"Well, I never get fined," cried Hal joyfully.

"Except for running up stairs in dirty shoes," said Sam.

"Oh! there's no dirt now."

"Let me see, what are the fines?" said Miss Fosbrook.

"Here's the list," said Susan; and sighing, she said, "I'm afraid I
shall never do it! If Bessie only would help!"

The fines of the Stokesley schoolroom were these for delinquencies--
each value a farthing -


For being dressed later than eight o'clock.
For hair not properly brushed.
For coming to lessons later than five minutes after ten.
For dirty hands.
For being turned back twice with any lesson.
For elbows on the table.
For foolish crying.
For unnecessary words in lesson-time.
For running up stairs in wet shoes.
For leaving things about.


Each of these bits of misbehaviour caused the forfeit of a farthing
out of the weekly allowance. Susan looked very gloomy over them; but
Hal exclaimed, "Never mind, Susie; we'll do it all without you, never