The Japanese tea was not only a social triumph, but it also scored a great financial success. “The Merry Hearts” had decided beforehand that any surplus beyond the hundred dollars needed for Dora should be turned over to the general fund of the Harding Aid Society; and though they had not hoped for any such surplus, the secretary who was summarily appointed treasurer when the need for one arose, was able to make out a generous check in favor of the Aid Society. The next question was how most tactfully to give the rest of the money to Dora. After some discussion it had been decided not to tell her about the object of the tea, lest she be made uncomfortable or be disappointed over its possible failure. So the posters had explained that it was “for a good cause connected with the Harding Aid,” and no one but “The Merry Hearts,” Eleanor, the Belden House matron and Miss Stuart knew any more than that. As Madeline put it, when an entertainment is good enough so that you really want to go, you don’t bother much about the good cause. The Japanese tea had been decidedly of this popular character, and “The Merry Hearts” were not troubled with questions. As for Dora, Betty told her that she had consulted Rachel and was making plans, which she would explain about in a few days. Meanwhile she advised Dora to write her father how matters stood, and get his permission to stay if the finances could be provided.
“There’ll be no trouble about his permission,” Dora had said eagerly. “He appreciates the value of an education because he hasn’t any. Isn’t it queer how we always appreciate the things we haven’t?”
Then Betty had warned her that of course “the plans” might not come out as they both hoped, and had spent the week dodging Dora, whose anxious, eager little face was so pathetic when you could not answer the question it put to you.
But now it was settled beyond a doubt that Dora Carlson could have her sophomore year at Harding. The minute the proceeds of the tea had been counted, Betty flew to the telephone and told Mrs. Tait the good news, promising that Dora should have the details the next morning. Then the club considered how to present their gift, so that it should be most welcome.
“We could just give the money to the Aid Society, and let them tell her what they chose about it,” suggested Katherine.
“I object,” said Bob. “That method lets Madeline out of writing the note to Miss Carlson. She doesn’t write any reports as it is, and we can’t have a secretary just for ornament.”
“There’s another thing,” added Mary. “The Aid Society would have to let her know it was a special gift, otherwise girls who applied for help earlier than she would feel that they were being unfairly treated. So there we are again.”
“Why does any one think she mightn’t like to take the money from us?” asked Babe.
“Just because girls in her position are likely to be very sensitive,” explained Mary. “And most of us are almost strangers to her.”
“Then why not try to be friends?” demanded Helen Adams quickly. “Why not ask her to be a ‘Merry Heart’? She’ll be too busy to meet with us very often, but I think it would please her and show her that we really like her and aren’t just giving her the money because we are sorry for her.”