"By a tax on the members, and contributions from their friends, which will be thankfully accepted," she said with a pleased smile as he took out his pocket-book and handed her a five dollar bill. "We are very much obliged, sir."
The captain and other gentlemen present—some of the ladies also—immediately followed Mr. Dinsmore's example.
Then the question of the amount of tax on the members was discussed and settled.
After that the captain said he had a suggestion to make; namely that it would be well for the little girls to be accompanied by an older person when making their visits to their proposed beneficiaries.
"It will require some wisdom and tact to make the necessary investigations without wounding the feelings of those they desire to benefit, or injuring their commendable pride of independence," he said in conclusion.
"Thank you for the advice, captain," Grandma Elsie replied; "I think it most wise. What have the members of the society to say about it?"
All responded promptly that they would prefer to have an older person with them on those occasions.
"And we'd better begin that business to-morrow," said Zoe, "that whoever is to do the buying of materials to be cut and basted at the first meeting, may have the needed information in season."
"I hope Grandma Elsie will buy the things," said Lulu. "Don't you all vote for that, girls?"
"Yes; yes, indeed; if she will," they all answered, and were pleased that she at once consented to do so.