“But how about her mother?” asked Mae.
“Her mother can have her all the rest of her life!”
“It’s likely,” laughed Mae. “She’d be married the week after college closed!”
“Mae!” remonstrated Lily, “don’t judge others by yourself! Now—what are you going to do?”
“I’m going to business college, and I hope to take a position by the first of the year.”
“That certainly sounds interesting,” said Doris. “Well, I suppose there isn’t any use asking our seniors. You three are all going back to Miss Allen’s, aren’t you?” she asked, turning to the youngest girls in the party.
Florence and Alice both nodded assent; but Daisy sat still, staring into space. It was evident from her attitude that something was troubling her.
“I’m sorry,” she said, quietly, after the short pause, “but I can’t go back.”
“Why not?” demanded two or three of the girls at once. Mae was just about to make some teasing remark about getting married, when, catching sight of the girl’s expression, she took the warning to be careful.
“We can’t afford it,” said Daisy, sadly. “Mother had to choose between this trip and my last year at school, and, for the sake of my health, she chose this. I’m really glad, for my best friends are here, and I can get my diploma later at night school.”