Mrs. Salvey patted the child's head. "She is so much better
lately," she said, "since she has been friends with Miss Thayer."

"Her friendship is wonderful," said Jack, handing back the book.
"It does me all sorts of good."

Cecilia was pulling on her gloves. She picked up the small black
satchel (her hand bag, she called it), and started for the door.

"That hand bag smells like - "

"Fresh eggs," she interrupted Jack. "Understand, young man, I had
to come out here to get one dozen of strictly fresh eggs."

For a moment she looked intently at Jack, as if determined to put
him on his honor without further explanation. He took her hand
and assisted her into the car. As he did so she felt the
assurance that Jack Kimball was her friend.

Then they started back to Chelton.




CHAPTER X

"THEY'RE OFF!"