e in a large city. "She was a most excellent
housekeeper," to quote the Professor, and "a good wife and mother."

The family consisted of "Fritz," a boy of sixteen, with big, innocent,
baby-blue eyes like his father, who idolized his only son, who was
alike a joy and a torment. Fritz attended the university in a near-by
town, and was usually head of the football team. He was always at the
front in any mischief whatever, was noted for getting into scrapes
innumerable through his love of fun, yet he possessed such a
good-natured, unselfish, happy-go-lucky disposition that one always
forgave him.

Black-eyed, red-cheeked Elizabeth was quick and impulsive, like her
mother. A very warm and lasting friendship sprung up between merry
Elizabeth and serious Mary Midleton during Mary's Summer on the farm,
although not at all alike in either looks or disposition, and
Elizabeth was Mary's junior by several years.

The third, last and least of the Professor's children was Pauline, or
"Pollykins," as she was always called by her brother Fritz, the
seven-year-old pet and baby of the family. A second edition of Fritz,
the same innocent, questioning, violet-blue eyes, fair complexion, a
kissable little mouth and yellow, kinky hair, she won her way into
every one's heart and became greatly attached to Mary, who was usually
more patient with the little maid (who, I must confess, was sometimes
very willful) than was her sister Elizabeth. Mary, who had never been
blessed with a sister, dearly loved children, and thought small
"Polly" adorable, and never wearied telling her marvelous fairy tales.

[Illustration: FRAU SCHMIDT]

CHAPTER VIII.

USES OF AN OLD-FASHIONED WARDROBE.

Shortly after Mary's advent at the farm she one day said: "Aunt Sarah,
the contents of this old trunk are absolutely worthless to me; perhaps
they may be used by you for carpet rags."

"Mary Midleton!" exclaimed Aunt Sarah, in horrified tones, "you
extravagant girl. I see greater possibilities in that trunk of
partly-worn clothing than, I suppose, a less economically-inclined
woman than I ever would have dreamed of."

Mary handed her Aunt two blue seersucker dresses, one plain, the other
striped. "They have both shrunken, and are entirely too small for me,"
said Mary.

"Well," said her Aunt, considering, "they might be combined in one
dress, but you need aprons for kitchen work more useful than those
little frilly, embroidered affairs you are weari