er things beside. When
Freckles bequeathed me the swamp, he gave me a bigger inheritance than
he knew. While you have thought I was wandering aimlessly, I have been
following a definite plan, studying hard, and storing up the stuff that
will earn these seven hundred and fifty dollars. Mother dear, I am going
to accept this, of course. The work will be a delight. I'd love it most
of anything in teaching. You must help me. We must find nests, eggs,
leaves, queer formations in plants and rare flowers. I must have flower
boxes made for each of the rooms and filled with wild things. I should
begin to gather specimens this very day."

Elnora's face was flushed and her eyes bright.

"Oh, what great work that will be!" she cried. "You must go with me so
you can see the little faces when I tell them how the goldfinch builds
its nest, and how the bees make honey."

So Elnora and her mother went into the woods behind the cabin to study
nature.

"I think," said Elnora, "the idea is to begin with fall things in the
fall, keeping to the seasons throughout the year."

"What are fall things?" inquired Mrs. Comstock.

"Oh, fringed gentians, asters, ironwort, every fall flower, leaves
from every tree and vine, what makes them change colour, abandoned bird
nests, winter quarters of caterpillars and insects, what becomes of the
butterflies and grasshoppers--myriads of stuff. I shall have to be very
wise to select the things it will be most beneficial for the children to
learn."

"Can I really help you?" Mrs. Comstock's strong face was pathetic.

"Indeed, yes!" cried Elnora. "I never can get through it alone. There
will be an immense amount of work connected with securing and preparing
specimens."

Mrs. Comstock lifted her head proudly and began doing business at once.
Her sharp eyes ranged from earth to heaven. She investigated everything,
asking innumerable questions. At noon Mrs. Comstock took the specimens
they had collected, and went to prepare dinner, while Elnora followed
the woods down to the Sintons' to show her letter.

She had to explain what became of her moths, and why college would have
to be abandoned for that year, but Margaret and Wesley vowed not to
tell. Wesley waved the letter excitedly, explaining it to Margaret as
if it were a personal possession. Margaret was deeply impressed, while
Billy volunteered first aid in gathering material.

"Now anything you want in the ground, Snap can dig it out," he said.
"U