CHAPTER XII
PUZZLES
In the weeks immediately after the recital Martine and Priscilla were both so occupied with their studies and their little duties and pleasures that they saw less than usual of each other. Martine, on whom care sat rather lightly, ceased for the time to worry about her father.
She noticed, it is true, that her mother did not read her father's last letter, which arrived about a week after her conversation with Priscilla.
"Is everything going on properly?" she asked eagerly, as her mother folded the letter within its envelope.
"I hope for the best, dear. It seems too bad that your father had to go away at this time. It was a long, hard journey, and there are still difficulties before him."
"Oh, I wish we could help, Lucian and I, I mean."
"You can help; indeed you have helped me immensely, by being bright and cheerful and—"
"Yes, and economical. Once in a while it seems strange to have to stop and think of money. I bought two-dollar seats for the Paderewski matinee, although the three-dollar seats were much better, but I thought that as I had invited Priscilla and Grace—as well as Miss Mings—our history teacher—and as we were to go to the Somerset afterwards, I ought to be economical."