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 the sympathy she needed in her lover's absence, but help in her absorbing task of studies in household economics. Somehow, too, the contentment in her friends' simply appointed home made her own way seem easier. One could be happy on a small income, if she made the most of little joys.

So it happened that when the evening mail brought a postcard depicting vegetables printed in brilliant hues, Claire was quite as interested as her two friends.

"Looks like an advertisement for southern California real estate," suggested Mr. Larry.

Mrs. Larry held up the card for all to see, as she read the message:

"Home hampers delivered at your door, like this, for one dollar and fifty cents."

"Direct communication between producer and consumer," commented Mr. Larry, as he took a closer look at the card.

"What do you mean by that?" inquired Claire.

"Simply what so many economists are discussing to-day—the elimination of middlemen with their commissions, and direct dealing between the farmer and the housewife. This