Page:A Girl of the Limberlost.djvu/67

 "I once entered a city school straight from the country. My dress was brown calico, and my shoes were quite heavy."

The tears began to roll down Elnora's cheeks.

"Did they?" she faltered.

"They did!" said the Bird Woman. "All of it. I am quite sure they did not miss one least little thing."

Then she wiped away some tears that began rolling down her cheeks, and laughed at the same time.

"Where are they now?" asked Elnora suddenly.

"Well, they are pretty widely scattered, but none of them have attained heights out of range. Some of the rich are poor, and some of the poor are rich. Some of the brightest died insane, and some of the dullest worked out high positions. Some of the very worst to bear have gone out, and I frequently hear from others. Now I am here, able to remember it, and mingle laughter with what used to be all tears; for every day I have my beautiful work, and almost every day God sends some one like you to help me. What is your name, my girl?"

"Elnora Comstock," answered Elnora. "Yesterday on the board it changed to Cornstock, and for a minute I thought I'd die, but I can laugh over that already."

The Bird Woman arose and kissed her. "Finish your lunch," she said, "and I will get my price lists, and take down a memorandum of what you think you have, so I will know how many boxes to prepare. And remember this: What you are lies with you. If you are lazy, and accept your lot, you may live in it. If you are willing to work,