een, and your scholars,
too. They are sure to be there," Ruby Ann said to her.

Ruby Ann was greatly interested in the Rummage Sale, as she was in
anything with which she had to do, and all her spare time from her
school duties was given to soliciting articles for it, and arranging for
their disposition in the building where the sale was to be held. Eloise
was interested because those around her were, and she offered her white
apron a second time as the only thing she had to give.

"I guess I'll do it up and flute the ruffles," Mrs. Biggs said. "'Tain't
mussy, but a little rinse and starch won't harm it."

She had given it a rinse and starch, and was ironing it when Jack came
in, rather unceremoniously, as was his habit now that he came so often.
This time he went to the kitchen door, as the other was locked, and
found Mrs. Biggs giving the final touches to the apron, which she held
up for his inspection.

"Rummage," she said. "Miss Smith's contribution. Ain't it a beauty?"

Jack was not much of a judge of aprons, but something in this dainty
little affair interested him, and he wished at once that he knew of some
one for whom he could buy it. His sister Bell never wore aprons to his
knowledge, neither did Mrs. Amy. It was too small for Ruby Ann, and it
would never do to give it back to Eloise. But he did not want any money
but his own spent for it, and he believed he'd speak to Ruby Ann and
have it put aside for him. He could tell her he had a sister, and she
could draw her own inference.

"I swan, if I was a little younger, I'd buy it myself," Mrs. Biggs said,
holding it up and slipping the straps over her shoulders and her hands
into its pockets.

Jack felt relieved when she took it off, gave it another smooth with her
iron, and folded it ready for the sale.

"I am going to put it in a box," she said, "with a card on it saying it
is Miss Smith's contribution, and that she made every stitch herself."

Jack was now resolved that it should be his at any cost. As to its real
value he had no idea, and when Mrs. Biggs said it "or'to bring a good
price, and probably will seein' whose 'tis," he replied, "I should say
so,--four or five dollars at least."

"For the Lord's sake," Mrs. Biggs exclaimed, dropping her flatiron in
her surprise. "Four or five dollars! Are you crazy?"

"Do you think it ought to bring more?" Jack asked, and Mrs. Biggs
replied, "Was you born yesterday, or when? If it brings a dollar it'll
d