it would look better."
+
+"And we can use it for china," added Polly.
+
+Anne now started to go upstairs, followed by the other three; they all
+examined the bedrooms and were delighted with them. There were two large
+front and two smaller rear rooms, with a fine tiled bathroom between the
+back rooms. Not one of the rooms was as small as the largest chambers
+seen in the modern apartments.
+
+"And all for a hundred and fifty a month!" exclaimed Eleanor, joyously.
+
+"I reckon we'd better take it at once, children," said Mrs. Stewart,
+approvingly.
+
+"But remember," said Anne, on the way to the agent's office, "we have to
+make all inside repairs, or redecorate as we want. There is no steam
+heat or hot water supplied, either, like the swell apartment houses,
+uptown, offer us."
+
+"I'd rather have it so, Anne dear," replied Mrs. Stewart. "I've always
+been used to a coal range and those fandangled gas ideas worried me, but
+I didn't say anything to you-all. I noticed what a fine little kitchen
+stove this one has, so you'll always have hot water--never fear. As for
+heat! Well, a great open fire-place in the front room will help heat
+upstairs, and there is a register in the bathroom that comes from the
+kitchen stove-pipe."
+
+"We can use electric or gas radiators, Anne," added Eleanor, eagerly,
+"in very cold weather."
+
+"I never knew what heated bedrooms were like, in Pebbly Pit, Anne,"
+Polly said, anxious to have a word.
+
+"Besides we may have a very mild winter," remarked Anne.
+
+So the lease was signed and the first month's rent paid. "We'll give you
+any assistance you may need in getting the place in order, Mrs.
+Stewart," said the agent, as he handed the papers to his new tenant.
+
+"That will be very nice, and we will take advantage of your offer, at
+once. I want the kitchen range and stove pipe put in perfect working
+order, and please see that the radiator in the bathroom is not
+obstructed in any way," said the lady.
+
+Anne and the agent exchanged looks and laughed. "I can see where Mrs.
+Stewart expects to enjoy herself this winter. Well, I told my wife the
+other day, we were more comfortable when we had an old-fashioned flat
+with a kitchen range, than we now are with all the latest modern
+improvements," returned the agent.
+
+"Anne, Polly and I want our rooms repapered and painted," whispered
+Eleanor, tugging at Anne's sleeve.
+
+"I was about to suggest that you have all the woodwork given one coat of
+nice fresh paint, but the paper now on the walls is very expensive and
+artistic, so I wouldn't be in too great a hurry to have it done over.
+The last tenant imported his own paper at a great expense for that
+place," explained the agent.
+
+"I think you are very kind and sensible to advise us in this way. So
+we'll have the men do the paint but not touch the paper until we have
+had time to look it over again," said Anne.
+
+"When can we move in?" questioned Polly.
+
+"Any time you like; but I would advise having the painters out first. I
+will send two men to begin work in there to-morrow."
+
+Then the four delighted tenants left the office, and on the walk back to
+the corner where they wished to board the car they eagerly planned how
+they would furnish their home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III--FURNISHING THE STABLE
+
+
+"Anne, if we hurry and get the furniture, we can settle our home before
+school starts," suggested Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+"If you-all had only let me ship my stuff from Denver you wouldn't have
+to buy a stick!" declared Mrs. Stewart.
+
+They were standing on the corner waiting for an uptown car but not one
+was in sight. Anne showed signs of impatience but exclaimed at her
+mother's remark:
+
+"Mother, you know very well what the crating and freight would have
+cost, and you sold your stuff for more than it was worth. I think you
+are most fortunate to have that little roll of money on hand, when you
+consider the wear and tear your furniture has had in the last thirty
+years."
+
+"Anyway, Mrs. Stewart, I don't want Victorian period in our house. Polly
+and I want to furnish and decorate our own rooms as we like. This is to
+be our first experiment in real artistic work," said Eleanor,
+comfortingly.
+
+Polly nodded her head at these words; but standing with her back to the
+curb, her face was opposite a large show-window in the corner building.
+Now, as if by some magnet, her eyes were attracted to what that window
+contained.
+
+"Why, just see there! Right near our street is a furniture shop!" With
+this exclamation, Polly ran over to inspect the objects displayed in the
+window. A carved four-poster, and other rare antiques, drew the
+attention of the little group.
+
+Polly glanced around to see what furniture shop it was that was so near
+their new home.
+
+"Why! It's an auction place. Surely, it cannot be that such wonderful
+things are sold in a junk room," exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+
+That made the other three look also, and Eleanor added: "It doesn't
+follow that just because this is an auction house, that it must be a
+junk room."
+
+"Well, I never saw anything but awful junk in the second-hand place in
+Oak Creek," explained Polly.
+
+"Even the Denver dealers sell only junk, Nolla. But it may be different
+in New York. Everything seems to be different," said Anne.
+
+"Of course it is! Why wouldn't it be when you stop to think of it. In
+the first place, no one in Oak Creek ever had anything but junk to sell.
+And in Denver, where everyone hangs on to every stick they have, simply
+because it is so difficult to get anything worth while, the poor
+second-hand dealer starves for want of trade. But here, as well as in
+Chicago, folks send stuff to places like this for sale, when they can't
+find a place to move into. I just bet there will be thousands of
+families that will have to sell out this year just because there are not
+enough homes for all of them." Eleanor's logic was sound, and Polly
+ventured a suggestion.
+
+"I'd love to go in there and see what they do with such pieces. There
+are lots of well-dressed people going in--come on."
+
+Nothing loath to see the interior of a New York second-hand shop, the
+westerners went to the front door. There a colored porter stood and
+bowed politely.
+
+"Sale goin' on in third room, right, ladies; have a catalogue?"
+
+As the uniformed attendant offered Anne a pamphlet of about twenty
+pages, he waved them inside out of the doorway. Then he repeated his
+directions to the next couple who followed directly after Mrs. Stewart's
+party.
+
+To say the four friends were astonished at the size and quality of the
+auction-rooms is speaking mildly. Not a piece of furniture but looked
+rare and expensive. It seemed improbable that it all was for sale.
+
+A second attendant now came up and said: "Sale now going on in south
+gallery, ladies."
+
+Then Anne took her courage in her hands. "We have never visited a sale
+before, so you will confer a favor by showing us where to go, or what to
+do. We are about to furnish a house."
+
+The man sensed a good customer, and gallantly showed them through
+several well-stocked rooms until they reached the last, where a smiling
+smooth-tongued individual sat behind a raised desk and spoke
+conversationally to the crowd which sat in rows before him.
+
+"Jake, find me four chairs, in a hurry," whispered the man who was
+conducting Anne's party.
+
+Without confusion and in a moment's time, Jake carried over four
+wonderful Jacobean chairs, two in each hand, their backs to each other,
+and handled as recklessly as if the fine carving was made of unbreakable
+metal.
+
+"Now, ladies, enjoy yourselves," the smiling attendant said; then he
+stopped for a moment at the desk to say a word to the auctioneer who
+continued his selling as if no new victims had been introduced.
+
+One marvelous article after another was brought forth and placed for
+exhibition upon the Persian rug that covered the platform in front of
+the audience. And one after another, the objects of art and beauty were
+sold to different buyers at a preposterously low figure.
+
+But the wily auctioneer took notice that not a member of the newly
+arrived party was bidding on anything. He decided that this must not be,
+so he stood up to address the assembly.
+
+"Friends, I know that you are here to buy and not to waste your time in
+mere curiosity. If there is any particular article you need, or have
+seen on the premises, speak out and I will oblige you by introducing it
+in this sale."
+
+He glanced over the crowd and finally allowed his gaze to rest upon the
+four who sat in the front row. They all felt guilty of using his time
+and room when they had no idea of buying any particular thing. Mrs.
+Stewart was about to whisper to Anne that they had better go when
+Eleanor spoke up fearlessly.
+
+"I saw a four-poster in the show-window before I came in. Is it for
+sale?"
+
+Her three companions felt the shock that is experienced when one does an
+unusual or unexpected thing. But they each felt thrilled, too, at the
+courage of that one.
+
+"I regret exceedingly, my dear young lady, that that particular set of
+antique mahogany cannot be sold until day after to-morrow. In fact, only
+the contents of _this_ vast room is for sale to-day. We take them in
+turn, you see. To-morrow the adjoining room goes, and the day following
+that everything is sold and cleared out of the third room--where the bed
+is."
+
+"But we have a four-poster in this sale, Mr. Winters," quickly said one
+of the floor-men.
+
+"Ah, indeed! Perhaps the young lady will like it as well as the other
+one. Bring it forward, Joe."
+
+Without the slightest delay, the floor-men then pulled and pushed a very
+elaborately carved four-posted bed out upon the dais. It was similar to
+the one in the window but it was smaller, this one being four feet wide
+while the one on exhibition for Friday's sale was full sized.
+
+The auctioneer spoke of all the points about this particular piece of
+furniture, and then began to offer it for sale. The four visitors in the
+front row sat as if hypnotized at his manner.
+
+"What, no one here to appreciate this marvelous work of other days, now
+to be sold for three hundred dollars?"
+
+Not a sound encouraged him, so he sighed and said: "Well, is there
+anyone who will give two hundred for it?"
+
+Eleanor's heart thumped. She was willing to give it but she found her
+tongue cleave to the roof of her mouth at the very idea of securing the
+bed at such a price.
+
+"Too bad! Then I shall have to ask if anyone will pay me one hundred
+dollars? Is this bed not worth that to you, young lady--or perhaps you
+need a full-sized bed?" The auctioneer looked at Eleanor but failed to
+see the dazzling glint that shot into her eyes when he offered the bed
+for one hundred. He really had no hope of starting it at that figure so
+he over-did it that time.
+
+"All right, friends, I am perfectly willing to have you set your own
+price on this magnificent piece of carving that is no less than a
+hundred and fifty years old. Now what is your pleasure? Fifty, forty,
+thirty--what? did I hear a bargain-hunter say twenty-five? Oh,
+impossible?"
+
+Eleanor almost fainted at such a dreadful sacrifice, and would have
+stood up to offer him the hundred, had not a man in the rear called out
+"Fifty."
+
+"Ah, that is better--thank you. Now, fifty, fifty, fifty--who says
+seventy-five? I want seventy-five--fifty, fifty, fifty, fif--fif-tee,
+tee, t-e-e--what, no one here willing to pay more than fifty dollars for
+this bee-u--utiful bit of antique mahogany? Fif-fif-fif--Ah!"
+
+Eleanor swallowed hard, half-stood up, and the auctioneer caught her eye
+at last. He smiled, acknowledged her expression, and now called:
+
+"Seventy-five! I now have seventy-five, seven, seven,
+sev-sev-seventy--seventy-fi-ifvvve! I have seventy-five dollars for this
+wonderful mahogany bed that is really worth seven hundred dollars in any
+store to-day. And I only have seventy-five dollars bid. Seven-tee----"
+
+Again Eleanor half-stood up and this time she managed to say "One
+hundred, please!"
+
+"Thank you, young lady--you certainly understand fine furniture. I am
+now offered one hundred dollars by one who knows the value of this
+bed--one hundred, one hundred--hundred--one, h-u-ndred dollars
+offered--who will give a hundred and ten--only ten more gets it?"
+
+Polly was so amazed when Eleanor said "One hundred dollars" that she
+giggled hysterically; but not wishing to have her friend brag how "she
+bid at this auction and her friends were too shy," Polly looked
+anxiously at the auctioneer. He saw that look and understood.
+
+"Don't hesitate, young lady. You know 'he who hesitates is lost'--in
+this case, loses a great bargain. If you wish to bid, never fear
+competing with a friend. In this business there are no friends--all men
+are strangers. Shall I say one hundred and ten for you?"
+
+Polly nodded eagerly and smiled broadly at Eleanor. The two girls were
+so delighted with themselves at daring to speak out so bravely in a city
+like _New York_ that they failed to realize the auctioneer had knocked
+down the bed to Polly.
+
+"This young lady in front. I _must_ say she appreciates fine furniture!"
+declared the suave auctioneer to everyone in general.
+
+"W-h-y, Pol--le-ee! Is that your bed?" gasped Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know. Is it, Nolla?" laughed Polly.
+
+Just then a brusque voice said: "Name and address please--and
+twenty-five per cent deposit money." The girls looked up in
+bewilderment. Who was the man?
+
+He seemed to read their thoughts, for he smiled. "I am the cashier.
+Everyone has to pay down a cash deposit on their bids. Everything you
+buy has to be removed by Saturday, or we are not responsible for it
+after that."
+
+"Oh!" Polly and Eleanor looked at each other. They were trying to figure
+out how much money he wanted.
+
+"Here--I'll pay the deposit. About thirty dollars, isn't it?" said Anne,
+in a business-like tone.
+
+"Yes, thank you. Now name and address, please?"
+
+"What's the number of our stable, Anne?" laughed Eleanor.
+
+When Anne gave the address the cashier looked surprised. "Oh, have you
+rented the Studio down the street?"
+
+The girls bowed wonderingly, and he added: "The artist who lived there
+for a number of years, used to drop in here every week just for the
+entertainment of picking up curios. In fact, I saw him here a few
+minutes ago. He told me he would give fifty percent advance to the
+tenant who leased that place. Here's a chance for you to make money if
+you want to give up the Studio."
+
+"We want a home more than money, mister!" declared Polly.
+
+"You've said it, Poll! If we give up this studio we may have to go back
+and live in our gold mine, because New York hasn't any homes left, this
+year," laughed Eleanor.
+
+The cashier had not missed the mention of "our gold mine" and determined
+to do his utmost to please these ladies. Hence he whispered: "I'll look
+after everything you buy here, and don't worry about moving it away on
+Saturday. Next week will do, if you are not ready to get things out this
+week."
+
+"Polly, Polly! There goes a high-boy that matches the bed you got!"
+cried Eleanor, at this moment.
+
+"They are pieces of the same set. Strange to say, they came from the
+very place you rented. The artist has to sell out because he cannot find
+an apartment, and there is no storage room for his furniture," explained
+the cashier.
+
+So Polly secured the high-boy for sixty dollars and felt very proud of
+her purchases. Eleanor bought a pair of brass fire-dogs and irons, and
+Anne bid on a large etching. When it was knocked down to her, she turned
+to her mother and said: "I really do not want it. What under the sun did
+I get it for?"
+
+And Mrs. Stewart laughed. "It's always the way at these vendues. One
+gets all kinds of things one never needs."
+
+"Then let's get out. Girls, I'm going now," whispered Anne, rising to
+leave.
+
+The cashier hurried over when he saw the four new customers about to go,
+and said, "The artist would like very much to meet his successors to the
+Studio."
+
+At the same moment, a grey-haired gentleman bowed and smiled, and the
+group waited expectantly. Anne and Polly smiled also.
+
+"You are the kind friend who advised us, yesterday, when we had to leave
+the car," Anne said, pleasantly.
+
+"Yes, but I never dreamed I was directing you right to my front door,"
+rejoined the artist.
+
+"Well, Mr. Fabian, as long as you've met before, I'll go about my
+business," and the cashier hurried away, leaving the five people in the
+adjoining room.
+
+Anne proceeded to introduce her friends and then added: "It was
+providential that we went through that street. Now we have a home to our
+liking."
+
+"I am delighted that my successors will appreciate the place, but I am
+still seeking for quarters. Had I choked my anger and swallowed my
+pride, when the owner refused to keep his word about the stable-doors, I
+would still be enjoying my cozy Studio."
+
+Mr. Fabian then told the ladies how he had taken the stable in its raw
+state and turned it into the lovely dwelling it now was. He had paid for
+all the hardwood floors, for the partitions on the ground-floor, and for
+the kitchen plumbing.
+
+"Why, it must have cost you a small fortune," ventured Anne. "And now it
+seems too bad that you can't enjoy it."
+
+"But I did enjoy it, my dear young lady--for five years. And I only paid
+sixty dollars a month, during that time, too. When the owner raised me,
+this year, to ninety I rebelled, because I had spent so much money on
+beautifying the rooms. I thought he would really relent and say I could
+have it for about seventy-five a month. I was mistaken."
+
+"We're paying a hundred and fifty a month and make all repairs,
+ourselves," Anne ventured.
+
+"He took advantage of the unusual conditions. But you have a better
+bargain, even so, than if you had rented a seven-room apartment, uptown,
+for two or three thousand a year."
+
+By this time they were standing on the corner once more, and Mr. Fabian
+seemed ready to leave them. Then Polly remembered that the cashier had
+said the bed and high-boy she just bought had come from the Studio.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Fabian, excuse me for speaking of it, but did you really own
+the four-poster I got at the sale just now?"
+
+"Yes, my dear. It was in the room my little daughter occupied when she
+was home. She is now in Paris taking an art course." The girls were
+deeply interested in this intimate information. "That box-spring with
+the mattress on the bed was made to order of the best material I could
+buy. You'll find the silk-floss in that mattress is so soft you'll never
+care to get up, once you rest upon it."
+
+"But I didn't know the spring and mattress went with the bed," Polly
+said, amazed.
+
+"Oh, yes. That is the way they generally sell other folks' goods. But I
+wish to say, that Nancy only used the bed a few weeks, as she had a
+splendid opportunity to enter a class in a friend's school in Paris, so
+we started her across without delay. My wife went, too, to look after
+her; that is one reason I refused to pay the increased rent; I thought
+it was too much for one lone man to pay."
+
+"It almost makes me feel as if we ought to take you in to live with us,"
+said Mrs. Stewart, sympathetically. "If there only was one extra
+bedroom, now, we could make you a member of our family just as well as
+not."
+
+"But we haven't that extra room!" laughed Anne, wondering what this
+stranger would think of her mother's free western hospitality.
+
+What he thought was soon expressed. "I certainly appreciate such unusual
+kindness and I see it is genuine. So I will dare to do this: I shall
+love to drop in, now and then, and see how you all are doing. Perhaps I
+can be of some assistance to you, in various ways."
+
+"I know you can!" declared Eleanor, eagerly. "Polly and I are taking up
+art and interior decorating and we need lots of ideas from grown-ups who
+have had experience. You can advise us that way."
+
+"Begin your regular home visits a week from Sunday, Mr. Fabian. We will
+be settled then and ready to welcome you to our house," added Anne.
+
+Then they parted and Mr. Fabian went downtown, while the four companions
+walked northwards to the hotel. As they walked, Anne said: "It certainly
+was queer how that gentleman sent us past his own home and we saw it.
+Now, he turns out to be just the kind of a friend Polly and Eleanor will
+need to advise them about art school."
+
+"Anne, what shall we do with the rest of the afternoon? We still have
+two hours before dinner-time," said Eleanor, glancing at her wristwatch.
+
+"We can go over to the nearest shop and get Polly an everyday hat. I
+can't bear to see this lovely one hacked out at auction rooms. She needs
+complete outfits of underwear, too, but we may be too late at the shops,
+for that."
+
+"Anne, I saw in the paper this morning, when you were looking for
+apartments, that a fine Fifth avenue shop is having a sale of early fall
+models. Let's go up and get Polly's hat there," advised Eleanor,
+eagerly.
+
+Anne laughed. "You are willing to get one for yourself, too, eh?"
+
+So both girls were supplied with chic hats before they returned to the
+hotel. There they found an invitation from the Latimers to come,
+informally, and dine with them that night. Dr. and Mrs. Evans would try
+to come in later.
+
+"It's now five-thirty. Can we get dressed and make it, in time?" asked
+Eleanor, anxiously.
+
+"Oh, yes; we haven't far to go, you know. A taxi will take us there in
+ten minutes," replied Anne.
+
+All was hurry and bustle, then, and when the two girls emerged from
+their rooms dressed in their new gowns, Anne felt that they did her
+credit. She could not but remark at the great improvement that clothes,
+well-fitting and of fine material, made in Polly's appearance. Now the
+girl looked positively beautiful.
+
+A pleasant evening ensued, Jim and Ken insisting upon the right to
+escort the ladies home after everyone had said good-night.
+
+"You know, girls, Ken and I are going to Yale next week?" said Jim, as
+they started down Broadway.
+
+"So your father said, to-night. We will miss you, Jim," returned Anne.
+
+"But we'll be home every chance we get--Thanksgiving, Christmas and
+other times," Kenneth said, hopefully.
+
+"Nolla and I will be awfully busy in school, and in trying to get
+started in the art classes," added Polly.
+
+"I hope you have the stable settled before we leave the city. We want to
+give you-all a house-warming," said Kenneth.
+
+"That will be great! Let's have it, anyway, even if everything is not in
+apple-pie order in the house," exclaimed Polly.
+
+So before they parted, that night, it was all arranged that the
+house-warming should take place the next Tuesday evening. The boys were
+leaving for college on Thursday, and the last few days before starting
+in the new school, would be busy ones for the girls.
+
+"All right, we'll tell the folks the fun is on for next Tuesday, then,"
+said Jim, as they shook hands.
+
+"And it must be a regular surprise, you know--we bring our own
+refreshments and everything," laughed Kenneth.
+
+"Oh, no! That is the least we can do in return for all you folks have
+done for us. We will furnish your refreshments!" declared Eleanor,
+positively.
+
+"As long as you furnish plenty, all right. But remember, girls, that Ken
+and I still have our Rocky Mountain appetites!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV--BARGAINS, BARGAINS EVERYWHERE!
+
+
+With the worry of house-hunting gone, the young friends felt at liberty
+to be deliberate while apportioning their time. Anne took Polly and
+Eleanor to the West End School, the morning following their meeting with
+Mr. Fabian, and introduced them to the proprietress as the two young
+ladies she had written about.
+
+Polly thought the elegant mansion that looked more like a prince's
+residence than a school, would keep her from concentrating upon her
+lessons. While Anne and the principal of the select school talked
+business, Polly glanced about the reception room.
+
+The rugs were beautiful, most of them having the faded soft colors of
+the antique Persian and Turkish. But the furniture was too gorgeous in
+upholstering for the type of room. Then there were heavy boxed oil
+paintings in rich gilt frames, hanging on the walls; and teakwood
+pedestals holding statuettes and busts; and onyx stands with palms. The
+mantel was loaded with bric-a-brac of all sorts. Many other minor items
+showed bad taste in whoever furnished the room.
+
+Polly felt all this, but could not explain just why she resented such a
+conglomeration of color and furnishings. But Eleanor, having had the
+results of a decorator's judgment displayed in her home, in Chicago,
+felt inclined to smile at what she saw about her. It was sure evidence
+of Polly's improvement in artistic interiors since the day she thought
+the green window-shades quite the thing, to this time when the
+indiscriminate mixing of colors offended her eyes.
+
+"I really am relieved to hear that you will not be resident here, Miss
+Stewart, as I need your room for two boarders. I had planned to enlarge
+the dormitory this year, but everything costs so much that I postponed
+it. Now this extra room will come in very nicely for me," Mrs.
+Wellington was saying when Polly and Eleanor had finished a survey of
+the room, and rejoined Anne.
+
+"Girls, Mrs. Wellington says we may have a look at the class-rooms.
+Would you like to go with me?" said Anne.
+
+Without demur they followed the lady of the house. They passed through
+the formal parlor where guests of distinction were entertained. Here the
+two girls also saw the lack of taste in furnishing. Gilded furniture
+with delicate satin upholstery, fought with wallpaper of heavy
+Spanish-leather design. Curtains and portieres were of velour, heavily
+edged with fringe. Valances of velour were over the windows, and on the
+mantel. Instead of having a delicate French carpet on the floor, there
+were thick napped dark-toned Beloochistan rugs.
+
+The long library opened out from the parlor, and here there was an
+atmosphere of rest, because the entire wall spaces were lined with dark
+cabinets whose shelves were well filled with volumes in bindings made to
+harmonize with the rich paper that showed above the book-cases. The
+window-seats were built in and upholstered in tapestry to match the
+paper. The tables and leather armchairs were not so glaringly out of
+keeping with the room as the furniture in the first two rooms had been.
+
+Mrs. Wellington waved her hand carelessly at this room: "When I bought
+this house, all the books went with it, just as you see them now. The
+window-seats are still covered as they were, but I hope soon to spend
+some money in making this library more cheerful for the girls. I like
+bright colors, but that dun wall paper and that dull tapestry on the
+window cushions gives me the blues. If the books had not been such a
+bargain--the executor of the estate was most anxious to dispose of
+them--I never would have taken them. Their dull green morocco bindings
+make the room seem heavy, don't you think?"
+
+"Oh, no! I was just thinking how lovely the glint of the gold lettering
+on each dark book makes the room seem. If only there was a dark polished
+floor to reflect the chair and table legs, the room would be wonderful!
+But this large carpet spoils that effect!" Nolla exclaimed impetuously.
+
+Mrs. Wellington straightened her spine and looked in hurt amazement at
+this inexperienced miss who babbled like an expert decorator. No one had
+ever criticised that carpet rug before!
+
+Anne saw the look and comprehended at once, so she dropped oil on the
+troubled waters. "Oh, Nolla! you are so carried away with your hobby of
+studying decorating that you needs must practise it and criticise
+everywhere. Now, I'm sure, Mrs. Wellington never would have dreamed of
+your ambition had you not showed it so plainly in your words just now."
+
+Eleanor understood Anne's motive in speaking thus, and smiled benignly.
+Polly was still trying to grasp the handle to Anne's remark when the
+lady of the house led them forth again.
+
+"Here are a number of smaller rooms where girls may sit and read or
+study in the evening. And now we will go up to the class rooms."
+
+If Eleanor and Polly had been able to find flaws with the lack of taste
+shown in the furnishings of the first-floor, they could not detect the
+slightest item missing in the equipment and furnishing of the different
+school rooms. Every known modern device and object for the comfort,
+health and help of scholars, were in evidence. Anne smiled with pleasure
+as she looked around.
+
+"It will be a delight to teach in such a room as this, Mrs. Wellington;
+and I'm sure the scholars appreciate all you do for them."
+
+"No, that is the strange part of it, Miss Stewart. The girls who come
+here seldom think of all I do for them in providing these rooms. They
+take it as a matter of course that I should spend so much money in
+keeping everything as I do, while my competitors ask higher rates and
+spend less;" the lady looked troubled over it.
+
+"Now I have a friend down on Seventy-second street, who has conducted a
+most exclusive school for years; but she will not spend a cent in these
+ideal accommodations yet she gets higher prices than I do. And her
+waiting list of well-known names is endless. I only have a list of about
+a dozen applicants and they are not daughters of millionaires, either."
+
+"Perhaps," Anne remarked kindly, "the girls _you_ graduate make
+something of themselves in life, whereas those other society girls
+merely skim over lessons and never know how to spell their own names."
+
+"Yes, that is true; I secure the very best teachers and try to instill
+knowledge wisely. And I am sure, my girls, upon leaving here, can
+compete with anyone."
+
+"I should say that was a great comfort. To look back some day and be
+able to say: 'I taught that girl how to combat ignorance.' And the girls
+who sincerely admit what you have done, will rise up and call you
+blessed--for giving them these expensive modern helps to acquire
+wisdom."
+
+Madam seemed pleased with this point of view, and said: "You will stop
+and have luncheon with me, won't you, dears?"
+
+"We really cannot, Mrs. Wellington. You see we have to furnish the home
+that we just leased, yesterday. We are most anxious to have everything
+in order before starting with our school work on the first," Anne
+explained, politely.
+
+"Oh, of course, that is wise. Then I will look for you Monday
+morning--the first of October. If there is anything you wish to know,
+you can call me up any time during the mornings. And if you are in this
+neighborhood before the first, do come in and have tea."
+
+After the girls had gone, Madam smiled and thought to herself: "I
+certainly made no mistake in engaging _that_ young teacher. She seems to
+be the best one I have ever interviewed. And the girls will take to her,
+I'm sure."
+
+Anne led the way to a Broadway trolley, and soon they were at the hotel.
+Mrs. Stewart was impatiently awaiting them, so they had an early
+luncheon and then hurried downtown to the "Art Galleries" on Fourth
+avenue.
+
+The sale had just opened, and they were able to secure front chairs. A
+list had been made of pieces of furniture they really needed to start
+house-keeping with, and now they hoped to be able to find just the
+things they had pictured for the Studio.
+
+A solid mahogany gate-leg table was knocked down to Anne for fourteen
+dollars and a half. Then a wing-chair with quaint lines, upholstered in
+orchid blue velour, was sold to Eleanor for nineteen dollars.
+
+"Dear me, that was a lovely chair, Nolla. I wish I had one like it,"
+sighed Polly.
+
+"Isn't my table a dear!" whispered Anne, eagerly.
+
+"But it has as many legs as a centipede," replied Polly.
+
+The others laughed gaily at her criticism but at that moment, a
+comfortable Turkish arm-chair was placed upon the dais. It was
+upholstered in a rich tapestry, and looked oh! so luxurious.
+
+Polly watched the bidders anxiously. She had a sudden desire for that
+chair, but she couldn't manage to get in at the bidding, at all. But
+when she saw a woman opposite, hold up a hand above her head, and so
+learned that that was one way to catch the auctioneer's attention, she,
+too, followed suit.
+
+She instantly held up her hand, and just saved the chair from being sold
+to a man at the back. So it was knocked down to her at seventeen-fifty.
+
+"There! That is Mrs. Stewart's chair. I saw the look in her eye when it
+was placed upon the dais; and I know just how she will enjoy it when she
+has done preparing our dinners. That chair, out before the open
+fire-place giving rest to a tired house-keeper, will make one feel like
+new!" Polly said.
+
+"But, Polly, child! you must not spend your money buying _me_ such
+things!" exclaimed Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"I will if I want to! This is the first stick you've got for your room.
+And without you, I'd like to know what kind of a home we'd have. So
+don't you say another word if I want to buy other things for you."
+
+Anne objected. "Maybe this one chair is all right, Polly, but no more,
+please."
+
+"Anne, just see all the money we're saving on buying our furniture, this
+way. Why can't I use the surplus as I want to? I say I _will_--if I see
+anything I want very much to give you or your mother."
+
+Anne knew when Polly was determined to have her way, and believed the
+best plan now would be to buy what was needed for herself and her
+mother, so as to forestall Polly or Eleanor.
+
+So that afternoon Anne got two single brass beds with brand new springs
+and mattresses. The auctioneer explained that the bedding was sent in by
+the Manhattan Factory, because of an order that had been cancelled
+before delivery of goods. So Anne secured the bedding at half price.
+
+Neither of the girls suspected Anne of any secret plot when she bought
+other articles at that sale for the two bedrooms she needed to furnish;
+but when Eleanor eagerly bid on a Priscilla work-table of mahogany and
+got it for Mrs. Stewart, Anne felt annoyed.
+
+"My goodness, Anne, it was only five-fifty. Who ever saw a work-table as
+cheap as that, before? I know your mother will love to darn stockings
+for us all, now--with a nice place in which to keep her wools," argued
+Eleanor, laughingly.
+
+"Maybe mother would rather not darn stockings but let you keep the
+table, yourself," suggested Anne.
+
+Before they left the Art Gallery that day, they found they had really
+bought enough articles to start in with if they liked. They could add
+rugs, bric-a-brac, and different luxurious chairs, at any time.
+
+"But we need dishes and utensils, girls," said Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"We'll get them in a department store, and have them delivered at once,"
+replied Anne.
+
+"Let's run over and see if the painters have done anything," suggested
+Polly.
+
+"Might as well, Anne--we are right here, you see," added Eleanor.
+
+So they turned the corner and walked down the street to reach the Studio
+in time to see the painters finish the work on the ground floor.
+
+"How nice and fresh it looks. But the wallpaper looks dusty," said Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+"It is dusty, madam. I was just sayin' to my friend here you ought to
+have someone clean it all off with bread crumbs. It is a swell paper if
+it is clean," remarked the painter.
+
+"Bread-crumbs?" ejaculated Anne.
+
+"Yes'm. Best thing known to clean fine paper. I'll get a man to do it if
+you say so. He knows his job."
+
+"I wish you would. And ask him to supply the bread, too, as we are
+stopping at a hotel where it is hard to get such things."
+
+"An' I was goin' to mention--the porcelain tubs and basins oughta be
+cleaned fer you'se. When we finish painting I will scour and polish 'em,
+if you say so."
+
+"Yes, please do! And the floors ought to be polished, too."
+
+"We'll take care of all that, if you just tell us to go ahead and clean
+up as we see fit," said the painter.
+
+"All right; but don't make us wait too long before we can move in. We
+are going to have a house-warming, here, next week," explained Eleanor,
+anxiously.
+
+"I've got an extra man comin' on to-morrow, and we'll be out of here by
+Saturday. Especially if we work Sat'aday afternoon--but that means
+double pay, you know."
+
+"Never mind that; finish the job as soon as possible, for we will save
+that much extra money in hotel bills," said Anne.
+
+"All right! We'll turn it over for you Sat'aday night!"
+
+Everything seemed to be going so well, not only with their Studio-home,
+but with furnishings and decorators, that the girls felt elated.
+
+The next day they again met Mr. Fabian at the Art Galleries, and he
+proved a very welcome member to their party, as he knew all about rugs,
+porcelains, and antiques. Having shown them and explained all about the
+few rare pieces still for sale in the auction rooms, he said:
+
+"Some day you must go with me to some of the other places. There are
+dozens of these shops in New York, and each one seems to incline to some
+particular line of furnishing. Then, too, one can see more wonderful
+antiques in these shabby little shops along the avenue, than one would
+believe possible.
+
+"I often pick up rare things in these places. They are run, mostly, by
+Hebrews who merely know when an object is antique, or in demand. But
+they seldom can tell you the period or name of many of their most
+valuable items. It was in this way that a friend of mine once discovered
+a treasure.
+
+"His wife wanted a necklace for Christmas--something odd and different
+than any that her friends had. So he came to me and said: 'Fabian, I
+can't afford Tiffany prices, but I wish I could find something unusual.
+I want to please my wife, because she has been such a good sport during
+the time I was hanging over the edge of bankruptcy. Now what would you
+suggest?'
+
+"I offered to go with him. So we sauntered out of the Studio and walked
+over here, to Fourth avenue. We stopped in every little collector's shop
+along the street, but could not find just what appealed to him. Then we
+entered that shop across the street--the one near the corner.
+
+"I knew the old Hebrew well, having often looked over his trays filled
+with every old thing conceivable. So I said upon entering: 'Got any odd
+kind of necklace or chain, Moses? Something to go around a lady's neck,
+you know?' I had to demonstrate my words as I spoke.
+
+"'Ya, ya! Shure, I got a chain. I show him you?'
+
+"It was a long antique-silver chain, the great flat links being
+beautifully filigreed. But it was not what my friend wanted, so I bought
+it for Nancy. Then the shop-keeper looked wistful.
+
+"'Ain't I got it what you like? Tell me what for you want him?'
+
+"My friend replied: 'For my wife. She goes to balls and like pearls, or
+other stones, in a necklace.'
+
+"'Ah, ha! I got yust what you like. A pearl necklace vot come in las'
+veek wid a lot of odder fine tings.' Then the old man rooted around
+under the counter until he found the tray he wanted. It was coated with
+dust from the floor, but he blew this off and carelessly placed the
+heaped-up tray before us.
+
+"Such a tangle of all kinds of jewelry I never _did_ see! Finally I got
+the string of pearls free from the snarls of ordinary glass beads and
+other trash, and handed it over to my friend. He curled a lip in scorn
+at the soiled trinket.
+
+"'Avery, drive a bargain with him for this. I honestly think those
+pearls are quite good. Let me rub one up on my sleeve, while you draw
+the fellow's attention from what I am doing,' I whispered.
+
+"While Avery tried to bargain, I cleaned up one of the gems and felt
+sure they were unusually good even for artificial pearls.
+
+"We actually bought the string for twelve dollars, but my friend feared
+lest he had been taken in. So I smiled and said: 'Leave them with me and
+I'll see that they are polished up like new by to-morrow night. I'll
+take them to an old jeweler down the street and have them washed and the
+gold links cleaned. Your wife won't know but that they came from
+Tiffany's.
+
+"Avery laughed and left them with me. So I hurried down to Union Square
+and showed them to the old jeweler I knew, there.
+
+"He puckered his brow at first, then ran for his magnifying glasses.
+After an unusually keen inspection he called to his associate. Both of
+them then examined the string most carefully, and the old man finally
+looked up.
+
+"'If I didn't know you to be an honest man I should say: "Where did you
+steal them?"--but I will ask: "How came you by these?"
+
+"I was astonished, as you may know, but I tried to appear wise, so I
+laughingly replied: 'They are not mine, my dear, sir. I only wish they
+were! I just got them from a friend to have someone, who is responsible,
+clean them nicely. I must hand them back as soon as you have finished.'
+
+"'Mr. Fabian, I can't undertake such a job. I have no bonded man to do
+such work and I dare not send them out. They may be substituted, you
+know.'
+
+"Then I couldn't help saying: 'My good man! You don't value them so
+highly as that, do you? Why, I carried them downtown in my pocket!'
+
+"'Ha, ha!' he laughed, 'I never saw a better matched string of perfect
+pearls in my life and I am nigh onto sixty. If I had to handle that
+necklace, I should instantly insure it with a broker for a hundred
+thousand dollars.'
+
+"Fancy, my friends, how I felt! My knees gave way and I had to sit down.
+I loosened my collar which seemed suddenly to grow too tight, but I
+couldn't say a word."
+
+Polly and Eleanor stood listening with eyes bulging and mouths
+half-open. Anne and her mother were also deeply interested.
+
+Mr. Fabian smiled to himself before he continued his tale, "Well, I took
+the pearls and hailed a taxi. I was taken to Tiffany's, and asked for
+the manager, at once. Of course they wanted to know why I wished to see
+him, and I said, courageously: 'To turn over a valuable pearl necklace
+and insure it for a hundred thousand.'
+
+"That brought the manager running. We went to a small private room and I
+placed the string of pearls before him. He took it carefully, examined
+it casually, then more minutely. He seemed perturbed and got up. 'Don't
+leave this room and do not allow anyone to come in and see it. I'll be
+back in a moment with our expert.'
+
+"I felt sure, then, that Avery had actually found a _real_ bargain. But
+I never dreamed of getting anything out of it for myself. The manager
+returned with, not only the gem expert, but also with the president of
+the company. He closed the door and locked it.
+
+"The gem expert used all sorts of tests on the pearls and then said in a
+trembling tone: 'M'sieur, I see like I nevair saw in my life! A string
+of perfect match pearls, each one well worth a fortune. But I see more,
+M'sieu! I will bring my acid to clean the engraved clasp set with
+diamonds. Maybe we find interesting fack.'
+
+"Everyone felt nervous during the intermission granted us, but we said
+not a word to each other. Then the Frenchman returned. He was so
+careful, almost reverent, I should say, in touching and cleaning the
+clasp, that I laughed to myself at the memory of Old Izaacs shelving the
+pearls with a heap of junk, on a tray that was shoved on the floor under
+a counter.
+
+"After many minutes of impatient waiting on our side, and as long in a
+most delicate cleansing process of the pearls on the part of the expert,
+he said: 'Ah! Now vee zee.'
+
+"He adjusted his eyeglass and studied the lettering on the clasp. Then
+he jerked forward and peered breathlessly at it again. Suddenly he
+dropped the necklace upon the pad and leaned back in the chair. 'Mon
+Dieu!' was all he could gasp.
+
+"The president then caught up the pearls and adjusted the glass and
+studied the clasp. He also gasped and turned pale. The manager took the
+string from his superior and eagerly read the lettering aloud, 'To my
+queen from Bonaparte.' And then followed the date and year in tiny
+figures."
+
+Mr. Fabian smiled as he saw the impression his story had made, and
+waited to be asked questions concerning the pearls.
+
+"Oh, do finish the story!" cried Eleanor.
+
+"Were they really that famous pearl necklace?" asked Anne.
+
+But Polly was too amazed to ask anything.
+
+"It was the famous necklace of purest pearls that had been lost for the
+past sixty years. It was worth about two hundred and fifty thousand
+dollars, at the time it disappeared. To-day it would be worth much more.
+But it belonged to the French Museum, and a reward of two hundred
+thousand francs had been offered for trace of it, or its return. So long
+ago had that reward been recorded in every civilized land, that the
+present generation had never heard of it--except in history.
+
+"Well, I took a receipt from Tiffany for its safe-keeping, and they
+assured me that they would communicate with the French Ambassador,
+without delay. Meanwhile I was to communicate with my friend Avery.
+Naturally I withheld all information as to the manner in which the
+necklace had been discovered.
+
+"I went to Avery's office, immediately, and acted very sorry as I said:
+'Avery, if I were to tell you that I lost that necklace, what would you
+do to me?'
+
+"He only laughed and said: 'I'd make you buy my wife one as good, or one
+she _might_ prefer to that greasy one!'
+
+"Then I said: 'Avery, I never had, nor do I expect to have as much money
+as that necklace is worth! Man alive, it is now in Tiffany's safe,
+insured for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, against fire or
+theft!'
+
+"I thought Avery would faint, but when he had managed to collect his
+wits, he whispered hoarsely, 'I don't understand--were they _genuine_
+pearls?'
+
+"So I told him the story and we both rushed away to hire a taxi and then
+we drove madly to Tiffany's, again. I introduced Avery as the owner of
+the pearls, and he was treated to a sight of his little twelve-dollar
+bargain.
+
+"Well, the upshot of it was, Avery received a 'present' of a hundred
+thousand dollars from the French Government, and in return he signed a
+release for himself, his wife, his heirs, friends, acquaintances, and,
+in fact, every American citizen in the census. He was told that he would
+be held responsible, thereafter, for all claims or lawsuits instituted
+against France to recover the necklace. And he accepted the burden,
+considering he had such a price paid for the job.
+
+"One day Izaacs got a present through the mail, of a draft for a
+thousand dollars and to this day he doesn't know who the signer 'William
+Avery,' can be.
+
+"My old jeweler on Union Square got another thousand, and I--well, I
+refused everything, and Avery called me a numb-skull and an easy mark!
+So he invested half of all he received in my wife and Nancy's name, and
+that is how they went to Europe." Mr. Fabian smiled reminiscently at the
+end of the story.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V--FIRST DAYS AT SCHOOL
+
+
+Polly and her friends had moved into the Studio and were recovering from
+the orgy of the house-warming given them by the Evans and Latimers the
+previous evening, when the two boys came to say good-by.
+
+"Ah, come on, Nolla--bring Polly and see us to the train," coaxed Jim,
+watching the clock on the mantel.
+
+"But, Jim, we honestly haven't the time! If you _knew_ all we had to do
+this week!" sighed Eleanor.
+
+"Why, we could have _been_ there in the time you have taken to explain
+how busy you are," grumbled Jim.
+
+"Then get out! If I have wasted so much precious time it is because you
+stand there and make me. Good-by, old pal, now scat!" Eleanor held out
+her hand and laughed. But Jim was not so easily daunted.
+
+"Where's Ken all this time? Oh, I say, Ken! Come on!"
+
+"I think Ken and Polly went down the street while you two were out in
+the garden hunting for the grass," said Mrs. Stewart, without a smile.
+
+Jim laughed. And Eleanor caught up her hat from the divan and ran to the
+door. "If they go away like that, then you and I will, too."
+
+Having reached the corner, however, Jim and Eleanor saw Ken and Polly
+intently studying something held in the latter's palm.
+
+"Come on--we will see what it is they caught?" said Eleanor.
+
+"Oh, Nolla, see what Ken gave me for a keep-sake. We found it over at
+Old Izaac's," exclaimed Polly, holding out the strange trinket for her
+friend to admire.
+
+"Why, it's a real scarab. Isn't it a beauty," said Eleanor, then
+suddenly wishing Jim had thought of giving her a keep-sake.
+
+"That's why I wanted you to come out with me. I told Ken you girls'd
+forget about us the minute we were out of sight, unless you had
+something to remind you of us," explained Jim.
+
+"Come on, then, and let Nolla pick out what she wants," added Ken,
+laughingly.
+
+"I'll take the queen's pearl necklace!" and young hearts made merry of
+the pearls that had cost so many lives and so much misery.
+
+Eleanor selected a peculiar seal set in a strange stone. "There, I will
+use it on the first letter I write you," she said.
+
+"Now that you are here, you may as well jump on the car and take us to
+the train," begged Jim.
+
+And this time he had his way. But they did not catch the four o'clock
+express to New Haven, as it was four-ten when they reached the gates and
+found them closed.
+
+"Now we'll have to sit and talk until five," laughed Jim, exultantly.
+
+"We'll do nothing of the sort! I told you we had no time to waste on you
+boys, and we only came thus far to be polite in exchange for the
+keep-sakes. But you can have them back if you think it gives you the
+right to order me around."
+
+Eleanor held out the seal, but Jim looked forlorn. Then she laughed
+because he felt bad at her teasing.
+
+"Come now, Jimmy, say good-by like an old dear, and tell Polly and me to
+run home."
+
+"I wish you were my sister!" sighed Jim.
+
+"Your sister? What good would that do you?" asked Eleanor.
+
+"Because you'd let me kiss you good-by!" retorted he.
+
+They all laughed merrily, and Polly said: "You'd never want to kiss her
+if she was a sister. You wouldn't even have asked her to come to the
+station with you."
+
+"You're right, Poll! Now I'm going--good-by, boys!" and Eleanor held
+forth both hands--one to each boy.
+
+After many repeated good-bys, the girls left and slowly walked down the
+avenue. When they had reached the parkway that runs over the car-tunnel,
+and is known by the name of Madison avenue, Polly said: "Why wouldn't
+you wait for the train, Nolla?"
+
+"Because, Polly, I like both those boys and I don't want to lose them so
+soon. If a male thinks we females will run at beck and call for them,
+they quickly weary of such a game. It is the one who refuses to be wound
+about a finger, that always keeps the beaux on a string."
+
+Polly laughed. "You are too worldly-wise for me. Now I never should have
+dreamed of such a thing."
+
+"Well, I'm right! One reason Bob never has a beau is just because she
+shows how anxious she is for one."
+
+"Oh, no, Nolla! The reason Bob hasn't any beaux is on account of her
+disposition--you know that!"
+
+"That, too, Polly. But mostly, because she throws herself at the head of
+any eligible man. I tell you, a man won't have it so!"
+
+"Never mind, Nolla. You and I are never going to have beaux, so we
+should worry! We will marry our profession!" said Polly.
+
+The following Monday, Anne escorted her two charges to the school on
+West End avenue. It was a wonderful Autumn day and the girls pictured
+how beautiful the mountains about Pebbly Pit must look on such a clear
+day.
+
+As the Fifth avenue bus was most convenient for Polly and her
+companions, boarding it at Thirtieth street and leaving it at the corner
+of Seventy-second street where West End avenue started northward, they
+had but a short walk to reach the school.
+
+Eleanor had been most particular with Polly's, and her own appearance,
+that morning. "For," said she, "first impressions are lasting. We must
+be sure and make a favorable dent in these girls."
+
+"But we don't know one of them, Nolla," argued Polly.
+
+"All the more reason why we should take the head of the line!" retorted
+Eleanor, tossing her head.
+
+Anne laughed, and thought to herself, "They will surely take the head in
+everything, for I never saw two such live girls."
+
+But to Eleanor's chagrin the examinations classed Polly with girls of
+fifteen to sixteen, while she was placed with girls of fourteen years.
+This caused the temperamental girl to feel discouraged and she began to
+blame her ill-health for her backwardness.
+
+In every other way, Polly and she ranked equal; and not a girl in the
+whole exclusive school could boast of better or more fashionable dresses
+than these two western scholars. Eleanor was most talkative, describing
+her home in Chicago and the people the Maynards knew. Then she
+whispered, covertly, how rich Polly Brewster was--she owned a great gold
+mine all in her own rights. She spoke thrillingly of Rainbow Cliffs and
+the tons upon tons of rare stones to be found there, until every girl
+sighed in envy. But Eleanor failed to mention that the stones would have
+to be cut and polished before they would be of any use to anyone.
+
+A few stray sentences of these conversations reached Anne's ears, and
+she felt puzzled to know what was best to do. Eleanor was not bragging
+because she needed place or power in the group, but the teacher
+understood that she was exaggerating for Polly's sake. She wanted all
+the girls to look up to Polly as a subject would to a queen. She knew
+how Barbara had felt toward the simple ranch people, and these girls
+were of the same ilk--society's pets. And they could make life unhappy
+for Polly, or a dream of joy.
+
+That afternoon, as school closed, Anne overheard one of the girls
+repeating Eleanor's words, but they had not lost in the repetition. In
+fact, Anne was sure Eleanor did not say quite all that she was credited
+with. On the way to the Studio, therefore, she determined to speak to
+Eleanor about the matter.
+
+"Eleanor, you seemed to make a bushel of friends without any trouble,"
+said Anne.
+
+"I always do. It's best to have done with it, and then you can sift out
+those you don't like, afterward," laughed Eleanor.
+
+"How about you, Polly?" questioned Anne.
+
+"I was too busy with my lessons to bother about anyone, but I thought
+the girls acted rather queer this afternoon. I caught some of them
+whispering about me, and some were casting envious glances my way. I
+can't understand why they should?"
+
+Eleanor gasped. Here was a danger she had not thought of. She wouldn't
+risk Polly's peace or popularity for anything in the world, but she may
+have unconsciously done just that very thing!
+
+"I heard some of the girls talking of your gold mine and Rainbow Cliffs,
+and I wondered if you had made such close friends, so soon," ventured
+Anne, guilefully.
+
+"Oh, _I_ did that! Nothing like putting on a lot of 'dog' if you want to
+make a splash in the puddle," hastily explained Eleanor.
+
+Anne felt like laughing but she hid her face, and Polly turned pale with
+annoyance.
+
+"Why, Nolla! How could you? You know I'd rather be considered a nobody
+than stand in a false light. Now what can I do to clear this up?"
+
+"It isn't false light at all, Polly. You can't do anything now without
+making me out a fibber," retorted Eleanor.
+
+"You are acting just like your sister Bob might have done! That's the
+worst thing I can say to _you_," scorned Polly.
+
+"And I did it all for you, too!" whimpered Eleanor.
+
+"Didn't I tell you, back at Pebbly Pit, that I wanted to cut my own
+cloth? For goodness' sake, don't interfere in my private life again!"
+
+"But you've got to let folks know you're someone, or you will never
+climb to the top of the heap," argued Eleanor, stubbornly.
+
+"I have my own method of reaching the top, Eleanor, and it is not _that_
+way. I was Polly Brewster before you ever knew me and I am that same
+Polly Brewster even after having a gold mine and a mile of lava-jewels
+thrust down my throat. Don't say another word!"
+
+Polly turned her back and went to the end seat on the bus, leaving Anne
+to console poor Eleanor.
+
+"Look'a here, Anne--did I do anything so awful?"
+
+"You made a serious mistake, Nolla, when you talked to those strange
+girls about Polly. You tried to make her appear as if she approved of
+your method of bragging about the mine and money."
+
+"W-h-y, I never dreamed of such a thing! I only wanted these New York
+girls to get it straight from the start that our Polly of Pebbly Pit was
+'some punkins';" Eleanor tried to laugh.
+
+"And you succeeded in not only humiliating Polly, but me also, because I
+am responsible for both of you, to a certain degree."
+
+"Humiliate Polly and you!" gasped Eleanor.
+
+"Exactly what you did. I have been placed in command of this little
+family, and the first day at school, you deliberately thrust yourself
+forward--take my place, so to speak--and tell all the strangers there
+who Polly is, and who you and I are. In fact, you give out information
+that should come only from me."
+
+"I'm sorry, but for goodness' sake let's drop it, now."
+
+"We'd better settle the matter once for all, Nolla, before we drop it.
+If Polly and you are to continue the wonderful friendship begun this
+Summer at the ranch, you must never again say, or do anything, that
+trespasses on her rights. Remember that each one of us has an individual
+right to impart what we like about our private affairs--be it family or
+fortune. But the moment another speaks for us, then it becomes gossip
+and scandal on the part of that impertinent one.
+
+"I do not propose having my time and thoughts disturbed by any inharmony
+rising between you two girls, and if another occasion comes up, when
+Polly and you disagree as you have to-day, I'll wire to your father to
+come and take you home. If Polly is to blame, then I'll send her home.
+But, thus far, it is you who trespassed on Polly's rights.
+
+"If you'll think this over quietly, and without prejudice, I'm sure
+you'll agree that I am just and right in my stand."
+
+That evening, Eleanor apologised to Anne and Polly for her thoughtless
+impulse that day, and fervently prayed that she never be tempted to open
+her lips again.
+
+It was not Polly's nature to sulk or remember unpleasant episodes, so
+everything went along smoothly after that first day at school.
+
+Tuesday evening Mr. Fabian called, and was welcomed to his erstwhile
+fireside. During that visit, it developed that he had accepted an offer
+which several of his friends had urged upon him. He was to teach, three
+times a week, a class in art designing at Cooper Union Institute. And
+before he said good-night to the ladies, it had been suggested and
+settled, that Polly and Eleanor were to join the evening classes on the
+three nights a week that their friend taught at the school.
+
+Mrs. Stewart worried lest the girls would be wearing themselves out with
+too much study. But it was found that the work in the art classes under
+Mr. Fabian's watchful eye, was a pleasure rather than a study or work.
+
+Thus they started to build on a firm foundation, and by degrees they
+mastered the rudiments of geometrical drawing, then went on to
+ornamental designing, next taking up the study of architecture in so far
+as it applied to interior decorating, and at the end of the year they
+were drawing free hand and perspective sketches. But that was not until
+the school term was almost over.
+
+By the end of the first week at Mrs. Wellington's school, the girls had
+chosen their friends for the term. It was most interesting to Anne to
+note that a certain social element looked up to Eleanor as their natural
+leader, while the quiet persistent sort silently fell in line with
+Polly. Both girls were admired and heartily liked, by teachers as well
+as scholars, but there was one disturbing young lady who resented the
+usurping of her former undisputed sway in the school by the two
+new-comers.
+
+Elizabeth Dalken was the pretty, but vain daughter of a superficial
+society woman who thought of nothing but self-indulgence, leaving the
+training of her child to Fate. Hence, Elizabeth was the usual product:
+selfish, proud, arrogant and hypocritical. She was but fifteen, yet she
+could slyly cheat at bridge, smoke her mother's cigarettes, and flirt
+with the men who frequented her home, as cleverly as her mother could.
+
+For two previous years she had taken the reins of leadership at
+Wellington's school and she had returned the third Fall fully expecting
+to resume her authority.
+
+To learn that a western ranch-girl without a record in "Who's Who," and
+a mere _Chicago_ Miss, governed her former subjects, turned Elizabeth
+white with rage. She could say nothing about it, however, without
+starting her school friends' teasing and laughing at her downfall. And
+she could not leave the school, because her mother had deserted her
+husband. He was the cashier for all the luxuries Mrs. Dalken and her
+daughter indulged themselves in, and he had selected Wellington's school
+for the girl, and had paid the tuition fee in advance, so it stood to
+reason that he would not consent to a change, now, on account of her
+jealousy.
+
+So on that first Friday evening, upon leaving school, Elizabeth promised
+herself that she would "get square" with those "two nobodys" in short
+order! She would show those other girls at Mrs. Wellington's just who
+_she_ was, and why they should have kept her as their leader!
+
+But the western girls were not shamming their lovable characters, and as
+time went on, their companions appreciated, more and more, the sterling
+qualities in their chosen leaders. Thus Elizabeth found it no easy task
+to influence the girls against them.
+
+October passed and November began, with the girls at Mrs. Wellington's
+planning for a Thanksgiving entertainment to close their school for the
+holiday. Here Polly was discounted, as she had never taken part in
+amateur theatricals, and knew nothing about them. Had anyone asked her
+to differentiate between the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian or
+Composite order of classic periods of architecture, she could have
+described either, or all of them, almost as well as Mr. Fabian himself
+could do. But the scholars at Mrs. Wellington's never dreamed of Polly's
+ambition and knowledge along such lines of study.
+
+So Elizabeth found herself the one to whom everyone appealed about
+costumes, parts, and the general management of affairs. Eleanor resented
+the obvious fact that _she_ was completely ignored when the various
+important parts were distributed, but Polly never gave it a thought.
+
+"We couldn't accept a part, anyway, Nolla, with all the time we have
+planned to give to exhibitions and lectures, this month," Polly reminded
+her.
+
+"And your Daddy will be visiting New York that last week, Nolla, and you
+must devote your spare time to his entertainment--not be fussing with a
+lot of girls over a silly poem," added Anne.
+
+Thus the sharp sting was withdrawn and Eleanor forgot all about her
+injured feelings. But Elizabeth Dalken believed she was merely
+pretending that she felt no grudge against the Director of the Play. And
+it gave Elizabeth great satisfaction to believe she had actually
+offended the two popular western girls.
+
+During November afternoons, and on several evenings, Mr. Fabian took the
+three friends to the Metropolitan Museum where wonderful exhibits of
+private collections were given. Here every New Yorker was admitted free
+to see genuine antiques of furniture, paintings, tapestries and rugs,
+plate and ornaments. And with such a marvelous judge to escort them
+about and explain details that might have escaped other than his knowing
+eye, Anne and her two charges felt well repaid for their time. It proved
+not only instructive but very absorbing--these personal talks with Mr.
+Fabian about the rare and ancient articles.
+
+Valuable volumes treating on subjects which most aspirants of art are
+acquainted with, began to fill the shelves in the rooms on the first
+floor of the stable-studio; and quite often, Mr. Fabian brought in a
+"treasure" he had picked up at a second-hand book shop. He would read
+aloud in a cultivated voice, such bits as he thought would interest
+young and ambitious girls. Then, after he had bid his hostesses
+good-night, he generally left the volume behind.
+
+Perhaps the very fact that Polly and Eleanor seemed to be apart from the
+other school-girls and their pastimes, made them all the more desirable
+to court. Not but that the two western girls liked fun and frolic as
+much as anyone, but they seemed always to have engagements with people
+the school-girls had never met, nor heard of.
+
+Now and then, Mrs. Wellington took her girls to a matinee, and then
+Polly and Eleanor laughed and enjoyed the play as heartily as the
+others. But while other school-girls were foolishly mincing up and down
+the Peacock Allies of the large hotels, and sipping tea in company with
+young men, the two girl chums were eagerly listening to a lecture given
+at one of the art buildings, or admiring a private collection only open
+to the public for a few afternoons.
+
+A few days before Thanksgiving, Mr. Maynard arrived and then the routine
+of the girls' daily life suddenly changed.
+
+Eleanor insisted upon her father taking her room while she went to
+Polly's chamber to sleep upon the day-bed there. Mr. Maynard wanted to
+remain at the hotel to save the girls any inconvenience, but the girls
+would not hear of his being away from Eleanor.
+
+The school play was scheduled for the Tuesday evening before
+Thanksgiving Day. But all the ball-rooms and other auditoriums, had been
+engaged weeks before November, so Mrs. Wellington had to take what she
+could get, or postpone the date of the play. Elizabeth Dalken was
+determined to have it on the evening set, and so the poor lady started
+again, to seek for some available hall, with Elizabeth accompanying her.
+Finally they secured a small assembly hall near Central Park West, but
+it was far from being desirable for the girls.
+
+The dirty walls had to be hidden beneath flags and bunting, and the
+tarnished gas chandeliers had to be covered with crepe paper. The crude
+stage was decorated with pine branches and palms, and in places where
+the doors or windows were located, (minus the doors,) the girls grouped
+palms and evergreens, so that the hall looked quite inviting before
+evening.
+
+A bevy of happy girls superintended the decorations while butlers,
+grooms, and even the chauffeurs, did the hard work. Polly and Eleanor
+joined the merry group and instantly offered to work, but Elizabeth
+Dalken scorned their assistance.
+
+"People who live in a _stable_ can know nothing about decorating!" she
+said, insultingly.
+
+Polly sent her a glance of pity, but Eleanor retorted: "Stable! Well,
+the richest and most respected banker of Chicago is visiting us in that
+stable! And he is my very own father, too! If you were out there, now,
+I'd hate to think of what we'd do to _you_!"
+
+Elizabeth sneered and was about to reply, but Polly dragged her friend
+away, forcibly, and they were soon leaving the room.
+
+Mrs. Wellington had been thoroughly enjoying her conversation with the
+pleasant banker from Chicago, and now she smilingly said: "I can readily
+see where Eleanor gets her common sense and pleasing manners."
+
+Mr. Maynard laughed and watched the two girls hurry over to join him. A
+glance at his daughter's face, however, told him that something had gone
+wrong, but Mrs. Wellington hoped to check the complaint at that moment.
+She suddenly turned her head, seemed to hear someone call, and then
+spoke to Polly.
+
+"Come with me, dears, I believe we are wanted in the dressing rooms."
+
+Once out of ear-shot of Mr. Maynard, she whispered: "Oh, do not allow
+Eleanor to say one word to her father that will spoil everything. I will
+look into this matter myself after to-night. But so much depends on this
+play going smoothly, and how can it if some one causes an explosion?"
+
+Polly felt sorry for poor Mrs. Wellington, for she really did have a
+hard life of it, trying to keep peace continually where so many girls
+were concerned. And she promised to try and calm Eleanor's fury and
+determination to oust Elizabeth Dalken from the Wellington School for
+Young Ladies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI--THE NIGHT OF THE PLAY
+
+
+Of the sixty odd pupils in Mrs. Wellington's school, at least fifteen of
+them were to participate in the play. There was to be a Chorus of six
+girls, and a Ballet, besides the principals who also acted the drama to
+follow. Consequently the representative scholars not appearing on the
+stage, had been asked to act as ushers, and general supervisors of
+harmony.
+
+Mr. Fabian and Mr. Maynard conducted Anne and her mother to the seats
+reserved for them, and soon the friends and families of the scholars
+filed in and took their seats. As the hall was generally used for other
+purposes, the floor was not graded, and the seats were not attached to
+the floor. They were ordinary wooden folding chairs to be piled up at
+the end of the performance.
+
+The pianist and other music teachers from school formed the orchestra,
+and their opening number was rendered so well that an encore followed.
+
+[Illustration: POLLY STAGGERED OUT OF THE DOOR CARRYING ELIZABETH ON
+HER SHOULDER.]
+
+Eleanor whispered comically to Polly, as they stood in the entrance
+door: "Maybe the friends hope to postpone the acting a little longer."
+
+When the curtain was drawn aside and the first act of the playlet began,
+individuals in the audience became interested in watching their own
+girls in the troupe. The Chorus did very well, and the Ballet danced as
+gracefully as well-taught girls should, but once the actual acting
+began, there was a slight disappointment felt by the spectators.
+
+The leading lady (the programme said it was Miss Elizabeth Dalken) was
+the whole show. She managed to keep in the lime-light even when she was
+not speaking, or acting a part. And so much of one actress, whether good
+or bad, was bound to pall on the audience.
+
+"Polly, she's spoiling the whole play! I wonder the other girls stood
+for it at the rehearsals," whispered Eleanor.
+
+"She didn't act that way, before, I'm sure. Marion King told me all
+about it. She's doing it now just to show off!"
+
+"Not to her family! because not one of her folks are here. I heard her
+tell Estelle that her mother was going to a fashionable ball, and, of
+course, her father wouldn't come because he had no invitation from
+Elizabeth."
+
+"Well," persisted Polly, feeling sorry for the girl, "she must have
+uncles or aunts or cousins, here."
+
+"She hasn't any in New York. Her father comes from upstate and his folks
+lived there. No one knows who her mother was, so she hasn't a soul,
+here, but the chauffeur. He's downstairs having refreshments."
+
+The second act ended and everyone sighed in relief because the play was
+foolish and so poorly acted, even for amateurs. Mrs. Wellington felt
+deeply hurt when she found how Elizabeth had chosen chums rather than
+actors for the principal parts in the play.
+
+The third act began, in which Elizabeth was dressed in a spangled green
+ball-gown. It was very tight about the ankles and very low about the
+neck. It was too daring, even for a young girl acting a part. The gown
+had a long swishing tail at the back that could have been graceful on a
+vampire, but not on this posing girl.
+
+Mrs. Wellington shook her head disapprovingly at sight of Elizabeth, and
+wished, more than once, that she had taken more time to review the
+actors and their costumes, before they appeared in public.
+
+The Assembly Hall building where the play was given, had four stories.
+The first floor was used for refreshments, with a kitchen at the back.
+The second was a billiard parlor for the use of private clubs. The third
+floor was given over to the Hall, and the fourth floor was turned into
+dressing-rooms, card-rooms, smoking-room, et cetera.
+
+As no late arrivals were expected after the third act had opened the
+ushers, placed at the doors, closed them to shut out the talking and
+laughing in the billiard rooms. Then they sat down at either side of the
+door, to watch the play.
+
+The third act was progressing slowly, when the ushers heard sounds of
+confusion coming from downstairs. But they merely exchanged glances and
+thought some men were quarreling over a game of billiards.
+
+Soon afterward, a faint odor and a haze of smoke penetrated through the
+chinks of the doors, and Polly jumped up quickly to investigate. The
+moment she opened a door, however, a thick cloud of smoke poured in. She
+had to cough, but she remembered to instantly slam the door again.
+
+The other girls saw the smoke and a panic might have followed, had not
+Anne immediately jumped upon the stage and shouted:
+
+"Remember--do not lose your heads! That is the only danger. We can all
+get out safely if everyone will be calm and orderly."
+
+Mr. Maynard took Mrs. Stewart with one arm, and caught Eleanor in his
+other, then called to Mr. Fabian to do the same with Anne and Polly. But
+there was such a dense mob at the only exit doors, that it was
+impossible to force a way through there, and the heavy smoke was now
+rapidly filling the hall.
+
+To add to the scene of fear and confusion, the women in the assembly
+cried, some screamed, the girls ran back and forth, and the men were
+venting their fears in calling upon Deity,--some scarcely audible, and
+others in shrill screams of excitement.
+
+Outside, one could hear the mingled calls and shouts of onlookers, the
+clanging of bells on the engines, and the yells of the people who had
+escaped and wanted to help their friends out. There were four front
+windows of the hall where the school entertainment was being given, but
+these were now jammed with women who sought that way to gain a breath of
+air, but were too timid to jump out to the street; and there were no
+fire-escapes to be found. The hallways and several doors opening to
+them, were a pitiful sight. The men, women, and children were crying,
+jostling, and stampeding each other in their vain efforts to get out and
+find the stairway in the dense smoke that kept pouring up from below.
+
+Mr. Fabian saw the panic and realized that his friends must seek a rear
+exit, or remain until the tardy firemen brought the ladders up to the
+building to help them out. So he hurried to the door back of the stage.
+It had escaped the frightened eyes of others. Having learned that this
+door opened upon an entry that ran to a rear window, he next discovered
+the usual fire-escape that ran down to the yard, and up to the roof. It
+took him but a moment to assure himself that the escape was safe, then
+he rushed back.
+
+"This way! Follow me--everyone!" he shouted to his friends.
+
+They all hurried to the window and Mr. Fabian went first, in order to
+assist the ladies out to the iron-slatted platform, and then to start
+them, sure-footed, on the upward climb of the narrow iron steps.
+
+Mrs. Stewart went first, but she was so nervous that Mr. Fabian followed
+closely behind her to steady her trembling form. Anne followed after her
+mother in climbing through the window, and Mr. Maynard followed her. The
+two girls were about to climb out on the platform when they heard a
+moan, and then a shrill cry, from the small dressing-room back of the
+stage.
+
+Anne ordered the girls to come out, but Polly turned and ran back.
+Eleanor followed, and Anne, distracted, climbed back, too.
+
+"Nolla, tie something over your mouth and nose--use your chiffon scarf,"
+commanded Polly, winding a wide silk sash about her own head.
+
+The girls groped along the entry but could not distinguish a thing in
+the thick, choking haze. Then Polly came to the dressing-room back of
+the stage. This was comparatively clear from smoke, and there the girls
+saw Elizabeth Dalken stretched upon the floor, a cut in her forehead
+attesting to the cause of her sharp scream.
+
+"Great Scott, Polly! What can we do now?" cried Eleanor, as the idea of
+trying to carry the girl up the steep ladder-way flashed across her mind
+only to be spurned. She had no idea of leaving her there to her fate,
+however.
+
+"If we only had a rope!" wailed Polly.
+
+"But we haven't! If I only knew this house better I might find a
+back-stairway. Most city houses have them and I should think this place
+would have one."
+
+"Of course! Nolla, close this door to keep out smoke. I'll look for the
+stairs."
+
+The few excited sentences were muttered through the mufflers tied over
+the girls' mouths and noses. Then both girls began groping their way to
+the rear, hunting for the back-stairs.
+
+The mass of people that had surged from the Hall had made for the wide
+front stairs, and but few remembered to seek for a back exit. And these
+had speedily found a way down. Polly and Eleanor also found the narrow
+back stairs, then Polly hastily commanded:
+
+"Run and tell Anne--she can call to your Dad and explain. Then tell her
+to come this way, with us. I'll lift Elizabeth over my shoulders and
+start down with her--Anne and you follow, at once!"
+
+In another moment, Polly was back in the dressing-room while Eleanor was
+running for the rear window to advise Anne. But she found her already
+inside tying a veil over her mouth and nose.
+
+"Nolla--where's Polly?"
+
+"All right--come on!"
+
+"I told your father--they are safe on the roof--hurry now!"
+
+Eleanor led Anne through the smoke, and just as they reached the entry,
+Polly staggered out of the stage-door with the unconscious girl hanging
+over her shoulder.
+
+"Polly! Polly! You never can carry her!" cried Anne, in a smothered
+voice through the veiling.
+
+But Polly kept her mouth closed and struggled on to the back stairs.
+Anne began to cough and choke as a reward for trying to speak, but she
+reached the stairs first and rushed on down to see if there was a safe
+passage below. Eleanor was close upon her heels, and Polly followed more
+circumspectly.
+
+They reached the kitchen of the house without trouble but the heat as
+they passed by the second floor was terrific. Once down on the ground
+floor they found the rear of the place quite free from smoke, but it
+might only be because the fire overhead was blazing upward. At any
+moment the wall or upper floors might crash down and fall upon them.
+
+"Nolla--how can we get out of this pen?" cried Anne.
+
+"If the house is anything like Chicago's, I'll show you. There must be
+an area or cellar exit to the street."
+
+The kitchen light was still burning but it looked weird in the
+smoke-laden atmosphere. Eleanor tried different doors but found that
+they opened into passages leading to closets or to the front rooms.
+Finally she opened one and caught a whiff of fresh uncontaminated air.
+
+"Thank heavens! Here it is, but I don't know where it ends."
+
+Anne and she pushed out, with Polly behind them. They were in a dark
+alley, now, and had to trust to good fortune to come out somewhere, in
+safety. Down several stone steps, and along another dark, damp area they
+went, and then Eleanor stumbled against a closed door.
+
+"Oh, mercy! Are we locked in here?" she yelled desperately, beating the
+door with her clenched fists.
+
+"Nolla--let me feel for a handle--you are hysterical!" cried Anne,
+swiftly passing her hands over the rough wood.
+
+"Hurry, hurry! I can't carry this weight a minute longer!" breathed
+Polly, hoarsely.
+
+Just at that moment, Anne's hand struck an iron bolt. In a second she
+had shot it backwards, and the heavy door swung open to give them an
+exit to the side street.
+
+All three girls ran frantically forward and Polly dropped her heavy
+burden upon a grass strip which edged the curb. Eleanor sobbed with
+relief and Anne fell upon her knees in silent thanksgiving.
+
+"I'm off, girls, to see if I can help, in front. Have a care for
+Elizabeth," cried Polly, and away she flew.
+
+That silenced Eleanor's hysteria quicker than anything else, and in
+another moment she was gone after her friend, leaving Anne to watch the
+still unconscious girl on the grass.
+
+The scene in front of the building was one of spectacular interest.
+Seeing the crowds of fashionably-dressed people grouped opposite the
+flaring house, it would seem that everyone of the guests had escaped.
+But there was a deafening mixture of cries and shouts from every
+direction. Some were crying for lost friends, some wailed for help
+because of injuries inflicted by the stampede; firemen signaled their
+associates; the old proprietor of the Hall ran madly to and fro shouting
+and gesticulating wildly to everyone; in fact, it was a scene that
+shocked Polly to witness because she thought city people had great
+presence of mind.
+
+Streams of water were pouring upon the flames that shot from the
+second-story windows, but the scaling ladders had not yet arrived, and
+the firemen were striving to enter the front door in order to carry the
+hose nozzle to a more effectual spot.
+
+The Chief had sent some men through adjacent houses to reach the roofs
+and work downwards from that vantage spot. But they had not yet appeared
+when Polly saw how she could assist.
+
+Acting upon an impulse, and doing exactly as she would do if she was
+witnessing a fire at Oak Creek, where the ranchers turn out and try to
+subdue the flames, Polly hastily dropped the clinging skirt of her
+evening dress. Having already removed the silk sash while in the Hall,
+she now dipped it in the flood of water that poured from the hydrant on
+the curb and tied it over her mouth and nose. Then she made a dash
+across the street.
+
+She caught a coil of rope from the hook where it hung on the back of the
+engine, and pushed a way through the staring men. Before anyone dreamed
+of her plan, or the firemen could restrain her she had reached the
+corner of the building and was agilely climbing the height by holding to
+the copper leader.
+
+A chorus of breathless gasps and frightened screams came from the crowd
+but Polly heard them not. She was too intent on her work. Being nimble
+and so light-weight, and thoroughly accustomed to climb up almost
+perpendicular cliffs, or along dizzy peaks, this ascent seemed like play
+to the mountain girl. But the onlookers were thrilled to silence as they
+watched her climb to the roof, and then safely crawl over the ledge.
+Instantly there was such a wild cheer from the street, that Polly
+wondered if something dreadful had happened. She never thought that the
+acclamation was meant for her.
+
+Without hesitation, she ran over to a nearby chimney and wound one end
+of the long rope about it, then lowered the other end to the street. The
+Chief saw the purpose, at once, and signaling back to the girl who was
+leaning over the edge of the roof, he had his men tie the rope ladder to
+the rope. Then Polly began hoisting it slowly, until its end came over
+the cornice.
+
+Meantime, when Eleanor found her friend halfway up the building,
+clinging to the leader and finding foothold in the crevices between the
+bricks, or on the steel bands that held the metal pipe to its moorings,
+she also ran across the street, and attempted to break through the
+cordon which had been formed to permit the men to hold out a life-net in
+case the daring climber should fall.
+
+"I want to help Polly--she is my best friend!" cried Eleanor, when the
+fireman made her turn back.
+
+Then she remembered the rear entrance from which they had escaped. She
+turned to the Chief and called hurriedly: "Send some men with me--I'll
+show them the cellar entrance where they can reach the roof and
+different floors from the back!"
+
+"Hallam! Colter! Take your equipment and follow this girl to a back
+door. You know what to do!"
+
+The men detailed for this duty, beckoned a few others, and all ran after
+Eleanor who now made for the area door. She flew past Anne who was
+holding Elizabeth's head upon her lap, but forgot to glance that way.
+Having gained the cellar door, she was about to go in but Hallam stopped
+her.
+
+"No, Miss--we dare not permit anyone to enter a burning building, you
+know."
+
+"Oh, but I want to join Polly on the roof! The only reason I showed you
+this way was to get through myself!"
+
+"I'd lose my place in the contest for prize medals, Miss, if I broke
+rules. You wouldn't want me to lose my promotion?"
+
+Eleanor felt that he had the best of the argument, so she very
+reluctantly turned and went back to the front of the house. There she
+saw that the firemen had climbed the ladder and were stationed on the
+roof and on window ledges, holding the hose from which the water poured
+in torrents upon the fire inside.
+
+Then the multitude now gathered on both streets and the corners of the
+Parkway, were treated to another thrill. The strand of rope Polly had
+taken with her, was now used by her for descent. Down the taut rope like
+a trained monkey, came she, and safely jumped to the street.
+
+Before she reached the ground however, a chorus of wild yells and
+hurrahs went forth from everyone in the crowd. The Chief called
+imperative orders to his men waiting with him, and the moment he had
+caught Polly, he forced his way across the street, carrying her in his
+arms as if she were a babe.
+
+His men began climbing the rope ladder taking a hose with them. From the
+vantage-points gained by Polly's courage, the firemen now kept steady
+streams of water playing through the open windows upon the fire beneath,
+and thus managed to subdue it before the hook-and-ladder truck wheeled
+up beside the building.
+
+The men, led by Eleanor to the back-stairs, directed their efforts from
+that side, and soon the whole second and third floors became a bed of
+wet smoldering embers. The rest of the structure was saved.
+
+It was learned, later, that the club members giving the "smoker" to
+friends, had been careless of butts and papers, and thus the fire must
+have originated.
+
+The family living in the beautiful house opposite the fire, took Polly
+in charge, and kept away the mob of curious people who wished to see and
+talk with the heroine.
+
+Polly was all right, and wondered why she should be kept indoors when
+others on the outside might need assistance. Suddenly she remembered her
+discarded skirt!
+
+"Oh, mercy me! Did I climb up that pipe looking like this?" she cried,
+blushing furiously and burying her face in the cushions of the divan.
+
+"My dear child! It was a wonderful sight! No one gave the slightest
+thought to your bloomers. But now you shall have one of Ruth's skirts,"
+returned the lady of the house, fervently.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII--MRS. WELLINGTON'S THANKSGIVING
+
+
+The moment Polly was given a skirt, she donned it gratefully and said to
+Mrs. Ashby, her hostess: "Now I must find Elizabeth and have her cared
+for. I left her with Anne."
+
+"Where--where is she? I'll send James for them. But I want you to keep
+quiet, or you'll be prostrated, dear child."
+
+Polly smiled--she prostrated! But she explained: "Anne is sitting on the
+grass on the side street around the corner, taking care of the girl who
+fainted in the back-room of the theatre."
+
+James was summoned from the front window where he had been watching the
+fight against the fire, and now took his orders eagerly. Polly pointed
+out the corner where she had left her friends and, in another moment,
+the butler was gone.
+
+"I s'pose I ought to go and hunt up my friends who escaped over the
+roofs," ventured Polly.
+
+"You'll rest here upon this divan, or your parents will sue me!"
+retorted Mrs. Ashby, trying to compel, with gentle hands, obedience to
+her command.
+
+Polly laughed softly. "My parents would sue you if you prevented me from
+doing my duty to others. Why, you-all make such a fuss over that
+pipe-climbing, and it is next to nothing for a Rocky Mountain girl. A
+day in a blizzard on the cliffs is ten times more hazardous."
+
+Mrs. Ashby was consumed with curiosity to ask this handsome girl who she
+was, and all about herself, but she controlled herself admirably, for
+she knew her guest ought to keep quiet.
+
+The door-bell rang and its echo pealed through the house, but the
+servants were out watching the exciting events of the fire, and James
+had been sent for the other girls. So Mrs. Ashby opened the door.
+
+"I just heard that Polly Brewster was here--oh! is she all right!" cried
+the excited voice of Mrs. Wellington.
+
+"Right as a trivet, dear Mrs. Wellington!" called Polly springing from
+the couch to greet the lady.
+
+"Oh--oh! Thank God! I've worried and cried over you three precious girls
+until my eyes are blinded! They told me that everyone was out of the
+place but you three!"
+
+"Did everyone manage to escape safely?" asked Polly, anxiously.
+
+"Everyone got out, but oh! such a panic! Some are torn, and battered
+black and blue, from the stampede down through those front stairs and
+hall. I don't believe a single soul got out with a whole gown! They tell
+me it was all the fault of that 'Pool Club' on the second floor; they
+gave a 'smoker' to-night, and when the fire was discovered on their
+floor, they caused the dreadful block in the front halls."
+
+"Gowns are of no account if everyone escaped with life," said Mrs.
+Ashby.
+
+"But it is most unfortunate for me, just now. The story getting into the
+newspapers, will ruin my reputation as a school principal. Folks will
+ask, 'Why did she ever choose such a place for an entertainment;' but
+they will never know that I tried everywhere else, first, and found
+everything engaged for this week. I begged the girl who started the idea
+to postpone the play until the week after Thanksgiving holiday, but she
+stubbornly refused. So I took what I could get. I dare not tell the
+reporters that it was merely to _please_ Elizabeth Dalken, and because
+Elizabeth's father pays strictly in advance and has his daughter take
+all 'extras.'
+
+"You have no idea what it means to me. I am paying off the mortgages on
+that house where the school is located, so that I might be able to take
+a deep breath before I am too old to work. But this unhappy accident
+will ruin my reputation as a careful superintendent."
+
+"Elizabeth Dalken! I know her father very well, and we think he is one
+of the finest of men. We seldom meet Mrs. Dalken or the daughter, as we
+do not belong to the same set. Since Mr. Dalken separated from his wife,
+we have not seen her at all, but he was here and dined with us, this
+very evening," said Mrs. Ashby.
+
+"If I could only explain to him just how this happened, he might not
+blame me for his daughter's injury."
+
+"Was she hurt?" exclaimed Mrs. Ashby. Then James came in, followed by
+three girls, and the adults who had escaped over the roofs.
+
+"Here we are, Polly--safe and sound," Mr. Maynard's cheery voice greeted
+the girl who jumped up at sight of them.
+
+Excited cries, and hugs, and happy laughs now followed as each one found
+the others without a hurt, Elizabeth Dalken being the only one who had
+received an injury, and that was merely a flesh-wound cut by the edge of
+the door as her head struck it.
+
+Mrs. Ashby took charge of Elizabeth, and washed her face; then placed a
+strip of court plaster over the cut to keep it clean.
+
+The fire was out and the crowd had dispersed before the firemen finished
+their work in and about the house. The Chief came to Mrs. Ashby's door
+and asked for the young lady who was such a marvellous climber. So he
+was invited in to see for himself.
+
+"Young lady, I want to make a record of this deed, as I have to report
+everything to the police department, you know. And I am proud to say,
+our records are never kept in the dark when visitors come in to see our
+engine house. It's seldom we can talk about, or show a page, with such a
+brave act as yours, written upon it."
+
+Polly smiled. "But it really wasn't anything to fuss over. It wasn't
+dangerous, you know, and for anyone who can climb as well as I can, it
+would have been cowardly to stand by and _not_ act. You needed a light,
+agile climber whose weight would not break that leader away from the
+wall; and I happened to be that one."
+
+The Chief and Mrs. Ashby exchanged glances, then laughed. "I guess it's
+no use trying to make a heroine of her--she won't have it so!" said he.
+
+Then Eleanor spoke up. "That's because she's accustomed to doing such
+great deeds out in the mountains where she comes from--walking on the
+heads of rattle-snakes, killing grizzlies and lions as if they were
+rabbits, saving a lot of tenderfeet from blizzards and landslides--these
+are but a few of the _little_ things she does out there!"
+
+The New Yorkers gasped in astonishment; even James, the butler, stood
+gaping with open mouth at a real live heroine--never seen before by him
+except on the movie screen. So intensely interested was he, that he
+failed to hear his master enter by the front door, followed by a
+gentleman. They both burst into the room and stood amazed.
+
+Then Mr. Ashby apologised for the abrupt entrance: "Dalken and I were at
+the Club when we heard of the fire so near my place. And when Dalken
+heard that it was Mrs. Wellington's school-girls who were entertaining
+on the third floor, he came with me to see if his daughter is safe. Does
+anyone know where Elizabeth is?"
+
+"Here--right here, Mr. Dalken," Mrs. Ashby quickly assured the father.
+And she beckoned Mrs. Wellington to bring the girl from the alcove where
+she had been resting.
+
+"My poor little girl!" quavered the father, taking the meek and
+broken-spirited Elizabeth in his arms. "Are you badly hurt?"
+
+She began to cry softly against his coat collar but Mrs. Ashby reassured
+Mr. Dalken. "Only a scratch. Her forehead may swell a bit and be
+discolored for a few days, but that is all. Elizabeth owes her life to
+these two girls here, Mr. Dalken. One carried her out of the building
+after she had fainted, and the other went first and found a way down the
+back stairs."
+
+"Not really!" the amazed man gasped. "Tell me about it."
+
+But Polly was a poor narrator, so Anne decided to speak. She was bound
+that Polly should not belittle this deed as she had the climbing to the
+fourth floor of the burning building.
+
+That Mr. Dalken was deeply moved, everyone could see, and when he shook
+hands with the two girls he said gravely, "I shall never forget how you
+kept me from being childless. My baby boy died three years ago to-night,
+and I could not have stood losing my little girl, too, on the
+anniversary of that sad experience."
+
+Elizabeth then remembered the date and hiding her face, ran back to the
+alcove to cry softly to herself. Mrs. Ashby and Mrs. Wellington knew the
+sad story, so they allowed her to weep alone. But Mr. Dalken,
+tender-hearted, would have gone to comfort the girl, had not Mrs. Ashby
+placed a detaining hand upon his arm and said: "No, dear friend--better
+leave her to remember and realize everything."
+
+Polly and Eleanor saw and heard and could not understand, but they
+thought it was no concern of theirs, so they forgot it.
+
+Everyone had been introduced informally to everyone else, and at last
+Mrs. Ashby said: "I have had a bit of refreshment served for you, in the
+dining room, before you go home. After such exposures and excitement, I
+think we all will need something."
+
+Mr. Fabian wished to excuse himself, but his friends would not hear of
+it. Then Mr. Dalken came over and spoke to him. "Are you Mr. Fabian, the
+artist?"
+
+"They say I am an artist, but I doubt it, myself," replied Mr. Fabian,
+humbly, but smiling at the questioner.
+
+"Then I am delighted to have met you, for I have a niece studying in
+Paris, and she writes me pages upon pages about Mrs. Fabian and the
+daughter Nancy, and how lovely they have been to take her about with
+them."
+
+His wife and daughter were Mr. Fabian's pet subject so now he seemed to
+expand marvellously, and smiled benignly upon everyone present. On the
+way to the dining-room, Mr. Dalken and the artist exchanged
+heart-to-heart ideas and were soon fast friends.
+
+But scarcely had they seated themselves ere another mad peal of the
+door-bell took James from the pleasant task of serving an impromptu
+supper. He was heard arguing with someone in the hall, then Mrs. Ashby
+turned to her husband and said: "You go and see what is the matter."
+
+After a short time, three re-entered the room--James, Mr. Ashby, and an
+ambitious-looking young man with alert bright eyes.
+
+"Representative from the Press wants us to give him all the inside news
+about the fire," explained Mr. Ashby, looking at the circle about the
+table.
+
+Mrs. Wellington turned pale and gazed beseechingly at Mr. Maynard,
+hoping he could help her out in the inevitable story that would be
+written up about her school. But Mr. Dalken saw the look and
+comprehended immediately.
+
+"Hello, Dunlap! How'd you get this assignment from the night-editor?"
+
+"Oh--it's Mr. Dalken. I'm delighted to see you, sir," returned the
+reporter, very respectfully.
+
+"Yes, these are friends of mine. Some of them are the dearest friends I
+have, so I do not wish them to be annoyed by finding a garbled story in
+the papers to-morrow morning. Consequently, I will, with the assistance
+of these friends, give you the facts, simple and straightforward, but
+see that you add nothing to them nor delete a line. Tell your boss that
+I said so!"
+
+"I sure will, Mr. Dalken, and maybe I won't be the thankful guy if you
+tell me the story! Can I say it came from you?" was the eager reply of
+the man Dunlap.
+
+"No, sir! I am not in this at all, except as one who rushed here to help
+friends. Now this is the story for your paper."
+
+Mrs. Wellington had been anxiously whispering to Mr. Fabian, and the
+latter now secured Mr. Dalken's attention. "May I have a word with you,
+in private, before the reporter takes down any notes?"
+
+Out of hearing of the others, Mr. Fabian then explained that Elizabeth
+had stubbornly refused to postpone the entertainment, and because of her
+insistence, Mrs. Wellington had taken whatever hall she could find. But
+she did not want Elizabeth to be made to bear any of the blame, so she
+wants you to touch wisely on anything that has to do with the
+theatricals.
+
+"I certainly appreciate Mrs. Wellington's thoughtfulness and I will
+remember this. I'll see what can be done with Dunlap."
+
+"Mr. Dalken is a born story-teller, Dunlap, and that is why he is so
+popular, I think," remarked Mr. Ashby, just then.
+
+"Sit down there by Fabian, Dunlap, and join our circle," cordially
+invited the story-teller, after he had frowned threateningly at his
+host.
+
+"Give Dunlap some coffee and don't let him jot down a word until I've
+done talking. Then we will pick out the notes he is to have," added Mr.
+Dalken.
+
+"Oh, you can tell it so well, do let me write as you narrate?" begged
+the reporter.
+
+"No, sir! I can't read short-hand and you may get in a word I don't want
+you to take. Here, James, remove the pencil and pad from that young
+man."
+
+Everyone laughed, and Dunlap meekly surrendered the articles mentioned.
+Directly Mr. Dalken began his story, the wily reporter had another
+pencil and pad before him. But Fabian stealthily took possession of
+these also, and the laugh went against the young man that time.
+
+While Mr. Dalken wove a veritable thriller out of the material provided
+by the fire, Mrs. Wellington wondered how it was possible to present the
+facts so well and at the same time prove, beyond doubt, that the young
+ladies of Mrs. Wellington's school were so perfectly trained and
+educated that they were a great factor in saving lives and property that
+night. At the end of the story, Mr. Dalken said that some bright
+investor might find a handsome revenue in building a fire-proof Hall
+where just such entertainments could be given--high-school girls who
+loved to give parties but could not lease one of the hotel ball-rooms,
+weeks in advance and pay exorbitant prices, and then possibly change
+their plans before the event.
+
+"You can make a separate paragraph of what I said, if you like, and
+preface it with the remark: 'When asked what he thought about the fire,
+Mr. Dalken, who viewed the blaze from a house opposite the scene, said':
+you know the rest," the famous financier saw that the reporter
+comprehended, and then he turned to the others seated about the table.
+
+"Anything to add to my story?"
+
+"It was very fine, especially about our dear Principal, but you didn't
+say enough about Polly carrying Elizabeth safely out," Eleanor said,
+eagerly.
+
+"I followed a lead given me by Mr. Fabian. We all think it best not to
+mention names, but to make the incident impersonal," explained Mr.
+Dalken.
+
+Eleanor pouted, for she wanted to have Polly given all the credit for
+what she did. But a sly look from the reporter gave her an idea, and she
+smiled back understandingly.
+
+Then the story was pieced out for Dunlap and when he had taken down all
+his notes, he jumped up and said: "I know you will excuse me for rushing
+away, but I want to get this in type at once. In case you have forgotten
+something, or wish to send me a photograph of anyone, call 10000 Greeley
+and I'll see to it, without fail."
+
+"That's all you'll get on this occasion," laughed Mr. Dalken as James
+started to show the young man to the door. But in passing Eleanor,
+Dunlap sent her a mental telegram, and she closed one eye significantly.
+
+"Oh--he left his pencils and paper!" exclaimed Eleanor, jumping up
+instantly and running with them to the front door.
+
+"Mr. Dunlap--here is your private property that Mr. Fabian had charge
+of," was what the guests in the dining-room heard. But to Dunlap she
+hurriedly whispered: "I'll 'phone you after I leave here."
+
+Before the party broke up that night, Mrs. Ashby learned that Mrs.
+Maynard was an old schoolmate of hers, and expressed a wish that Polly
+and Eleanor would visit her again and meet Ruth who was then visiting
+friends for Thanksgiving week.
+
+"I really cannot voice my gratitude to all these kind friends," said
+Mrs. Wellington, as they stood in the reception hall saying good-night.
+"Not only has dear Mr. Dalken turned harsh public condemnation from my
+doors, but the story as he told it, actually brings glory to the
+school."
+
+"And why should it not, my dear Madam? Have you not fought and struggled
+with every girl in your charge, to perfect and express just the
+qualities I have given you credit for?" said Mr. Dalken.
+
+"Oh, yes, _I_ have tried so hard, but how many people, or even parents,
+would credit me with such endeavors? Once they read it in the papers
+they will accept the statement, but it is so hard to impress folks by
+actual demonstration," sighed the thankful lady.
+
+"Thank heavens, Mrs. Wellington, that you have a whole day of peace
+before you, in which to remember that you have found a group of people,
+here, who not only appreciate your efforts but have tried to make others
+approve them," said Mrs. Ashby, earnestly.
+
+"Indeed I have! I expect to have the very best of Thanksgivings, due to
+all of you dear people. Some day I will be able to show my gratitude for
+this." And the lady's voice quavered with emotion.
+
+"And you'll find the story in the papers will not only spare you any
+criticism, but actually praise your school," added Mr. Ashby.
+
+"You may be overwhelmed with new scholars," suggested Polly, innocently.
+
+"That's so! I've always heard that discreet publicity is the finest kind
+of advertising," Eleanor declared. "This fine tale about your scholars
+ought to bring back fifty percent returns."
+
+Everyone laughed heartily at hearing so young a girl talk so
+business-like, and Mr. Dalken said: "I am interested to know just where
+you got that information?"
+
+"Isn't it true?" demanded Eleanor, turning her bright eyes on him. "You
+see, Polly and I are going into business together, pretty soon, and I
+have to take notice of all approved methods of winning success. I am to
+be the business manager while Polly is the decorator."
+
+The new acquaintances were highly amused at such talk, and Mr. Ashby
+laughingly inquired: "What profession have you chosen?"
+
+"Interior decorators. We have started, already; we go to Cooper Union
+three nights a week and Mr. Fabian takes us to all the lectures and
+exhibitions on any subject that will give us ideas and help."
+
+"Well!" exclaimed Mr. Dalken, finding the girls were really serious.
+Mrs. Ashby was deeply interested, but her husband took each of the
+prospective decorators by the hand and shaking them cordially, said:
+"Let us congratulate each other, for I am already established as a
+decorator. I want to help you onward in every possible way, my dear
+girls, so call on me whenever you want help. Just as Fabian takes you to
+these valuable exhibitions and lectures, so the four of us pulling
+together ought to arrive somewhere."
+
+Mr. Fabian was as pleased at the news as either of his protegees, and
+they left the Ashbys feeling very much at peace with the world and
+everything in it.
+
+As Eleanor ran down the shallow brown-stone steps to the sidewalk, she
+turned back and called to Mr. Ashby: "Who knows! We may end by going
+into partnership with you, some day!"
+
+He laughed, and said: "Who knows?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII--A WEEK OF PLEASURE
+
+
+As Mr. Maynard occupied Eleanor's room at the Studio, and she used the
+couch moved into Polly's room for the time being, it seemed difficult
+for Eleanor to follow her desire to communicate with Dunlap, the
+reporter, as soon as she got home.
+
+Everyone was dog-tired from the excitement and the visit at the Ashbys
+afterward, so there was no time lost before tumbling into bed. Eleanor
+found it very hard to keep her eyes open until she could hear Polly
+sleeping heavily. Then she crept from the bed.
+
+Downstairs was the print of a photograph taken a few weeks before, of a
+group of Mrs. Wellington's scholars. Polly and herself were in this
+group, and Eleanor planned to get it into the reporter's hands for
+reproduction to print a picture of Polly in the morning's paper.
+
+She found the photograph without noise or trouble and then sat down
+before the telephone stand in the corner of the living room. "I hope to
+goodness no one upstairs will hear me talk," thought Eleanor to herself,
+as she gave the number to Central.
+
+"Hello--is this 10000 Greeley?
+
+"Give me Mr. Dunlap, please.
+
+"The lady who said she would call him about the fire.
+
+"No, you won't do! I want Dunlap!
+
+"He isn't in? I don't believe you! Get off the wire!
+
+"Hello--hello! H-e-l-lo! I want editor's desk--10000 Greeley, and be
+quick about it!" snapped Eleanor, feeling quite irritable because of the
+loss of sleep, and the strange reporter's laugh at her.
+
+"Is this the night-editor?" now asked Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+"U--um! May I speak to Mr. Dunlap--the reporter you assigned on the fire
+story uptown, to-night?
+
+"Oh--he isn't in? Well, but he said he would wait to take some important
+notes from me. I can't believe he is out.
+
+"Well, then, you may be the night-editor, but you sound exactly like
+that fresh reporter who spoke to me a moment ago. I cannot understand
+why you employ such rude youths as he is."
+
+Eleanor grinned to herself for she was quite sure she was speaking to
+the same reporter who answered the call, at first. An answering laugh
+convinced her she was right, and she hissed through the telephone: "If
+you knew who I was, you wouldn't keep me sitting in the cold like this.
+Now you can either call Dunlap or I'll give my story to your enemy
+downtown. The reporters of that paper are just dying to get my story."
+
+That proved miraculous. To prevent the downtown competitor from getting
+the story, the unknown was willing to turn it over to his opponent,
+Dunlap.
+
+Eleanor recognised Dunlap's voice the moment he took the 'phone, and she
+gave him some interesting personal facts about Polly and herself, and
+why they were now studying in New York. She talked for half-an-hour,
+praising Polly and her wonderful character, and finally began telling
+about the escape from Grizzly Peak at the time of the landslide. But
+Dunlap interrupted her with:
+
+"I can't get all of that in--we go to press very shortly."
+
+"Oh, dear! Can't you run over here and get this photo of Polly, that I
+have ready for you?"
+
+"For the morning edition?" gasped Dunlap.
+
+"Yes, to accompany the story of the fire."
+
+"My dear young lady--do you know how long it takes to make a plate for
+the paper?"
+
+"A plate? I said 'a photograph,' Mr. Dunlap."
+
+"But we have to make a reproduction of yours, then print it on a plate,
+then give it an acid bath, then etch and rout, and mount--and it all
+takes time before the plate is ready to be stereotyped for the printing
+in the paper."
+
+"Oh! I thought you just took the picture and copied it in the paper. Of
+course, I never stopped to inquire into what process it went through.
+But if you say you can't use it, I'm sorry."
+
+"So'm I. But you might bring it in early in the morning and I'll see if
+there is enough interest in the story to rake up an evening's yarn."
+
+"Very well. I'll do that."
+
+"Come in, anyway, and bring your friends. I'll show you through the
+engraving plant of the paper. You'll be interested."
+
+"Thank you--good-by."
+
+Eleanor hung up the receiver and listened intently to hear if anyone was
+stirring upstairs. All was quiet, so she placed the photograph back on
+the shelf and crept upstairs again. She jumped into bed shivering, after
+being exposed so long to the cold, downstairs. But utter weariness soon
+brought her sleep and all was forgotten until breakfast time.
+
+Mr. Maynard, speaking, woke Eleanor. She sat up and rubbed her eyes
+sleepily. "Thank goodness, we do not have to go to school for a whole
+week!" declared she, throwing a shoe at Polly's half-buried head.
+
+"Polly! Pol-le--ee! Wake up!"
+
+"Wha-foh?" grunted Polly, half-dazed.
+
+Then both girls heard Mr. Maynard call: "I'll be right back to
+breakfast, Mrs. Stewart--I'm going to the corner for the papers."
+
+Eleanor suddenly remembered her share in the telling of the story about
+the fire, and she jumped out of bed. "I'm going to hurry down and read
+what the paper says about the fire," said she.
+
+Polly turned over and stretched lazily. "I don't care what they say. I'm
+going to sleep all day."
+
+Eleanor was annoyed. "No, you won't! We've got to keep a date with Mr.
+Fabian this noon, and you've _got to_ get up!"
+
+"Oh, that's so! Mr. Fabian is going to take us to Grand Central Palace
+to show us how carpets are made. I forgot that exhibition was to-day."
+And Polly jumped up at that remembrance when other things had failed to
+move her.
+
+The girls were downstairs in time to open the front door for Mr.
+Maynard. He was grinning teasingly, as he tried to keep a great mass of
+morning papers from slipping out from under his arm. He held out an
+opened sheet for the girls to see.
+
+"Oh, what a horrid face! Who is it?" exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+"The paper states it is you, my dear," laughed her father.
+
+"What--never! Oh, what awful people these newspaper men are! Dad, can't
+you go down there and horse-whip them? I never looked like that in all
+my life!" and Eleanor stamped her foot in a fury.
+
+Polly had been gazing at the two faces printed on the front sheet of the
+morning paper, but now she laughed. "Oh, if I looked like that picture,
+I could have put out the fire by merely turning my face to it!"
+
+Anne and her mother came in when they heard Mr. Maynard's loud laughter.
+They, too, stared at the oval-framed pictures said to be "The two
+heroines of the dreadful fire at Assembly Hall."
+
+"Anne, where under the sun did the newspapers get those two pictures?"
+asked Polly, tittering every time she saw the ovals.
+
+"Every newspaper has a department known as the 'morgue,' or some such
+name. They keep, filed away, pictures of every well-known person in the
+world. In the package indexed under the proper name, are one or two
+'cuts' ready to use in case of a hurry. Then when a person dies, or is
+married, or something or other happens, the newspaper rushes to its
+files and gets out the picture, or cut, needed.
+
+"It is the same with famous buildings, or ships, or objects of any kind.
+If something comes up that brings the thing to the public attention,
+there the papers have the pictures all ready to print.
+
+"Now they keep lots of photographs, just like these two, which they buy
+from cheap photographers. They buy a hundred in a job lot, and if they
+want a picture and can't secure a legitimate one, or a snap-shot from
+the reporter's kodak, they use what they have on hand.
+
+"It would be extremely amusing to be present when these girls see their
+faces in the paper. It will prove almost as funny as seeing you two
+girls scorning these strange faces."
+
+But Mr. Maynard had been reading the article while Anne had explained
+the methods of many newspapers, and now he exclaimed: "By jove! Dalken
+never said a word about all this life-history!"
+
+"What's that, Daddy? Read it to us," begged Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+"Why--wh-y-y--the young rascal hit it right on the head, all right! But
+where did he get it?" continued Mr. Maynard.
+
+"For pity's sake--read it aloud!" commanded Eleanor, hardly able to hold
+her tongue about the story.
+
+Then Mr. Maynard read it, and it lost none of its vivid coloring by his
+reading, either. When he had almost concluded, Polly began to grow
+angry. When he finished, she was furious.
+
+"I'm going up to that office and I'll fight that reporter. He had no
+more right to print that than those other men had to use someone else's
+photographs and call them ours. So there!"
+
+Mr. Maynard had been thinking seriously, and now he nailed Eleanor with
+a penetrating look. "Nolla, did you tell that young rascal this story
+when you ran to the door with his pencil and paper last night?"
+
+"No, indeed! I did not, Daddy! You can ask the butler if I ever did! He
+stood right there when I handed Dunlap the pencil!"
+
+Eleanor's denial was so emphatic that everyone believed she was innocent
+of any such plot; so they never found out who was the guilty one.
+
+While at breakfast, the telephone rang. "This is Mr. Latimer, Anne. We
+have just read the papers and were so surprised! When we saw the
+pictures of the two heroines, we feared some dreadful thing had happened
+to distort their faces so that we failed to recognise them, and I
+hastened to inquire. Do you need Dr. Evans' services to straighten out
+those faces?"
+
+An amused laugh could be heard over the wire, and Anne laughed back.
+"No, thanks; a good night's rest has brought back their natural looks.
+The faces in the paper must have been taken by the flickering flame of
+the burning dwelling."
+
+"Jim and Ken came home late last night for the Holiday. We wanted to
+congratulate you girls on trying so hard for the Carnegie Medal, but now
+Jim wants to say 'good-morning.'"
+
+In another moment, Jim's voice was heard speaking. "Oh, good-morning,
+Anne. Have you used Pears Soap?" Then a gay laugh.
+
+"We have, but you haven't! Your father just told me you got in at
+midnight, and if you're up as early as this, I'm sure the sleep hasn't
+been washed from your eyes," retorted Anne.
+
+Polly and Eleanor crowded close and hung over the 'phone so they could
+hear what Jim had to say.
+
+"I only wanted to say, I've got tickets for the show, to-night, and the
+girls are not to go anywhere else."
+
+"Oh, tell him we're out of town on a week-end party," Eleanor whispered,
+hurriedly to Anne.
+
+"Are the tickets good for Eleanor's father and my mother, in case the
+girls go out of town?" teased Anne.
+
+"Say--you really don't mean that?" Jim's voice sounded very sad.
+
+"I cannot tell a lie--I am like George, you see, and I'll let the girls
+fib for themselves," laughed Anne, getting up from the stool and handing
+the instrument to Polly.
+
+"Oh, here, Nolla! You do it! You know I don't like this jiggery quivery
+thing!" cried Polly, quickly placing the telephone apparatus on the
+table and making room for Eleanor on the chair.
+
+Eleanor was delighted to talk with Jim, and she kept at it until a
+clicking in her ear notified her that someone wanted to get them on the
+wire, so she hurriedly rang Jim off.
+
+"Hello!" called Eleanor to the next inquirer.
+
+"Hello--1234 Madison Square?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"This is Mr. Ashby speaking. Is this one of the heroines?"
+
+"Oh, Mr. Ashby! Yes, it is Nolla. What do you think of the story in the
+paper--and the funny photographs?" laughed Eleanor.
+
+"I laughed myself sick over it at breakfast. My wife and I wondered how
+that young rascal got them, and James explained."
+
+Here Eleanor turned white, for she wondered if the butler really had
+seen her wink at Dunlap. "My, but I'm thankful I got at this wire
+instead of Anne," said she to herself.
+
+"Two of our maids had their postal-card pictures taken the other day,
+and upon rushing out of the front door to watch the fire last night,
+they laid them upon the hall table. James saw them there, later, but
+thinking the girls would soon be coming in to take them upstairs, he did
+nothing about it.
+
+"Then in the excitement of watching Miss Polly climb the front of the
+house, and have the Chief carry her over to our house, the pictures were
+completely forgotten. As the young reporter went out, James saw Miss
+Eleanor take his hat from the stand and hand it to him. But nothing was
+thought about the cards. Later, however, they were gone.
+
+"This morning the papers have the photographs of Mary, the waitress, and
+Gladys, the upstairs girl, as heroines of the fire. Maybe our maids are
+not tickled to pieces to find themselves so famous."
+
+Eleanor heard both Mr. and Mrs. Ashby laughing merrily over the mistake,
+and then she said: "Do you suppose I handed the cards to Dunlap when I
+picked up his papers and hat?"
+
+"Undoubtedly. But the joke is, he thinks you meant to do it very
+secretly, you see, so he never mentioned it but hurried the work on the
+pictures so as to have them in the morning's paper. He most likely
+believes that that was why you ran after him--to manage to give him
+those two photographs to use. I think the laugh is entirely on him,
+don't you, Eleanor?"
+
+But Eleanor did not say. She sat and studied the pattern in the rug for
+a time, refusing to answer all the questions asked. Then she decided
+that Mr. Ashby must have heard from Dunlap that morning, and was told
+how she had added many facts to Mr. Dalken's story. But this funny error
+of using the maid's photographs, was retribution on her head.
+
+The young people, with Anne to chaperone them, enjoyed the play that
+night, and then the boys outlined the programme they had made for the
+week.
+
+The next day, being Thanksgiving, the entire party was to dine at the
+Latimers'. Then they would go for an automobile drive, and in the
+evening all would enjoy an impromptu supper and dance at the Evans'.
+
+Friday morning the boys would take the girls skating at St. Nicholas
+Rink. They begged to attend Mr. Fabian and the girls in the afternoon at
+the Textile Exhibition, then dinner at the Studio, and another play at
+night.
+
+Saturday morning the girls were going to visit Mr. Ashby's famous
+decorating establishment, and get a glimpse first-hand of what a modern
+decorator must do and know to succeed. In the afternoon the boys wanted
+to take in a matinee, but the girls were invited to dinner at the
+Ashbys, and to spend the evening with their daughter Ruth. So Jim said
+nothing, but he instantly planned how to meet the Ashbys.
+
+"Now don't go and make any more dates for next week, without asking us,
+understand!" declared Jim, when he heard that Saturday was engaged and
+Sunday, partly so.
+
+"How can we help it if our parents and chaperones do it without our
+knowledge," queried Eleanor, innocently.
+
+"Well, I'll speak to them, then. Ken and I will have to be off again
+next week; so for the few days we have at home we want you girls to pass
+up all other fun. You've got all the year for other beaux, you know,"
+grumbled Jim.
+
+Polly and Eleanor laughed. "Oh, yes," said the latter, "we just keep on
+the go continually, every afternoon and evening, with a devoted swain
+each day to replace the ones of the day before."
+
+"Where do you meet them?" demanded Jim, jealously.
+
+"We-ll--the first one Polly and I snared, we 'picked up' at an art sale.
+But we have many opportunities to meet others, you know."
+
+"Yes," added Polly, entering the joke, "at night school, you know, there
+are loads of young men; and at lectures and exhibitions--and
+everywhere."
+
+"Is that why you both are so crazy to go to these dry lecture affairs?"
+jeered Kenneth, thinking himself very clever, indeed.
+
+But they failed to get the girls to break the engagement with the
+Ashbys, and Jim barely managed, through his father's kind auspices, to
+meet Mr. Dalken Saturday morning, and thus open the way to call on the
+Ashbys that evening.
+
+Mr. Dalken was young in spirit if not in years, and he enjoyed helping
+the two boys work out the little plot so as to be present with Polly and
+Eleanor at the Ashbys, that evening. But the boys never knew that their
+benefactor passed up an exciting game of chess at his club, that
+Saturday night, in order to introduce them to his friends.
+
+There were so many wonderful things to do during that Holiday Week, that
+the girls could not attend them all. Many of their school-friends were
+eager to have them at teas and parties and matinees, but all these had
+to be refused with regrets. Eleanor remarked: "Wait for school to open.
+We'll be the most popular girls there. In fact, every last girl will
+want to fag for us!"
+
+"Why?" asked Polly, wonderingly.
+
+"Because they think we are in such demand, everywhere, that we can't
+accept any invitations of theirs. Don't you suppose they have told each
+other? Lots of those girls travel around together, and they talk
+everything over. But I guess they are wondering who takes us out so
+much, and what society we travel in." Eleanor laughed.
+
+Polly looked at her with pity. "Nolla, sometimes I feel _so_ sorry for
+you! All your joy and pleasure in having others act nice or kind to you,
+is lost because of the education you've had in Bob's school. Now I don't
+believe those girls ask us just to cater to us because we are popular. I
+think they really like us and would love to have us with them. If I
+wasn't so frightfully busy with school at night, and other worth-while
+occupations, I'd jaunt about with them."
+
+Eleanor said nothing more, but she did a lot of thinking.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX--POLLY'S MUSCLE
+
+
+Mr. Maynard was delighted with Eleanor's evident improvement in health,
+and all fears of the New York climate vanished entirely, before he
+finished his visit in New York. He remained a week and then said
+good-by, reminding Mrs. Stewart that she had invited him for the
+Christmas Holidays. They all laughed because he was welcome, at all
+times, to remain as long as he could.
+
+Regular studies began again after the Thanksgiving Holiday and, with the
+reopening of the classes, the girls started in on a new line of art at
+Cooper Union. Anne Stewart used to escort the girls to and from the
+school on class-nights, but it was such a tiresome trip for her to make,
+after a hard day at school, and with lessons to go over at home, that
+the girls insisted upon her staying home.
+
+Mr. Fabian generally conducted them home after class, and then went on
+to his own rooms. As it was hardly dark by seven-thirty, in October and
+early November, it was no more hazardous for the two girls to walk or
+ride down to the Square than it would be in the daytime.
+
+But the days were becoming so much shorter after Thanksgiving, that it
+was quite dark by six o'clock. Hence Anne worried about their going
+downtown, alone, even though it was but a few blocks.
+
+The second week of class in December, found Mr. Fabian absent. He had
+taken a severe cold and thought better of risking his health in the
+bitter wind and Scotch mist that night.
+
+Polly and Eleanor did not speak of it to Anne, as she, too, felt
+wretched that day; and they would rather have stayed at home than have
+had her accompany them to night school in her state of health.
+
+"You're not to worry about us, Anne, if we do not come in as early as
+usual," said Eleanor, upon opening the door to go out.
+
+"Why--where will you be?" asked Anne, instantly.
+
+"Exams. Some of the teachers are testing us in all the work we did this
+last term, and we have to write our answers. We may be a full hour later
+than usual; but we'll come uptown, together, so there's nothing to worry
+about," explained Polly.
+
+Anne thought she meant Mr. Fabian by "we-all" but Polly meant several of
+the students who lived a few blocks north of the Square.
+
+Both girls were well bundled up in heavy storm coats, mufflers, and
+close-fitting woollen caps pulled down over their ears. Besides their
+books and other materials, they had umbrellas to carry but it was too
+windy to open them.
+
+The examination questions proved to be most interesting; and the answers
+required a great deal of careful thought, before describing the various
+types, methods and ideals of architecture and decoration.
+
+Polly described at large such questions as: "Can you describe the
+different types that go to make up the Egyptian people?" or the
+question: "How does plant-life affect Egyptian ornament--sketch two such
+plants."
+
+"What is a torus molding? Where is echinus molding used? Sketch the cyma
+recta."
+
+When Polly found the questions: "Describe a scarabaeus," and "Why did
+ancient Egyptians prepare their dead as they did, and describe a mummy
+and the methods used for its preservation," she was elated, for she had
+made a particular study of these subjects at the Metropolitan Museum
+where the collection of Egyptian antiques is unsurpassed.
+
+There were many other interesting questions, all of which Polly was
+eager to answer, but time was too limited for her to say all she wished
+to. For instance, she wanted to describe, at length, Greek art and the
+Greek nation that was characteristic for its own type of art and
+ornament.
+
+She was anxious to tell what she knew about color and its importance in
+art. Of polychromy and what it was. In fact, she needed hours in which
+to speak fully of the difference between Greek, Egyptian and Assyrian
+art and ornament.
+
+Eleanor on her part, wrote graphically of the difference between the
+Arabs and Persians, and how their modes and habits had a corresponding
+effect on art. She liked to describe the style of Romanesque art and how
+it governed all Eastern Europe at one time.
+
+Eleanor leaned to the Moorish classics and had a weakness for Turkish
+designs; she loved the warm coloring used by the Moors in their work,
+and the harsh bright colors employed by the Turks. She had no hesitation
+in selecting from samples shown, the Mohammedan designs, the Chinese,
+the Byzantine, or Arabian patterns. She was expert in stating why the
+fall of Rome affected all art in Eastern and Western Europe, and what
+was its highest development and its period of all architecture.
+
+It was more than an hour later than usual, when the two girls put away
+their work and started out for home. The scholars who lived on streets
+uptown, had gone long before, and Polly and Eleanor found that the high
+wind made it impossible for them to open their umbrellas.
+
+"It's so icy we will have to use them as props," laughed Polly.
+
+"My! But this sleet in one's face is cold, isn't it?" gasped Eleanor.
+
+"Let's take a short cut across the Plaza," suggested Polly, breaking
+into a run across the diamond that separates the streets at Third and
+Fourth avenues, and Eighth street.
+
+Having reached the small oasis about the subway station, Eleanor said:
+"Why not take the subway, here, to Twenty-eighth street, Poll?"
+
+"Oh, I hate those subways! This wonderful sleet and the quiet hissing of
+the ice on the windows and walks makes me feel as if I were home. No
+clatter of wheels, no shouting of burly men, no _nothing_ that makes a
+city so horrid. Let's walk all the way home."
+
+"All right," laughed Eleanor. "I'm game!"
+
+So they started up Fourth avenue, past Wanamakers, and were soon lost to
+their surroundings in their discussion of the examinations.
+
+"What answer did you give to the question 'Tell the basis of religions
+existing with the Persians and the Arabs: describe the differences,'
+Polly?"
+
+"I was not quite sure of that, Nolla, but I did make a good thing of
+that question 'Why did Egyptians use bright colors in art?' And also
+that question that read: 'When colors of the pattern contrast with the
+colors of the back-ground, what general rule must govern?' You know, I
+just love to ferret out these ideas."
+
+"So do I. But I never dreamed there was so much wonderful knowledge to
+be obtained in a course of this kind," said Eleanor, holding her arm
+before her face in order to speak distinctly.
+
+They had now reached Eleventh street, and were passing a saloon still
+brightly lighted, in spite of Prohibition Laws. In the doorway lounged
+three tough-looking young men; but the red-cheeked girls scarcely saw
+them--they were too interested in their conversation. An empty auto
+stood by the curb, but no other vehicle or person was in sight.
+
+When the girls came under the arc of light that reflected from the
+globes in the saloon-window, one of the flippant young men said, quite
+loud enough for Polly and Eleanor to hear: "I say! Ain't them two goils
+peaches, though!"
+
+His two companions laughed rudely, but the girls hastened on without a
+word or look. Another of the trio then said: "Betcha they'd be glad of
+comp'ny. I'll try it."
+
+Eleanor whispered anxiously to Polly: "What time do you think it is?"
+
+"It was almost eleven when we stopped writing. It must be nearly
+eleven-thirty now."
+
+"Pretty late for such a bad night. We'll take the subway at Fourteenth
+street, Polly."
+
+"Reckon we'd better. Are there no policemen about these corners?"
+
+"Not when you need one. On fine summer nights you will see them
+strolling about, maybe."
+
+The girls tittered, but instantly hushed when they heard voices directly
+behind them.
+
+"Pretty evenin' fer a walk, goils."
+
+No reply was vouchsafed to this remark but the girls kept right on with
+their customary swift gait.
+
+"Ain't che hankerin' fer comp'ny?" chuckled another tough.
+
+"Ah, come on back, fellers. What's th' use foolin' wid a coupla
+high-brows on such a nasty night!" argued one of the three.
+
+Polly and Eleanor fervently hoped they would go back, but the other
+fellow replied: "G'wan back, if yeh wants. Bill and me er goin' to have
+some fun. Come on, Bill."
+
+Polly now glanced at Eleanor and said in a low tone: "Get a good grip on
+your umbrella. Thank heavens we haven't any books or papers to carry, as
+we usually have."
+
+Then the fellow called Bill, said: "You amble up to the peacherino on
+the outside, whiles I take to the inside one, Andy."
+
+"There's the boss's car waiting fer nuttin. We kin give them a ride--a
+joy ride fer us," harshly laughed Andy.
+
+Bill joined in the suggestive laugh, and both girls unconsciously
+hastened their steps.
+
+"No hurry, my pretties. There ain't a cop twixt here an' the saloon on
+Fourteenth street. Don't we'se know this districk? Ha-ha!"
+
+"Ready for a fight, Nolla!" hissed Polly, suddenly wheeling and facing
+the accosters.
+
+Eleanor also turned, a second later, and both men were taken by
+surprise. Polly's eyes blazed and she gave the roughs such a scornful
+look that it should have withered them as they stood there.
+
+"Now you two out-laws turn-about-face and march downtown as fast as you
+know how!" commanded she.
+
+[Illustration: "NOW YOU TWO OUT-LAWS TURN-ABOUT-FACE AND MARCH!"
+COMMANDED POLLY.]
+
+"Ah, ha, Bill! I envy you your choice! She turns out to be a regerler
+sport. See them eyes shoot fire? Let me have a kiss, me pritty, afore
+Bill gits them all!" As the fellow Andy spoke insinuatingly, he stepped
+forward to take hold of Polly.
+
+At the same moment her umbrella swung back over her head and the
+muscular young arm instantly brought down the heavy metal knob upon the
+soft cap that covered the head of the ruffian. The blow was so
+unexpected, and forceful as well, that it staggered Polly's assailant.
+
+Both men cursed fluently, then, and Bill threatened: "Jus' fer dat,
+you'se is goin' to get what's comin' to yeh!"
+
+Eleanor wanted to turn and run, but she would not have deserted Polly
+for all the world, so she screamed "Help! Help!" with all her
+lung-power--and she had plenty of it.
+
+Bill hesitated to attack Eleanor as she yelled and screamed for help,
+but Andy was raging and tried to close in with Polly. The umbrella was
+flung aside, and in another minute Polly launched at his face with a
+closed fist. It struck him between the eyes and caused a howl of pain.
+
+Before he could collect himself, the daring girl had struck him another
+fearful blow under the chin. This sent him back flat upon his back, and
+while he was trying to crawl up on his knees, the amateur pugilist
+turned and sent a blow at Bill. But he had stood gaping at the amazing
+encounter with his pal, and he now dodged his own undoing.
+
+Eleanor saw her opportunity. She had no time to lift her umbrella for a
+blow, and it had no solid handle like Polly's, but she fiercely rammed
+the steel-capped end of the rod into the pit of the rascal's stomach, so
+that, instantly, he buckled up. He sank down groaning while he struggled
+to get his breath.
+
+Andy was up on his feet again by this time, but Bill was out of the
+fight, so both girls gave full attention to the second villain. He
+fought now, as slum ruffians will, but he was no match for the hard
+knuckles, steel muscles and lithe movements, of the Rocky Mountain maid
+who had grappled with wild animals and had won out.
+
+The groveling Bill now managed to reach out a hand, planning to catch
+Eleanor by the ankle and trip her. But at that moment a silent-running
+automobile slid up to the curb and, at the instant of its stopping, the
+door flew open and a gentleman leaped out. In his hand he pointed a
+revolver, and Andy immediately threw up both hands.
+
+"W-h-y--Mr. Dalken. Oh, thank goodness you came!" cried Eleanor,
+trembling nervously.
+
+The chauffeur was standing guard over Bill at the same time, so Mr.
+Dalken asked frowningly: "What are you girls doing down here at this
+hour?--all alone, too!"
+
+By this time the truant officer ran over to the group and wanted to know
+what was wrong. Mr. Dalken turned on him in just anger. "Wrong--why, you
+were not on the beat! That's what's wrong."
+
+"But I was--I got a beat bigger than any Fift' avenoo cop what only has
+to parade in front of a swell's house."
+
+"You needn't try to bull-doze me, my man. Evidently you fail to
+recognise me, but we will talk this over at the City Hall, in the
+morning. Now arrest these two foot-pads." As the officer snapped
+hand-cuffs on his prisoners, Dalken added, "By the way, why is a saloon
+open at this hour--to sell soft drinks?"
+
+The scorn in Mr. Dalken's tone silenced the policeman. "Now, girls, jump
+into the car and I will take you home," offered their rescuer. But the
+officer interfered when they would have stepped inside the car.
+
+"Your names, please, and addresses. And how do I know that you will take
+these young ladies to their home?" The tone of the man was insulting.
+
+"If it were not for the fact that I want to hurry these children to
+their family as quickly as possible, I'd take the keenest pleasure in
+answering you in a manner that you'd understand and respect. Now you go
+about your tardy business and I will see to mine. Here's my card. The
+girls do not appear in this matter at all. I am the man who caused the
+ruffians' arrest, and I will answer in Court."
+
+Mr. Dalken followed the girls into the car and the driver instantly shot
+away; in a short time the car stopped in front of the Studio. As Polly
+and Eleanor gratefully took Mr. Dalken's hand, he advised them. "Better
+not speak of this affair to anyone--leave it to me to settle. But,
+hereafter, do not dream of going about so late at night, unattended. One
+never can tell!"
+
+"But we can't expect Anne to trot about with us when she is tired out at
+night," explained Eleanor.
+
+"Then use my car on the nights you have to go to school. I'll send down
+my Sedan, after this, because the butler understands its tricks
+thoroughly. He seldom has anything to do on those evenings you go to
+school, and he can oblige us by driving that car should I need Henri for
+this car."
+
+The girls thanked him again, and then hurried indoors.
+
+"Where _have_ you been so late, dears?" cried Anne, anxiously, as they
+came in.
+
+"We told you we would be late," began Polly.
+
+"But it is past twelve, now; I was about to call up the police-station
+at Ninth street, and find out if anything had happened."
+
+The two girls laughed and Eleanor pulled Anne's ear playfully, as she
+said: "Now, silly, what could happen to us!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X--CHRISTMAS AND WHAT IT BROUGHT
+
+
+Anne never suspected that Polly and Eleanor had had a "hold-up" at any
+time, but she wondered why Mr. Dalken should be so kind as to loan his
+car to the girls on school-nights. Polly explained simply. "Why, he
+never forgot what we did for Elizabeth, and when he learned we were
+trudging back and forth alone, he just wouldn't have it."
+
+"He said he couldn't bear the thought of our even having to travel in
+the subway, alone, late at night," added Eleanor.
+
+So Anne, although she read about the two ruffians who had tried to rob a
+wealthy broker, one night, never dreamed that _her_ two girls were
+victimized before Mr. Dalken appeared to rescue them.
+
+Madam Wellington's school prospered splendidly from the publicity given
+it in the papers directly after the fire. And later, when it was learned
+that Mr. Ashby, Mr. Dalken, and two other wealthy men had purchased the
+corner which had always been disfigured by the old four-story amusement
+hall, and proposed erecting a twelve-story high-class apartment house on
+the land, the mention of the fire and the bravery of the Wellington
+School girls again appeared in the papers.
+
+Letters between Pebbly Pit and New York passed twice a week, and the
+last news from home was: "How we should love to have you spend Christmas
+with us, Polly dearest. It will not seem like a real Christmas with both
+my children away from home."
+
+The letter made Polly feel home-sick and she wrote to her mother
+immediately, saying: "I feel that I shall have to come home even if it
+takes a month out of school and delays me in my art studies, unless you
+can plan some other way that we might see each other this Christmas."
+
+Polly had a very clever plan that suddenly came to her, as she read her
+mother's words, and her reply was the first step in working out her plan
+successfully.
+
+The second step was to go downtown and call upon Mr. Latimer at his
+office. She was welcomed there and asked what good wind blew her
+downtown.
+
+Polly laughed. "It's a blizzard from the Rockies--that is why I'm here."
+Then she told him about her mother's home-sick words. "And this is what
+we must do, Mr. Latimer, or I'll have to leave school and go back home."
+
+"Dear me, I will do anything rather than lose you from New York, Polly,"
+Mr. Latimer laughingly replied.
+
+"You must find some excuse on the mining or jewel business, that needs
+Daddy's personal presence here in New York. Make it necessary for him to
+be here just before, or after Christmas. Then I will write and let them
+know that you told me about it, and insist upon having mother come East
+with father, for her Christmas. Why, even John and Paul might join us
+here without much expense or trouble."
+
+Mr. Latimer smiled. "There is no harm in trying the plan, even if your
+father _won't_ leave his ranch while it is under six feet of snow."
+
+Polly laughed at that. "Exactly! Dad doesn't have to stick there in
+winter-time, any more than I do. Especially with Jeb on hand to take
+care of everything."
+
+Then remembering a warning, she said: "But you've got to find a real
+worthy reason for his coming East, because I know my Dad!"
+
+"I'll have you approve the reason before I send it West--how will that
+do?"
+
+"I think you will do well. Because I may be able to make a
+suggestion--knowing my father as I do."
+
+Mr. Latimer laughed and patted Polly on the head. "Well, now that that
+is settled, let us talk about Jim and Ken. You know, do you not, that we
+expect them home in a few days?"
+
+"I didn't know, but I took for granted that they would soon be home for
+the Holidays. Although it seems like yesterday that they were home for
+Thanksgiving Week."
+
+"Not to Jim's mother and me. We miss him very much, as he always was
+such a lively boy at home."
+
+"I'm afraid we won't see much of him this time. He never even called us
+on the 'phone when he came from New Haven to see Ruth Ashby, two weeks
+ago Sunday," said Polly, never dreaming that his father was ignorant of
+the visit.
+
+"He didn't! Then Ken should have called on you. He did not come to see a
+girl, too, did he?"
+
+"Oh, Ken never knew Jim was coming--so Ruth told us. Jim telephoned her
+early Sunday morning and found she would be home, so he ran in Town on
+the noon train and stayed until the nine o'clock."
+
+"I'll see that Jim does not go back on his first loves quite so
+suddenly," laughed Mr. Latimer, thinking of the teasing he would give
+Jim.
+
+"But we are not 'loves' at all--Nolla and I are only good pals for the
+boys," corrected Polly, anxiously.
+
+"Whatever you call it, Jim ought to be well advised on such matters, as
+long as legal advice costs him nothing."
+
+Polly failed to follow Mr. Latimer, and he immediately changed the
+subject. "Now that you are here and it is lunch-hour, why not come with
+me. I promised to take you to the Cafe Savarin or the Lawyer's Club,
+some day, and this is the day."
+
+"Oh, it would be lovely, but I just couldn't leave Nolla out of the
+treat, you know!" exclaimed Polly, eagerly.
+
+"If Nolla is at home, we will have her down in twenty minutes. We'll
+wait for her, and meanwhile I'll dictate a letter to your father for you
+to O.K."
+
+Eleanor was moping around the house, wondering where Polly could be,
+when the telephone rang and she was invited to join her friends at
+luncheon. So in less than half-an-hour the trio were having a merry time
+in the sumptuous private restaurant on lower Broadway.
+
+The letter that Polly approved, reached Sam Brewster, and he showed it
+to his wife. "Ah have been thinking, dear, that we-all might surprise
+Polly by dropping in on her just about Christmas time, eh?"
+
+"Rather than let her come West and lose all that time from classes, I
+should say 'yes,' Sam."
+
+"We really have nothing to tie us down at the ranch for a few weeks,
+unless the snow buries us for the winter."
+
+"Sary would be in her glory could she keep house alone with Jeb for a
+time. Ever since they returned from their honeymoon in Denver, she has
+been sighing to run the house," said Mrs. Brewster, "feeding the fire"
+carefully.
+
+"Let's go! By the Great Horned Spoon, I feel like taking a vacation to
+some other part of the world--so New York will do!"
+
+Then it was quickly decided that they would start on Monday, and this
+being Friday, there was no time to lose.
+
+Sary and Jeb accepted the amazing news with smiles and exchange of
+knowing looks. But they were relieved when Mrs. Brewster herself
+suggested to Sary: "Have all the good times you want, Sary, while we are
+gone. Invite your friends, and neighbors, if they can get through the
+drifts, and have apple-parties, corn-poppers, Virginia Reels, and
+anything on earth you like!"
+
+"Would you-all keer if we-all ast as much as twenty to a time?" asked
+Sary, fearfully.
+
+"Ask forty, if you like--and if you can find them," laughed Mrs.
+Brewster, recklessly.
+
+"Only see to it that they leave the roof, Sary," ha-hawed Sam Brewster.
+"And that the sky-larkin' is all over when we return."
+
+Sary nodded understandingly. She had instantly planned how to create
+envy in the souls of her old friends at Yellow Jacket Pass, by asking
+them all to her parties.
+
+The Brewsters sent John a wire to say that they would spend a few hours
+in Chicago, and would like him to keep that time open. But when they
+reached Chicago, John was standing on the platform holding a suit-case
+in his hand. Tom Latimer and Paul Stewart stood beside him.
+
+John explained: "Paul and Tom are going, too. Some good fairy sent us
+round-trip tickets, but we don't know who it was. Not a line came with
+the tickets. So here we are--ready to help in the surprise."
+
+John then introduced Paul, and Mrs. Brewster took his hand as she looked
+into his face. "You are the image of our Anne, Paul; I would have known
+you anywhere."
+
+"That he is," added Sam Brewster, shaking Paul's hand heartily. So the
+party of five continued on the journey, smiling as they pictured the
+glad surprise to be given the family at the Studio. Little did they
+dream that the Studio family were busy preparing for a gladsome
+Christmas for them all. For Mr. Latimer had told them about the telegram
+from Pebbly Pit, and that he had heard from Tom that he and John and
+Paul were going to join the party coming East. But he did not say that
+he, incognito, had mailed the tickets.
+
+The Twentieth Century had a long line of Pullmans to take to New York
+that trip, and it was small wonder that passengers having berths in the
+last coach, should fail to meet anyone traveling in the first one. So it
+was with speechless amazement, that the Brewsters met the Maynards at
+Grand Central Station when both parties were waiting to get taxi-cabs.
+
+"Well, well, Ah believe it's Mr. Maynard!" exclaimed Sam Brewster, in
+his deep western thunder.
+
+"Brewster? so it is! Indeed I am glad to see you here. Come to cheer up
+the little girl, eh?" and Eleanor's father grasped the ranchman's big
+hands.
+
+Mrs. Brewster and her two young male companions (Tom had gone to
+telephone) were now introduced to Barbara and Mrs. Maynard. The latter
+had never met the Brewster family, and Barbara, thinking it wiser to
+assume indifference, smiled coldly.
+
+"We're stopping at the Park Hotel, Brewster--what about you folks? Might
+as well go where we do," suggested Mr. Maynard.
+
+"I wired there for accommodations; Polly mentioned it in several of her
+letters as being quite near the Studio."
+
+"Fine! Then we will go right along. Here Taxi! eight of us and baggage."
+
+"You mean seven, Mr. Maynard?" ventured John, politely.
+
+"No--didn't you know Pete was here with us? He came on another coach
+with some chums who were coming East."
+
+"I haven't seen much of Pete, this term. I've been cramming every
+moment, so as to finish and be ready to help in the mine, you see,"
+explained John, hesitatingly.
+
+Mr. Maynard saw the expression and said nothing, but he determined to
+find out why Pete had not seen much of Paul and John and Tom, that term.
+Three young men who could be of great advantage to a wild young student
+should be cultivated, he thought.
+
+When Sam Brewster did anything, he never did it by halves; consequently
+when he wired the Park Hotel for rooms, the day he left Denver, he
+engaged a whole suite. No better accommodations than he had, were to be
+found in the building, and the Maynards had to accept second-best.
+
+When Mr. Maynard found the ranchman had the very finest the hotel
+afforded, he chuckled delightedly to himself, for he had silently
+watched the manner in which Barbara received the greetings of the people
+who were so kind to her that Summer.
+
+Mrs. Maynard was furious with her husband. "My dear! what possessed you
+to come to this horrid place. Don't you know that Bob's position must be
+catered to? Even the best hotels here are rather too ordinary. She
+should be stopping at the newest and most exclusive one uptown."
+
+"When she marries that little numb-skull you've tagged to her skirts,
+she can stop where she likes. But her Dad is running this show. I'm here
+to visit Nolla, and I stop where I can call and see her, or she can run
+in to see us, without wasting time traveling on the streets."
+
+"You always did spoil Nolla--while poor Bob has to take third place in
+your affections," complained Mrs. Maynard.
+
+"Bob's mother makes up for any lack in me. That's why I have to give
+double love to Nolla and Pete--Bob has _all_ of yours."
+
+The usual ending to similar scenes might have resulted, had not Mr.
+Maynard gone out to hurry over to the Studio. But his wife and Barbara
+sulkily unpacked their trunks and made very fine toilets before they
+thought of calling at the Studio.
+
+Mr. Maynard rang at the front door of the Studio, but he had to wait a
+few moments before the door opened. From within, merry laughter and
+joyous shouting could be heard. Then in another moment, Eleanor was in
+her father's arms and was dragging him into the happy circle.
+
+The Brewsters, and Paul and Pete were already there, so that the
+newcomer's appearance added another reason for Polly and Eleanor's
+happiness.
+
+"I haven't enough china to go around for such a family!" Mrs. Stewart
+said plaintively; as she came into the room with her arms dusted with
+flour.
+
+"And only half of us here, too!" laughed Mr. Maynard.
+
+"What--more on the way?" exclaimed Anne.
+
+"Nolla's mother and Bob will be, shortly."
+
+"Mother--and Bob!" cried Eleanor, eagerly, happy that her mother and
+sister cared enough for her to come and visit her.
+
+"Now that adds to all my troubles," Mrs. Stewart declared as she dropped
+into a nearby chair.
+
+"But why--the more the merrier," laughed Mrs. Brewster.
+
+"Why--because there are only seven straight chairs in this stable. All
+the others are great cushiony things that won't do in a small
+dining-room such as ours."
+
+"Motherkins!" said Paul, laughingly picking his mother up and seating
+her upon his strong knees, "Did her think we-all would permit her to
+cook a great supper for such a mob?"
+
+"Of course--I like it, dear, but I am staggered at the
+limitations--china and chairs."
+
+"Mrs. Stewart, we are not going to eat a crumb in this house during the
+Holidays, unless it be a theatre supper or afternoon tea! That is all
+settled beforehand. Run upstairs and put on your evening dress. We
+propose making a party of it this first night," called Mr. Maynard,
+trying to make himself heard above the general din.
+
+"Is it your party, Dad?" asked Eleanor, gayly.
+
+"Yes, and to please Bob it is to be at the Ritz. To-morrow it will be
+Brewster's turn, and that's up to him to say where we go."
+
+"Oh, Daddy--I know a place!" exclaimed Polly, eagerly. "Eleanor and I
+have never been, but we've heard lots about it and this is the chance.
+We'll all go down to Chinatown, to-morrow!"
+
+A wild chorus of laughter greeted this proposal, and Polly looked
+surprised. To make matters worse, she added explanatorily: "Why, the
+girls say chop-suey is great! And at Christmas time the Chinks' stores
+are beautiful! The lovely things one can buy then are the best that are
+imported from the Orient."
+
+"We'll do Chinatown, thoroughly, Poll, but it may not be to-morrow
+night," promised John, who had hitherto been completely engaged with
+Anne's whispers and looks.
+
+Thereafter followed delight upon delight, each day filled with new plans
+and exciting fulfillments. Ken and his parents, the four Latimers, the
+Ashbys, Mr. Fabian, and even Mr. Dalken, were included in the gay whirl
+of these pleasure-seekers. Mrs. Maynard and Barbara actually enjoyed the
+wholesome fun and almost forgot to be affected or snobbish. To associate
+intimately with Mr. Dalken, whose social standing was well-known in
+Chicago, as well as in other large cities, was excuse enough to accept
+all the other friends. But added to that pleasure, the friendship and
+evident intimacy the Ashbys and Latimers entertained for Polly and
+Eleanor, made Mrs. Maynard feel there might be hope for Nolla in the
+future.
+
+Christmas fell on the Thursday after the Westerners had arrived in New
+York; and considering all the fun and gadding that had been indulged in,
+on the days preceding the twenty-fifth, that day passed quietly for all.
+Each family enjoyed its own gathering and gifts, and all assembled at
+the Ashbys in the evening, to enjoy music and dancing, and everyone
+declared it had been a fine day!
+
+Friday started anew the excitement of planning and enjoying whatever
+came in the way of the party. But Saturday night had been set aside for
+Mr. Dalken's Christmas party. Elizabeth was invited to bring her
+friends, and everyone in Polly's and Eleanor's friendship ring were
+included.
+
+Mr. Dalken lived in modest but very large rooms of a bachelor apartment
+house, downtown, and here he had an enormous tree fixed in the center of
+the living-room. No one was allowed to see that room until all had
+assembled, but when the doors were opened, there were "ahs" and "ohs"
+from everyone.
+
+The tree was so beautifully trimmed that it seemed a pity that it should
+ever be dismantled. But soon, the attractive white packages tied with
+red ribbons, filled the guests with curiosity; and once Eleanor had
+peeped at the name written on one box, there was no peace but her host
+must distribute the gifts.
+
+Mr. Dalken never spared time or money when he did anything for his
+friends, and his Christmas Party was to be one all would remember. The
+gifts were carefully selected for each individual and those for the four
+girls--Elizabeth, Ruth Ashby, Polly and Eleanor, were exquisite and
+costly. Elizabeth had craved a ring. She had it. Ruth, Polly, and
+Eleanor each had a long barpin of platinum daintily jewelled.
+
+With her usual impetuosity, Eleanor suddenly sprang up and hugged Mr.
+Dalken gratefully for her gift. Polly smiled and shyly shook hands,
+while Ruth said he must have read her thoughts, for she had asked Dad
+for a pin and had been refused. Now she had it, anyway, and from her
+second-best Dad. Elizabeth was pleased, too, but merely murmured
+"Thanks, Papa."
+
+"How do you like the jewels in the pins, girls?" asked Mr. Latimer,
+quizzically, as no one had mentioned the gems.
+
+Suddenly Polly looked up at him. She caught the twinkle in his eyes, and
+instantly wheeled to look at the other men. Each one was smiling as if
+there was a fine secret here.
+
+"I just know these are Rainbow Cliff jewels!" exclaimed Polly, joyously.
+
+"No--are they?" demanded Eleanor, holding the pin aloft to let the light
+flash over and through them.
+
+"Now I am deeply offended! I want the girls to see that I got the very
+best and finest stones in New York, and someone dares suggest that they
+may be lava!" grumbled Mr. Dalken, trying to be peevish.
+
+"I can find out by taking mine to Tiffany's, to-morrow," said Ruth,
+wisely.
+
+"No, you won't--Tiffany says his store is to be closed all day
+to-morrow," laughed Mr. Ashby.
+
+"Why--some one in his family dead?" asked Elizabeth.
+
+"No--but it is Sunday, and he is a church member."
+
+Every one laughed, as it had been forgotten the Sabbath was so near at
+hand. Then Eleanor had an idea.
+
+"Why wait for Tiffany? Maybe the box will give us a clue." So she found
+her box and examined it. Inside the silk-padded lid were the words in
+gold ink: "Rainbow Cliffs' Jewel Company."
+
+"Oh, oh! It is our lava! Polly, now you can carry a little of Pebbly Pit
+about with you!" cried Eleanor, dancing about.
+
+"Yes, it is a bit of Polly's own dear heath. These are the very first
+jewels the company perfected. And as I am one of the corporation, I
+wheedled the cutter into giving me his first output. So, girls, you not
+only have pretty pins, but also you have what may be considered a
+curiosity," explained Mr. Dalken.
+
+"Are you one of our company?" Polly asked, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Ashby and I took stock soon after the fire, because we said
+this was going to be a big thing, some day."
+
+"I'm so _glad_, Mr. Dalken," said Polly simply, and in a voice that only
+he could hear. "I like you _so_ much, and I'm happy to know that you and
+I are members, together, in something."
+
+"Polly, dear, that is the very best Christmas gift I have had in years,"
+murmured Mr. Dalken, feelingly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI--THE VALENTINES
+
+
+With the passing of this gay Holiday Season, the two girls began to feel
+that it would be a relief to sit down once more and spend a quiet
+evening at school. Two weeks of constant going and dissipation had
+become tiresome.
+
+The Westerners had gone home again; John, Tom, Paul and Pete back to
+Chicago, and the two boys, Ken and Jim, back at Yale; and then Mrs.
+Wellington's school reopened. Lessons went on as if there never had been
+a vacation, and on Wednesday evening of that same week, the art school
+resumed classes.
+
+This term was to be devoted to Applied Design and its uses in
+architecture and decorations of interiors. After having had such
+interesting work as Egyptian ornament, art, and symbols, it seemed
+rather dry to start out the New Year with drawing straight lines an inch
+long.
+
+Then to draw a dozen of these lines--next to connect them and make a
+design of these dozen simple lines. But the next lesson was still more
+foolish. They were told to draw a square. Then this large square of
+twenty inches each side was divided into smaller squares. And in each of
+these squares the pupils were told to draw whatever they liked, but each
+square must repeat the first one figure designed.
+
+Thus the scholars found that they had a pattern of the design. This
+began to look more promising, and Eleanor wished she had paid more
+attention to the squares so that the design would have been neater.
+
+The next lesson was on grouping certain designs. The talk given by Mr.
+Fabian that evening was on eye-measurement and judgment in lines.
+
+"Unless one has a good eye for lines in anything, it is a waste of time
+to study a profession that is based fundamentally on a true judgment of
+lines--whether of beauty, grace, or usefulness. Unless one has a true
+sense of 'line' one can never know where to build a window, a door, or a
+fire-place.
+
+"Not only does 'line' govern the size of rooms and halls, but the entire
+building is dependent upon true lines. Also, this basis line governs
+furniture and decorations in an interior.
+
+"Can you picture a room where the portieres are all of different
+lengths?--because the decorator had no sense of 'line value?' And what
+would one say if the chairs had legs of various lengths? Is not 'line
+value' to be used here, too? It is found necessary, everywhere."
+
+So the lessons and lectures continued until the girls took up the study
+of colors. This was very interesting, and soon, both Polly and Eleanor
+knew that yellow, blue and red were primary colors and they could glibly
+tell you what that meant, and how important a part the knowledge played,
+in the progressive art of decorating.
+
+When the demonstration of these lessons began in the painting, the girls
+realized that they were actually going to be able to carry home samples
+of their work. From that time on, they showed more zeal in doing
+everything as correctly and perfectly as possible. And Mr. Fabian, at
+his next monthly report to Mr. Ashby (which were quite unknown to Polly
+and Eleanor) said: "They're deeply interested in the actual art and not
+merely for the fun of some day going into business."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. There is so much of this idea of taking up
+interior decorating because it is comparatively a new field, but so few
+really ought to be in it. It should be made a matter of diplomas the
+same as other professions. Then the restriction would soon clear away
+all the quacks in the art. If these two girls but escape the snares of
+matrimony until they are finished artists, I shall be rejoiced to
+welcome them to our fold."
+
+Mr. Fabian nodded approvingly, and murmured: "I have faith in them. I'm
+sure that both these girls are sensible and not to be easily influenced
+by a good looking beau."
+
+Mr. Ashby smiled. "They're much safer in New York than if they lived in
+smaller towns. Girls in this city haven't time to find beaux or think of
+husbands."
+
+"Don't be so sure, Mr. Ashby," retorted Mr. Fabian. "If the girls are as
+pretty as my two are, and clever and rich as well, they'd find it hard
+to escape."
+
+"But you are speaking of society girls, while these two students seldom
+give that empty life a thought--I'm glad to say."
+
+Which conversation goes to show that more than one adult was watching
+the experiment these two girls were unconsciously making of their school
+days, with intense interest and a desire to aid.
+
+Polly and Eleanor were not aware of all that had been done to insure
+them perfect freedom and liberty to continue their art classes. Had they
+known the arguments Mr. Latimer had had with Jim and Ken to keep those
+boys from usurping so much of the time the girls had to devote to study!
+Then Jim had blustered and boasted of all he would do once he was at
+college: His father wouldn't know how many letters he would write, nor
+the visits to the girls, of an evening!
+
+And one reason Tom Latimer and John seldom wrote to Polly and Eleanor,
+was because of Anne's suggestion--to leave the girls to plan their spare
+time for their very own work, and not be made to feel that they had
+letters to answer, all the time.
+
+It was Tom who had begged Jim not to waste his own, or the girls' time,
+in writing silly letters or in traveling back and forth from college to
+New York. And Tom, wise big brother that he was, took Jim into his
+confidence and explained how anxious John and he were to have Polly
+climb to the top of the ladder in her art. That she had to make good in
+New York those first two years or go back home and starve her artistic
+soul on a lonesome ranch.
+
+But Valentine's Day was coming, and Jim felt that on that day he would
+be privileged to not only write to the girls, but to send each one a
+fine valentine, describing his sentiments.
+
+Polly and Eleanor could not forget Valentine's Day was at hand, for
+every shop-window they passed invited sentimental people to step in and
+see the love cards.
+
+"I'd like to send a perfect dear to Mr. Dalken, Nolla," said Polly,
+reading the verse on a card.
+
+"To Mr. Dalken! Why, Poll, he is an old married man!"
+
+"But what of that! Can't I send him a card that states how much I like
+him?"
+
+"Oh, ye-es--I suppose so; but valentines are really meant for lovers,
+you see."
+
+"It's nothing of the kind, Nolla. Dear old St. Valentine never meant all
+his notes for lovers; but for everyone he _loved!_ and that is very
+different, I think."
+
+"Well, send yours to anyone you like, but I am going to buy one for
+Jim," said Eleanor, searching over the piles of cards on the tray, but
+not finding what she sought.
+
+"Oh, Nolla," laughed Polly, teasingly. "Are you selecting Jim for your
+first love?"
+
+"First love! I should say double no! I am hunting for a _comic_ one for
+him--just because he is so sentimental and sits with moony eyes when he
+is near any pretty girl. I thought I would die with laughter that night
+he sat and gazed with soulful eyes at Ruth."
+
+Finally the girls found several very funny cards which had sarcastic
+lines under the pictures. These they were going to mail to Jim and Ken.
+Then Eleanor had an idea.
+
+"I just guess I'll mail one each to John, Tom, Pete and Paul, too. If I
+dared, I'd get Pete to re-mail one to Bob so she wouldn't know who sent
+it. Being postmarked 'Chicago' she'd break her head trying to think who
+sent it to her."
+
+"Oh, that will be fun, Nolla. Have them remailed so the boys won't know
+we sent them. Let's do that with all of ours."
+
+The need of secrecy, and the trouble of selecting appropriate lines for
+each of their friends, took time. But Eleanor wired her father to keep
+the secret and do the mailing for them, and he wired back his consent.
+So the valentines meant for the Chicago friends went to Mr. Maynard, and
+duly reached each one as had been intended.
+
+And those for Jim and Ken were handed to a porter on the train that ran
+to New Haven, with a liberal tip if he would drop them in a letter-box
+when he jumped from the train. His wide grin showed he was ready to abet
+the pranks such generous pretty young misses planned to tease their
+beaux.
+
+Elizabeth Dalken had taken a violent fancy to Jim Latimer when she met
+him at the different Christmas parties, and Valentine's Day being an
+opportunity for love-lorn misses and youths, she bought a very expensive
+Valentine, with sentiment as soft as down, and suggestive of heart-aches
+and sighs and what-not.
+
+But Elizabeth had no independence, whatever, and once she had the
+Valentine boxed and ready to post, she wished she knew someone who would
+address it. She feared to have her own cramped writing seen on it.
+
+In Mrs. Wellington's school was a clever girl who could imitate
+hand-writing to perfection, and Elizabeth presented her with a box of
+bon-bons a few days before Valentine's Day. Then the following day she
+asked a favor. Would Myrtle address a box for her?
+
+Myrtle comprehended, but the candies had been delicious so she laughed:
+"Got a valentine to send?"
+
+"Yes, but it is a joke. I want the receiver to believe Eleanor Maynard
+sent it. Can you imitate her writing?"
+
+"Easy as pie. Get me her exercise from this noon's class."
+
+And in short order the box was addressed in Eleanor's hand-writing.
+Elizabeth mailed it, and the day following the 14th, Jim mailed, what he
+considered, a lover's work of art--such ardent lines and such sentiment
+seldom entered his thoughts, but the mushy words of the valentine
+excused his letter.
+
+"W-e-ll--Jim's gone clean mad!" gasped Eleanor.
+
+"Is the thick letter from him?" asked Polly.
+
+"Yes, but read it, Poll, and tell me what ails him."
+
+Polly read, but not without giggles and many a lifted eyebrow when she
+came to the extra fine phrases of love-making.
+
+"Nolla, he sure is daffy. Can you see through it?"
+
+"Not at all. I expected a comic from him--not this."
+
+"Nolla, do you think anyone we know would send him a soft valentine and
+pretend it came from you?"
+
+"Maybe--for a joke! Now who would do it?"
+
+They asked Anne, and showed her the letter. She laughed with them, but
+when they were not present, she sat down and wrote to Jim--a nice
+sisterly letter cuttingly blunt that told him that she had her hands
+full with school and girls, and house, so that any extra care would
+drive her insane. Letters such as the one that came to Nolla, were the
+worst danger she had to ward off from the girls.
+
+By the last mail on the thirteenth and during the day of the fourteenth
+other valentines came for Polly and Eleanor; some of real merit as
+tokens of friendship; some of beauty; and many with a little line of
+love. But Polly received no vague or sentimental one during Valentine's
+day.
+
+That evening, however, the bell rang, and Mrs. Stewart asked who was
+there. The girls were already upstairs.
+
+"Messenger with a box."
+
+"Mother--wait till I get there!" called Anne, anxiously.
+
+In another moment, Anne, in a negligee, ran downstairs and opened the
+street-door which opened into a vestibule.
+
+A large long box was handed in and Anne signed the book. It was
+addressed to "Miss Polly Brewster, Studio, 1003 East Thirtieth Street,
+New York."
+
+"Polly, here's a great box of flowers from someone," Anne called,
+standing at the foot of the stairs.
+
+"For me?"
+
+"Your name is on the tag," said Anne.
+
+Instantly, Polly and Eleanor scrambled downstairs and Polly tremblingly
+tried to untie the string about the box.
+
+"Dear me--it won't even break!" said she, trying to tear the cord by
+pulling at it.
+
+"Here--take the knife!" cried Eleanor, having dashed to the dining-room
+to catch up a silver knife, and returning with it.
+
+The string was cut, the lid taken off, and several wrappers of oiled
+paper removed. Then, there, upon a bed of lace-paper rested a dozen of
+magnificent American Beauties, with stems more than a yard long. And to
+the cluster, about the middle of the stems, was attached a fine golden
+cord holding a papier mache heart. The heart had a golden arrow
+half-buried in its plump center.
+
+"What wonderful roses!" breathed Polly.
+
+"Isn't the heart cute!" giggled Eleanor.
+
+"No card, or sign, to say where they came from?" asked Anne, picking the
+heart up carefully.
+
+"Oh, there's another heart--see! On the point of the arrow at the back,"
+cried Eleanor. And there was another heart fastened to the first one by
+means of the sharp arrow.
+
+The girls sought carefully for some clue of the sender, but the sweet
+perfume wafted from the roses was all that rewarded their search.
+
+"Whoever it was, he is a dear!" said Polly, fondly touching the waxen
+stems.
+
+"And we'll try to keep them as long as possible so, whoever it was, will
+see that we appreciate the flowers," said Anne, going for water.
+
+"At last I have found a use for that tall vase I bought that first week
+of auctions," laughed Eleanor, taking the glass from under the
+window-seat.
+
+Scarcely were the roses arranged to satisfy the admiring group, when the
+bell rang again. Eleanor being nearest the door, ran out to the small
+vestibule and peeped through the window in the street-door.
+
+"Well, of all things! Another messenger. Maybe he has a valentine for
+me."
+
+The door was opened, Eleanor said "yes" to his query if Mrs. Stewart
+lived there, and having signed the book, hurried in with a tier of
+boxes. There were four in all.
+
+"Miss Anne Stewart the first on top," read Polly.
+
+The second was for Mrs. Stewart, and the third for Polly, the last being
+Eleanor's. Each box contained a beautiful spray of cut flowers but no
+card. Not even a suggestion of the sender.
+
+"Well, it beats all. Why couldn't our admirers have sent our flowers in
+the morning," laughed Anne.
+
+Again the bell pealed. "It surely can't be more flowers!" laughed Polly,
+running to the door. But it was. A card on the outside read: "Say it
+with Flowers," to Miss Anne Stewart.
+
+By this time everyone was laughing and trying to guess who could have
+sent the blossoms. And had the bell sounded again, no one would have
+been surprised. But it didn't, and after guessing of all impossible
+persons who might be the senders of the flower-valentines, Anne
+ventured: "Someone may have telegraphed to New York this morning, you
+know, to send us these flowers, at once. I've heard said, the florists
+were so rushed to-day with valentine orders that they couldn't secure
+enough flowers from the wholesale shops."
+
+"That's about it!" declared Eleanor. "John sent you this last box, and
+maybe Daddy sent us each the smaller boxes. But _who_ could have sent
+Polly a hundred dollars' worth of American Beauties?"
+
+Finally they went to bed with the great question still unsolved; and
+Polly often wondered, thereafter, if Mr. Dalken could have sent her
+those roses? Had she guessed the truth, would she have been content to
+go on so serenely with her studies of interior decorating?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII--MR. FABIAN PLOTS FOR FACTS
+
+
+The roses kept for more than two weeks, filling the Studio rooms with
+fragrance, but keeping their secret as to who had sent them to Polly.
+She had gone to everyone she knew and tried to find out who had given
+them to her. Then she beguiled Mr. Ashby into finding out if Mr. Dalken
+was the guilty one. And when he was found innocent, she bribed Mr.
+Dalken to find out if the Latimers or the Evans sent them--but she could
+not see why anyone should spend so much money on her, and try to hide
+the fact.
+
+When Mr. Fabian was satisfied that it was not one of their old friends
+who had sent the roses, he thought of a way to find out. The box had had
+the name on its cover, of one of Fifth avenue's most fashionable
+florists, so he went there and tried to learn what he wanted to know, by
+asking the proprietor.
+
+But the man smiled and shook his head. "We are never allowed to divulge
+state secrets, Mr. Fabian."
+
+"Not even when that secret concerns a protegee of mine? I do not wish to
+use the knowledge, but merely to relieve my mind."
+
+"If I were to tell you, Mr. Fabian, I should have to also tell the six
+other individuals who begged me to tell them confidentially who ordered
+the roses."
+
+"Six others! Have others been here to ask this same question?" asked Mr.
+Fabian, amazed.
+
+The florist laughed. "Yes, that pretty miss seems to be very popular.
+Who is she, anyway?"
+
+"A little girl that attends my art class, and I am bound to keep her
+mind free from nonsense until her education is finished."
+
+"Can you keep a secret--on your oath?" asked the florist.
+
+"Yes, yes!" eagerly agreed Mr. Fabian, thinking he was now going to hear
+who sent the roses.
+
+"Well, then, this much I may tell you--just to ease your fears: the
+individual who sent those roses is as anxious as you can be, to keep the
+girl's heart and mind free from nonsense and to allow her to complete
+her art education without thoughts of beaux."
+
+"Is that all you've got to say?"
+
+"My goodness, don't you appreciate that much! You only wanted to know
+something to ease your mind, and now I have told you."
+
+"How do _you_ know what the gentleman thinks or wants?"
+
+"I was told so by the one who ordered the roses. But I did not tell you
+it was a gentleman."
+
+This was still more disconcerting to Mr. Fabian, but he never told a
+soul that he had visited the florist. He did wonder, however, if the man
+had given the others the same confidence he had imparted confidentially
+to him.
+
+Polly, the cause of all this secret concern of her friends, had
+forgotten all about the valentine, and was devoting her entire time and
+attention to the absorbing lessons at art school.
+
+Easter Week came early, and the term beginning immediately after the
+Easter Holidays, would start a course on mural decorations, and the
+study of tapestries. So interesting had their night-classes become, that
+Polly and Eleanor neglected their studies at day-school. Anne noticed
+their daily marks and worried over it. At last she consulted with Mr.
+Fabian.
+
+"You must realize, Mr. Fabian, that the girls are still young. Even if
+they were prepared to enter the profession they are proposing to follow
+they would be too young in years to make a success of it. People are not
+apt to turn over contracts for art or decorating, to girls under twenty.
+Therefore I advise you to make them drop their night school until after
+they have caught up in their day classes."
+
+Mr. Fabian was secretly pleased at the news that his two pet scholars
+preferred _his_ teachings to the dry high-school lessons. But he dared
+not express his satisfaction to Anne.
+
+"All you say is true, but there is no need for my girls to give up their
+art class. The night school closes for a two weeks' holiday at Easter,
+and then, as warm weather comes on apace, I find my pupils begin to lose
+zeal in their constant attendance at class. You will see that Polly and
+Eleanor will turn more to their day studies, then. But I would not
+advise you to cut off their pursuit in art work, now. It will only
+create deeper zest for it, and turn their thoughts completely from
+day-studies."
+
+Anne replied that this was logical, and so the girls never knew that
+they had been standing upon the danger-line of having to suspend their
+favorite studies.
+
+Mr. Fabian was roused to a more temperate art "diet" for the two girls,
+thereafter. And Polly and Eleanor found, as Spring advanced, that
+lessons in night school were simpler and not quite so absorbing to their
+time, as those of the recent weeks had been.
+
+In the mural decoration study that began with the new Spring term, the
+pupils found that, beginning with the order of antiquity, Egyptian
+first, and then Greek, Roman, Medieval, Moresque and Persian
+styles--much of their work done in the other classes now proved useful.
+In fact, the historical studies of these races of people and their
+periods of time, proved valuable in review, for the further perfection
+of mural art.
+
+So when they were given a design to do in "wave ornament" it was at once
+recognised as Egyptian art. Or should a wall decoration be required
+where geometrical forms were the principle, the pupils remembered the
+religion of the Arabs and Moors which restricted them to the use of
+natural forms which would not conflict with their worship.
+
+Thus Polly and Eleanor began to understand how important their previous
+lessons had been, and how necessary it was for every earnest student of
+art to be present at each class, that no connecting link in instruction
+might be dropped and lost.
+
+As the weeks went by, and the end of the term drew near, the night
+classes thinned out perceptibly, many of the less enthusiastic pupils
+preferring outdoor sports to close application to art pursuits. But
+Polly and Eleanor found their pleasure in hearing all Mr. Fabian had to
+say to them on various subjects.
+
+Perhaps the girls might not have been so keen for school during the warm
+evenings, had not Mr. Fabian's knowledge and fascinating descriptions of
+anything pertaining to his profession, been so freely given them at all
+times. He continued to discover exhibits, lectures, and other
+educational pastimes, to which he conducted his favorite pupils, so that
+there was no dearth of material to aid and demonstrate his teachings.
+
+As June came in, Polly found New York not nearly as cool and pleasant an
+abode as Pebbly Pit with its altitude upon the crests of the Rockies.
+And she longed for a breath of the mountain air that would renew jaded
+senses. Both Eleanor and Polly began to show the strain of the close
+application to study that they had had since October, so Anne was
+thankful that the schools would soon close for the Summer.
+
+Then the last class in Cooper Union ended, and Mr. Fabian escorted his
+girls to their home. Already, they were planning for the coming year of
+work, but their instructor smiled and interrupted.
+
+"I have refused an offer to continue my classes in the school, so I will
+not be there next year."
+
+"What!" gasped Polly.
+
+"Not teach us!" cried Eleanor.
+
+"Not teach at Cooper--no. I feel that I am not strong enough to keep up
+such arduous labors; and so many there do not seem to appreciate what I
+am sacrificing for them. I find there are some people who think that,
+because a thing is free, it is not as valuable as if they had to pay for
+it. You can see, for yourselves, how many scholars dropped out of the
+classes when other diversions offered themselves. They join an art class
+and attend it when nothing else can be had. They take my thought and
+time, and when they weary of the routine, they fail to appear. It is
+very disheartening. But it is so every year, and I am tired of trying to
+keep up the interest of such lazy leeches."
+
+Polly and Eleanor heard their dear professor's words in sorry silence.
+What would night school be without him?
+
+"But I have planned a far different school beginning with next October.
+I have chosen the faithful few who really mean business, and to these I
+shall offer my services for a small return. I feel sure that this will
+mean greater benefit to individuals in a small class, as I can devote
+much more time to each student and give better advice wherever it is
+needed. I have thought of seven scholars for my little school."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Fabian--I do hope Polly and I are among them!" exclaimed
+Eleanor, anxiously.
+
+Mr. Fabian smiled. "Perhaps it was because of Polly and you that I
+thought of this idea. You two girls really should have personal
+instruction, instead of having to waste hours in a general class waiting
+for delinquents to catch up with you.
+
+"That has always been the weak spot in any large class; there are those
+who forge ahead eagerly, and the lazy ones who miss a class every few
+nights, causing the whole body to delay and wait while they work to
+catch up on what they have missed.
+
+"When the few ambitious workers can be grouped together and not hampered
+by the leeches, one can readily see how much better it is for all
+concerned. This is what I propose doing."
+
+"Oh, it will be splendid! and I am glad, for one, to be able to look
+forward to such teachings. To know that we can ask all the questions
+freely, and not have to wait to have the easiest lesson explained to the
+thick-headed, will be a great relief," said Polly, gratefully.
+
+At the door of the Studio, Mr. Fabian said good-by. "I am planning to
+sail for Europe very soon, my dears, and I am looking forward to a good
+time with my little family. We intend visiting all the famous places of
+interest to an artist, and when I return in the Fall, I will be able to
+tell you about the great cathedrals, the wonderful collections of
+antiques, and other sights."
+
+"As for Polly and me--we won't be able to give you any such tales, as we
+are going to spend our vacation at Pebbly Pit, again. But we will bring
+back plenty of health and renewed zeal," laughed Eleanor.
+
+"Ah! That is what I need of you now, children. See that you fill out the
+hollows in your cheeks, and gather ample strength and health for another
+strenuous year in New York. I plan to put both of you on the firing-line
+next school-year."
+
+"We'll not fail you, Mr. Fabian," promised Polly, taking his hand a
+second time and patting it fondly.
+
+"Then I'll not fail _you_, dear students!" responded Mr. Fabian,
+stooping and kissing each girl affectionately on the forehead, then
+taking his leave.
+
+A few days after this the Studio was swathed in dust-covers, the windows
+locked and shuttered, the burglar alarm attached, and at last the front
+door was closed by a representative from the insurance company. The four
+tenants were on their way to Grand Central where Jim Latimer and Kenneth
+Evans were to meet them. They then were going to take the Twentieth
+Century Limited to Chicago.
+
+Jim and Ken had been engaged by Carew, to join his camp of surveyors in
+the mountains for this second season's work; and, as Polly and her
+friends were to spend the summer vacation at Pebbly Pit, it was quite
+natural that all six should journey westward, together.
+
+Mr. Dalken and the Ashbys came to see the friends off, and as the parent
+Latimers and Evans were with their boys to the last, there was a large
+merry party to accompany the travelers to the Pullman.
+
+"Don't be surprised to see me bring the Ashbys to Pebbly Pit in my
+touring car, some fine day, soon," announced Mr. Dalken.
+
+"Oh, that would be lovely!" cried Polly, eagerly.
+
+"And leave Ruth with us for the Summer?" added Eleanor.
+
+"Yes, yes, Daddy--I'd love to spend my vacation with Polly and Eleanor
+at the ranch!" exclaimed Ruth Ashby.
+
+"Where would you put us all--even if we did come?" asked Mrs. Ashby, who
+had heard of the limitations of the ranch-house.
+
+"Oh, you forget! John writes that we will be surprised to find the
+marvelous work that has gone on at the Cliffs. Not only is the great
+road down through the Devil's Causeway completed for heavy traffic, but
+rows and rows of buildings back of the Imps are ready for occupancy, the
+moment the machinery is set up for work on the lava. If the miners have
+not yet taken possession of the barracks we could invite loads of people
+to visit the ranch."
+
+Polly spoke eagerly, and her eyes shone as she beheld her friends
+enjoying the Brewster hospitality.
+
+Everyone laughed at her anxiety to have them visit her, and Mr. Dalken
+promised: "I'll do my best to bring my friends, Polly."
+
+A quizzical look in his eyes suddenly caused Polly to remember the
+valentine she had sent him. She smiled back at him, but as suddenly
+another thought flashed into her mind.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Dalken, I've wanted to ask you for the _longest_ time! Now that
+it is ancient history, you won't mind confessing, will you?"
+
+Mr. Dalken shook his head as a concession to her eager look. And Polly
+continued: "_Did_ you send me those American Beauties' valentine?"
+
+A roar greeted this question, as everyone of the grown-ups had asked the
+same question of Mr. Dalken months before. And Mr. Dalken not only
+repudiated any knowledge of the valentine but told how he had visited
+the florist and had not been able to ascertain who the Cupid really was.
+
+"Polly, I will confess, as they say that open confession is good for the
+soul. I was guilty of sending four boxes of flowers to the Studio on
+Valentine Day, to four charming friends, but I showed no partiality, I
+think, in the bouquets. I would like to know, myself, who the Cupid was
+who sent such gorgeous roses as you received."
+
+"I wonder! I'm sure it wasn't Jim," here Polly looked searchingly at the
+young student, and he shook his head laughingly.
+
+"I couldn't have, had I wanted to. My pocket money went for that
+love-sonnet that was so harshly condemned," said he.
+
+"And I'm sure Ken never dreamed of doing it. Then there is Mr. Latimer
+and the doctor--they are both innocent, I know, as they never think of
+anything other than the old patented jewel cutter."
+
+As Polly explained thus in earnest tones, everyone laughed at the two
+men so calmly criticised for their absorption in patents.
+
+"So I am inclined to believe it was my _own_ Daddy. He always did send
+me the cutest valentines each year, and I received no card from him this
+year--so that is who it was!" declared Polly.
+
+"And the only kind of a Cupid to have, these days, Polly," approved Mr.
+Dalken.
+
+But the happy circle standing on the platform of the train-shed were now
+notified that the passengers must get on as the train would leave in a
+few moments.
+
+Good-bys were said, hands shaken, kisses wafted from the girls to the
+group remaining in New York, and then the travelers were gone.
+
+Scarcely had the train slowed up in the Chicago Terminal before John and
+Tom Latimer were on board, pushing a way through the Pullmans, in search
+of familiar faces.
+
+"There they are--there comes John!" cried Polly, excitedly, jumping up
+and pointing to the other end of the coach.
+
+"Oh--!" sighed Anne, flushing joyously as her glance rested upon her
+fiance.
+
+But John had no eyes for anyone but Anne. Polly was left standing with
+hands out-stretched, her whole soul quivering with anticipation of her
+beloved brother's greeting, and now he forgot she was alive! Then Paul
+Stewart and Pete Maynard ran in.
+
+Mrs. Stewart was embraced by Paul, and Pete hugged his sister Eleanor.
+Tom Latimer stood a pace apart, his features working desperately to
+control his feelings as he saw John joyously scanning Anne's face, and
+Polly limply sitting down in the parlor chair. Then he quickly went over
+and greeted her.
+
+"Polly, and you boys"--turning to Jim and Kenneth--"we sure are happy to
+see you-all again. My, what a change New York has made in you. I see
+quite a wonderful young lady, where once I remember my little ranch pal
+with pigtails." Tom tried to laugh merrily.
+
+Kenneth suddenly launched into a silly conversation to cheer Polly. But
+Polly never could dissimulate, and she was too deeply hurt at her
+brother's neglect to pretend to be merry. John, however, now turned to
+embrace and kiss his sister, and evidently had had no thought of
+neglecting her.
+
+"Come, children, we must get out or we'll be carried to the
+round-house," suggested Jim Latimer, taking up certain bags.
+
+Once on the platform where Mr. Maynard welcomed them, Tom said: "When do
+Ken and you go on to Denver?"
+
+"On the next train, leaving here at two. That gives us an hour and a
+half with you."
+
+"Anyone want dinner, or did you eat on the train?" now asked Paul
+Stewart.
+
+"All dined, but now waiting for someone to suggest a party for Ken and
+I, as we go on in a little while," said Jim.
+
+"Here!" offered Mr. Maynard. "Pile into taxis and we'll be at the house
+in a jiffy. No place like home when there's no other place to go to."
+
+So, laughing, the entire party bundled itself into cabs, John managing
+to get Anne and her luggage to himself. Immediately, he signalled the
+driver to start off.
+
+Mr. Maynard, Paul and Mrs. Stewart got in another cab and Jim, Ken, and
+Eleanor in another. That left Polly and Tom Latimer, with the remaining
+bags, to get in the last taxi. It was all done in such noisy confusion,
+that no one dreamed how one clever manager had so manipulated matters as
+to have Polly alone in the last cab.
+
+"Well, Polly, I hear you are soaring in your ambition. Mr. Fabian wrote
+me how interested he was in Nolla and you."
+
+"Oh, did the dear man write you? I didn't know he and you corresponded."
+
+"I took a great fancy to the idealist, and having always loved art for
+itself, I told him I would consider it a great pleasure if he would
+exchange letters with me when he had the opportunity. He has done better
+for me than I had any right to expect. He writes the most interesting
+letters--just as clever as his talks on art."
+
+Having found a willing listener in Tom, Polly expanded on her private
+opinion of such a wonderful teacher as Mr. Fabian was, and before the
+taxi drew up in front of the Maynard's brown-stone mansion, Tom had the
+comforting assurance that Polly had quite forgotten her brother John's
+unintentional neglect.
+
+Jim and Ken enjoyed their hasty visit and then took their departure to
+catch their train going west. When Mrs. Maynard and Barbara dispensed
+tea, the three young men, John, Tom and Paul, had to enter into service
+for the hostess; but they would greatly have preferred to enjoy their
+time as each inclined--John alone with Anne in the conservatory, Tom and
+Polly talking art, and Paul making merry with Eleanor.
+
+Barbara, who a year ago would have resented oblivion for herself, now
+smiled contentedly and gazed upon a huge solitaire.
+
+"Bob, shall we announce it?" whispered her mother.
+
+"No, they do not know Percival, and, moreover, not one of these people
+appreciate his social standing."
+
+So the young people now gathered about Mrs. Maynard's tea-table were
+deprived (so Bob thought) of the greatest event of the past social
+season--her engagement to one of the most aristocratic and wealthiest
+eligibles on the market, Percival Weston.
+
+Barbara twirled her solitaire smilingly, nor cared that her Percival was
+bald and diminutive, past the prime in life, and not over-brilliant. Had
+he not been the catch at Newport the previous Summer? And had he not
+attached himself to her as soon as she appeared in the Adirondack Camp
+presided over by the famous society leader of New York?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII--BACK AGAIN AT PEBBLY PIT
+
+
+"Oh, Nolla! Isn't this great after old New York?" cried Polly, as they
+were all jostled in the big ranch-wagon driven by Mr. Brewster, as it
+rumbled over the trail to Pebbly Pit.
+
+"We-all think it's great, Poll; but wait till you see what your going to
+New York did to the old Pit! No one to blame for it but yourself,"
+laughed her father.
+
+"We heard there was a row of buildings down behind the Imps, and that a
+fine roadway was constructed through the Devil's Causeway," said Polly,
+eagerly.
+
+"But no one told you how John and Tom came here as soon as college
+closed, and brought a railroad man with them to see about building a
+spur from Bear Forks to the valley at the foot of Grizzly Slide. It's
+twenty miles nearer Denver than Oak Creek, so the company agreed to risk
+the work if Pebbly Pit would guarantee a certain amount of travel and
+freight over the road."
+
+"Well--did you, Daddy?" asked Polly, eagerly.
+
+"Tom Latimer did. Agreed to put up bonds for same."
+
+"Tom? Why Tom Latimer?" asked Eleanor.
+
+"Oh, Tom is mighty ambitious, you know, and seems as if he liked this
+section better than the East. However, it is Tom we-all can thank for
+that new railroad. When you-all come home next year, you-all will be
+riding over your own tracks." Mr. Brewster chuckled.
+
+"Is Tom going to join that crew of engineers that John and he were with
+last year?" now asked Eleanor.
+
+"No, indeed! Tom and John will be right here with us this summer. We-all
+need their help in working out the problems of the mine and Rainbow
+Cliffs," responded Sam Brewster.
+
+"I don't suppose we'll see a bit of John as long as Anne and her mother
+remain in Denver, visiting their old friends," pouted Polly, jealously.
+
+Her father glanced slyly at her, and smiled. He felt sorry for his
+little girl who had always felt that her brother John was her own
+personal property. Now that someone claimed first love and attention
+from him it was mighty hard for her, as well as for Mrs. Brewster.
+
+"Ah should wonder at John if he failed in gallantry to his sweetheart,"
+was all Sam Brewster said aloud.
+
+"Oh! Everyone makes me tired! Anyone'd think Anne Stewart was a saint.
+She's only a girl the same as Nolla, or me. And no one is found going
+mad over either one of _us_!" cried Polly, pettishly.
+
+Eleanor laughed. "Give us a few years and then see!"
+
+Polly curled her lip impatiently. "A few years from now and I'll be in
+Europe with dear old Fabian, studying art. I won't want attention from
+anyone, then."
+
+"Seems to me," ventured Mr. Brewster, gently, "my little girl is
+hankering for homage or a beau--which is it?"
+
+Polly stared aghast. "Neither one! How dare you say so."
+
+"You-all were speaking of attention."
+
+"But I was only thinking of _John_. He'll have Anne for a wife all his
+life long--after next year. But he won't have _me_ after I finish
+school."
+
+In spite of the tearful tone, Mr. Brewster had to laugh. "Don't waste
+your time on John, Polly girl. Let me make up for him and be your
+devoted attendant. Ah'll always be at your beck and call!"
+
+"Oh, Dad! That reminds me!" exclaimed Polly, turning square around to
+face her father, and forgetting her recent misery over John. "_How_ did
+you ever manage about that rose valentine you sent me?"
+
+Sam Brewster let the reins dangle recklessly as he, in turn, stared at
+his daughter. "What valentine?"
+
+Polly winked roguishly and laughed. "You can't pull the wool over my
+eyes, Daddy. I've spent a whole year in New York to some advantage, you
+see. I have seen lots of such feigned innocence as yours."
+
+"But honest, Poll, Ah don't even know what you-all are talking about; Ah
+got your sweet valentine, and so did maw."
+
+Polly frowned at her father. "Didn't you wire to a florist in New York
+and order a dozen great roses for my valentine? And tie the two hearts
+pierced by a golden arrow, about the center of the flower-stems?"
+
+"Positively, this is the first word Ah've heard of it!" declared Sam
+Brewster so emphatically, that the girls believed him.
+
+"Now, Polly, the hunt is narrowing down," laughed Eleanor. "We know it
+was no one in New York, and it wasn't Jim or Ken. Your father says he
+didn't do it, so it leaves only a few more to ask."
+
+Suddenly Polly clasped her hands. Her face was radiant. "Why, of course!
+How could I forget? It was dear old John! He, too, always remembered me
+on Valentine Day." Then turning to her father, and shaking a finger at
+him, she added: "But you didn't remember me, this year, bad man."
+
+"Tell truth, Polly, there was so much to think about and so much to do,
+over the buildings and mines, that Ah clean forgot there ever was such a
+day, until I got your card. Then I felt sorry."
+
+"Well, thank goodness, John remembered!" sighed Polly. And Eleanor
+noticed that she smiled again in forgiveness of her brother's
+shortcomings.
+
+When the wagon stopped at the porch of the ranch-house, Eleanor laughed:
+"Just as we drove up last year--but oh, how different this year!"
+
+Mrs. Brewster hurried out to welcome her dear girls, and laughed at
+Eleanor's remark. "Still making Irish bulls, Nolla!"
+
+They all laughed merrily, and then Sary rushed from her kitchen, and
+clasped Polly to her ample bosom. Eleanor came in for her share of the
+maid's embrace before she had to hurry back to the dinner.
+
+"Ah'se cookin' cabbige soup, Miss Nolla," she explained.
+
+"Why, Sary, that first night we were here last summer, you had
+'cabbidge' soup, too!"
+
+"We-all has to hev it once a week reg'ler now, 'cause Jeb loves it, an'
+he is a foreman, you know." Sary's pride in her spouse's promotion was
+most evident.
+
+While Polly and her mother cozily sat together on the porch and smiled
+happily to be in each other's company, once more, Eleanor walked to the
+barns with Mr. Brewster. She had an object in view, and she never
+delayed in finding out what she wanted to know, should the opportunity
+come and offer itself to her.
+
+"Mr. Brewster, do tell me honestly--_did_ you send the roses, or do you
+know who did send them to Polly?"
+
+"Nolla, Ah never heard of them until to-day. Ah'm as curious as you, to
+know who sent them. What were they like, anyway?"
+
+"Well, you must know, Mr. Brewster, that American Beauty roses like they
+were, cost a small fortune in New York, at that time of the year. Each
+one of those roses cost not less than five or six dollars. And the
+trinket that was bound to the stems was not a cheap thing, either. In
+fact, the chain was of fine, gold-plated links, and the arrows were
+gold-plated, too. It was an imported curio."
+
+"By the Great Horned Spoon! Roses that cost like that! Why, they wilted,
+didn't they?" gasped Sam Brewster.
+
+Eleanor laughed merrily. "Sure thing! But we kept them as long as
+possible. That is just where the joy comes in of getting costly
+roses--they wilt. And anyone, who will spend that much money on one,
+must think a heap of her first--see?"
+
+Mr. Brewster stood stock-still. He caught at Eleanor's arm. "Ah've got
+it!"
+
+"What--who?" Eleanor was breathless in her eagerness.
+
+"Find the silly swain that's making eyes at my Polly, and you've caught
+the rascal who sent the roses."
+
+Eleanor screamed with laughter. "Oh, you're funny! But isn't that
+exactly what everyone's been doing?"
+
+"Oh--have they?"
+
+"Sure! I learned that Mr. Fabian tried to find out who the fellow was.
+And then Mr. Dalken wanted to know. The Latimers and Evans put Jim and
+Ken through the third degree, but no one confessed to it. Now do _you_
+believe John sent them?"
+
+"I do not!" was the positive reply.
+
+"Neither do I! Because John sent Anne a bunch of roses for _her_
+valentine but they were only seven dollars. She got a dozen, the usual
+short-stemmed Bride Roses. He wouldn't dare send his sister such
+gorgeous ones and only give his fiancee cheaper ones."
+
+Sam Brewster smiled at his companion. "Nolla, you're a wise little owl."
+
+"Anyone would be, after having had the social training that was fed to
+me from the bottle up!"
+
+Mr. Brewster laughed at this, and Eleanor then said: "Guess I'll be
+going back, now, Mr. Brewster. I wanted to know your opinion about John
+and the roses."
+
+"Wait, Nolla. Have you any answer to it yourself?"
+
+"U--m, yes--I have a sort of a suspicion. But it isn't fair to anyone to
+even hint at it. So don't ask me."
+
+"This much you might answer, however, seeing that Ah'm Polly's father
+and the most concerned in the beaux she has. Do you fancy it might have
+been your brother Pete?"
+
+"_Pete!_" The very tone made Mr. Brewster smile as he saw that Eleanor
+had never thought of him. "Anyway, Pete and Poll hardly know each
+other."
+
+"Ah wonder if it could have been Paul Stewart--he seemed dreadfully
+attentive to her that time when we-all were visiting you-all in New
+York." Mr. Brewster watched Eleanor shrewdly.
+
+"I just guess it _wasn't_ Paul! He sent me a lovely card for a
+valentine; and while we were home in Chicago, I asked him about flowers.
+He never thought to wire a florist about sending me any flowers, he
+said. So I know Paul hadn't anything to do with it."
+
+"Ah! Well, Nolla, now we know who he was, eh?" laughed Sam Brewster,
+tweaking Eleanor's ear and hastening away to the barns.
+
+Eleanor stood watching him. Then she laughed softly: "He sure did put
+one over on me, that time!"
+
+As she walked slowly back to the ranch-house she soliloquized to
+herself. "That's just who it was. Gee! It's almost as fine as having a
+romance of my very own. But Polly doesn't want it so.
+
+"All the same, when John and Tom come down here, I'm going to tease Tom
+about the wonderful roses Polly's brother sent her. Then we'll see what
+we'll see!"
+
+Eleanor could keep her own counsel as well as Sam Brewster, but the two
+exchanged wise looks, now and then, when no one was watching. Still,
+never a word was said again on the rose subject.
+
+A week after the two girls got home, the others in the party came down
+from Denver. Mrs. Stewart was to be Mrs. Brewster's guest that Summer,
+Eleanor was Polly's, and Anne said she was John's visitor. Then Tom
+Latimer laughed and said: "I'll have to be Mr. Brewster's pal."
+
+"I can promise you that you won't have your head turned by any pretty
+school-girl, Tom, if you are _my_ guest," chuckled Sam Brewster.
+
+Eleanor tittered, Tom flushed, but the others laughed at such a speech.
+
+Plans had been made to take a three-day trip up over Top Notch Trail,
+and inspect the progress on the mine, but Mrs. Brewster and her guest
+would remain at home, by preference.
+
+The merry cavalcade started out, Polly on her beloved Noddy as usual,
+and Eleanor on Choko. The others rode their horses, and Jeb led an extra
+horse with the packs.
+
+There was no planned order in riding; first one girl would have one of
+the escort, and then another would ride up and "cut in" to urge the
+other onward. Thus everyone was laughing and teasing and talking merrily
+until they reached the falls on top of the mountains. Here, where Polly
+had caught the trout, the year before, they all had dinner.
+
+"My goodness! Folks in New York never know what they miss by never
+coming to the Rockies," declared Polly, her eyes wandering to the
+far-off line of mountain-ranges.
+
+"And folks who live near these mountains are never happy until they get
+to New York," remarked Mr. Brewster.
+
+Polly laughed. "Oh, that is when one needs education. I have always had
+too _much_ mountain and not enough of other good things. But now that I
+am tasting a little of everything, I like my mountains as well as
+anything I've seen."
+
+"D'ye think you-all will stay at home after this?" eagerly asked her
+father.
+
+"Double no!" affirmed Polly, emphatically.
+
+Everyone laughed at the expressive slang, and Polly added: "At least,
+not until I have seen Europe, year after next, and tried a hand in my
+profession. Maybe--if I fall in love, some day--I'll come back to Pebbly
+Pit to raise my family."
+
+John Brewster thought this so funny that he ha-ha-haed loudly, but the
+others smiled doubtfully. Eleanor could not help sending a swift look at
+Tom Latimer to see how he received the information. But Tom was
+scrambling to his feet, so his face could not be observed. Eleanor
+glanced away from him to Sam Brewster, and saw the latter with a twinkle
+cornering his eyes as he noticed Tom's awkward movement.
+
+"U--m!" muttered Eleanor. "I've got your number, Tom Latimer!" But no
+one overheard her whispered thought.
+
+As the riders proceeded on their way, Paul Stewart said: "I don't see
+why you folks should think this such a tough trail. I consider it rather
+broad and good."
+
+"Humph! It's a highway these days, what with all the riding up and down.
+But last year you wouldn't have been able to see any thing but trees and
+rocks," Polly returned.
+
+It was as Polly said: almost as clear a trail as any woodland road. At
+Four-Mile-Blaze where the girls were well-nigh lost on their first ride
+over the trail, there now was a good but narrow bridle-path. Thence it
+was easy going up the steep side to Grizzly Slide.
+
+"W-ell! See the crowd of men working up there? And hear the sound of
+tools and machinery!" exclaimed Polly, as she rode out of the screening
+forest, and came to a man-made clearing.
+
+"Of all things! Trees chopped down and turned into huts; an army of
+workmen living here as if they belonged," added Eleanor.
+
+"We are blasting and clearing away the rubble that hides your mine. We
+had both ends working a few weeks ago, but now we are trying to drop a
+shaft from the top," said Mr. Brewster.
+
+The visitors camped at the miners' settlement, that night, and the next
+day the girls were taken about to see the great progress made according
+to the plans to mine the ore.
+
+A cable-road was being built from Choko's Cave down the steep
+mountain-side, to the valley, and this was to be used to carry the
+ore-cars up and down. As the girls stood on top of the ledge that
+overhung the cave, they could look straight down the awesome
+mountain-side, where the forest had been cleared for the cable-line.
+
+"It looks as if it all cost a heap of money," said Polly.
+
+She had been so engaged in looking at the change wrought in her beloved
+mountain, that she failed to see that the others had wandered away. But
+someone stood behind her. She felt it. As no reply came to her
+statement, she turned and found Tom Latimer waiting for her.
+
+"Oh, where are the others?"
+
+"Gone over to the other side where the underground river comes out, you
+know."
+
+"I was saying, Tom, that this must have taken a lot of money."
+
+"More than we figured on, but once we begin to get out the ore, it will
+roll back four-fold."
+
+Polly was impressed, but still wondered "Where did all the money come
+from, Tom?"
+
+"Stocks. We wanted to keep most of the Capital for you and the first
+owners, you know; but investors wouldn't put up so much money without a
+vote. So we had to sell out some of the voting shares. That's where Mr.
+Dalken came in--he bought a big block of your stock, and it is his money
+that's doing this."
+
+"I think he is the nicest man! I used to think he sent me a wonderful
+bunch of American Beauty roses for a valentine, but I only learned the
+other day that it was John! Wasn't it funny?"
+
+Tom laughed with Polly, and said: "What made you think Mr. Dalken sent
+them?"
+
+"Oh, something happened once to Nolla and me, in New York that nobody
+knows--so don't you go and tell on us, Tom!" Polly waited anxiously to
+get Tom's promise, then she proceeded.
+
+"And Mr. Dalken happened along in time to save us from the beasts. After
+that he made us use his small automobile when we went to night-school.
+We were awfully grateful to him for it.
+
+"Then when Valentine Day came along, I suggested to Nolla that we send
+him a lovely card telling him how good he was to us. I sent it, and late
+that night the roses came. I felt sure, all the time, that he sent them;
+I thought he had forgotten it was Valentine Day until after my card
+reached him. I always wondered why he didn't put Nolla's name on the
+card, too, as well as mine. But now I know he never sent them."
+
+"Does John know you've found him out?" asked Tom.
+
+"No, not yet; but some day I'll tease him about it."
+
+"Don't! let him think you are still trying to guess who sent the roses.
+It will tickle him to pieces to believe you think it is an ardent
+admirer of yours." Tom laughed merrily with Polly at the very idea.
+
+"That's just what I will! And you and I will sometimes pretend _you_
+sent the roses to me, and then we will watch John's face. Maybe he will
+up and tell the truth!" added Polly.
+
+"No, I doubt it. You see, Polly, John is a wonderful actor, and one
+never knows just what he thinks. If he managed to keep a close mouth to
+me, his best friend, all this time, it must be because he didn't want
+Anne to find out he sent you such roses."
+
+Then the two conspirators walked back to join the others, but Polly and
+Tom felt that they had a good joke between them, thereafter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV--ANOTHER YEAR AT SCHOOL
+
+
+The summer vacation passed quickly for Polly and Eleanor, and September
+came in with wonderful Autumn weather, when riding and mountain-climbing
+were just the thing. However, all such outings ended to plan for the
+return to New York.
+
+A letter had arrived from Mr. Fabian, in which he spoke of his
+delightful visit with his wife and daughter. They had gone to various
+places in Europe and England, inspecting and studying all the famous old
+works of art, and the ancient buildings that made fitting caskets for
+these rare curios.
+
+"When I read this letter, of all Mr. Fabian has done with his Summer, I
+feel guilty," said Polly to her friend, Nolla.
+
+"Why should you? We had to rest and drop all idea of study so's to be
+fresh for this year's work. Didn't we do it?"
+
+"Yes, we rested, all right, Nolla; but it seems we might have done some
+of the work we planned to do, before we left New York. There is that
+chest with our colors, paper and other things--we never as much as
+unlocked it."
+
+"Polly, I can paint any sort of drapery you want, and in any light or
+shadow. I can paint a vase, a chair or a lamp; I can draw a hall, or a
+room, or a window. What more do you want? Why should we sit down and
+make loads of these things all summer, when we know how to do the work,
+already?"
+
+"I don't know, Nolla, except that we ought to practise!"
+
+"Pooh! I'm ready for all the work they want to pile up on me, now and
+I'm glad I've been so lazy all summer."
+
+"To tell the truth, Nolla, _I_ am more than ready to work with all my
+heart. I feel as if I would dry up if I played any more," admitted
+Polly, laughingly.
+
+With this desire to again take up their studies in New York, the girls
+left Pebbly Pit the second week in September. By the last of the month,
+they were eagerly planning with Mr. Fabian for the new year's school
+work in art and decoration.
+
+"I have a pleasant surprise for you, girls," announced Mr. Fabian, after
+greetings were exchanged. They all sat under the locust tree in the
+little yard of the Studio.
+
+"'On with the dance,'" laughed Eleanor.
+
+"As you know, I landed in New York the first week of September, and
+found most of my friends still away in the country. But Mr. Dalken was
+in evidence, as ever, eager to offer me his hospitality, until I located
+for the Winter.
+
+"We sat in the medieval library of his apartment, and I remarked,
+casually, at the unusual size of his rooms.
+
+"'Yes,' replied he. 'That's the advantage of leasing one of the
+old-fashioned apartments not so far uptown. One gets the benefit of
+being near the center of activities in the city, and at the same time
+one can have the great rooms once occupied by the old gentry of the
+town.'
+
+"'What a splendid room for gatherings,' I said, never dreaming of his
+inspiration.
+
+"'Seeing that you are looking for a suitable room in which to conduct
+your little private class of art decorators, why not use this library? I
+have all kinds of reference books in the cases and I am so seldom at
+home in the early part of the evening that you will be undisturbed.'
+
+"I was astonished, as you may imagine, and I said, 'But, Mr. Dalken, we
+couldn't think of using this room and the apartment, without some return
+for your kindness.'
+
+"He laughed. 'What do I want of rent or its equivalent? I am only too
+glad to do you and those charming students of yours a good turn. You
+see, I still owe Polly and Eleanor a great balance which can never be
+paid. Were it not for those two girls I would not have a child--even
+though I seldom see my little one.'
+
+"I felt that he was so earnest about the offer that I said we would talk
+it over with Mr. Ashby and let him judge. Not that I did not see the
+advantage of using the rooms, but I wanted an impartial friend of Mr.
+Dalken's to decide whether or no he might regret the generous offer,
+later; and then not care to tell us that we bothered him with our
+regular classes three nights a week.
+
+"So we visited the Ashbys the following evening, and to my amazement,
+Mr. Ashby was enthusiastic over the plan. He said: 'Now you've started
+out right, Dalk, and to prove how much I think of your offer, I am going
+to have Ruth join the class this year--if Mr. Fabian will take her. It
+might be rather nice to have Elizabeth join the class, also, even though
+she may not show any talent for the work.'
+
+"'Now, Ashby, you must pardon me if I speak frankly,' Mr. Dalken then
+said. 'One of the main reasons for Mr. Fabian's resignation from Cooper,
+and giving all his valuable time to a small class, is to urge those
+talented ones forward. If my little girl, who detests application to
+study of any sort, were to join this class, the basic idea would be
+ruined. The class would be held back by one delinquent. But I appreciate
+your motive in suggesting a way that I might enjoy the companionship of
+Elizabeth so often, without the tyranny and incompatibility of her
+mother's temper.'
+
+"Mr. Ashby colored, as he thought he had been diplomatic in his hint,"
+concluded Mr. Fabian. "So now it is settled that Ruth Ashby joins our
+art class, this year, and we will meet at Mr. Dalken's rooms for our
+work. That is nice for you girls, as it is only a short walk of a few
+blocks from the Studio."
+
+"_Nice_ for us--why, it is just scrumptious!" exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+"And such a wonderful environment as that library, will give us
+inspiration, too," added Polly. "I never _did_ see such a kind man as
+Mr. Dalken! If I had my way to accomplish it, I'd shower all the joys
+and successes in heaven or earth upon his generous heart."
+
+"He _is_ great and good, and it seems as if justice must be sleeping,
+when such a man must suffer alone because of a silly moth of a wife. If
+he would only hearken to his friends and seek freedom from such galling
+bonds! but he doesn't think divorce ever righted a wrong, and he still
+hopes he can bring Mrs. Dalken to a sense of her family-obligations and
+gratitude, for all she has been so unselfishly given. Poor fellow!" Mr.
+Fabian shook his head despondently over their benefactor's future.
+
+"Polly and I never knew what was the trouble in the Dalken family, Mr.
+Fabian, but what we have seen and known of our dear friend, I'm sure
+that _he_ was never to blame for it," said Eleanor, defensively.
+
+"I never care to gossip or to repeat a story, children, but now I think
+you ought to know why Mr. Dalken lives alone so much as he does. If we
+are to use his rooms, you must know what a magnificent character he is,
+and then should you hear any disagreeable gossip that can be traced to
+his wife, you will understand the situation."
+
+"Whatever you say, Mr. Fabian, will never be repeated by either Nolla or
+me," promised Polly, solemnly.
+
+"I know it, that is why I feel I ought to tell you.
+
+"Mr. Dalken, as you know, is a descendant of one of the oldest Dutch
+Settlers in America. His family, from olden times down to the present
+day, were patriotic and loyal Americans. He is as staunch an American as
+you will find, anywhere.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken was a poor girl, and not over-brilliant. But Mr. Dalken
+admired her prettiness when she was a young miss, and when he was but a
+slip of a youth. They went to entertainments together in the small town
+where they both lived, and enjoyed each other's company for two or three
+years.
+
+"Then the young man went to college and saw the world. He realized how
+superficial Amy Lathrop was, and as time went by, he would have
+forgotten her completely, had she not kept up her side of the
+correspondence. And gradually a suggestive note crept into her letters.
+
+"When his college days were over, young Dalken returned to his
+birth-place to settle the country estate that was his. Then he met Amy
+again, and she found him so chivalrous that it was an easy matter to
+give him to understand that she had waited for him these five
+years--that she had been the soul of faithfulness.
+
+"Without consulting his friends, or mentioning the matter to others in
+the town, he became engaged to her on the claim from her, that it had so
+been understood before he went to college.
+
+"Well, they were married, one day, and then our poor friend's martyrdom
+began. Amy Dalken was of no use in anything or in any way. True, she had
+two children, but it may have been much better had she never become a
+mother. She had no affection for them or the father, and only thought of
+spending money and enjoying herself to the utmost.
+
+"Dalken was wealthy before he married Amy, and his alert mind coupled
+with his unusual foresightedness in finance soon rolled up fortunes for
+him. His wife spent money like water, and was sought after by the
+vultures of society--those who fawn and fondle as long as they can get
+something out of the victim.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken's balls and bridge-parties were famous--I might say,
+notorious--for at the former the extravagance was a matter of newspaper
+comment, and at the latter, the stakes were so high that others lifted
+their eyebrows at the losses and gains.
+
+"Little Billie Dalken was eighteen months old, and the joy of our good
+friend's life, when a dreadful thing happened. Billie was a chubby,
+handsome little chap exactly like his father--the same intelligent brown
+eyes, the same fine features, and he was unusually clever and large for
+his age.
+
+"Mr. Dalken had been called to Washington on business one day, and that
+same day his wife was about to give a grand dinner and bridge, later.
+There were plenty of servants in the household, but on such an occasion
+everyone was busy with the extra work. Billie's own nurse gave him his
+supper and was about to put him to bed when she discovered a wheezing
+sound in his throat. She feared another attack of croup. She was about
+to apply the remedies she knew of, when Mrs. Dalken's maid came to the
+nursery.
+
+"'The mistress says you are to go to her at once and I am to sit with
+the baby for a while. She wants her head massaged because it aches so!'
+
+"And the nurse answered as she thought proper, 'Go and tell your
+mistress that Billie has a bad cold and I must remain to take care of
+him.'
+
+"The maid tossed her head and left the room. She hadn't any desire to
+remain with a baby, especially if it was wheezing and beginning to
+cough. So she may have exaggerated the reply somewhat. However, that did
+not excuse Mrs. Dalken from her next act. She was furious and sent the
+butler to the nursery to pay off the nurse and see that she left the
+house at once!
+
+"Then she sent the parlor-maid to sit in the nursery with the child.
+That dinner was a great success, but just before the card-party began,
+the maid sent down word that Mrs. Dalken was to come up to the nursery
+at once, and see what ailed the baby--he was so red in the face and had
+a fever, she said.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken whispered a reply: 'I'll be up as soon as I can get the
+tables started.' Then she never gave it another thought.
+
+"Three times during that evening the frightened parlor-maid sent down
+for the mother to come up. And three times the hostess smiled and nodded
+and then forgot all about the call. Before midnight, the boy began
+choking and gagging and the hysterical maid ran back and forth hoping to
+find the butler, or someone, who would help in this extremity.
+
+"Every servant in the house was busy serving drinks, cards, or
+cigarettes, and none had time to call up a doctor. Then the daring maid
+telephoned for a doctor she knew. But he lived so far uptown that it
+took half an hour to arrive at the house.
+
+"Before he got there, little Billie Dalken was sleeping in the last long
+rest. No one was with him but the parlor-maid when he strangled to
+death; but the awful contortions of his face and body showed the
+suffering he endured during the convulsions.
+
+"Mr. Dalken came home early in the morning, the Washington business
+having been successfully consummated without any loss of time. It was
+not yet seven o'clock, but everyone in the house seemed astir. The heavy
+fumes of smoke and the aftermath of a riotous night's play were evident
+throughout the first floor rooms. He smiled sardonically at it all, then
+rushed upstairs two steps at a time to peep at his beloved children.
+
+"Elizabeth was weeping fearfully in her little crib that stood in the
+room connecting with the nursery. The moment she saw her father she
+screamed with relief.
+
+"'Oh, Daddy! Billie's so twisted and queer--and he won't answer when I
+call him.'
+
+"Poor Dalken had a sudden premonition of catastrophe and rushed into the
+nursery. He almost collapsed at what he saw there. A strange woman was
+about to take up the stiff little form and do for it what a loving
+mother should reverently insist upon doing.
+
+"The father, with a broken heart, took his beloved boy and prepared him
+for his last resting-place. All through the three days elapsing after
+the night of Billie's death, Mrs. Dalken remained locked in her boudoir,
+her maid seeing that the smelling salts were handy whenever her lady
+called for them. Between the visits of condolence from her intimates,
+and the fittings of the deep mourning, the mother was kept too busy to
+meet her husband, or watch with the remains of her baby.
+
+"But after the funeral (that also buried most of Dalken's joy in living)
+he insisted upon a serious talk with his butterfly wife. She promised
+everything, even to giving up her gambling games, if he would but
+refrain from the publicity of the cause of Billie's death and the
+subsequent separation. She used her sharpest weapon to gain her
+point--Elizabeth.
+
+"So several more months went by, but the poor man was a mere
+money-machine in his own home. Even his little daughter began to believe
+that society was everything, and love or home-ties only a necessity that
+interfered with one's pet pleasures and freedom.
+
+"Without consulting her husband, Mrs. Dalken planned to visit Europe
+with a party of friends. To keep her grasp on her money-supplier she
+took Elizabeth with her. A nurse looked after the girl. She remained
+abroad for more than a year, and when she returned she went directly to
+a fashionable hotel instead of seeing that her home was reopened in New
+York.
+
+"She had ordered everything swathed and packed for the time she was
+abroad, and had left but two rooms livable for the owner and master of
+the magnificent dwelling.
+
+"Dalken lived there in gloomy sorrow for a few months and finally his
+friends insisted upon his going to the Club where he could meet cheerful
+companions and stop brooding over his irreparable loss.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken was in no hurry to reopen her home, and all that Winter she
+remained at the hotel, while her husband stopped at his club. She
+allowed him to call upon her two or three times a week, when others were
+present, and she not only accepted all the checks he offered her, but
+ran up fearful debts everywhere. He was permitted to take Elizabeth out
+at certain times, but Mrs. Dalken was clever enough to keep hold on the
+girl, as she knew it was her only hope of keeping her clutch on her
+provider.
+
+"Just after the Holidays, that season, she went to Palm Beach, but she
+entered Elizabeth in a boarding school out of the city. Dalken tried, in
+many ways, to learn where his child was, but he had no success in his
+search.
+
+"Then he wired his wife that she must turn over the girl to him while
+she was running around, or he would instantly stop her income and sue
+her for desertion. Then she came back to New York and took Elizabeth out
+of school again, but matters got worse and worse for poor Dalken.
+Finally his dear friends, who loved him for what he was and is,
+persuaded him to sue for a legal separation. They hoped Mrs. Dalken
+would turn over the girl whom she had no natural love for, to the
+father, as a hostage.
+
+"But she was a wise woman, by this time. She accepted the separation
+without demur, but refused to give up Elizabeth. It was then agreed that
+the girl might choose which one of the parents she preferred to live
+with. Having had so many years of life with her mother, the girl became
+like her--selfish, vain, and arrogant. No love or gratitude was found in
+her character.
+
+"Just at this time, Mr. Dalken was taken very ill, and his mother (who
+is a dear, you will find, when you meet her) came from England to nurse
+him. He was ill for more than a year, so Elizabeth chose to remain with
+her mother for the time being.
+
+"Mrs. Dalken, Senior, took her only child back to England with her, as
+soon as he could travel, and there she kept him well-nursed and cared
+for, in her cousin's English country-house, until he had regained his
+strength and fairly good health. Then mother and son went to the
+Continent to visit the scenes of the famous battle-fields, and then on
+to the Riviera for a month.
+
+"The wise mother knew that taking Mr. Dalken's thoughts from his own
+miserable state, and making him think of other's woes, would the sooner
+brace him up to face his life-problem. And so it was.
+
+"Elizabeth elected to remain with her frivolous mother but Mr. Dalken
+supports her handsomely, and often bribes her to spend an afternoon or
+evening with him, by having a valuable gift awaiting her coming. Mr.
+Ashby, and other friends, have advised Dalken against this pernicious
+way of baiting the inclinations of the girl, but he says they do not
+know his heart-hunger, and so cannot judge his actions."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Fabian! Our poor, dear Mr. Dalken!" sobbed Polly, when the
+speaker had ended his story.
+
+"If I ever meet that horrid woman I shall tear her hair out, I know I
+shall!" wept Eleanor, vehemently.
+
+"If only we could do something, Nolla, to make up to our dear Dalk, for
+all his sorrow," sighed Polly, drying her eyes.
+
+"You can love him the more for this story, girls, but do not refer to
+it, as he is still tender over his loss."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV--THE FOUNDLING
+
+
+The sad story told the girls, about their friend Mr. Dalken, filled them
+with love and compassion for the great-hearted man, and they wondered
+how they could do _something_ for him that would not only show their
+appreciation of his kindness to them, but at the same time give him
+pleasure or happiness. But there seemed no material thing that he
+needed, and really, nothing that one could do for him.
+
+"There must be times when he sits alone brooding over his boy and how
+different things might have been had he married a different type of
+woman," remarked Eleanor, one evening, after leaving their new
+class-room.
+
+"Yes; but it seems to me he should have been able to see through such a
+shallow thing as that woman must have been, when he returned from
+college and found her apparently waiting for him," Polly replied.
+
+"But he's so tender-hearted, you see, he couldn't bear to give her any
+pain or trouble. That must have been the only reason why he allowed her
+to get him."
+
+"I suppose so. Why, even now, he is an easy prey to the scheming people
+who know he has barrels of money, and who simply pretend to be friendly
+for what they can get out of him."
+
+"It's too bad he can't be satisfied with just Mr. Ashby and Mr. Fabian
+for man friends, and we few women for his women friends," mused Eleanor.
+"We'd love him for himself."
+
+Polly smiled. "Wouldn't you and I give him a gay time--with high-school
+keeping us employed every week-day, and art class every other night in
+the week, to say nothing of lectures, exhibitions, and other things that
+Mr. Fabian has us do, in line with our work."
+
+The two girls had crossed Madison and Fourth avenues by this time, and
+were slowly walking down the street towards the Studio. It was a
+beautiful Fall night, and the moon was almost full, hence they were in
+no hurry to reach home and go indoors.
+
+"I hear Anne singing--she must have company," said Polly as they neared
+the house.
+
+[Illustration: HE WAS A CHUBBY LITTLE FELLOW.]
+
+"Yes; the windows are open in the living-room, and I can peep under the
+shades and see Anne at the piano," whispered Eleanor.
+
+Just then the breeze wafted one of the shades back from the window, and
+the girls recognised Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Latimer as the guests of Anne.
+
+"Let's hurry in!" exclaimed Eleanor, suddenly turning from the front
+window and darting into the vestibule.
+
+The outside door was open wide, and as Eleanor ran up the one step that
+raised the tiled entrance from the sidewalk, she stumbled over a soft
+bundle that seemed pushed against the wall.
+
+By this time, Polly also reached the vestibule, but the inside door
+being closed and locked for protection, it was too dark in the vestibule
+for either of the girls to see what the huge bundle contained.
+
+"It feels like a bundle of old clothes. Maybe some servant hid it here
+for a time--she may be going to come back for it," observed Eleanor,
+prodding the bundle with her foot.
+
+But to the surprise of both girls, a little squeal issued from the roll.
+In the semi-darkness, they stood spell-bound and gazed at each other.
+
+"It's a baby--of all things!" cried Polly, hastily trying the handle of
+the door.
+
+"Ring--ring the bell like mad. I'll pick it up!" Eleanor exclaimed,
+excitably.
+
+"Open the door--Anne--hurry up! We've found a baby!" called Polly,
+leaning over the iron rail that projected over the area door, in front
+of the windows.
+
+Both girls forgot that they had latch keys, but Mrs. Evans sat nearest
+the window where Polly stood, and quickly answered her call. Eleanor,
+meanwhile, had carefully picked up the rolled-up baby and, the moment
+the door was flung open, carried it indoors.
+
+"Where did you find it?" exclaimed four amazed women.
+
+"Right at our door--in the vestibule," said Eleanor, placing her bundle
+on the divan and proceeding to open it.
+
+"Wasn't anyone in sight?" asked Mrs. Latimer, cautiously.
+
+"Not that we noticed; but, of course, we never thought to look, when we
+found what was in the bundle," explained Polly, nervously eager to
+assist Eleanor in what she was doing.
+
+Before the swaddling blankets were released from the baby, it began to
+utter baby-talk. The females, grouped closely in front of the divan,
+smiled appreciatively.
+
+Finally the last wrapper, which was of mosquito netting, came off, and
+there lay a chubby little fellow of about fifteen months. He had a fist
+in his mouth, and with the other dimpled hand he clutched at Polly's
+hair as she leaned over him.
+
+"Oh! Isn't he a darling! He must belong to a neighbor!" exclaimed Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+"He certainly is not starved or poorly cared for," added Mrs. Evans,
+with experienced voice.
+
+"But he only has on his nightie! Not another stitch to be found," said
+Anne, carefully rolling the baby over to see if he had any clothes under
+him.
+
+"There's a note--pinned on the blanket!" cried Polly, anxiously removing
+the pin and taking the paper over to the light.
+
+"It says--just one word--'Billy.' Did you ever!" exclaimed Polly,
+glancing from one to the other of the friends who were waiting
+expectantly to hear about the boy.
+
+"Let's see!" demanded Eleanor, frowning at such a short explanation.
+
+Polly handed the slip of paper to her friend and joined Anne at the
+divan where she was divesting the boy of his nightie to see if further
+clues might be found. About his fat neck was a very fine gold chain, and
+suspended from that was a tiny flat heart-shaped locket. It did not
+open, but on the plain gold face was a monogram of three letters: B--
+D-- W--.
+
+"Now we've got something to work on! 'B' stands for Billy, of course,
+but what can 'D' and 'W' mean?" Eleanor said excitedly.
+
+"No child is christened 'Billy,'" Anne contradicted. "He would be
+'William'--and that is what the 'W' is for. Children are nicknamed
+'Billy' or 'Willy' later. Now his middle and last name must begin with
+the 'B' and 'D'--or vice versa."
+
+"Shake out the blankets carefully--perhaps another paper is pinned to
+one of them," said Polly, eagerly.
+
+But there was no other message in the blankets.
+
+"Let's take off his flannel shirt! There may be something there,"
+ventured Mrs. Stewart.
+
+In less than a minute, the pins were out and the woven shirt of Merino
+was removed, but no further information rewarded the anxious seekers. So
+the shirt was carefully replaced and the boy's nightie slipped over his
+head again.
+
+"It's all hand-made of fine linen," remarked Mrs. Latimer, as she felt
+of the hem at the bottom.
+
+"And one can see that he is no slum child," added Mrs. Evans.
+
+"_Who_ can he be? and why should anyone want to leave him?" were the
+perplexing questions Polly asked of the others.
+
+They all shook their heads and wondered. But the boy had no use for such
+condolences; he crawled over the divan and when he found not what he was
+in search of, he screwed up his dimpled face and began a lusty call.
+
+Anne instantly took him up and began to chirp to him. He smiled a
+cheerful thanks and showed eight little front teeth. That brought all
+his new friends to his feet--metaphorically speaking.
+
+"_Isn't_ he a dear!" declared Mrs. Stewart to no one in particular.
+
+"Yes, but we have to advertise him at once. It may be that a villain
+kidnapped him and ran away with him just to get a reward. He may have
+been seen, or chased by the police, and then dropped the baby in our
+vestibule," said Mrs. Latimer.
+
+Anne laughed. "Which analysis shows that one of us married a
+lawyer--Mrs. Latimer gives us good advice."
+
+"Or he may belong to a young mother who cannot longer earn a living for
+him," added Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"That's not likely, mother," returned Anne. "As the child would look
+thin and sickly if a mother found it hard to support it. I rather think
+it is a babe that belongs to some distracted mother in the neighborhood.
+He has evidently been put to bed for the night. Possibly a vindictive
+nurse-girl took him from his home to make his parents seek for him and
+then left him at the most convenient door."
+
+"Anne's reason sounds the most plausible, and we'd better 'phone the
+police-stations at once. Billy's parents may even now be wild with
+despair, for we do not know how long he was in the vestibule. All we
+know is, he was not there when we came in, about eight o'clock," said
+Mrs. Evans.
+
+So she telephoned the police-stations, near by, and also asked the
+morning papers to run a short notice under a suitable caption. Before
+she had finished this work, however, Master Billy began his complaints
+again, and now he was beginning to look as impatient as such a
+good-natured baby could.
+
+"Maybe he's hungry?" suddenly suggested Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"That's just what ails him--but we haven't any bottle!" exclaimed Mrs.
+Evans.
+
+"Perhaps he drinks from a cup--he is old enough to have been weaned, you
+know," ventured Mrs. Latimer.
+
+A cup of warmed milk was brought in short order, and Mrs. Stewart held
+it out to Anne, as she was still holding the baby. The moment Billy saw
+the cup, he almost leaped from Anne's arms, and immediately began
+gurgling for very glee.
+
+Everyone laughed at his antics, and Anne was about to hold the cup to
+his lips, when two fat hands clutched at it in a hungry endeavor to
+reach the contents. Of course, part of the milk spilled on his nightie
+but the remainder he drank greedily.
+
+"He's well-trained--whoever he is. I should say that he has had every
+attention in the past, to have him act like this at his age," said Mrs.
+Latimer.
+
+"But we don't know how old he is. He may be months older than we thought
+for," argued Mrs. Evans.
+
+"Well, he isn't more than eighteen months at the most," declared Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+Polly and Eleanor stood silently by listening to these experienced
+mothers, but Anne smiled indulgently at them, and kept her opinions to
+herself.
+
+Dr. Evans and Mr. Latimer stopped for their wives, and when they had
+heard and been shown the fine boy, they gave their masculine opinions.
+
+"A baby who was boarded out, and the parents hadn't paid up recently. So
+the woman left him on the first door-step to get rid of him," was the
+doctor's verdict.
+
+"There spoke the doctor who knows of such cases," said Anne.
+
+"That isn't it, however," remarked Mr. Latimer. "I am of the opinion
+that this child is of wealthy parentage. He likely is a stumbling-block
+for some heirs, who wish him safely out of the way so they may claim the
+estate."
+
+Anne laughed again. "There speaks the attorney. But you should have had
+the jealous heirs remove this monogramed locket before they tried to get
+rid of all evidence of a barrier to their inheritance."
+
+"Reckon we'd better stop romancing and put Billy to bed," said Polly, in
+a matter-of-fact voice.
+
+Her common sense caused a general laugh, and Dr. Evans added: "Well,
+ladies! Come on, if we are to get home to-night."
+
+With a last look at the sleepy cherub, and a good-night to the friends
+living in the Studio, the four New Yorkers went out.
+
+"Where shall he sleep to-night?" asked Anne.
+
+"Let me have him?" cried Polly.
+
+"Oh--I found him first--let me have him," begged Eleanor.
+
+"No, girls; babies should sleep absolutely alone. I will get a drawer
+from the high-boy and rig him up a nice little bed therein. To-morrow
+night he will be in his own home, most likely," explained Mrs. Stewart.
+
+So saying, she hurried upstairs, and in a short time returned, carrying
+the drawer. Anne and the two girls helped cushion it softly, and then
+they placed Billy in it.
+
+He was asleep almost before the bed was ready, and the moment his head
+sank into the soft pillow, he closed his eyes.
+
+"He seems unusually good, Anne," ventured Mrs. Stewart, as the four
+foster mothers stood gazing down at the flushed little baby-face.
+
+"And very pretty for a young child," added Anne.
+
+"Well," sighed Polly, "I suppose we'll have to hand him back in the
+morning."
+
+"Some time during the night, most likely," grumbled Eleanor. "The police
+will tell his folks where he is, and they will be at our door ten
+minutes later."
+
+But no one called for Billy, that night, and in the morning the papers
+told the story of the foundling. A minute description of his appearance
+and clothing was given, and the telephone number of the family where he
+was to be found. Mrs. Evans had wisely refrained from giving any names
+of the tenants of the Studio.
+
+Before seven o'clock that morning, the telephone began ringing. Anne
+answered it, but described the baby left on their door-step differently
+from what the anxious mother on the other end of the wire had expected.
+
+By eight-thirty, the telephone had called Anne or Polly five times. At
+last Polly said: "My goodness! how can five mothers lose boys like ours
+in one evening? Can't they take care of them?"
+
+Eleanor then said, "Why, in Chicago, there are records of more than a
+score of babies lost every day. Most of them find their parents again,
+but lots of them don't."
+
+"What happens to the poor tots who can't find their folks again?" asked
+Polly, horrified.
+
+"They go to the orphan asylum--or the Children's Home."
+
+With a gasp, Polly glanced at their laughing little Billy. Then she
+looked anxiously at her three companions. They had all thought of the
+same thing, it seems.
+
+"I just couldn't let him go to a foundling home," Polly whimpered.
+
+"We can afford to keep him, Polly. You and I can adopt him," declared
+Eleanor.
+
+But Anne did not seem to approve of the plan. She shook her head as she
+gazed at the curly-haired boy who was banging the breakfast table with a
+teaspoon. "That would never do for you, girls."
+
+But another ring on the telephone interrupted further argument on that
+subject. Anne described Billy all over again--"Large brown eyes, very
+soft silky hair--yellow and curly. About thirty pounds weight, eight
+front teeth, aged about sixteen months."
+
+Before she had completed her description of the foundling, the
+distracted mother at the other end of the wire sighed: "He's not
+mine--thank you."
+
+"Polly and I are not going to school this morning, Anne," Eleanor now
+informed the young teacher.
+
+"I don't see why not?" demanded she.
+
+"First, your mother can't be chasing back and forth to the 'phone all
+day; and secondly, we do not propose having a stranger calling and
+stealing our baby. Unless the parents present perfectly satisfactory
+evidence that Billy is theirs, no one shall get him."
+
+Anne smiled, but seeing that it was almost nine o'clock, she consented
+to the two girls remaining home that session; furthermore, she promised
+to explain to Mrs. Wellington about the magnet that had kept them at
+home.
+
+Later in the morning, Dr. Evans stopped in to see if any one had called
+for the baby. Polly and Eleanor were in the midst of giving Billy his
+bath in the large tub. Such laughing and shouting had never been heard
+in that bathroom before. Even Mrs. Stewart laughed in sympathy, as she
+told the doctor what a fine well-behaved child Billy was.
+
+"I'll call again this evening, Mrs. Stewart. If he has not been claimed
+by that time, I will see what I can do to relieve you of his care."
+
+"Oh--he is no care whatever, doctor; and I doubt whether the girls will
+consent to your taking him to a home--for a few days, at any rate. They
+think someone will call for him."
+
+"But you haven't any clothes or other necessities for him, have you?"
+asked the doctor.
+
+"We didn't have at first, but Nolla and Polly ran to a department store
+on Fifth avenue--it's only a few blocks over, you know,--and bought him
+everything he needs. When he had his shoes on he stood up and began
+walking about while he held fast to the chairs. He certainly is a bright
+child."
+
+"Well, the girls ought not to go silly over him. Buying clothes and
+shoes and everything--until they know who he is."
+
+"If no one ever calls, Billy has to have clothes; anyway, we thought we
+ought to get them, now, instead of later."
+
+"I can see, Mrs. Stewart, that you are as foolish about the baby, as the
+two girls are themselves," laughed Dr. Evans, as he took up his hat to
+depart.
+
+Mrs. Stewart laughed, but the moment the doctor was out of the front
+door, she hurried upstairs to help dress the boy after his bath.
+
+Once he was dressed in his new clothing, and had had a full cup of warm
+milk and gruel, he cuddled down for his nap.
+
+"Now, no use talking! he is a wonder!" declared Eleanor.
+
+"We can keep him, as well as not. He isn't one mite of trouble," added
+Polly.
+
+Having waited until Billy was fast asleep, Mrs. Stewart tip-toed from
+the bedroom, beckoning the girls to follow her out.
+
+The police-department had sent their detective to get all the facts from
+Eleanor and Polly, and the press had sent to find out if there was any
+other clue or information about the boy; then, no further interruptions
+took place that day.
+
+The two girls sat out under the locust tree in the yard, because there
+they could hear the first whimper from Billy, when he awoke from his
+nap. As they sat there, they discussed his future.
+
+"If no one ever calls for him, what _shall_ we do with him?' asked
+Polly, giving Eleanor a penetrating look.
+
+"You've got something on your mind--what is it?" countered Eleanor.
+
+"Yes, I have, but I want to hear what _you_ have to say."
+
+"I'd love to keep him, Polly--at least as long as we are in New York. I
+suppose it would be impossible to take him abroad with us, next summer,"
+returned Eleanor.
+
+"Yes--impossible. And if we keep him with us, we will have to hire a
+nurse-maid, as poor Mrs. Stewart can't look after a lively youngster all
+day, while we are at school."
+
+"What was your idea, then?" wondered Eleanor.
+
+"Can't you guess, Nolla? And his name is Billy, too!"
+
+For an instant Eleanor's face looked too surprised to allow her to
+speak. Then she stammered: "Well--of all things!"
+
+"What do you make of it?" laughed Polly.
+
+"Wonderful--but what is your plan?"
+
+"Seeing his name is Billy, and his eyes are dark brown and his hair
+golden curls, and he is about sixteen months old--all of which are in
+his favor to advance my little scheme, I should say that we try to keep
+him a few weeks, right now, and see if we can add to Billy's winsome
+ways. Meanwhile, we will use every effort to find if he has any
+relatives; then should he be a veritable foundling, we will present him
+to dear Mr. Dalken for his very own."
+
+"Splendiferous! Perfectly great!" cried Eleanor, slapping her friend on
+the back in her delight.
+
+"We will quietly advertise for and select a fine elderly nurse for
+Billy, right off, and when we have him all ready to be given away, he
+will be a little wonder that no one can refuse."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Dalken won't think of refusing him, I know! He will be so happy
+to have a boy again," Eleanor said, enthusiastically.
+
+Several times during the day, the telephone rang and someone asked for a
+description of the baby. Also a number of wild looking people called at
+the address to have a look at the child, but all departed with forlorn
+hopes.
+
+As that night was not a class-evening, the girls were free to do as they
+liked with their time. Anne and her mother were amusing themselves, as
+much as the baby, by teaching him to say 'Billy.' Polly and Eleanor were
+eagerly watching results. But harshly upon this sweet scene, the
+door-bell jangled.
+
+"I'll go!" called Eleanor, and in another minute she had opened the
+door.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Fabian. Do come in and see our baby!"
+
+Then another admirer joined the circle of worshippers around Billy's
+feet. Mr. Fabian had heard the story from Dr. Evans and dropped in to
+see if the boy was still with his friends.
+
+"He is a dear little shaver, isn't he?" laughed Mr. Fabian. "But what
+will you do with him if no one claims him?"
+
+"We really haven't thought of that," said Anne.
+
+"I'm afraid, if we keep him here with us a week, or more, we won't want
+to give him up again," added Mrs. Stewart.
+
+Mr. Fabian saw, from the corner of his eye, that Polly was behind him
+trying to draw his attention. So he managed to turn his head without
+attracting Anne's or Mrs. Stewart's attention, and saw the two girls
+shake their heads wisely, meantime their fingers rested upon their lips
+in sign of keeping silence.
+
+Consequently no more was said, that evening, about Billy, and when Mr.
+Fabian was ready to leave, Polly and Eleanor said they believed they
+would walk to the corner with their old friend. The baby had been in bed
+for some time, and Anne was busy writing manuscript, so no one objected
+to the proposal. Mrs. Stewart merely remarked: "Don't go any farther
+than the corner, dearies. And hurry right back home."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI--BILLY FINDS A FATHER
+
+
+The moment the two girls had Mr. Fabian outside of the Studio, where
+they could talk in perfect freedom, they told him of their secret plan.
+
+"We are going to keep the baby for a few weeks and see that he is
+perfectly trained, then we are going to present him to dear Mr. Dalken,"
+began Polly, eagerly.
+
+"Oh, but we will try and find a sensible woman who will take all care of
+him, and Mr. Dalken can enjoy Billy when he is at home with nothing else
+to do," added Eleanor.
+
+Mr. Fabian was speechless, then he smiled. "Does our friend know about
+this?"
+
+"Mercy sakes, no! We want to surprise him. We thought it would be fine,
+if we could keep the baby that long, to leave him at Mr. Dalken's
+apartment on Thanksgiving morning," returned Polly.
+
+"Don't you think he would like that?" from Eleanor, eagerly.
+
+"Mr. Dalken is now out west on important business, so of course, he
+doesn't know a thing about Billy, unless he read about it in the New
+York papers," remarked Mr. Fabian, thoughtfully. "I don't suppose he
+will take time to glance over every news item in the papers, as he is
+too preoccupied, at present, with the financial pages."
+
+"Well, what has that to do with our plan?" asked Eleanor.
+
+"He won't know a thing about the baby, and you can easily keep the idea
+secret until Thanksgiving, if you can get the right kind of a woman to
+take daily care of the boy. Of course, you were going to do that,
+anyway, were you not?"
+
+"I suppose so--we really hadn't got as far as that in our planning,"
+admitted Polly.
+
+"But we will, Mr. Fabian, now that you have mentioned it. How shall we
+know if we have the right sort of nurse?" added Eleanor.
+
+"I'll call up Ashby. I was there for dinner to-night, and they told me
+of a woman they know well, who is compelled to earn her living, because
+of family reverses. Shall we stop in the hotel across the street and use
+the booth there?"
+
+"Oh, yes! Let's, Mr. Fabian!" exclaimed Eleanor.
+
+"No time like the present when you have any important work to do," added
+Polly.
+
+Mr. Fabian left the door of the telephone booth slightly ajar so the two
+girls could assist in the conversation. He soon had Mr. Ashby's house
+number and asked if Mr. or Mrs. Ashby were in.
+
+Shortly thereafter a man's voice was heard talking on the wire. "Is this
+Fabian--oh, yes. What can I do for you, old man?"
+
+Then Mr. Fabian replied: "Why, I called upon my girls at the Studio this
+evening, after I left you, and I found the most astonishing addition to
+their family circle. A little baby boy was left on their door-step, it
+seems. A fine little fellow, too.
+
+"So far, no one has called to claim him, and should no one come, the two
+girls have a plan to place him in a good home. They told me all about
+it, and I rather approve of the idea, too. But what they need, at once,
+is an experienced, capable woman to take care of the boy, until
+Thanksgiving Day--perhaps after that, if she is found to be
+satisfactory.
+
+"I thought, at once, of that woman that Mrs. Ashby and you were speaking
+of, at table, to-night. Do you suppose she would consider a position as
+second-mother to a baby?"
+
+The girls strained their ears to hear the reply but Mr. Ashby spoke too
+low, and they could but judge what he said by Mr. Fabian's words
+afterward.
+
+"Fine! If Mrs. Ashby will not consider it too much trouble. And she will
+bring Martha down to-morrow afternoon when the girls are home from
+school?"
+
+Polly and Eleanor smiled with relief, and Mr. Fabian said over the
+'phone, "All right! Thanks, Ashby. And thank your wife for the two
+girls, too, who are waiting here for the verdict."
+
+As the three left the hotel again, Mr. Fabian said: "Now that much is
+satisfactorily settled for you, and Billy shall have a good woman to
+look after him, if he is still unclaimed to-morrow afternoon."
+
+The girls were altogether too inexperienced to realize that it was
+curious how easily the Ashbys, Mr. Dalken's most intimate friends, and
+Mr. Fabian agreed to such a strange plan as trying to saddle a foundling
+baby on a man who lived a hermit's life when in his own home.
+
+They never questioned the readiness with which these friends accepted
+their proposition, but they were delighted at the "lucky chance" that
+brought a woman to Mrs. Ashby on the very day that they began to think
+of employing a woman-nurse for the baby.
+
+Mr. Fabian walked back to the Studio door with them, smiling at their
+dreams of future bliss for Mr. Dalken. In fact, their thoughts traveled
+so far into the future, that they saw Billy a fine young man and Mr.
+Dalken, white-haired and bent, depending on his beloved adopted son for
+everything.
+
+The four inmates of the Studio were not aware that they had been kept
+singularly free from constant annoyance from reporters and police. Nor
+did they realize that the short news article that had appeared in the
+papers, had been a wonderful story to catch the eyes of curious readers,
+but _some_one in authority had ordered it "cut" to an inch.
+
+The afternoon following Mr. Fabian's visit to the girls, they hurried
+home from school and found Mrs. Ashby's car in front of the house. They
+quickly entered the front door and greeted her with a smiling welcome.
+
+"I see you have Billy in hand, already," laughed Polly.
+
+"Yes; isn't he a friendly little fellow?" replied Mrs. Ashby.
+
+"Wonderful! We never knew babies were so easy to live with," added
+Eleanor.
+
+"Mrs. Stewart took Martha upstairs to show her how you managed for the
+baby. He may need extra things, or other conveniences," suggested Mrs.
+Ashby.
+
+Even as she spoke, the sound of steps was heard descending the front
+stairs, and soon after, Mrs. Stewart led Martha in, and introduced her
+to Polly and Eleanor. The girls liked the refined look and quiet
+sensible words and manners of the nurse-to-be.
+
+"Isn't it splendid that Martha should have been relieved, last week, of
+just such a position as we now need her for? She was in the country
+taking charge of a baby of about this boy's age, but some friends came
+and took him away, so she was free to find another position," explained
+Mrs. Ashby.
+
+Martha handled Billy as if she was an expert, and the boy crowed and
+tried to talk to her, as if he had known her all his life.
+
+"I never saw a friendlier baby than this one. He smiles and is contented
+with anybody, and that will make it fine for Martha," remarked Mrs.
+Stewart.
+
+So it was immediately decided to retain Martha during the day, but she
+would have to find a place to lodge, nearby and leave Billy with the
+girls during the night. This pleased them well, for they did not wish to
+relinquish all rights of attendance on their baby to a stranger.
+
+"I may as well remain for the rest of this afternoon, Madam," said
+Martha, speaking to Mrs. Ashby, "as I have no other place to go."
+
+"How about seeking for a room in the neighborhood and taking it to-day?
+You may not have a free half hour, like this, again," suggested Mrs.
+Ashby.
+
+Martha silently acquiesced but she cast a troubled gaze at the child;
+when Eleanor picked him up by the arms, she immediately corrected the
+mistake, by saying, "Miss, you should always hold a baby at his age,
+about the waist--a hand on each side of him. _Never_ by the arms!"
+
+Mrs. Ashby offered to drive Martha about to hunt up a furnished room, so
+the girls said good-by to their callers.
+
+That evening was school-night again, and Mr. Fabian was interested in
+hearing if Martha had proved satisfactory. Even Ruth Ashby took a
+personal interest in the baby-boy, now that Martha was to be his nurse.
+
+"Do you know Martha?" asked Polly, surprised.
+
+"Of course. Wasn't she mother's nurse, years ago?"
+
+"Oh--I thought she was a lady of means who had just lost everything,"
+remarked Eleanor.
+
+"Well, it is this way. When mother was a little mite Martha was a girl
+of about fourteen. Grandma engaged her to push mother's carriage out for
+a walk every day. Then Martha grew up and married and mother never saw
+her again, for a long time.
+
+"Her husband's nephew came to live with them, as Martha never had any
+children, but her nephew grew up and married. Then Martha's husband
+died, and she went to live with the nephew and his wife. They were
+well-to-do young people, and Martha had an easy life there.
+
+"They had a baby, and Martha took care of him, as if she was his own
+mother. Then the nephew enlisted in the war and was killed 'over there.'
+His wife pined a lot, and during the epidemic of the flu, last Winter,
+she took it and died, too.
+
+"That left Martha with the baby, but she hadn't a cent to live on,
+because there was only the money the baby ought to have had from the
+Government, because of losing his father in battle. But Martha didn't
+understand how to go about getting it, and when a friend of hers offered
+to find a good home for the baby, the poor great-aunt consented. She had
+no other choice, as she would have to work herself, and could not be
+hampered by a little boy.
+
+"Then she came to mother and that is how it all happened."
+
+"I wonder what became of her grand-nephew?" asked Polly.
+
+"Mother begged of me not to mention it, and never to refer to the past,
+when Martha was about," said Ruth, seriously.
+
+"I suppose the poor thing misses her little nephew so much!" observed
+Polly, sympathetically.
+
+"Yes, that must be the reason," agreed Ruth.
+
+Mr. Fabian listened attentively and approved of Mrs. Ashby's advice to
+her daughter.
+
+No one came to claim Billy, and the days passed swiftly for the
+self-appointed mothers of the boy. He was so merry and good-natured a
+child, that Mrs. Stewart sighed when she thought of the Studio without
+him. Before November passed, he could walk all alone and even tried to
+climb the stairs.
+
+Martha was a jewel with him. She never seemed too tired to do things for
+him. She it was, who taught him his table manners and insisted upon his
+saying "Plee" and "Tant" for anything. He could say "Dadda" and
+"Biddy"--the latter meaning himself.
+
+Polly and Eleanor spent every spare moment teaching him new
+accomplishments, so that before the middle of Thanksgiving month, the
+boy really was unusually precocious and well-behaved.
+
+Mr. Dalken returned to New York the third week in November and
+immediately sent out cards to his friends for a dinner-party. It was
+very private, only the circle acquainted with Polly and Eleanor were to
+be his guests. But they had a good time, nevertheless, and Mr. Dalken
+appeared more cheerful than of yore.
+
+"Now what do you suppose I called you together for?" said he, after the
+table had been cleared of the roast and everyone was ready to listen
+while waiting for salad.
+
+"Dear me, I hope you are not going to spring a sensational surprise on
+us!" Eleanor said, her face expressing worry.
+
+Everyone laughed, but Mr. Dalken said: "What would you call a
+sensation?"
+
+"Oh, well! in case you were married while in Chicago! That would ruin my
+hopes," interpolated Polly, anxiously.
+
+A general laugh greeted this, and Mr. Dalken retorted:
+
+"I hadn't even dreamed of such a possibility, but now that you plainly
+show me how you have been hoping I would propose to you, I may as well
+take my medicine like a man!"
+
+"Me--you--propose! What _are_ you talking of?" cried Polly, aghast.
+
+Everyone laughed teasingly, but Eleanor explained quickly. "He
+misunderstood your reason for worrying, Polly. Just like a man--they
+think one is always thinking of marriage, even when there are great
+charities being perfected."
+
+Mr. Dalken now showed his surprise, and asked what really was the cause
+of Polly's anxiety.
+
+"Oh, you'll see some day. We can't tell you now!" laughed Eleanor.
+
+"Then I may as well confess to you-all and tell you what my surprise is.
+
+"I finished my business in Chicago much sooner than I had hoped for, and
+went on to Pebbly Pit to see how things were progressing. I had a
+delightful visit at the ranch, and am able to say that work has reached
+the point, now, where the mining machines will start working next week,
+unless snow stops everything."
+
+"Oh, then you saw father and mother!" cried Polly, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, and I have all sorts of good things for you from home. A jar of
+preserves, and a dozen or more of glasses filled with jelly and other
+delectable sweets that Sary insisted that I carry to you. I did my best
+to explain that it would be cheaper and safer if she sent them by
+express or parcel post--but no! She told me 'A bird in th' hand is wuth
+two er three in a bush.'"
+
+Polly and Eleanor instantly visualized Sary as she made this remark, and
+they laughed merrily.
+
+Mr. Dalken then repeated minutest details of the work on Rainbow Cliffs,
+and the gold mine on Grizzly Slide. As everything promised so well, the
+girls felt elated at their future prospects.
+
+Mr. Ashby wanted to know if his friend had succeeded in buying any more
+stock for him, and Mr. Dalken replied: "You'll have to wait until
+Latimer issues another block. No one I know of will sell any of what
+they hold."
+
+The evening passed pleasantly with intimate matters to speak of, and at
+last Anne said: "We must be going, Mr. Dalken. The girls have one of
+their long class days, to-morrow, you know."
+
+"Yes, and Martha will want to go to bed," added Mrs. Stewart.
+
+"Who's Martha? Got a servant at last?" asked Mr. Dalken.
+
+"Why, no, Martha--" Mrs. Stewart began innocently, but the two girls
+wildly interrupted her. Polly shouted unusually loud for her, "Oh, I am
+so tired!"
+
+Eleanor had managed to wink her eyes warningly at Mrs. Stewart, and that
+lady realized that she had almost "put her foot in it." Mr. Dalken
+noticed something was disturbing the two girls, but he never dreamed
+what it was.
+
+The following evening, at art class, Mr. Fabian had news for the two
+girls. "Mr. Ashby has invited Mr. Dalken to have his Thanksgiving Dinner
+with his family, and that will give you the opportunity you need, to get
+Billy settled in his new home."
+
+"Oh, how can we part from him!" sighed Eleanor, wiping an eye, as she
+pictured the lonely rooms.
+
+"Yes--" sighed Polly, mournfully. "That's the worst of having a dog or a
+baby that you become so fond of."
+
+"But you will see Billy three nights a week, and you never could have
+kept him for yourselves, you know," said Mr. Fabian.
+
+Thanksgiving Day Martha seemed all upset. The idea of moving the baby to
+a new home, and perhaps not being welcome, made her cry softly, now and
+then. The little family at the Studio, instead of being very grateful
+for all the blessings they had had during the past year, went about
+looking forlorn and miserable.
+
+They went to the Latimers for dinner that noon, and left Martha with the
+baby. It had been planned that they would get back home by eight o'clock
+and accompany their baby-gift over to Mr. Dalken's apartment. Billy
+would be placed in bed where his new foster father would find him, and
+then would come the joy of it all.
+
+The plans worked out as expected to a certain degree. Mr. Dalken went up
+to the Ashbys for dinner, and a little after eight o'clock, a mournful
+procession wended its way from the Studio door. Martha carried Billy
+carefully. Polly and Eleanor carried the tub, chair, and other articles
+of use for the baby. Anne carried the bundles of clothing, and Mrs.
+Stewart carried the milk-warmer, the other food-equipment, and the extra
+blankets.
+
+Mr. Dalken's chauffeur opened the door to admit the visitors, but when
+he saw the burdens the ladies carried, he was speechless. Eleanor tried
+to explain that they had a new boy for Mr. Dalken, but Henri seemed not
+to appreciate the fact.
+
+Billy was gurgling and trying to get his active fists out of the quilted
+blanket, but Martha held him firmly until she had him in the bedroom
+where Mr. Dalken slept.
+
+"We are going to leave him right in the middle of this big bed, Henri,
+so his new father will find him when he comes in to-night," explained
+Eleanor, arranging the baby's bedding on the large expanse of
+bed-spread.
+
+Billy was arrayed for the night, and everyone kissed him tearfully, as
+if he was about to be placed in his coffin. Then Martha gave him a drink
+of warm milk and placed him in his blankets.
+
+Hardly had they tucked him up, before the bell at the entrance rang
+imperatively. Henri glanced distractedly at the baby and then at the
+other visitors, before he turned to answer the call. It rang a second
+time before he opened the door.
+
+"Let's turn down the light and hide behind the velour portieres,"
+whispered Anne, anxiously.
+
+The five guilty members of the surprise-party quickly hid themselves as
+best they could, but not so soon, but that they heard Henri returning.
+He was talking, and other voices were replying.
+
+"I donno why the missee's come in an' fetch a bebby. Dey say 'He a big
+surprise,' Mr. Dalken."
+
+To the amazement of the hidden ones, Mr. Dalken's voice now replied:
+"Never mind, Henri. I'll be out with my visitors, in a moment. I only
+want to get a handkerchief from the dresser."
+
+The five culprits saw him switch up the lights and they then heard Billy
+welcome the unusual privilege with a gurgle. Not a sound came from the
+man who must have heard the baby-voice and seen the occupant of his
+massive four-poster.
+
+Polly could stand it no longer. She had to peep out at what was going
+on. The first thing she saw, was Eleanor's head showing from the side of
+the other portiere. Both girls watched the scene with bated breath.
+
+Mr. Dalken stood beside the bed, looking down at the little bundle that
+made a dent in the middle of his comfortable mattress. Billy was waving
+his fists invitingly, as if to say, "Come on and fight!"
+
+As the two girls watched him, Mr. Dalken smiled and said: "So _you_ are
+Billy Martin, are you?"
+
+The two eaves-droppers glanced at each other in consternation. "How and
+why did Mr. Dalken call _their_ baby Billy Martin?"
+
+"Well, Billy, suppose we go out and see what your Daddy thinks of you.
+For my part, I say you're just about perfect." As Mr. Dalken spoke, he
+carefully lifted the willing baby from the bed and cuddled him in his
+arms. Then he went from the room.
+
+"Polly!" hissed Eleanor, anxiously, "did you hear what he said?"
+
+"S-sh! let us follow and see what's the matter. Someone came in with Mr.
+Dalken, you know," returned Polly in a low voice.
+
+Mrs. Stewart and Anne now crept from behind the heavy window curtains
+and tip-toed after Polly and Eleanor. And, last of all, Martha came from
+behind the door and followed in the wake of the other four. Then they
+heard Mr. Dalken talking.
+
+"Well, here's the boy, but how he ever got into my rooms I cannot say.
+Mrs. Ashby will have to explain that, in a minute, as she is the one who
+seemed to know where to find Martha and the baby."
+
+Martha was still in the hall and could not see who was in the
+living-room with Mr. Dalken, but the four conspirators now stood staring
+at the group in the center of the lighted room.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Ashby were seated in comfortable armchairs, smiling happily
+at the two standing men and about to make the baby comfortable. He had
+been transferred from Mr. Dalken's arms to those of a younger man who
+was trembling with joy at beholding Billy's smiling little face.
+
+"There, now, Martin. Isn't he worth living for? You said you wanted to
+die, when you found your wife was gone. But let me tell you, my boy,
+this baby ought to make you brace up." Mr. Dalken patted the strange
+young man on the shoulder, and just then Martha burst into the room.
+
+"Jimmy! Oh, Jimmy--is it you, or is it someone who looks like my dead
+Jimmy?"
+
+"Aunt Martha--Dear Aunt Martha--it is your own Jimmy. I was a long time
+coming home, but here I am at last!"
+
+Then Polly and Eleanor learned the true story about their precious Billy
+who was, according to them, to have adopted Mr. Dalken for a father.
+
+"Girls, I appreciate your great sacrifice to try and make me happy, for
+I have heard from the Ashbys how much you wanted to keep Billy, but you
+felt that he ought to belong to me. Seeing that he came so near to being
+mine, I shall always take a great interest in him and his relatives,"
+began Mr. Dalken, while Jimmy Martin and Martha went into the other room
+to be alone with the baby.
+
+"You see, Mrs. Ashby is at the bottom of this plot and having roped in
+her husband to believe just as she did, the next step was to make the
+whole plan seem accidental.
+
+"So, when Martha was left with the baby, she called on Mrs. Ashby for
+help. Seeing that the boy had brown eyes and was named Billy, my anxious
+friend decided that he was what I ought to have to cheer me. Martha was
+boarded in a country home until I prepared to go west on my business
+trip.
+
+"Just about that time, you found an unknown babe on your door-step, but
+had we been able to look behind the scenes, I think you would have seen
+the Ashby's car down on the corner, and Martha anxiously waiting to see
+if you took Billy in, all right.
+
+"After that, Billy made his own way with you people, as he is apt to
+make it with everyone. And what was so natural, as that you should fall
+in with Mr. Fabian's well-learned lesson. The Ashbys made him memorize
+just what to say and to do it every day.
+
+"All went as had been planned, and my dear friends here were so pleased
+with themselves at the little scheme, that they planned to return home
+with me to-night and see how I liked the baby-surprise. But this is
+where an unexpected and unknown actor entered upon the stage.
+
+"James Martin was not killed in battle. He was wounded and taken
+prisoner by the Germans. He was so dangerously injured that he was left
+to die in a small town in the interior. But he managed to pull through,
+and after many months of convalescence, he worked his way from Germany
+back to Paris.
+
+"It took several months more to identify him and get a passport for him
+to America. When he went to his old home town to find his wife and
+child, he learned that one was dead and the other was taken away by the
+aunt. The shock sent him to the county hospital again, and it was
+several months before he could get out to start a hunt for his boy.
+
+"He learned where Martha had gone, and to-night, James called at the
+house to ask Mrs. Ashby if she knew anything about his boy and aunt. I
+happened to be in the hall when he came in.
+
+"So here we are, girls; you lose a protege and I lose a boy."
+
+"Oh, but James wins back his boy again!" cried Polly, delightedly.
+
+"I want to know, Mr. Dalken," demanded Eleanor, frowning, "did Ruth
+Ashby know the truth about this when she told us that yarn about
+Martha?"
+
+Mr. Dalken laughed. "No, girls. Poor Ruth is as upset about it as you
+could wish her to be. She wants me to adopt Billy, anyway, even with his
+real father on hand to claim him. I really think Mrs. Ashby is the one
+we have to put through the third degree on this whole plot."
+
+Mrs. Ashby looked up and smiled. "Well, I told the truth about the
+matter, didn't I? But I refrained from telling Ruth that Martha was the
+same woman who was aunt to Billy, and I withheld the facts that Billy
+was the same baby that you girls found on your door-step--that's all."
+
+"That's all----" laughed Mr. Dalken. "As if that was not enough! To
+deprive me of the son my two pet girls tried to place in my arms."
+
+Polly flung herself in his arms and hugged him as she said, "Nolla and I
+will have to adopt you ourselves, now."
+
+And he whispered in her ear, so only she could hear: "You haven't any
+idea how happy you girls make me. I have found something in life worth
+while, since I found all of these good friends."
+
+Then Mrs. Ashby said: "Dalk, you have been hunting for a reliable man
+and wife to take charge of your apartment, so I think it is Providence
+that sent Martha and James to you. You will have admirable help in them
+and little Billy, too."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII--POLLY AND ELEANOR LEAVE FOR EUROPE
+
+
+"I do declare! here it is the first of May, and it seems as if it were
+but yesterday that we came back to New York to study," exclaimed
+Eleanor, as Polly and she were returning from art class one evening.
+
+"And we are no more decided about what we shall do this Summer, than we
+were last Fall. If only Dad would consent to our joining the Ashbys and
+Mr. Fabian on the European trip, in June," returned Polly.
+
+"I'm glad father says _I_ may go if your father consents. Of course we
+shall have to go, some time or other, Polly, before we could settle down
+as experienced decorators; but this is a fine opportunity--to be members
+of a party of appreciative people such as is seldom offered to young
+beginners as we are."
+
+"Eleanor, have you thought of what we shall do, next year of school, if
+Anne marries John? You know, Mrs. Stewart says she is going back to
+Denver to keep house for Paul, as he will graduate with the other boys,
+next month."
+
+"Uh-huh! John and Tom will settle down at Pebbly Pit to superintend the
+mine and jewel cliffs, and Paul will join the survey crew in Denver. I
+suppose my brother Pete will be hanging about them, somewhere, doing odd
+jobs, now and then."
+
+Eleanor spoke in a half-humorous tone, but Polly was in earnest.
+
+"Well, then, if Anne is John's wife, and Mrs. Stewart in Denver, where
+do we fit in?"
+
+"I've thought it all out, Polly--never fear! You see Mr. Fabian expects
+to bring his wife and daughter back to America this year, as Nancy has
+finished her art studies abroad. If we make ourselves agreeable to them,
+and then hint gently, on the trip back home, that we have no place to
+live in, the coming winter, they'll take us right in with them. How'd
+you like that!"
+
+"Oh, it would be great, Nolla, but would it be quite the proper thing
+for us to do--to throw ourselves upon their hospitality?"
+
+"Polly, they ought to be thankful to have two such nice girls with them!
+To say nothing of our eventually becoming the greatest interior
+decorators of the present day," exclaimed Eleanor, her well-shaped
+little head rearing itself in conscious pride.
+
+Polly laughed. "Well, Nolla, we will never suffer for lack of
+self-esteem. Even if others declare we know nothing, you will be able to
+keep the family pride up to high-water mark. If we knew but one-third of
+all you _think_ we do, we could take Mr. Ashby in partnership with us,
+now."
+
+"There's another thing, Polly, that is a golden opportunity for us. The
+idea of having a successful decorator like Mr. Ashby plan to take us in
+his business when we are through school, is enough to turn anyone's
+head. But not ours, Polly--we are too sensible!"
+
+Again Polly laughed at her friend's meekness--so-called. "Mr. Ashby may
+change his mind before we are ready to accept his offer. We have two
+years still in which to study, you know."
+
+"That will fly like these past two years have. Why here we are only
+sixteen and just see all we know!"
+
+"Yes, and just see all we have yet to know!" retorted Polly.
+
+"I tell you what, those Saturday mornings we spent in Mr. Ashby's
+sales-rooms were a wonderful help, eh?"
+
+"Yes; I really believe, Nolla, that I learned as much of textiles, and
+fabrics, by simply handling and selling the materials, as if I had given
+days to the study of them."
+
+"It was not only a brilliant idea of Mr. Fabian's, to suggest to Mr.
+Ashby that Ruth and we two girls be permitted to act as clerks in his
+rooms, but it was as kind and generous of Mr. Ashby to take us. The way
+he taught us all about different factories and their best and weakest
+points in manufacture; the time he took to demonstrate differences in
+lace and silk curtains, the best style of linen for covers and
+draperies, the tapestries and carpets of modern factories--why, I can
+tell at a glance now, just whose goods I am handling."
+
+"Yes," admitted Polly. "How many decorators' assistants know the style
+of upholstery buttons that ought to be used on a French divan? Or what
+shaped button ought to go on a Turkish chair? I never dreamed that there
+was any difference, according to art, between a tufted wing-chair and
+one that was smoothly upholstered. I bet the majority of people select
+one or the other because they like the looks, but very few know that
+certain lines in a fireside chair demand tufted upholstery, and another
+period must never have buttons or fringe."
+
+"Exactly! That is what I mean, Polly, when I say I am sure we two know
+an awful lot about decorating, already. It is so."
+
+"Dear old Fabian says, this is our critical year--if we can manage to
+pass through the period between second and third years of study without
+discovering that we know it all, we may eventually hope to become
+average decorators," Polly laughed.
+
+"Pooh! We both know Mr. Fabian is a dotard about us. If anyone dares to
+hint that we are not as advanced as he says we are, he glares like a
+jealous cat over her kittens."
+
+Polly and Eleanor reached the Studio by this time and found Anne reading
+a long letter from John. She was smiling happily as she read, and
+Eleanor grinned charitably at her.
+
+Polly sat down to wait till the letter was read. Then Anne glanced over
+at the girls.
+
+"Well, dears, John has definitely settled everything. Tom Latimer and he
+are coming on to New York directly their college commencement is over.
+Polly's father and mother _may_ decide to come, but that is not yet
+certain. As soon as you two girls are off, we will all go back home and
+stay."
+
+"'And they lived happily ever after,'" quoth Eleanor, teasingly.
+
+Anne smiled. Polly seemed dissatisfied.
+
+"What do you mean 'as soon as you girls are off?'"
+
+"Why, off on the European trip. The Ashbys were here to-night and it is
+all settled. Mr. Brewster wrote a fine letter and thanked them for their
+wonderful offer to chaperone you girls."
+
+"Oh, oh!" shouted Eleanor, springing up and throwing her arms about
+Polly's neck.
+
+Anne and her mother laughed as the impulsive girl whirled Polly around
+and around, until both, exhausted, fell upon the divan. Then Polly asked
+the question Eleanor had choked in her throat.
+
+"What about John, Anne? Are you going to Denver or to Pebbly Pit?"
+
+"I expect to go to Pebbly Pit, dear," said Anne, blushing.
+
+"No need to feel embarrassed over it, Anne," laughed Eleanor. "It isn't
+as if we had never heard of your plan. Besides we are all in the family,
+now--or at least we will be."
+
+"Where does your relationship come in, Nolla?" asked Mrs. Stewart,
+quizzically.
+
+"Why, didn't you know, Mother Stewart? I propose to become Paul's bride,
+some day, but he doesn't know it, either!" and the irrepressible girl
+laughed madly as she ran upstairs to her room.
+
+Her friends in the living-room laughed also, but Polly doubted that it
+was said in fun. She rather suspected Eleanor of receiving many nice
+letters from Paul Stewart, during her second year in New York. But
+Eleanor kept her own secret.
+
+As June entered and schools were all beginning their examinations, Mrs.
+Stewart began to clear up the rooms in the home they had occupied for
+two years. Anne's and her own personal property were to be packed and
+sent to Denver. Polly and Eleanor's had to be sorted and packed and
+stored; the winter clothing in strong moth-proof chests, and the things
+they proposed taking abroad with them, in small steamer trunks.
+
+Mr. Fabian had spoken for the lease on the Studio when Mrs. Stewart's
+time expired, and until then, most of the furniture could remain as it
+was. Polly and Eleanor were to have the two small rooms and live with
+the Fabians, and Mrs. Fabian had written that she would buy back the
+things as they stood, thus saving everyone trouble and time.
+
+As the days of June passed, Anne had another letter from John, begging
+her to come to the graduation in Chicago. But Polly and Eleanor needed
+her in New York, as everything was in a panic preparing for the ocean
+voyage, and working so hard at school, too.
+
+Before the girls knew it, therefore, the westerners were with them in
+New York. Mr. and Mrs. Brewster expected to see Polly off on the
+steamer, and John said he had unexpectedly planned to have Anne marry
+him before Polly sailed.
+
+"Oh, that will be great! A wedding and a farewell party all in one,"
+cried Eleanor.
+
+But John took Polly aside and whispered: "Polly, I want my only sister
+to witness my marriage to the best girl living, so you will have to
+persuade Anne to look at it as I do."
+
+"All right, John," laughingly replied Polly. "I'll do my best to make
+her steal my only brother from me."
+
+Tom Latimer joined them at this moment, and said to Polly: "You have
+grown so tall and look such a fine young lady, that I wonder how Anne
+can steal any man from you. Now if I were John, I should never _want_ to
+be stolen from you."
+
+"Oh, Tom!" laughed Polly, greatly amused at his words. "You talk exactly
+like Winnie Trevors. He's the society pet that expects to marry
+Elizabeth Dalken. But you should see him--and hear him talk!"
+
+"Tom Latimer would never thank you for that left-handed compliment,
+Polly, if he could but see the slim little dude you compared to him,"
+said Eleanor, joining the group.
+
+"I believe I do know him, Polly--If he is the silver-haired lap-dog I
+went to grammar-school with."
+
+"Yes--he _has_ got whitish hair, Tom!" laughed Eleanor.
+
+Polly smiled but said nothing. Then Tom said, "Will you take all that
+back, Poll, or must I punish you severely, some day?"
+
+"I never take back a word I once have said--unless I can see where I can
+benefit myself. You see, Tom, I have changed woefully, since living in
+New York. I am exactly like other citizens here--I am supremely selfish,
+these days."
+
+Tom smiled. "I can offer you a bite of attractive bait. Will you
+apologise for calling me 'exactly like Winnie' if I tell you a profound
+secret?"
+
+"That depends! What do you call 'profound,' and will I be concerned in
+hearing it?" teased Polly.
+
+Eleanor had never known Polly to behave so coquettishly before, and to
+her astonishment, she beheld her little model of virtue flirt
+distractingly with Tom. Or Eleanor _thought_ Polly was flirting, when
+she sent a dazzling look at him from her wonderful eyes.
+
+"It is the secret about the Valentine Roses. At last I have managed to
+learn who really sent them to you."
+
+Eleanor perked up. Here was a delightful situation. Polly had never been
+able to find out who had sent the roses, and Tom was ready to confess.
+
+"Oh, really!" exclaimed Polly, eagerly inquisitive.
+
+Tom laughed. "Are you concerned? Is it a profound secret?"
+
+"Yes, oh, yes, Tom!" cried Eleanor, excitedly. "Do tell us what you
+know."
+
+"But Polly has to show her interest, too. If she says she is sorry for
+likening me to Winfield, I will tell her who sent the roses."
+
+"Is he nice, Tom?" asked Polly, anxiously.
+
+"I have heard people _say_ he is, and _I_ think him great!"
+
+Eleanor chuckled. This was a scene after her own heart.
+
+"Is he old--or ugly, Tom?" added Polly.
+
+"No--he is young, and not _very_ bad-looking."
+
+Polly thought seriously, then said: "Does he live in New York?"
+
+"I won't answer any more such questions, Polly, it isn't fair unless you
+do your part," laughed Tom.
+
+"Oh, well, then, please excuse me for ever mentioning you in the same
+_breath_ with Winnie," giggled Polly. "Now tell me who sent those
+roses."
+
+"I will, Polly, but not to-day. I did not promise to tell you, at
+once--so I will wait until after John's wedding."
+
+Polly stamped her foot as Tom hurried away, and Eleanor laughed merrily
+at the hoax. But there was too much going on all about them, to bother,
+now, about roses that were almost two years old.
+
+Mr. Maynard arrived from Chicago in time for the quiet little wedding at
+"The Church around the Corner," and then everyone went to the Studio for
+a reception. John and his bride left for a very short honeymoon, and
+later, all thoughts centered on Polly and Eleanor. It would be their
+turn to say good-by in a few days.
+
+Tom Latimer outdid himself during the days intervening between John's
+wedding and Polly's sailing. Jim and Ken were back from college, but
+somehow the two girls who had been such fine young pals out in the
+Rockies, and on that Coney Island trip, now seemed several years older
+than these boys. They couldn't understand it.
+
+Mr. Fabian could have explained the change. It was mostly psychological,
+due to the advanced mental training his girls had received in their
+study of a chosen high profession. They truly were far superior, now, to
+either of the two boys at Yale, although they were not aware of it at
+the time.
+
+The day for the sailing of the steamer arrived, and a gay party stood on
+the pier just before the good-bys had to be said. Mrs. Brewster gave
+Polly many warnings and advices, and Mr. Maynard begged Eleanor not to
+bankrupt him during her stay in Paris.
+
+Books, flowers, fruit and candy, had been piled up in the arms of Ruth
+Ashby, Polly and Eleanor, until they could not shake the extended hands
+of their friends when the time came to really say good-by.
+
+"Never mind your hands, we'll kiss your faces!" laughed Mr. Maynard, and
+straightway began kissing the pretty struggling girls.
+
+As everyone in the group was an old friend, each one took toll of the
+girls' cheeks, and just as Jim Latimer, the last in the line, caught a
+swift brush of Ruth's ear, Tom Latimer strolled up.
+
+"Hello, Tom! Where have you been?" called his father.
+
+"Better get your kiss, Tom, or you'll be left," added Jim.
+
+So Tom managed to get his "good-by" from Ruth and from Eleanor, but
+Polly blushed furiously, and reared her head.
+
+"If another silly man kisses me, I'll--I'll--slap him!"
+
+Of course everyone laughed uproariously at this, but the guard suddenly
+shouted, "All aboard." And the sailing party rushed up the gang-plank.
+
+Once on deck, however, Polly remembered something she had meant to ask
+Tom Latimer. She leaned over the rail and called back:
+
+"Oh, Tom! you never told me who sent the roses!"
+
+"You'll find out about it when you reach your stateroom," shouted Tom,
+making a megaphone of his hands. "I met him there, talking to the
+steward, and you will know as soon as you go down."
+
+Eleanor giggled. "That's where Tom was when Mr. Dalken dared anyone to
+take one of his girls away from him."
+
+"But who could Tom have met in our stateroom, Nolla? I thought everyone
+was on the pier with us?"
+
+The steamer had already swung down-stream, and the friends on the pier
+were mere dots, so the curious girls hurried down to see who had sent
+Polly the Valentine roses. Ruth accompanied them, as she felt she should
+have been the third in this girl relationship--like triplets, she said,
+one day, to her father.
+
+Then the door was opened, and sweet fragrance greeted the girls. There
+in a corner of the stateroom stood a dozen American Beauty roses, each
+with a stem almost four feet long. And about the stems a golden cord was
+tied, and upon this cord hung a card.
+
+The three girls stood admiring the great crimson beauties and then Ruth
+said: "See who they are from--and who for?"
+
+"Why, they're Polly's, of course. The same 'old valentine' sent them!"
+laughed Eleanor.
+
+Polly's fingers trembled as she bent forward and read what was written
+on the card: "Your Valentine that was, and is, and always will be, in
+this world, and in the next, and forever, Tom."
+
+"Oh, no! No! No! No! I won't have you so, Tom!" cried Polly, throwing
+herself in the chair and covering her face with her hands. Eleanor and
+Ruth stood perfectly still, not knowing what to do or say.
+
+Then Polly lifted her face. She was trying to smile. "Dear old Tom only
+did that to tease me. Isn't he an old plague?"
+
+"I should say he was!" exclaimed Ruth, innocently.
+
+Eleanor with the worldly wisdom learned from her mother, added
+guilefully: "He sure is. But you tricked him, Polly."
+
+"How?" eagerly inquired Polly.
+
+"He was the only one in the party who didn't get a kiss from you!"
+laughed Eleanor.
+
+"That's so!" admitted Polly, but Eleanor was not sure whether her friend
+was sorry or satisfied at the result.
+
+Then, as the days passed, Eleanor noticed that Polly never mentioned the
+roses again, but they were kept as fresh as possible, and weeks later,
+Eleanor found one of them carefully pressed with the card still tied to
+it.
+
+But this discovery, and all that happened during that Summer in Europe,
+while visiting famous places and viewing rare objects of antiquity, are
+told in another volume called "Polly and Eleanor Abroad."
+
+                                THE END
+
+
+
+
+                           _This Isn't All!_
+
+Would you like to know what became of the good friends you have made in
+this book?
+
+Would you like to read other stories continuing their adventures and
+experiences, or other books quite as entertaining by the same author?
+
+On the _reverse side_ of the wrapper which comes with this book, you
+will find a wonderful list of stories which you can buy at the same
+store where you got this book.
+
+                     _Don't throw away the Wrapper_
+
+Use it as a handy catalog of the books you want some day to have. But in
+case you do mislay it, write to the Publishers for a complete catalog.
+
+
+
+
+THE POLLY BREWSTER SERIES
+
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+A delightful series for girls in which they will follow Polly and
+Eleanor through many interesting adventures and enjoyable trips to
+various places in the United States, Europe and South America.
+
+    POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT
+    POLLY AND ELEANOR
+    POLLY IN NEW YORK
+    POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD
+    POLLY'S BUSINESS VENTURE
+    POLLY'S SOUTHERN CRUISE
+    POLLY IN SOUTH AMERICA
+    POLLY IN THE SOUTHWEST
+    POLLY IN ALASKA
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of the "Bobbsey Twins," "Bunny Brown" Series, Etc.
+
+Uniform Style of Binding. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+These are the tales of the various adventures participated in by a group
+of bright, fun-loving, up-to-date girls who have a common bond in their
+fondness for outdoor life, camping, travel and adventure. They are clean
+and wholesome and free from sensationalism.
+
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN ARMY SERVICE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT THE HOSTESS HOUSE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT BLUFF POINT
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT WILD ROSE LODGE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN THE SADDLE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON CAPE COD
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT FOAMING FALLS
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ALONG THE COAST
+    THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT SPRING HILL FARM
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS BOOKS
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations by
+
+THELMA GOOCH
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself
+
+The Blythe girls, three in number, were left alone in New York City.
+Helen, who went in for art and music, kept the little flat uptown, while
+Margy, just out of a business school, obtained a position as a private
+secretary and Rose, plain-spoken and business-like, took what she called
+a "job" in a department store.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN, MARGY AND ROSE
+
+A fascinating tale of real happenings in the great metropolis
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY'S QUEER INHERITANCE
+
+The Girls had a peculiar old aunt and when she died she left an unusual
+inheritance.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE'S GREAT PROBLEM
+
+Rose, still at work in the big department store, is one day faced with
+the greatest problem of her life.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN'S STRANGE BOARDER
+
+Helen goes to the assistance of a strange girl, whose real identity is a
+puzzle. Who the girl really was comes as a tremendous surprise.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: THREE ON A VACATION
+
+The girls go to the country for two weeks--and fall in with all sorts of
+curious and exciting happenings.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY'S SECRET MISSION
+
+Of course we cannot divulge the big secret, but nevertheless the girls
+as usual have many exciting experiences.
+
+THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE'S ODD DISCOVERY
+
+A very interesting story, telling how Rose aided an old man in the
+almost hopeless search for his daughter.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+GIRL SCOUTS SERIES
+
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+Author of the "Polly Brewster Books"
+
+Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated
+
+Each Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Here is a series that holds the same position for girls that the Tom
+Slade and Roy Blakeley books hold for boys. They are delightful stories
+of Girl Scout camp life amid beautiful surroundings and are filled with
+stirring adventures.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS AT DANDELION CAMP
+
+This is a story which centers around the making and the enjoying of a
+mountain camp, spiced with the fun of a lively troop of Girl Scouts. The
+charm of living in the woods, of learning woodcraft of all sorts, of
+adventuring into the unknown, combine to make a busy and an exciting
+summer for the girls.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ADIRONDACKS
+
+New scenery, new problems of camping, association with a neighboring
+camp of Boy Scouts, and a long canoe trip with them through the Fulton
+Chain, all in the setting of the marvelous Adirondacks, bring to the
+girls enlargement of horizon, new development, and new joys.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES
+
+On horseback from Denver through Estes Park as far as the Continental
+Divide, climbing peaks, riding wild trails, canoeing through canyons,
+shooting rapids, encountering a landslide, a summer blizzard, a sand
+storm, wild animals, and forest fires, the girls pack the days full with
+unforgettable experiences.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO
+
+The Girl Scouts visit the mountains and deserts of Arizona and New
+Mexico. They travel over the old Sante Fe trail, cross the Painted
+Desert, and visit the Grand Canyon. Their exciting adventures form a
+most interesting story.
+
+GIRL SCOUTS IN THE REDWOODS
+
+The girls spend their summer in the Redwoods of California and
+incidentally find a way to induce a famous motion picture director in
+Hollywood to offer to produce a film that stars the Girl Scouts of
+America.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE LILIAN GARIS BOOKS
+
+Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Lilian Garis is one of the writers who always wrote. She expressed
+herself in verse from early school days and it was then predicted that
+Lilian Mack would one day become a writer. Justifying this sentiment,
+while still at high school, she took charge of the woman's page for a
+city paper and her work there attracted such favorable attention that
+she left school to take entire charge of woman's work for the largest
+daily in an important Eastern city.
+
+Mrs. Garis turned to girls' books directly after her marriage, and of
+these she has written many. She believes in girls, studies them and
+depicts them with pen both skilled and sympathetic.
+
+    CLEO'S MISTY RAINBOW
+    CLEO'S CONQUEST
+    BARBARA HALE: A DOCTOR'S DAUGHTER
+    BARBARA HALE AND COZETTE
+    GLORIA: A GIRL AND HER DAD
+    GLORIA AT BOARDING SCHOOL
+    JOAN: JUST GIRL
+    JOAN'S GARDEN OF ADVENTURE
+    CONNIE LORING'S AMBITION
+    CONNIE LORING'S DILEMMA
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+AMY BELL MARLOWE'S BOOKS FOR GIRLS
+
+Charming, Fresh and Original Stories
+
+Illustrated. Wrappers Printed in Colors with individual design for each
+story
+
+Miss Marlowe's books for girls are somewhat of the type of Miss Alcott
+and also Mrs. Meade; but all are thoroughly up-to-date and wholly
+American in scene and action. Good, clean absorbing tales that all girls
+thoroughly enjoy.
+
+THE OLDEST OF FOUR; Or, Natalie's Way Out.
+
+A sweet story of the struggles of a live girl to keep a family from
+want.
+
+THE GIRLS AT HILLCREST FARM; Or, The Secret of the Rocks.
+
+Relating the trials of two girls who take boarders on an old farm.
+
+A LITTLE MISS NOBODY; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall.
+
+Tells of a school girl who was literally a nobody until she solved the
+mystery of her identity.
+
+THE GIRL FROM SUNSET RANCH; Or, Alone in a Great City.
+
+A ranch girl comes to New York to meet relatives she has never seen. Her
+adventures make unusually good reading.
+
+WYN'S CAMPING DAYS; Or, The Outing of the GO-AHEAD CLUB.
+
+A tale of happy days on the water and under canvas, with a touch of
+mystery and considerable excitement.
+
+FRANCES OF THE RANGES; Or, The Old Ranchman's Treasure.
+
+A vivid picture of life on the great cattle ranges of the West.
+
+THE GIRLS OF RIVERCLIFF SCHOOL; Or, Beth Baldwin's Resolve.
+
+This is one of the most entertaining stories centering about a girl's
+school that has ever been written.
+
+WHEN ORIOLE CAME TO HARBOR LIGHT.
+
+The story of a young girl, cast up by the sea, and rescued by an old
+lighthouse keeper.
+
+WHEN ORIOLE TRAVELED WESTWARD.
+
+Oriole visits the family of a rich ranchman and enjoys herself
+immensely.
+
+WHEN ORIOLE WENT TO BOARDING SCHOOL.
+
+How this brave girl bears up under the most trying experiences, makes a
+very interesting story.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS
+
+Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
+
+THE MARJORIE BOOKS
+
+Marjorie is a happy little girl of twelve, up to mischief, but full of
+goodness and sincerity. In her and her friends every girl reader will
+see much of her own love of fun, play and adventure.
+
+    MARJORIE'S VACATION
+    MARJORIE'S BUSY DAYS
+    MARJORIE'S NEW FRIEND
+    MARJORIE IN COMMAND
+    MARJORIE'S MAYTIME
+    MARJORIE AT SEACOTE
+
+THE TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES
+
+Introducing Dorinda Fayre--a pretty blonde, sweet, serious, timid and a
+little slow, and Dorothy Rose--a sparkling brunette, quick, elf-like,
+high tempered, full of mischief and always getting into scrapes.
+
+    TWO LITTLE WOMEN
+    TWO LITTLE WOMEN AND TREASURE HOUSE
+    TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY
+
+THE DICK AND DOLLY BOOKS
+
+Dick and Dolly are brother and sister, and their games, their pranks,
+their joys and sorrows, are told in a manner which makes the stories
+"really true" to young readers.
+
+    DICK AND DOLLY
+    DICK AND DOLLY'S ADVENTURES
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE HONEY BUNCH BOOKS
+
+By HELEN LOUISE THORNDYKE
+
+Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations Drawn by
+
+WALTER S. ROGERS
+
+A new line of fascinating tales for little girls. Honey Bunch is a
+dainty, thoughtful little girl, and to know her is to take her to your
+heart at once.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: JUST A LITTLE GIRL
+
+Happy days at home, helping mamma and the washerlady. And Honey Bunch
+helped the house painters too--or thought she did.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE CITY
+
+What wonderful sights Honey Bunch saw when she went to visit her cousins
+in New York! And she got lost in a big hotel and wandered into a men's
+convention!
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS ON THE FARM
+
+Can you remember how the farm looked the first time you visited it? How
+big the cows and horses were, and what a roomy place to play in the barn
+proved to be?
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST VISIT TO THE SEASHORE
+
+Honey Bunch soon got used to the big waves and thought playing in the
+sand great fun. And she visited a merry-go-round, and took part in a
+seaside pageant.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST LITTLE GARDEN
+
+It was great sport to dig and to plant with one's own little garden
+tools. But best of all was when Honey Bunch won a prize at the flower
+show.
+
+HONEY BUNCH: HER FIRST DAYS IN CAMP
+
+It was a great adventure for Honey Bunch when she journeyed to Camp
+Snapdragon. It was wonderful to watch the men erect the tent, and more
+wonderful to live in it and have good times on the shore and in the
+water.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE BOBBSEY TWINS BOOKS
+
+For Little Men and Women
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of "The Bunny Brown Series," Etc.
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+These books for boys and girls between the ages of three and ten stands
+among children and their parents of this generation where the books of
+Louisa May Alcott stood in former days. The haps and mishaps of this
+inimitable pair of twins, their many adventures and experiences are a
+source of keen delight to imaginative children everywhere.
+
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOW BROOK
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN A GREAT CITY
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON BLUEBERRY ISLAND
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON THE DEEP BLUE SEA
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE GREAT WEST
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CEDAR CAMP
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE COUNTY FAIR
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS CAMPING OUT
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AND BABY MAY
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS KEEPING HOUSE
+    THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT CLOVERBANK
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of the Popular "Bobbsey Twins" Books, Etc.
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+These stories are eagerly welcomed by the little folks from about five
+to ten years of age. Their eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively
+doings of inquisitive little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful
+sister Sue.
+
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA'S FARM
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP-REST-A-WHILE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU'S CITY HOME
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE SUNNY SOUTH
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE KEEPING STORE
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR TRICK DOG
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT A SUGAR CAMP
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON THE ROLLING OCEAN
+    BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON JACK FROST ISLAND
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+SIX LITTLE BUNKERS SERIES
+
+By LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of The Bobbsey Twins Books, The Bunny Brown Series, The Blythe
+Girls Books, Etc.
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding. Every Volume
+Complete in Itself.
+
+Delightful stories for little boys and girls which sprung into immediate
+popularity. To know the six little Bunkers is to take them at once to
+your heart, they are so intensely human, so full of fun and cute
+sayings. Each story has a little plot of its own--one that can be easily
+followed--and all are written in Miss Hope's most entertaining manner.
+Clean, wholesome volumes which ought to be on the bookshelf of every
+child in the land.
+
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDMA BELL'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT AUNT JO'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COUSIN TOM'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDPA FORD'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT UNCLE FRED'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT CAPTAIN BEN'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COWBOY JACK'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MAMMY JUNE'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT FARMER JOEL'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT MILLER NED'S
+    SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT INDIAN JOHN'S
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB BOOKS
+
+By ALICE DALE HARDY
+
+Individual Colored Wrappers. Attractively Illustrated.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Here is as ingenious a series of books for little folks as has ever
+appeared since "Alice in Wonderland." The idea of the Riddle books is a
+little group of children--three girls and three boys decide to form a
+riddle club. Each book is full of the adventures and doings of these six
+youngsters, but as an added attraction each book is filled with a lot of
+the best riddles you ever heard.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB AT HOME
+
+An absorbing tale that all boys and girls will enjoy reading. How the
+members of the club fixed up a clubroom in the Larue barn, and how they,
+later on, helped solve a most mysterious happening, and how one of the
+members won a valuable prize, is told in a manner to please every young
+reader.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB IN CAMP
+
+The club members went into camp on the edge of a beautiful lake. Here
+they had rousing good times swimming, boating and around the campfire.
+They fell in with a mysterious old man known as The Hermit of Triangle
+Island. Nobody knew his real name or where he came from until the
+propounding of a riddle solved these perplexing questions.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
+
+This volume takes in a great number of sports, including skating and
+sledding and the building of a huge snowman. It also gives the
+particulars of how the club treasurer lost the dues entrusted to his
+care and what the melting of the great snowman revealed.
+
+THE RIDDLE CLUB AT SUNRISE BEACH
+
+This volume tells how the club journeyed to the seashore and how they
+not only kept up their riddles but likewise had good times on the sand
+and on the water. Once they got lost in a fog and are marooned on an
+island. Here they made a discovery that greatly pleased the folks at
+home.
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+JERRY TODD AND POPPY OTT SERIES
+
+By LEO EDWARDS
+
+Durably Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
+
+Every Volume Complete in Itself.
+
+Hundreds of thousands of boys who laughed until their sides ached over
+the weird and wonderful adventures of Jerry Todd and his gang demanded
+that Leo Edwards, the author, give them more books like the Jerry Todd
+stories with their belt-bursting laughs and creepy shivers. So he took
+Poppy Ott, Jerry Todd's bosom chum and created the Poppy Ott Series, and
+if such a thing could be possible--they are even more full of fun and
+excitement than the Jerry Todds.
+
+    THE POPPY OTT SERIES
+      POPPY OTT AND THE STUTTERING PARROT
+      POPPY OTT AND THE SEVEN LEAGUE STILTS
+      POPPY OTT AND THE GALLOPING SNAIL
+      POPPY OTT'S PEDIGREED PICKLES
+
+    THE JERRY TODD BOOKS
+      JERRY TODD AND THE WHISPERING MUMMY
+      JERRY TODD AND THE ROSE-COLORED CAT
+      JERRY TODD AND THE OAK ISLAND TREASURE
+      JERRY TODD AND THE WALTZING HEN
+      JERRY TODD AND THE TALKING FROG
+      JERRY TODD AND THE PURRING EGG
+      JERRY TODD IN THE WHISPERING CAVE
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Polly in New York, by Lillian Elizabeth Roy
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POLLY IN NEW YORK ***
+
+***** This file should be named 37459.txt or 37459.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/4/5/37459/
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from images made available by the HathiTrust
+Digital Library.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/37459.zip b/37459.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..534461f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/37459.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..34fc458
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #37459 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37459)