ttered myself that I was. Losing it
before it was paid for was just good for me. Never again will I be so
foolish."

"Why, my dear, don't say such things or think them," chided the little
woman. "You had as good a right to a becoming hat as any girl. Now
let me ask you one question, and then I'll try to sleep. You said you
were a teacher. Did you come here to attend the Summer School for
Teachers?"

"Yes," said Kate.

"Would it make any great difference to you if you missed a few days?"
she asked.

"Not the least," said Kate.

"Well, then, you won't be offended, will you, if I ask you to remain
with me and take care of me until John comes? I could send him a
message to-night that I am alone, and bring him by this time to-morrow;
but I know he has business that will cause him to lose money should he
leave, and I was so wilful about coming, I dread to prove him right so
conclusively the very first day. That door opens into a room reserved
for Susette, if only you'd take it, and leave the door unclosed
to-night, and if only you would stay with me until John comes I could
well afford to pay you enough to lengthen your stay as long as you'd
like; and it makes me so happy to be with such a fresh young creature.
Will you stay with me, my dear?"

"I certainly will," said Kate heartily. "If you'll only tell me what I
should do; I'm not accustomed to rich ladies, you know."

"I'm not myself," said the little woman, "but I do seem to take to
being waited upon with the most remarkable facility!"

CHAPTER IX

A SUNBONNET GIRL

WITH the first faint light of morning, Kate slipped to the door to find
her charge still sleeping soundly. It was eight o'clock when she heard
a movement in the adjoining room and went again to the door. This time
the woman was awake and smilingly waved to Kate as she called: "Good
morning! Come right in. I was wondering if you were regretting your
hasty bargain."

"Not a bit of it!" laughed Kate. "I am here waiting to be told what to
do first. I forgot to tell you my name last night. It is Kate Bates.
I'm from Bates Corners, Hartley, Indiana."

The woman held out her hand. "I'm so very glad to meet you, Miss
Bates," she said. "My name is Mariette Jardine. My home is in
Chicago."

They shook hands, smiling at each other, and then Kate said: "Now, Mrs.
Jardine, what shall I do for you first?"

"I will be dressed, I think, and then you may bring up the manager
until I