So, between them, the Professor and Mrs.DeGraf managed to defray ordinary expenses and keep Elizabeth at school; but there were one or two dreadful "notes" that were constantly hanging over their heads like the sword of Damocles, threatening to ruin them at any moment their creditors proved obdurate.
Finding her father and mother both occupied, the girl ventured to open her letter.

It was written in a sharp, angular, feminine hand and read as follows: "My Dear Niece: It will please me to have you spend the months of July and August as my guest at Elmhurst.

I am in miserable health, and wish to become better acquainted with you before I die.

A check for necessary expenses is enclosed and I shall expect you to arrive promptly on the first of July.
"Your Aunt, "JANE MERRICK." A low exclamation from Elizabeth caused her father to look in her direction.

He saw the bank check lying beside her plate and the sight lent an eager thrill to his voice.
"What is it, Beth ?" "A letter from Aunt Jane." Mrs.De Graf gave a jump and crushed the newspaper into her lap.
"What!" she screamed.
"Aunt Jane has invited me to spend two months at Elmhurst" said Elizabeth, and passed the letter to her mother, who grabbed it excitedly.
"How big is the check, Beth ?" enquired the Professor, in a low tone.
"A hundred dollars.