I think the girl gathers specimens for her.

Ellen says she knows more than the teachers about any nature question that comes up, and she is going to lead all of them in mathematics, and make them work in any branch." When Elnora entered the coat room after having had luncheon with Ellen Brownlee there was such a difference in the atmosphere that she could feel it.
"I am almost sorry I have these clothes," she said to Ellen.
"In the name of sense, why ?" cried the astonished girl.
"Every one is so nice to me in them, it sets me to wondering if in time I could have made them be equally friendly in the others." Ellen looked at her introspectively.

"I believe you could," she announced at last.

"But it would have taken time and heartache, and your mind would have been less free to work on your studies.

No one is happy without friends, and I just simply can't study when I am unhappy." That night the Bird Woman made the last trip to the swamp.