“Oh, of course,” Rose hastened to say, “now the chance has come to me I wouldn’t miss it for anything. And I will make the best of it, too. I’m going to send right away and get a prospectus of the college to see what the entrance requirements are. I’m not going to be conditioned, and I’d rather be a little ahead. I had planned anyway to read Virgil this summer with Mr. Fifield, and I can study up whatever else is needed.” “I think if you are going to college this fall you will need to do some sewing as well as studying,” suggested Miss Silence. “Of course I shall. I know I can’t spend money for a great deal; what I do have I want neat and in good shape. I’m so glad to know about it now, for I can plan the dresses I will need when I graduate from the high school so I can use them then.” “How many will you need?” asked Silence Blossom. “The other girls say three; a suit for the Baccalaureate sermon, another for the senior reception, and the graduating dress.” “That last will be white, and will answer for your best white dress all the year, and if you get a pretty grey for your suit that will do for fall wear.” “That makes two new dresses,” reflected Rose. “I can’t afford any more, and one other still to be evolved. I wish the waist wasn’t so badly worn to the lavender and white striped silk Great-Aunt Sarah sent in the last box; it would make a pretty dress, and I could mend up the cream lace to trim it.” Before Rose had ceased speaking Miss Silence was turning the leaves of a fashion book. “There is a dress in this last number that I believe we can copy, and use the purple silk she sent you once to combine with it. The solid color will give it character, and the lace will soften and keep it girlish.” Rose was looking at the plate. “Yes, that will be pretty. You are the very Wizard of Old Clothes. And if there are scraps enough of silk and lace left I will make a little hat with purple violets for trimming to wear with it.” She paused and lifted an impressive finger. “But mind this, when I get to earning for myself I will have some pretty dresses, and never will I wear any more of Great-Aunt Sarah’s cast-offs!” Mrs. Patience smiled indulgently. “You are young, Rose, it is only natural you should feel so. But you know you are denying yourself now so that day may come.” “I know it,” Rose nodded. “When I have had to go without things I wanted and that other girls did have, I’ve said, ‘Never mind, you are having an education.’ I expect to have to say that pretty often when I get to college—it’s hard to realize that I am going—but I’m not going to forget that I’m working for a purpose.” “And that’s better than fine clothes.” Rose twisted her face. “I wouldn’t object to the fine clothes if I could have them. But I suppose I shall need some dresses for everyday wear; the blue dress I had last year will do for that, won’t it?”