me way to work off their
superfluous energy; these Societies help them to do so. Now remember,
Kate, you have a fairly well-to-do father and you need not worry over
your future. Not so poor Ethel. That I have to look out for. Please do
not refer to this subject again, especially before her. I mean it and
shall resent it if you do. I'm sure you'll respect my wishes in the
matter."

"Of course, I shall, Aunt Bella," replied Kate, "but were you to more
thoroughly understand this new movement I'm sure you'd view it
differently and change your mind. The Boy Scouts have done so much good,
and now this Camp Fire Girl is going to be such an improvement over the
ordinary girl. She's going to revolutionize young women and make of
them useful members of society--not frivolous butterflies--and it will
be carried into the poorer classes and teach girls who have never had a
chance, so that they may become good cooks and housekeepers and love
beautiful things. And their costume is so pretty and sensible. Oh! I
wish you could see it with my eyes."

"To me, my dear, it is very like the Salvation Army. They wear badges
and uniforms, and they too do much good, I am told. Yet I shouldn't care
to have my Ethel become a member of that organization. But
hush--remember your promise--not a word. Here she comes."

CHAPTER II

ETHEL HOLLISTER

A young girl entered. She was lovely with the beauty of a newly opened
rose. Her features were exquisite. Her rippling brown hair matched her
eyes in color. Her complexion was creamy white with a faint touch of
pink in either cheek. Although her figure was girlish it was perfectly
formed and she carried herself well; still she looked delicate.

The mother and daughter were alike save where Mrs. Hollister's face was
hard and worldly, Ethel's was soft and innocent.

"Well, dearie," said her mother, "here's an invitation for you from the
Kips. Dorothy will celebrate her fifteenth birthday on Saturday with a
luncheon and matinee party."

"Oh, how perfectly lovely," exclaimed the girl, showing her pretty teeth
as she laughed. "Dorothy is such a dear. Why, she hardly knows me.
She's only been at Madame's half a term."

"Never under-rate yourself, Ethel," spoke up Mrs. Hollister. "Remember
that you belong to one of New York's oldest families. Although you have
but little money, people are sure to seek you not only for your family
name but because you are an acquisition to any society."

Ethel