there are vacations and things, you
know. That is only one side. The other is the expense, and that's what
worries me. Hubert will be ready, the year after, and you can't afford
to send us both."

"It would be a tug; but it might be done," Dr. McAlister said
thoughtfully. "Besides, I'm not at all sure that Hu will care to go. If
you are more anxious for college than he, you ought to have the chance."

"He must go if he wants to," she responded energetically. "I've set my
heart on his going. He's a boy, too, and should have first chance, if he
wants it. It is more necessary for a boy. But what if I were to begin to
save up my money for my expenses, so I could pay part? Then may I go?"

"How? You don't seem to me to be rolling in wealth, Teddy."

She shook her head gayly.

"Oh, but you don't know. That's where the business part comes in."

The doctor looked rather anxious.

"What is it now, Ted?"

"It's Mr. Huntington, down in the book store. He has sent off his
book-keeper, and he wants somebody to come in, every Saturday morning,
to write up his accounts and things. Every month, it's all day, and he
pays ever so much for it."

"But can you do it? Will he take you?"

She nodded.

"You don't know how valuable I am, papa. Mr. Huntington is a dear old
man. I heard about it and went to see him. He made me write for him and
do some accounts in a hurry; and he told me to come back, last Saturday,
to try. To-day he told me I could have the place, if I'd only make my
_m_'s and _n_'s and _u_'s not so much alike." Theodora laughed gleefully
at her father's astonished face.

There was a pause, while the doctor reflected rapidly. Theodora was
very young to enter into any such venture as this, and there was no real
need of her doing anything of the kind. On the other hand, her father
approved of business habits for women; he liked her independence and
spirit, and he felt that it would be well for her to learn the real
value of money. He knew Mr. Huntington well. His store was a quiet,
homelike place, where Theodora could be brought under no demoralizing
influences, where she would be likely to meet only refined, book-loving
people. If she must try her experiment, this would be an ideal place for
the attempt.

Theodora eyed him askance, trying to read his thoughts. Even before he
spoke, she knew his decision, and she seized him by the beard and kissed
him rapturously.

"Oh, you dear man!"

"But I haven't said yes,