"There can be a reduction made in the matter of servants," said Mrs. Lee. "We are paying Maggie fifteen dollars and Charlotte twelve. I have talked with Maggie already. She will stay with us for twelve, and we can let Charlotte go." Beatrice looked more woe-begone than before, but Miss Billy's face showed no disappointment. "I think that is the very best thing to do under the circumstances," she said decidedly. "The servant girl problem is solved." "On the contrary, it has just begun," said Beatrice with a rueful glance at her pretty hands. "Miss Peabody will have to lose the brightest star in her galaxy. She draws too heavily upon our modest income. I shall join Ted at the High School," went on Miss Billy bravely. "Are you sure that is wise?" asked Mrs. Lee. "Private school has been one of my pet extravagances. I should like to keep you with your old schoolmates as long as possible, for it will make a great change in your life to leave them." "But think of the saving in expense," urged Miss Billy. Beatrice gave a little shudder. "I hate to think of your going to that dirty, noisy place--filled with Germans and germs----" "And Polish and poles, and Russians and rushes----" put in Theodore. "The course is certainly good, and the instructors excellent," said the minister. "If Miss Billy could be reconciled to the public schools for a year, I think we could manage college for her later." There was a wistfulness in his tones that touched Miss Billy's tender heart. "Of course I could," she said stoutly. "I'd rather go, daddy dear." "As to the matter of houses," went on Mr. Lee, "I am afraid that we shall have to leave our present home. Your mother and I spent yesterday in looking at vacant houses. Just now there seem to be few unoccupied, but we finally found one that we thought might do." "Where is it?" inquired Beatrice. "In the lower part of the town," answered Mr. Lee. "It is not in an aristocratic neighbourhood, but it seems as though it might be quite comfortable, after a few repairs are made, and the rent is ridiculously low. The house in Number 12 Cherry Street." "Cherry Street!" cried Beatrice, involuntarily clapping her palms over her eyes. "Oh, papa, how _can_ you. We _can't_ live in Cherry Street." "Oh, yes we can," said Miss Billy promptly. "Yes we can," chimed in Theodore. "What kind of a house is it?" asked Miss Billy, in a practical and business-like tone. Mr. Lee looked puzzled. "Well, I know it's small," he said, "and I have an indistinct remembrance of brown paint. Ask your mother; I fear I haven't much memory for details. Perhaps if I had I should have watched my investment a little closer," he added sadly.