"I've already learned," she said, "that I have some talent and that I
need the instruction and experience that I can get here and cannot get at
home. When I once make up my mind to a thing I spare no effort to achieve
it, and now I'm determined to get an art education by some manner or
means!"

"Hooray for you!" cried Patty, for Christine's cheeks glowed and her eyes
sparkled with the force of her speech. "That's the way to talk!
Christine, you do me proud! Now, go on; what have you in mind? Tell your
Aunt Patty all about it."

Christine smiled at Patty's funny little ways, but she went on bravely:

"I want to stay in New York for a year, at least. I'm afraid of
it--desperately so. The very sound of the traffic scares me out of my
wits. But I'm going to conquer that, and I'm going to conquer my shyness
and timidity and all the foolish things that stand in my way."

"That's the ticket!" cried Patty, clapping her hands. "Good old
Christine! Go in and win!"

"Wait a bit, Patty. That's all very well so far as determination and will
are concerned. And I can do it. My will is strong, and I know I'm started
now on the right track. But--there are many hard facts to face. There's a
sordid side to the question that can't be solved by will-power and
determination. Mr. Hepworth thinks I can get a scholarship practically
without cost; but, in addition to that, I have to pay my board, you know,
and I have very little money. My dear old father can send me a small
allowance, but we are a large family, and he is not rich. So I want to
know if you think I could earn enough by some work outside my classes to
pay my board--say, about fifteen dollars a week. Do you?"

Patty couldn't help it. This question from Christine was too much!

She was sitting on a couch, and she put her head down into a big, soft
pillow, and shook with laughter. Did _she_ think a girl could earn
fifteen dollars a week? _Did_ she, indeed? With a strange sound between a
gurgle and a choke, she ran out of the room.

Not for worlds would she have Christine think she was laughing at her, so
in a moment she had straightened her grinning face, smothered her
giggles, and returned, saying:

"Excuse me, please; I had a sudden choking spell. What were you saying?"

"You poor dear! Mayn't I get you a glass of water?"

"No, thanks; I'm all right now. As to your question--no, Christine, I do
_not_ think you could earn fifteen dollars a week! No, nor fifteen cents