take
Alma home in the auto, instead of you."

"All right," returned the boy, his face flushed. "You're a brick, Ada!"

This praise from one who seldom praised gave Ada secret elation, and made
her resolve to deserve it. "Good-by, Lucy," was all she said, but the
girls' eyes met, and Lucy knew the trouble was over.

As Ada and Alma went downstairs, Lucy ran to the hall window, and Frank
followed. "Don't let them see us," she said joyfully.

So, very cautiously, the two peeped and saw the handsome automobile
waiting. Mrs. Singer was sitting within and they saw Ada say something to
her; then Alma, her thick coat over the gingham apron, and the large
dinner-pail in her hand, climbed in, Ada after her, and away they all went.

Lucy turned to Frank with her face glowing.

"It's all right now," she said. "When Ada takes hold she never lets go; and
now she's taken hold right!"

CHAPTER XVI

A MORNING RIDE

Mrs. Evringham's listeners thanked her, then discussed the story a few
minutes.

"I'd like to get acquainted with Alma," said Jewel, "and help be kind to
her."

"Oh, she's going to have a very good time now," replied Mr. Evringham. "One
can see that with half an eye. Were there any Almas where you went to
school, Jewel?"

"No, there weren't. We didn't bring lunches and we went home in a 'bus."

"Jewel went to a very nice private school," said Mrs. Evringham. "Her
teachers were Christian Scientists and I made their dresses for them in
payment."

The logs were red in the fireplace now, and the roar of the wind-driven sea
came from the beach.

"Well, we've a good school for her," replied Mr. Evringham, "and there'll
be no dresses to make either."

His daughter looked at him wistfully. "I'm very happy when I think of it,"
she answered, "for there is other work I would rather do."

"I should think so, indeed. Catering to the whims of a lot of silly women
who don't know their own minds! It must be the very--yes, very unpleasant.
Yes, we have a fine school in Bel-Air. Jewel, we're going to work you hard
next winter. How shall you like that?"

"My music lessons will be the most fun," returned Jewel.

"And dancing school beside."

"Oh, grandpa, I'll love that! I used to know girls who went, in Chicago."

"Yes, I'm sure you will. You shall learn all the latest jigs and flings,
too, that any of the children know. I think you ought to learn them
quickly. You've been hopping up and down ever since I kne