One tiny curl added to the top of the first curve of the m in her name, had transformed it from a good old English patronymic that any girl might bear proudly, to Cornstock.
Elnora sat speechless.

When and how did it happen?
She could feel the wave of smothered laughter in the air around her.

A rush of anger turned her face scarlet and her soul sick.

The voice of the professor addressed her directly.
"This proposition seems to be beautifully demonstrated, Miss Cornstalk," he said.

"Surely, you can tell us how you did it." That word of praise saved her.