"But little white girls do not need to wear alike dresses," was Cordelia
Running Bird's argument. "Because the little white visitor last summer
looked just like a fairy in the pretty pink with white lace, did her
sister have to wish another little white girl looked the very too same?"
she asked.

"There is a difference, but I cannot tell," answered Hannah Straight
Tree, taking down her broom in puzzled moodiness.

The two girls went about their work in a most unfortunate state of mind.
Hannah's discontent at Dolly's lack and Susie's plenty, and the prospect
of Cordelia's triumphs through the petted little sister, grew upon her,
and resulted in unlooked-for trials to Cordelia, who was much
discomfited by the force of her companion's criticisms.

Cordelia Running Bird was a bright, attractive girl, quite conscientious
in discharging her industrial and school duties, and much interested in
the Sunday-school; but in a private talk the very day before, the
teachers had referred to her in some perplexity.

"I wish Cordelia Running Bird were a little different," said the
school-teacher. "She leads her class, and is a credit to the school in
most respects, but she is rather too ambitious to outdo others. It
creates jealousy."

"I have observed that she is notional in the making of her dresses,"
said the sewing teacher. "She is apt to want the skirt a little wider
and the hem a half-inch deeper than the regular uniform. And she asks
to have more buttonholes, which means more buttons, and an extra ruffle
on the waist. But she begs me so politely and appears so thankful, if I