the
flower-decked stage, and the masses of finely dressed people, she grew
no better. She could hear Margaret and Billy softly commenting on what
was being done.

"That first chair in the very front row is Elnora's," exulted Billy,
"cos she's got the highest grades, and so she gets to lead the
procession to the platform."

"The first chair!" "Lead the procession!" Mrs. Comstock was dumbfounded.
The notes of the pipe organ began to fill the building in a slow rolling
march. Would Elnora lead the procession in a gingham dress? Or would
she be absent and her chair vacant on this great occasion? For now,
Mrs. Comstock could see that it was a great occasion. Every one would
remember how Elnora had played a few nights before, and they would miss
her and pity her. Pity? Because she had no one to care for her. Because
she was worse off than if she had no mother. For the first time in
her life, Mrs. Comstock began to study herself as she would appear to
others. Every time a junior girl came fluttering down the aisle, leading
some one to a seat, and Mrs. Comstock saw a beautiful white dress pass,
a wave of positive illness swept over her. What had she done? What would
become of Elnora?

As Elnora rode to the city, she answered Wesley's questions in
monosyllables so that he thought she was nervous or rehearsing her
speech and did not care to talk. Several times the girl tried to
tell him and realized that if she said the first word it would bring
uncontrollable tears. The Bird Woman opened the screen and stared
unbelievingly.

"Why, I thought you would be ready; you are so late!" she said. "If
you have waited to dress here, we must hurry."

"I have nothing to put on," said Elnora.

In bewilderment the Bird Woman drew her inside.

"Did--did--" she faltered. "Did you think you would wear that?"

"No. I thought I would telephone Ellen that there had been an accident
and I could not come. I don't know yet how to explain. I'm too sick to
think. Oh, do you suppose I can get something made by Tuesday, so that I
can graduate?"

"Yes; and you'll get something on you to-night, so that you can lead
your class, as you have done for four years. Go to my room and take off
that gingham, quickly. Anna, drop everything, and come help me."

The Bird Woman ran to the telephone and called Ellen Brownlee.

"Elnora has had an accident. She will be a little late," she said.
"You have got to make them wait. Have them play extra music befor