rly get the spoon to her lips. Just
you wait!"

"When I think what I owe her----" began Elnora.

"Well, thank goodness, I don't owe her anything, and so I'm perfectly
free to do what I choose. Come on, and help me get supper. I'm hungry as
Billy!"

Margaret Sinton rocked slowly back and forth in her chair. On her breast
lay Billy's red head, one hand clutched her dress front with spasmodic
grip, even after he was unconscious.

"You mustn't begin that, Margaret," said Sinton. "He's too heavy. And
it's bad for him. He's better off to lie down and go to sleep alone."

"He's very light, Wesley. He jumps and quivers so. He has to be stronger
than he is now, before he will sleep soundly."

CHAPTER IX

WHEREIN ELNORA DISCOVERS A VIOLIN, AND BILLY DISCIPLINES MARGARET

Elnora missed the little figure at the bridge the following morning. She
slowly walked up the street and turned in at the wide entrance to the
school grounds. She scarcely could comprehend that only a week ago she
had gone there friendless, alone, and so sick at heart that she was
physically ill. To-day she had decent clothing, books, friends, and her
mind was at ease to work on her studies.

As she approached home that night the girl paused in amazement. Her
mother had company, and she was laughing. Elnora entered the kitchen
softly and peeped into the sitting-room. Mrs. Comstock sat in her chair
holding a book and every few seconds a soft chuckle broke into a real
laugh. Mark Twain was doing his work; while Mrs. Comstock was not
lacking in a sense of humour. Elnora entered the room before her mother
saw her. Mrs. Comstock looked up with flushed face.

"Where did you get this?" she demanded.

"I bought it," said Elnora.

"Bought it! With all the taxes due!"

"I paid for it out of my Indian money, mother," said Elnora. "I couldn't
bear to spend so much on myself and nothing at all on you. I was afraid
to buy the dress I should have liked to, and I thought the book would be
company, while I was gone. I haven't read it, but I do hope it's good."

"Good! It's the biggest piece of foolishness I have read in all my life.
I've laughed all day, ever since I found it. I had a notion to go out
and read some of it to the cows and see if they wouldn't laugh."

"If it made you laugh, it's a wise book," said Elnora.

"Wise!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "You can stake your life it's a wise book.
It takes the smartest man there is to do this kind of foolin