new winter flannels from summer ones, or
best frocks from common?" Words failed her.

"Why, Wealthy, shan't you come with us?" cried Eyebright, in a
startled tone.

"I? No, indeed, and I shan't then!" returned Wealthy. "I'm not such a
fool as all that. Maine, indeed!" Then, her heart melting at the
distress in Eyebright's face, she swooped upon her, squeezed her hard,
and said: "What a cross-grained piece I be! Yes, Eyebright dear, I'll
go along. I'll go, no matter where it is. You shan't be trusted to
that Pa of yours if I can help it; and that's my last word in the
matter."

Eyebright flew to papa with the joyful news that Wealthy was willing
to go with them. Mr. Bright looked dismayed.

"It's out of the question," he replied. "I can't afford it, for one
thing. The journey costs a good deal, and when she got there, Wealthy
would probably not like it, and would want to come back again, which
would be money thrown away. Beside, it is doubtful if we shall be able
to keep any regular help. No, Eyebright; we'd better not think of it,
even. You and I will start alone, and we'll get some woman there to
come and work when it's necessary. That'll be as much as I can
manage."

Of course, when Wealthy found that there were objections, her wish to
go increased tenfold. She begged, and Eyebright pleaded, but papa held
to his decision. There was no helping it, but this difference in
opinion made the household very uncomfortable for a while. Wealthy
felt injured, and went about her work grimly, sighing conspicuously
now and then, or making dashes at Eyebright, kissing her furiously,
shedding a few tears, and then beginning work again, all in stony
silence. Papa shut himself up more closely than ever with his
account-books, and looked sadder every day; and Eyebright, though she
strove to act as peacemaker and keep a cheerful face, felt her heart
heavy enough at times, when she thought of what was at hand.

They were to start early in May, and she left school at once; for
there was much to be done in which she could help Wealthy, and the
time was but short for the doing of it all. The girls were sorry when
they heard that Eyebright was going away to live in Maine, and Bessie
cried one whole recess, and said she never expected to be happy again.
Still, the news did not make quite as much sensation as Eyebright had
expected, and she had a little sore feeling at her heart, as if the
others cared less about losing her than she sho