she
understood, and when uncertain she asked questions. Occasionally she
laid down her work to straighten some flower which needed attention
or to search the garden for a bug for the grosbeak. In one of these
absences Elnora said to Philip: "These replace quite a number of the
moths I lost for the man of India. With a week of such luck, I could
almost begin to talk college again."

"There is no reason why you should not have the week and the luck," said
he. "I have taken moths until the middle of August, though I suspect one
is more likely to find late ones in the north where it is colder
than here. The next week is hay-time, but we can count on a few
double-brooders and strays, and by working the exchange method for all
it is worth, I think we can complete the collection again."

"You almost make me hope," said Elnora, "but I must not allow myself. I
don't truly think I can replace all I lost, not even with your help. If
I could, I scarcely see my way clear to leave mother this winter. I have
found her so recently, and she is so precious, I can't risk losing her
again. I am going to take the nature position in the Onabasha schools,
and I shall be most happy doing the work. Only, these are a temptation."

"I wish you might go to college this fall with the other girls," said
Philip. "I feel that if you don't you never will. Isn't there some way?"

"I can't see it if there is, and I really don't want to leave mother."

"Well, mother is mighty glad to hear it," said Mrs. Comstock, entering
the arbour.

Philip noticed that her face was pale, her lips quivering, her voice
cold.

"I was telling your daughter that she should go to college this winter,"
he explained, "but she says she doesn't want to leave you."

"If she wants to go, I wish she could," said Mrs. Comstock, a look of
relief spreading over her face.

"Oh, all girls want to go to college," said Philip. "It's the only
proper place to learn bridge and embroidery; not to mention midnight
lunches of mixed pickles and fruit cake, and all the delights of the
sororities."

"I have thought for years of going to college," said Elnora, "but I
never thought of any of those things."

"That is because your education in fudge and bridge has been sadly
neglected," said Philip. "You should hear my sister Polly! This was her
final year! Lunches and sororities were all I heard her mention, until
Tom Levering came on deck; now he is the leading subject. I can't see
from