“I can explain it,” said another, “there’s an influence going out from that front corner room of the Vinton homestead which has power to revolutionize hearts and lives and to build up families; when the Rutgers first came they fell under that influence, and it is this which has made the difference. I suppose a small sum would cover all the money Miss Vinton expended for the family, but there is a great deal in doing things at the right time and in giving your money and sympathy when most needed.” “But there must be something back of what we see,” said the first speaker. “Yes; a consecrated life lies behind the work.” FAYE HUNTINGTON. [Illustration: GRANDMA FRINK. (_See page 314._)] _Volume 13, Number 41._ Copyright, 1886, by D. LOTHROP & CO. _August 14, 1886._ THE PANSY. [Illustration: “SHE PANTED AND STRUGGLED ON.”] REACHING OUT. (_A further Account of Nettie Decker and her Friends._) BY PANSY. CHAPTER X. AS a matter of fact there wasn’t a cake left. Neither doughnut nor gingersnap; hardly a crumb to tell the successful tale. Nettie surveyed the empty shelves the next morning in astonishment. She had been too busy the night before to realize how fast things were going. Naturally the number and variety of dishes in the Decker household was limited and the evening to Nettie was a confused murmur of, “Hand us in some more cups.” “Can’t you raise a few more teaspoons somewhere?” “Give us another plate,” or, “More doughnuts needed;” and Nettie flew hither and thither, washed cups, rinsed spoons, said, “What did I do with that towel?” or, “Where in the world is the bread knife?” or, “Oh! I smell the coffee! maybe it is boiling over,” and was conscious of nothing but weariness and relief when the last cup of coffee was drank, and the last teaspoon washed. But with the next morning’s sunshine she knew the opening was a success. She counted the gains with eager joy, assuring Jerry that they could have twice as much gingerbread next time. “And you’ll need it,” said Norm. “I had to tell half a dozen boys that there wasn’t a crumb left. I felt sorry for ’em, too; they were boarding-house fellows who never get anything decent to eat.” Already Norm had apparently forgotten that he was one who used frequently to make a similar complaint. There was a rarely sweet smile on Nettie’s face, not born of the chink in the factory bag which she had made for the money; it grew from the thought that she need not hide the bag now, and tremble lest it should be taken to the saloon to pay for whiskey. What a little time ago it was that she had feared that! What a changed world it was! “But there won’t be such a crowd again,” she said as they were putting the room in order, “that was the first night.” “Humph!” said that wise woman Susie with a significant toss of her head; “last night you said we mustn’t expect anybody because it _was_ the first night.”