said she, Lilian, could come in two
weeks. She wrote a letter to her mother's friend Mrs. Searing who was
most happy that they had accepted the position, and enclosed a
ten-dollar note to buy some of the little things young girls long for.

They took out last winter's clothing, but alas, it was outgrown and well
worn.

"When we hear you must have a new outfit," the mother commented.

"But it seems dreadful to break into your last resource," said the girl
regretfully.

"But I shall be able to replace it from my salary, for as you said we
shall have no expense in the future for living. Oh, what a blessed
relief! Mrs. Searing has been our good providence."

"And you are quite happy about it?"

"Yes, oh yes!"

The mother watched her elastic step, her proud carriage, the attractive
face that had so much vigor and purpose. Oh, she was not of her kind. At
times the thought was terrifying.

Then the longed for letter came. It began:

"My dear Miss Boyd. I was much pleased with your letter and the
consideration evinced for your mother. I hope the change will benefit
her. Mount Morris is considered a very healthy place and it is certainly
beautiful. I hope you will both be very happy here, and you seem not
only an ambitious girl but quite willing to work for the things you
desire." Then follows a description of the school and the duties, and
what would be expected of the mother, the routes of travel and several
time tables enclosed. Mrs. Barrington would like them to come as soon
after the 20th of August as they could.

Lilian could not conceal her joy. They shopped a little, finding some
bargains from early spring left-overs. They packed up a few things and
disposed of the rest. Lilian's few friends were surprised. Sally hoped
she would not be disappointed.

"Mount Morris has such a pretty sound," exclaimed Lilian, "and I think
Mrs. Barrington is a tall and stately woman with the grand beauty you
sometimes see in a picture. I want her complexion to be lovely and her
hair snowy white, and her voice like the music that makes you feel sorry
when it stops. I want to like her very much, and make myself useful to
her."

"I am quite sure she will like you," returned the mother.

Lilian felt as if she could dance and sing. Was there such a thing as
being too glad and happy? To go out of this poor old life with its
pinches, and the sordid economies to a lovely home! She read Mrs.
Searing's letter over and over again. Th