he showy ones we
want? They would not cost as much, and our mothers would, I am sure,
let us use the extra money in this way."

"What! give up the white silk! Oh, I couldn't!" objected Eugenia,
disconcerted. "Anyhow, I don't believe mamma would like to have me do
it."

"Tulle is so lovely!" sighed Lillie. "And I never did like plain mull."

On the whole, the proposal was not received with favor. It was
discussed with much animation, but the bell rang before any decision
had been arrived at. Later, however, after a consultation with Sister
Agnes, who promised her cordial co-operation, the children concluded to
adopt Connie's suggestion, if their mothers would consent.

"I must acknowledge that I am disappointed," remarked Mrs. Davis to her
husband that evening. "To-day I ordered the material for Lillie's
First Communion dress,--an exquisite tulle. But she came home from
school with a story about furnishing an outfit for a poor child, and
she assures me that her companions are to wear plain dresses for the
occasion." Thereupon the lady proceeded to give the details of the plan
as she had understood it.

"A very creditable determination," said Lillie's papa, approvingly. "I
endorse it heartily. If attired simply, the children will not be
distracted by the thought of their gowns, while at the same time some
deserving little girl will be provided with an appropriate costume. I
advise you to send back the tulle by all means, my dear, and apply the
difference in price between it and the fabric agreed upon to the fund
the children are trying to make up."

"Well, I suppose it will be best to do so," decided his wife. "Anyhow,
tulle is so delicate a tissue, and Lillie is such a heedless little
creature, that it would probably be badly torn before the end of the
ceremonies."

"I am sorry," soliloquized Connie's mother when she heard of the
project. "Connie's First Communion will be so important an event for
her that I feel as if I could not do enough in preparation for it. I
should like to dress her more beautifully than on any day in her life.
If she were grown and about to enter society, or if I were buying her
wedding-dress, I would select the handsomest material procurable,--why
not now, for an occasion so great that I ought hardly mention it in
comparison? But, after all," mused she, later, "the children's
arrangement is the best. I am happy that Constance is so free from
frivolity, and has shown so