ing back, each with a large broom.

"And here's where we are supposed to shine!" laughed Phil, as each
captured a broom and started right in where they were standing.

"Not that way!" shouted Kit, for a cloud of dust rose about their heads.

"This way!" suggested Shirley and the boys stopped and paid attention
to her, as they usually did. "Stand on those old chairs and sweep off
the ceilings and walls and in that show window while the brooms are
nice and clean; then you can do the floors."

"That tan shade of the walls isn't bad at all. I think we can make
that do, don't you, Shirley?" asked Bet.

"Yes. We don't want to do any more than we have to," Shirley answered.

"I don't like those high walls," pouted Bet.

"We'll have them lowered," teased Bob.

"If I may be allowed to suggest, Miss Fixit," said Colonel Baxter,
addressing Shirley with great ceremony, "I would say that a band of
contrasting color could be painted around the walls just about at the
height of your head. That will give the effect of a lower ceiling at
once."

"Oh yes, Dad, the way you had it done in your den! And that room
always looks so cozy."

"After a while when the shop begins to pay, you could buy burlap and
run that around under your border. That would make a backing for
displaying your pictures."

Everybody liked that idea.

The girls felt at home in Shirley's Shop even before it was cleaned up.
And they closed it reluctantly until Friday afternoon when they were to
meet and clean the windows and wood work.

It was hard for the girls to keep their minds on their school work
during the next week. Visions of the shop, as it was to look some day,
filled their thoughts to the exclusion of history dates and right angle
triangles.

Shirley had to be industrious. After her home work was finished she
donned her old smock and made her art prints, enough for the gift shop
in New York and for her own place as well.

Her mother remonstrated at the late hours, but Shirley said, "Oh
Mother, it won't be this way often. And I do want to get started soon."

"It may develop into something worth while," said her mother. "Who
knows but this may be the open door that leads to college?"

"Oh, if only it is! How I wish it! I'll be willing to work hard if
only I can help you and Dad, and get a good education at the same time."

"The future can always be bright with our hopes and plans for success,"
replied the mother as she clasped