hoped
for so much. It will kill me to feel that my daughters are forced to
work for their living by my fault."

"I really do think that I'd sort of like to make some money," added
Alma. "Of course I'm not fitted for anything in particular, but, do
you know, I was just wondering why I couldn't get some position like
that girl in Mr. Dixon's office.--Do you know what, she said that after
the first of the year she expected to get a position in New York, and
I'll bet my hat that I could get that very place!"

Inspired by this sudden idea, Alma sat bolt upright on the shabby sofa,
and pursing up her lips, with self-satisfaction looked from her mother
to Nancy, who promptly applauded.

"Brilliant! I remember her saying that, too. Let's go over and see
Mr. Dixon to-morrow," said Nancy. "I don't see why _I_ couldn't give
lessons, you know, tutor children--like the two little Porterbridge
girls, for example. Margaret doesn't go to school because she's so
delicate, and I know that last winter Mrs. Porterbridge kept Dorothy at
home with her. I might even be able to get up a little class. I don't
look so awfully young, and lots of girls my age have done it. Miss
Drinkwater at school told me that she had begun to help her father with
his pupils when she was less than seventeen, and I'll be eighteen in
March. I'd love it, too."

Soon they were all chatting and laughing like schoolgirls, the three of
them.

"I used to think I wanted ever so many things," observed Alma, with a
pretty little air of earnest thought fulness. "But do you know what,
I've discovered that I never really wanted anything more than what I've
already got--you and Nancy, Mother."

CHAPTER XV

THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE MR. PRESCOTT

A little after five o'clock on a dull January afternoon the two sisters
met on the road that ran from Melbrook to the cottage. It had been
just a week since they had actually started in "working." Alma had
just spoken in time to get the position that had been opened in the
young village lawyer's office, guided by a kindly Providence.

"I don't see how you are clever enough to teach, Nancy," said Alma,
looking at her sister's rather tired face with admiration. "I'd be
throwing books and things inside of five minutes. But isn't it
wonderful to think that we are really and truly making money? Did you
ever believe that we could do it? I just hope that Uncle Thomas hears
what we are doing--that'll just show him