you at breakfast, Eddie?" She crossed over to where Gertie was sewing
busily. "Good night--Gertie. I hope you will not find me too stupid
about learning things. You'll find me willing, anyway," she said almost
humbly.

Gertie looked up at her with real kindness.

"Wllling's half the battle," she said in softened tone.

As Nora was leaving the room, satisfied at having done her part as far
as Gertie was concerned, she was recalled by Taylor's drawling tone.

"Oh, Miss Nora, you're forgetting something."

"Am I? What?"

"You're forgetting to say 'good night' to me."

"Why, so I am!"

She could hear them laugh as she left the room. And so ended the first
day in her brother's house.

Breakfast the next morning was of the most hurried description. Gertie
herself did not sit down until the men had gone, being chiefly occupied
with baking some sort of hot cakes which were new to Nora, who confined
herself to an egg and some tea. She secretly longed for some toast; but
as no one else seemed to have any, she refrained from making her wants
known. Perhaps later, when she was more familiar with the ways of this
strange household, she would be permitted to make some for herself when