So it happened that when the evening mail brought a postcard depicting vegetables printed in brilliant hues, Claire was quite as interested as her two friends. “Looks like an advertisement for southern California real estate,” suggested Mr. Larry. Mrs. Larry held up the card for all to see, as she read the message: “Home hampers delivered at your door, like this, for one dollar and fifty cents.” “Direct communication between producer and consumer,” commented Mr. Larry, as he took a closer look at the card. “What do you mean by that?” inquired Claire. “Simply what so many economists are discussing to-day--the elimination of middlemen with their commissions, and direct dealing between the farmer and the housewife. This probably comes from a group or organization of farmers on Long Island.” “I wonder why Teresa Moore never told us about it,” said Mrs. Larry. “Perhaps because she does not know about it,” suggested Claire dryly. The two women exchanged significant glances which were lost on Mr. Larry. His wife rose briskly. “I think I’ll ask her over the phone. We have no particular adventure in thrift planned just now. And it does sound so nice and fresh and inviting--‘Home Hampers.’” She returned from the telephone, wearing the expression commonly attributed to the cat that has just consumed a canary. “Think--for the first time since we started these adventures in thrift, I have been able to give Teresa Moore a tip. I do feel _that_ puffed up.” She seated herself on the arm of her husband’s chair and laid the picture postal on the table. “And I heard you ask in the most casual way: ‘Teresa, do you think it would pay us to investigate the Long Island Home Hamper?’ just as if you had known about it for five months instead of five minutes,” commented Mr. Larry, pinching his wife’s cheek. “You really can’t blame her,” said Claire. “Teresa is so horribly wise; and she has made us feel so inferior!” “Not that she meant to,” added kindly Mrs. Larry, “but I have had to follow her lead so long--and I--well, I did enjoy handing her a bit of information.” “No doubt,” laughed Mr. Larry, drawing her close. “And now that you have unearthed the Long Island Hamper, what do you propose to do with it?” “Find out what it is worth.” “My dear, you certainly are gaining in directness.” “Oh, Larry, what an inviting collection of fresh green things! Do you suppose it could taste half as good as it looks? See--those are really, truly new potatoes that show pink through their skins.” “Looks as if the hose had been turned on them.” “And corn, lima beans, summer squash----” “What is the thing that looks like cabbage gone to seed?” “Kohl-rabi, silly! And cucumbers, onions, cabbage and beets. I couldn’t buy them at Dahlgren’s for less than three dollars. Yet this postcard says we can have such a hamper delivered at our door every week for one dollar and fifty cents. I think I will order one. Address Medford Demonstration Farm, Medford, Long Island.”