this time impatiently.

"That's the tassel of the cornstock," said Elnora with a forced laugh.

The response was genuine. Every one shouted. Sadie Reed blushed, but she
laughed also.

"Well, it's beautiful," she said, "especially the quills. They are
exactly what I want. I know I don't deserve any kindness from you, but I
do wish you would tell me at whose store you found those quills."

"Gladly!" said Elnora. "You can't buy quills like those at a store. They
are from a living bird. Phoebe Simms gathers them in her orchard as her
peacocks shed them. They are wing quills from the males."

Then there was perfect silence. How was Elnora to know that not a girl
there would have told that?

"I haven't a doubt but I can get you some," she offered. "She gave Aunt
Margaret a large bunch, and those are part of them. I am quite sure she
has more, and would spare some."

Sadie Reed laughed shortly. "You needn't trouble," she said, "I was
fooled. I thought they were expensive quills. I wanted them for a
twenty-dollar velvet toque to match my new suit. If they are gathered
from the ground, really, I couldn't use them."

"Only in spots!" said Elnora. "They don't just cover the earth. Phoebe
Simms's peacocks are the only ones within miles of Onabasha, and they
moult but once a year. If your hat cost only twenty dollars, it's