“My dears, he has more tin than he knows what to do with; but do you think I am going to have the poor old dear worried? When I was coming here he said, Polly, you shall have thirty pounds every term to spend as pocket money; not a penny more, not a penny less. And you must keep out of debt on it; mind that, Polly Singleton.’ I gave the dear old dad a hug. He’s the image of me— only with redder hair and more freckles. And I said, I’ll do my best, dad, and, anyhow, you sha’n’t be put out whatever happens.’” “Then you didn’t tell him you’d keep out of debt?” “No, for I knew I’d break my word. I’ve always been in debt ever since I could remember. I wouldn’t know how it felt not to owe a lot of money. It’s habit, and I don’t mind it a bit. But I don’t want dad to know, and I don’t want Miss Eccleston to know, for perhaps she would write to him. If those old horrors won’t wait for their money till next term, why there’s nothing for it but an auction. I have some nice things and they’ll go very cheap, so there’s a chance for you all, girls.” “But if Miss Eccleston finds out?” said Miss Day. “What if she does? There’s no rule against auctions, and, as I don’t suppose any of you will have one, it isn’t worth making a rule for me alone. Anyhow, I’m resolved to risk it. My auction will be on Monday, and I shall make out an inventory of my goods tomorrow.” “Will you advertise it on the notice-board in your hall, dear?” asked Lucy Marsh. “Why not? A good idea! _The great A. will be held in Miss Singleton’s room, from eight to ten o’clock on the evening of Monday next. Great Bargains! Enormous Sacrifice! Things absolutely given away!_ Oh, what fun! I’ll be my own auctioneer.” Polly lay back in her armchair and laughed loudly. “What is all this noise about?” asked a refined little voice, and Rosalind Merton entered the room. Two or three girls jumped up at once to greet her. “Come in, Rosie; you’re just in time. What _do_ you think Miss Singleton is going to do now?” “I can’t tell; what?” asked Rosalind. “Something _outre’,_ I feel certain.” Polly made a wry face and winked her eyes at her companions. “I know I’m not refined enough for you, Miss Merton,” she drawled. “I’m rough, like my dad, rough and ready; but, at any rate, I’m honest— at least, I think I’m honest. When I owe money, I don’t leave a stone unturned to pay what I owe. Having sinned, I repent. I enter the Valley of Humiliation and give up all. Who can do more?” “Oh, dear, Polly, I don’t think I’d call owing a little money sinning,” said Lucy Marsh, whose ideas were known to be somewhat lax. “Well, my dear, there’s nothing for those in debt but to sell their possessions. My auction is on Monday. Will you come, Rosalind?” “You don’t mean it,” said Rose, her blue eyes beginning to sparkle. “Yes, I do, absolutely and truly mean it.” “And you will sell your things— your lovely things?” “My things, my lovely, lovely things must be sold.”