Laura put in all she had, a bright new cent.
"I haven't a penny," lamented Ivy.
"I have just one solitary, shamed little fellow, done up in crimson satin and silver buckles," announced Alene, taking the pretty bag from her wrist.
Ivy giggled.
"Everybody is looking, Alene! They expect a piece of silver, at least, from that gorgeous purse!"
"Well, I can't help it! I paid a nickle postage on my letter, you know!"
"Yes, I know, but the rest of the town is in ignorance of that great expenditure."
"You needn't laugh, Miss Bonner. Considering the amount of my capital, it was a big payment to meet!"
"And so early, too, in your poverty-stricken career, I can sympathize with you," said Laura.
The bright bag with its shining rings, over which the heads of the three girls were bent, seemed to have attracted the attention of the crowd as Ivy had said, and the penny, hidden away in its crimson corner, while Alene fumbled in vain for it, held them longer in the public gaze.