rved young
lives. Like Nancy, he was delighted at the results already apparent.
It _was_ work too worth while to be abandoned--for anything.

"Nonie fairly eats up the books I give her but she always wants to read
them with me--it's so that she can ask questions. And the questions
she asks! Every new thing she learns she immediately adapts to her own
life. We've begun 'Little Women' and of course she plays Amy! Poor
little flower, sometimes I think of old Dan'l and Liz and wonder from
where on earth the child got her gift. And what a precious blessing it
is to her!"

Recalling Davy's contempt for his sister's "actin' lies," they both
laughed.

"How could _anyone_ think bad things of Davy," cried Nancy,
indignantly. "He's the soul of truth and honor! But up here he won't
have a chance."

"Oh, yes, he will!" Peter contradicted. "If I'm any good reading
character in a ten-year-old he'll _make_ a chance. He's a leader, now.
Look at the way the other boys follow his slightest suggestion!"

Davy's "club" was flourishing. The attractions that Peter and Nancy
had added to its program had made it boom. Several new "fellars" had
come in. The meetings were even more frequent than Liz cleaned the
meeting-house, and now, because it had become known that Miss Sabrina's
niece was a member of the club, no lickings awaited the members upon
their return, rather impatient mothers eager to hear "what that girl at
Happy House was up to now." There was some talk about turning the club
into a Boy Scout troop; Mr. Peter had promised to organize them and
train them.

"Oh, dear," Nancy sighed, perplexed and torn, "it's like having a dream
you've dreamed crumble all to pieces! I wanted to have my play done
before my--I mean, I wanted to finish it up here and then send it
straight to Theodore Hoffman himself. Of course you don't know him.
He's one of the greatest dramatists and play producers in the world. I
know it's daring in me and maybe he won't even give a minute to my
little insignificant effort, but--whatever he may say, I'll know it is
the best criticism I can get!"

To Nancy's surprise Peter displayed a considerable knowledge of plays
and actors, critics and producers. He could see her problem, too--how
she was torn between the claims of Happy House and her beloved work.

Nancy was grateful for his sympathy and because he did not laugh at
her. But of course, why should anyone who could find music in waving
co