behind the vague little blur of a box. It was too soon to be relieved.

"What I've done once I can do twice," boasted Miss Theodosia, undaunted,
though at the approach of her second prowling expedition, her courage
waned unexpectedly. "I mean if I have a cup of tea--strong," she weakly
appended to her boast. It would take her longer out there the second
time. She really needed tea.

Miss Theodosia retired at eleven, tired but contented. She even smiled
at her sodden fingers--when had Miss Theodosia Baxter's fingers been
sodden before!

The next morning, the child and the childlier child appeared at her
porch, where she rocked contentedly.

"She's ironin' 'em!--Stefana's ironin' 'em! No, I can't sit down; she
said not to. She's ironed one dress three times. It's funny how irons
stick, isn't it? No, not funny--mercy gracious! You oughter see
Stefana's cheeks, an' she's burnt both thumbs--I'm keepin' Elly Precious
out o' the way, an' she's forbid Carruthers comin' in a step. She'll get
'em ironed, Stefana will. You can't discourage Stefana! Last night I
kind of thought you could, but the clo'es whitened out beautiful in the
night. Stefana said it was the night air. There wasn't a single streak
left this mornin'. We're goin' to keep your money in Mother's weddin'
sugar-bowl, an' when she comes back, we're goin' to ask her if she don't
want some sugar!"

All day Stefana toiled and retoiled. It was night when she sent one of
the children to Miss Theodosia with her day's work. The one who came was
Carruthers, chatty and deaf. Miss Theodosia did not have to do any