“I thought you could have two big boxes, set side by side, along that wall; they will hold some of your books and papers. Some denims or cretonne will do to cover your boxes, and they will form a sort of divan for you. A few pillows piled up on them will make that end of the room quite a comfortable lounging-place and about fill it up. You will still have space for a small table and a couple of chairs; then some hanging-shelves and a few pictures will look well on your walls, and that will be about all you can crowd in. You know the place can only be entered by going through my room, and you shall have entire right of way. No one else shall be admitted to your sanctum, except by your express invitation.”
Persis looked up gratefully. Perhaps she did not quite appreciate the sacrifice her grandmother was making, for to give up her entire seclusion, not knowing what moment a lively girl might bounce in upon her, meant more than Persis realized. Mrs. Estabrook had thought it all over, however, and with her usual unselfish spirit had told herself that she was getting too self-indulgent and too dependent upon small things. “That is the way we are too apt to do as we grow older,” she thought, “and thereby we encourage old age to take a firm grasp of us. I never used to mind having my room open to the family when my own children were small.” So, sweetly setting aside her own comfort, she gave up one of her most valued privileges. Nevertheless she felt that Persis’s delight was compensation, and before many days the little corner was as pretty a place as need be. Here Mellicent came to be helped with her lessons; here Annis repaired to talk over all sorts of things with her friend. It must be confessed that Persis triumphed rather too visibly over Lisa, who was quite indignant that the room had not been offered to her. She did not admit this, but she carefully avoided the spot, and professed herself greatly relieved that Persis’s possessions no longer crowded her room.
The question of the reduction of Mrs. Estabrook’s income, of course, was discussed by the sisters, and they were gradually beginning to adapt themselves to the changed condition of affairs. “It doesn’t make so much difference to us,” Persis said to Mellicent. “Papa still gives us our allowance just the same, and we really can get used to going without the extras. If we want anything very much we can buy it ourselves. I always have some money ahead after the holidays. I still have the five dollars Aunt Esther gave me and last month’s allowance besides. Oh, Mell, I’ll tell you what let’s do! Let’s buy the material for our own bicycle suits. We really need them, and it will save mamma that much. Let’s tell her now that we mean to do it. Go get your money and we’ll give it to her to-day. Don’t you want to?”
Mellicent hung her head. “Yes, I’d like to. I think it is a lovely plan; but—but—I—I haven’t—haven’t got the money just now.”
“Why, Mellicent Holmes! You haven’t spent nine dollars since Christmas?”
“No. I—I haven’t spent any, hardly. I got some peanut taffy one day and some pencils and things.”
“Then where in the world is it?”
“Oh, don’t ask me!” And Mellicent looked troubled.
“If you have given it for charity it’s all right, and you needn’t inform your left hand, if that’s what you mean.”
Mellicent was silent, but she lifted a pair of appealing eyes to her sister. She opened her lips as if to speak, then evidently concluded to keep silence. Persis was watching her narrowly. “I’d like to tell you, but I have promised not to,” said the younger girl, helplessly, shrinking from her sister’s penetrating gaze.