"Wait a bit, Patty. That's all very well so far as determination and will are concerned. And I can do it. My will is strong, and I know I'm started now on the right track. But--there are many hard facts to face. There's a sordid side to the question that can't be solved by will-power and determination. Mr. Hepworth thinks I can get a scholarship practically without cost; but, in addition to that, I have to pay my board, you know, and I have very little money. My dear old father can send me a small allowance, but we are a large family, and he is not rich. So I want to know if you think I could earn enough by some work outside my classes to pay my board--say, about fifteen dollars a week. Do you?" Patty couldn't help it. This question from Christine was too much! She was sitting on a couch, and she put her head down into a big, soft pillow, and shook with laughter. Did _she_ think a girl could earn fifteen dollars a week? _Did_ she, indeed? With a strange sound between a gurgle and a choke, she ran out of the room. Not for worlds would she have Christine think she was laughing at her, so in a moment she had straightened her grinning face, smothered her giggles, and returned, saying: "Excuse me, please; I had a sudden choking spell. What were you saying?" "You poor dear! Mayn't I get you a glass of water?" "No, thanks; I'm all right now. As to your question--no, Christine, I do _not_ think you could earn fifteen dollars a week! No, nor fifteen cents a week, while you're occupied with your lessons." Christine looked aghast. "Oh, Patty!" she said. "Then what am I to do? I thought you'd say, yes, I could earn that sum easily." Again Patty wanted to laugh. A month ago she would have said that very thing. "Christine," she said, gently, "listen to me. We Fairfields and Mr. Hepworth all take an interest in you and in your career. We all feel sure you will yet be a great artist. Of course, our belief is founded on Mr. Hepworth's assertions, but we know he is capable of judging. Now you must have that year of study, and by that time Mr. Hepworth feels sure you can earn quite a lot of money by illustrating, and whatever he thinks goes!" "Well," said Christine, as Patty paused, uncertain how to proceed. "Well, you see," went on Patty, suddenly deciding that the plain, outspoken facts were best, "father has offered to pay your board for a year at some nice, pleasant boarding-house, and----Mercy! _What's_ the matter?" For Christine had turned first a blazing, fiery red, and then as white as chalk, and seemed about to tumble off her chair. "Brace up there!" cried Patty, shaking her by the shoulder. "Don't you faint or do anything silly! I take it all back. Father wouldn't do such a thing!" "You misunderstand!" said Christine, smiling faintly through now rapidly falling tears. "I almost fainted from sheer gladness." "Oh! I thought you were angry and offended and insulted and mad as hops, and everything like that!"