stay where these very agreeable young people did, she imagined
herself going to classes with them and having association that to
her would be a great treat, but she never would dare ask for more
money. She thought swiftly a minute, and then made her first
mistake.

Instead of going to the other girls and frankly confessing that
she could not afford the prices they were paying, she watched her
chance, picked up her telescope and hurried down the street,
walking swiftly until she was out of sight of the house. Then she
began inquiring her way to Butler Street and after a long, hot
walk, found the place. The rooms and board were very poor, but
Kate felt that she could endure whatever Nancy Ellen had, so she
unpacked, and went to the Normal School to register and learn what
she would need. On coming from the building she saw that she
would be forced to pass close by the group of girls she had
deserted and this was made doubly difficult because she could see
that they were talking about her. Then she understood how foolish
she had been and as she was struggling to summon courage to
explain to them she caught these words plainly:

"Who is going to ask her for it?"

"I am," said the girl who had sat beside Kate on the train. "I
don't propose to pay it myself!"

Then she came directly to Kate and said briefly: "Fifty cents,
please!"

"For what?" stammered Kate.