"Here-a is whata you call heem, black fire opal, here-a meelk, here-a cherry, here-a blue!" cried the seller volubly.
Alene stood in silent ecstasy! How she would love to buy three, one each for Laura, Ivy and herself! She knew she could borrow the money from Mrs. Major, and repay her upon Uncle Fred's return that evening, or even let it stand until the next week, when she would regain her fortune but—
"And here-a, leettle lady, ees de jewelry—de feela-gree broocha and de Swastika charm," continued the man persuasively, having noted the little girl's indecision. The others, who were aware of her vow of voluntary poverty, looked on in sympathy and were ready, as she knew, to help her if she desired.
"The other girls often wish to buy, and it's just as hard for them when they can't; besides, it wouldn't be right to borrow for such things when one is poor, and I'm not supposed to know this week that I'll be able to afford it next," reasoned Alene, shaking her head the more energetically to fortify her resolution.
The man, disappointed, slowly repacked his wares, shouldered them and shambled away, while Alene stood looking on.
"After all, opals are unlucky," said Kizzie consolingly.
Alene felt Prince's soft nose against her hand.
"You feel sorry, don't you, old fellow? But this is what the rest of the Happy-Go-Luckys have to bear all the time! I've been used to going through the world picking up everything I fancied, with never a thought for others who had to go without. This is a sort of experience week for me! But cheer up, Prince Sobersides, and come along for a run!"
"Girls, this is the Crimson Bag's last night, and it's my treat!" announced Alene, when she met her friends Saturday evening.