"Now, Helen, don't you think Dr. Wright is very thoughtful? You just said you wished we could hear from Father."
"He does seem to think of lots of things. I couldn't help admiring him for the way he got the drawing room for them and put them on the train at the downtown station to keep them from having to see so many people. That night train is always full of people we know and they all of them get on at Elba. I bet you he got his telegram in ten words, though. I know he is economical and would die rather than spill over. Let me see it. Humph! Nineteen words. I wonder he didn't send it collect."
"Oh, Helen! How can you be so hard on the poor young man? I believe you are just pretending to hate him so. I am glad it is Saturday and no school. I think we had better go see real estate agents the first thing this morning and try to rent our house furnished for the summer. I am pretty sure Dr. Wright would approve of that. And also see about selling the car."
"Selling the car! Why, Douglas, how on earth will we do without it?"
"Of course we must sell it. Helen Carter, I actually believe you think that if you give up wearing silk stockings for a year we can live on your resolution. Do you realize that the cash we have in bank would just about pay the chauffeur and keep us in gasoline for a month?"
"Oh, I am such a dunce! I am afraid my being poor has a kind of musical comedy effect in my mind so far. What are you going to do with me, Douglas?"
"Nothing, honey, but you must not get angry with me when I call you down about money. I feel so responsible somehow."
"Angry with you! Why, I think you are just splendid, and I am going to be so careful I just know you will never have to call me down."
Douglas smiled, knowing very well that Helen and economy were not meant to dwell together.
"There is only one thing I am going to make all of you promise, that is NOT TO CHARGE," with great emphasis.
"Oh, of course not after we get started, but how are we to get our outfits for the mountains? Our khaki skirts and leggins and things that are appropriate? And then the cotton stockings that I have sworn to wear until Father is well! I have to have a new set of them. Ugh! how I hate 'em!"
"But, Helen, we have our Camp-Fire outfits that are thoroughly suitable for what we are going to do. There are loads of middy blouses in the house, so I am sure we need buy no more of them. As for stockings--it seems to me you had better wear out what stockings you have, even if they are silk, before you buy any more."
