Bab's Burglar

It was mother who said a Thousand dollars a year and no extras. But I
must confess that to me, after ten dollars a month at school, it seemed
a large sum. I had but just returned for the summer holadays, and the
Familey was having a counsel about me. They always have a counsel when I
come home, and mother makes a list, begining with the Dentist.

"I should make it a Thousand," she said to father. "The child is in
shameful condition. She is never still, and she fidgits right through
her clothes."

"Very well," said father, and got his Check Book. "That is $83.33 1/3
cents a month. Make it thirty four cents. But no bills, Barbara."

"And no extras," my mother observed, in a stern tone.

"Candy, tennis balls and matinee tickets?" I asked.

"All included," said father. "And Church collection also, and ice cream
and taxicabs and Xmas gifts."

Although pretending to consider it small, I realy felt that it was a
large amount, and I was filled with joy when father ordered a Check Book
for me with my name on each Check. Ah, me! How happy I was!

I was two months younger then and possably childish in some ways. For I
remember that in my exhiliration I called up Jane Raleigh the moment she
got home. She came over, and I showed her the book.