e mines were closed; and the operators were making no effort to
open them.

Nora was in the room when Elizabeth spread out her new frock on the bed.

"Look at the button-holes!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Mother always did make
beautiful button-holes. And here," seizing a smaller bundle and unwrapping
it, "if she hasn't embroidered me two lay-over collars to go with it!
Mother always seems to know what I want."

She was already before the mirror laying the bits of embroidered linen in
place to see if they fitted.

Her companion stood by, looking on. She had made no comment. Her
expression was not cheerful. Turning suddenly about, Elizabeth saw the
dubious look.

"You don't like it?" she cried. Then, "I suppose it does look very cheap
beside yours, but--" There was no complaint in her tone.

"Cheap? I wasn't thinking of that. I was only wishing I had one made as
that was made, by someone who took the trouble because they cared for me."
Her voice was tearful. In a moment she might have been crying, but she
hurried to her own room. Her new spring dress had come the day before. She
had spread it out on the couch to show Elizabeth, and it still lay there.
She took it up in her hands, inspecting with care every hook and bit of
trimming. It was beautifully made and of handsome material. But Nora O'Day
was not satisfied. She missed more and more the mother she had never
known. She coveted the plain, simple gown which loving hands had made for
her friend.

Elizabeth wasted no time in putting her frock into use. Dressing
immediately, she went over to Landis' room to talk over the plan of
examinations. Landis had been one of the last interviewed. She was not
what might be called a "charter member." Therefore, it was not surprising
that she had not shown a great amount of enthusiasm when the matter was
broached to her. Playing second fiddle did not suit her ambitious
temperament. She had promised to consider the matter.

That promise had been given a week previously. Elizabeth, who decided most
questions upon the spur of the moment, thought a week was sufficient. Upon
entering Miss Stoner's room, she put the question at once.

"Well, Landis, what are you going to do about joining us?"

Landis looked serious. She sat silent for a few minutes, her gaze fixed
upon a design in the rug, as though she wished to consider well before
replying. At last she spoke and her voice expressed self-confidence and
authority.

"You know me we