Helen Grant's Schooldays

by Amanda M. Douglas

  CHAPTER VII

  SUCCESSFUL

  They chatted a little after the meal was over, and Mr. Warfield askedHelen to get her papers, and let him see how she had made out with them.Mrs. Van Dorn gave him a pleasant good-by, and said she must go and takeher daily nap, the best preventive of old age that she knew. Her smilewas over the fact that she held the winning card, and now she hadresolved to play for the girl. It was more entertaining.

  Helen brought her papers, very nicely written, and Mr. Warfield admittedwell prepared. There were but few corrections to be made. Then hesmiled, and said in a tone he meant to be comforting, if the matter wasnot:

  "Perhaps you know, Helen, you cannot use these. Some were last year'squestions, some I guessed at, though I believe I hit two rightly. Yousit down in the room, at the table, and a list is given you, and youwrite out your answers from your own interior knowledge, with no helpsfrom books or friends."

  Helen glanced up in dismay, her rosy cheek paled, her lip had asuspicious quiver.

  "But I thought----" and she looked at the discarded papers, over whichshe had taken so much pains.

  "My dear child, I wanted you to put in practice what you had alreadylearned. Vacation is a trying time to the memory, unless one resolvesthe subject in one's mind. It would have been better for you to come upat once for the examination, but I didn't see how it was to be managed.Indeed, last night I confess I did not see how the plan could be carriedthrough, and I am surprised at your courage and energy."

  "Then the papers are of no use," she commented in a tone ofdisappointment.

  "They have been of a good deal of use in mental training. You will findit much easier to write on kindred subjects. And I must say you have hada fortunate summer; so much better than anything I had anticipated foryou. You have shown commendable courage in taking a step many girlswould have shrunk from. I am sure that you will succeed, and some waywe must all make it possible for you to go through the High School. Ifeel confident that Providence will smile on our efforts."

  She glanced up soberly.

  "You would have gone without hesitation when school closed in thesummer?"

  "Oh, yes." Then she laughed. She was the wholesome sort of girl, whocould laugh at herself. "That was because I knew so little. And since Ihave found how much knowledge of every kind there is in the world, mineseems so small. I am afraid I don't want to compare myself with thepeople who know less, and those who know more seem so far ahead of me,"she subjoined frankly.

  "That need not take away one's courage. At eight and twenty you willknow a good deal more, at eight and forty if you use life rightly, youwill have discarded a good deal of the youthful knowledge, and taken onmaturer thoughts. Schooldays do not end with the close of a school forvacation. You observe that goes on after a little rest. And the realscholars go on. All life is a school. I did some hard studying thefortnight I was in London. I shall do some more this winter. There isalways something ahead of the one who loves knowledge."

  He had a very encouraging smile for those who deserved it. He couldfrown as well, she knew, and this particular smile was used withdiscrimination; it was not the every-day pleasant look.

  "So you will go next Tuesday. Louise Searing did not pass. She will keepyou company. I must leave for New York in the train at four, and cannotbe back before Wednesday. But I shall be thinking of you, and for mysake you must not fail. You see, it helps or hinders my reputation. Iwant all my five candidates to pass. There have never more than threegone from the Center school before."

  "I will try my best," she returned. The thought that she would dosomething for him inspired her as well.

  So they said good-by, and she went out to the kitchen. Two baskets oftempting Bartlett pears had come, and Mrs. Dayton, with a big kitchenapron on, and her sleeves rolled up, was beginning to pare them. As soonas Joanna had done the dishes she would can.

  "If you wouldn't mind helping, Helen. Put that big kitchen sacque overyour dress, and button the sleeves around your wrists. Pear juicestains dreadfully. And then we will talk about the plans. Mr. Warfieldis a delightful gentleman to meet, and he is very much interested inyou."

  If Helen was two or three years older, she might repeat her mother'sdestiny, the lady thought, and Mr. Warfield was a much more attractiveman than Addison Grant.

  They discussed the examination, and Mrs. Dayton endeavored to inspireher with hope, and she was confident a place could be found for Helen.

  "But how to get the folks at home to consent to any such step will bethe puzzle. As soon as we know about the examination I will have a talkwith your uncle. I think I can persuade him to look upon the plan in thebest light for you, and you can stay here all September."

  "But there will be Jenny's wedding about the middle of the month, Auntsaid."

  "And on the tenth the High School opens."

  "Oh, dear! My schooldays seem a great perplexity," and Helen gave avague smile. "Some girls' lives run on so smoothly, but mine appearsfull of upsets."

  "Take courage and go on. I think it will come out right. But I shallnot make a single plan until you have passed the examination."

  Then Mrs. Van Dorn's bell rang.

  Helen slipped off her sacque, washed her hands, and suddenly bent downand kissed Mrs. Dayton's forehead. "Oh," she cried with deep tenderness,"I wish I had a mother! I wish you were my mother."

  Mrs. Dayton looked after her, as she flashed through the dining room.All her motions were light and rapid, yet she never ran over chairs, orbumped up against doors or corners. It was a grace born in her, and Mrs.Dayton wondered that it had not all been wrenched out of her by thecrude bustling life at the Mulfords'. And she wondered how it would seemto have a daughter growing up who would love her and care for her. Helenwas overflowing with gratitude, and one of the best features of it wasthat it abounded in deeds rather than words. She always wanted to dosomething in return, she often did it without stopping to inquire, dailylittle things that evinced thoughtfulness. After all, her three years'board would hardly be felt, there would be the summer vacation. Only, ifshe should be sent away somewhere to teach afterward. But there wouldbe three pleasant years. She _could_ afford to do it now, she had gonepast the pinches, and was putting by a little every year.

  Mrs. Van Dorn, upstairs on her couch in the comfort of a dressingsacque, was amusing herself with plans as well. She did like to enjoyoutgeneraling people. And this young Mr. Warfield's confidence ratherpiqued her. The same thought had entered her mind that this enthusiasticgirl might repeat her mother's story, and she had a fancy that it hadbeen one of disappointment.

  Years ago the daughter of a cousin, the only relative who had everbefriended her, after a prosperous married life of a dozen years'duration, was thrown on her own endeavors for a livelihood, with twolittle girls. She had a beautiful house in a pretty, refined town, butthere was a considerable mortgage on it. Mrs. Van Dorn had come to herassistance; she was not all selfishness. With a little aid, Mrs. Aldredhad established herself in a day and boarding school, had added to herhouse, and become the pride of the pretty town of Westchester. One actof Mrs. Aldred had gone to her old cousin's heart. She had paid thewhole sum loaned, interest and principal, and sent the most heartfeltthanks. She was a prosperous and happy woman, and her girls were growingup into usefulness, one was teaching, the other would be an artist.There was no hint or suggestion that she should like to be remembered inanyone's will, or would be grateful for any gift. The principle of theincident really touched Mrs. Van Dorn, who paid Mrs. Aldred a visit, andon her departure left her what she called a little gift in token of hercourage and business ability, a check for a thousand dollars.

  "I'm going to take the good of what I have," she announced with a rathergrim smile, "so I shall have the less to leave behind when I die."

  That had been five years ago. Now Mrs. Van Dorn had written to know ifthe school was still prosperous, and what the terms were, and if shewould take the supervision of an orphan girl who was ambitious, eager,capable
of many things, a girl full of bright promise, amiable intemper, who was to be trained to get her own living if that came to her,but accomplished for society, if that should be her lot.

  After her talk with Mr. Warfield she had made up her mind. He should nothave his way in this matter. She would try her hand, or her money withthis girl. She was going abroad again for the next year or two, and shewould give Helen two years of education under Mrs. Aldred's supervision.Then she would decide if she wanted her, and in what capacity.

  Fourteen only. Twenty would be young enough to marry. She would have sixyears of interest. If the girl came to love her very much----

  The poor old heart had a hungering for ardent love, as well asadmiration. And Helen Grant _was_ grateful. To rescue her from adistasteful life like that at her uncle's, or a life of drudgery workingher way through school would appeal to her, for Mrs. Van Dorn haddiscerned that the girl had a great hungry heart for all the accessoriesof finer living, though she did not know what the vague restlessstirring within meant.

  The carriage paused at the gate. "Help me into my waist," she said toHelen. "I've dawdled my time away finely. What have you been doing?"

  "Peeling pears for canning," she replied merrily. "Mrs. Dayton pickedout a dish of lovely ones for you, and put them in a cool place. Theyare luscious. I wonder if you would like to have one now?"

  "Oh, no. That will be something to think of when I come back. The windhas blown up a little cooler, and I am glad. Get my bonnet, and the bluewrap."

  They went downstairs together, and were helped into the coupe. "To thePostoffice first," she said. "We will wait on ourselves this time."

  Mr. Conway always brought the mail up at six, though it reached Hope atthree.

  "Your friend, Mr. Warfield, is going to the city? He is very earnestthat you shall take the examination. How do you expect to arrange aboutthe High School? You will have to live here at North Hope."

  Helen colored vividly, and a half-humorous smile parted her lips, andmade dimples in the corners.

  "I shall have to earn my own living someway," she answered courageously."Aunt Mulford will be much opposed to it, but I think Uncle will seebefore long that it will be best. Mrs. Dayton will be a very good friendto me. It all turns on my passing the examinations successfully."

  "And if you should not?"

  "Then I must go back to the Center. But I would have another chance bythe first of January. And I have quite resolved that if I do notaccomplish it this year I will try next summer."

  There was a charm in her courage and perseverance. Mrs. Van Dorn thoughtshe had never looked prettier. She could not have taken so cordially toa plain girl.

  They reached the Postoffice. Helen sprang out, and came back with aneager smile and three letters. Then they turned into an old shadystreet, and drove slowly.

  One was from her lawyer in the city. The matter she had written of couldbe easily adjusted.

  The next was in Miss Gage's fine, almost old-fashioned hand. Everythinghad gone on well, and she would come on Wednesday, prepared to goabroad, or anywhere at Mrs. Van Dorn's behest. A very suitable letter,but there was no suggestion of that wider living outside of her own homerelations. She was an admirable companion, an excellent nurse for smallailments; she gave good value for what she received, but there was norefreshment of enthusiasm that had warmed her old heart toward thisgirl who seemed to rouse and stir one's thoughts, and give a breath ofsweetness.

  The third was from Mrs. Aldred, who would be glad to do anything for herrelative. She was fond of girls, especially those who were bright andcapable of advancement. She would insure her a home and training for thenext two years, and fit her for either position, look after herclothing, and make her as happy as possible. Hers was in reality a homeschool. Her circle was complete with thirty boarders, all of whom wereof unexceptional character, and Mrs. Van Dorn need not be afraid totrust her _protegee_ at Aldred House, nor fear that any confidence wouldbe misplaced.

  She had meant to lay the matter before Helen this very afternoon, thenshe suddenly changed her mind. If the examination went against her, shewould be the more grateful, if in her favor, it would be a card at Mrs.Aldred's. She would let the others plan, and amuse herself withupsetting their confident arrangements.

  So they talked, instead, about places. Helen never tired of listening.Her vivid imagination pictured the scenes, while here she smiled alittle, there her straight brows drew together in a little frown ofcondemnation, then the heroic appealed to her. It was so pretty to notethe changes. Two years from this time would she be anxious about gownsand trinkets and frivolity of all kinds? Girls were risky creaturesbefore their characters were really formed. Yes, it would be wise not tocommit one's self too far to draw back, or substitute other plans.

  "When is your old lady going away?" asked Uncle Jason, when he came inon Saturday. "Mother thinks she can't spare you more than next week.There's the house to clean, and the weddin' cake to make, and thechildren have to have new clothes, and goodness only knows all."

  "But I was to have her a week in September," said Mrs. Dayton. "If Jennyis to be home----"

  "Well, she'll be over to her house gettin' ready. We didn't make anysuch fuss when we were married. We got spliced and looked after thingsafterward. Well, Helen--how is it? I'm afraid you're 'most spoiled forliving among common folks any more."

  Helen's face was scarlet, as she glanced into this roughened sun-burnedone.

  "You've come to be such a lady," he went on admiringly. "Mebbe it wasn'tfor the best. You really ought to be somewhere else and grow up into thekind of women there is in stories. And your hands are so soft, thereisn't a freckle in your face. There's mighty little Mulford about you!"

  "Oh, Uncle Jason!" She flung her soft arms about his neck, immeasurablytouched by the tone of his voice. Her eyes shone with the tenderness oftears. She laid her fond lips to his rough cheek with a delicate caress.

  "Whatever comes," she began, after a pause, "remember that I dosincerely love you, and that I believe you would be willing to do thebest for me if it was in your power."

  "Your head's level there, child," with a tremble in his voice, and hekissed her fondly, a rare thing with him.

  She watched him as he went down the path and climbed into the old wagon.

  "I feel mean, and underhand, and deceitful," she cried passionately,turning to Mrs. Dayton. "I like to live along just on the square, andhow the thing will ever get told, and whether Aunt Jane will let mestay, and whether it is all right, and why you should want things thatseem out of your reach, and why someone should rise up and forbid youmounting the ladder that stands just at hand--oh dear!" and Helen burstinto a flood of tears.

  "You can tell it all next week. There's been nothing especiallyunderhand. People don't usually get out on the housetops and proclaimthe things they think of doing. And Mr. Warfield will be back. We shallall be ranged on your side."

  "Poor Uncle Jason! And I haven't finished grating the corn for thefritters. The cold tongue looks splendid. And the cold chicken. Then wegive people scalding hot fritters."

  She was merry and arch again in a moment.

  Sunday was soft and rainy, the sort of day one lounged about. MondayMrs. Griggs came to wash, and as there were pears to pickle Helen helpedwith the ironing. Tuesday she trudged off to school with a beatingheart. Louise Searing was there, one girl and two boys from the NorthHope school who had been conditioned.

  "I don't see what you can do if you do get in, Helen Grant," saidLouise. "I'm going to stay with Betty all the week"--this was hermarried sister. "Or has Mrs. Dayton promised to keep you? That rich oldlady is going away, isn't she? How did you like living out this summer?I went up in the mountains with ma. There were some young fellows and wehad lots of fun."

  "Hush!" said a teacher entering. Papers and pencils were distributed,the children placed far enough apart to prevent collusion. The lady tooka seat at the desk.

  Helen looked over her questions. Two were from the last year's
list, shesaw with joy, and she jotted down the answers carefully. The twoproblems she solved. The analysis rather puzzled her. One of the greatseaports of the country, and of Europe. The notable travelers in Africa.Hannibal's journey across the Alps, his conquests and his stay atBrutium. Just a week ago they had been reading Hannibal's wonderfulstory, and his fifteen years' menace of Rome. How glad she was!

  A rather stern looking man came in and took his seat by the lady. As theslips were finished they were signed and passed up. By noon Helen hadanswered five, when they were dismissed until two o'clock. As Helenpassed across the room the lady signaled to her, and handed her three ofthe slips. She fairly clutched them in her hand and hurried away lestLouise should speak to her.

  She did not dare open them. When she reached home, Mrs. Dayton wassugaring blackberries and placing the dishes on the waiter.

  "Oh, Helen! You look roasted!"

  "I walked so fast. Oh, will you look at these? I have not had thecourage. I have done five, there are four more," she cried breathlessly.

  "You poor child! Why, Helen, these are all right. It is splendid."

  Helen dropped on a chair and wanted to cry from the sudden relief.

  "You foolish girl, to prolong your anxiety. Here, take a fan and getsome of the redness out of your face."

  "I can't go in to lunch. Afterward I will go up and tell Mrs. Van Dorn.Please do not say a word about me," she entreated.

  Joanna brought her a glass of iced lemonade, and she thanked her withoverflowing eyes. Then she looked at the slips of paper and smiled.That was only three out of nine. What if the others should be adverse!

  She had a little lunch in the far end of the kitchen by the open window,and quite recovered her spirits. It seemed as if the ladies would neverget done talking over the table. Their loitering never fretted Mrs.Dayton, and Joanna had her lunch in the between time.

  When the coast was clear she tripped upstairs smiling and steady ofnerve, now.

  "And it was so fortunate that we read about Hannibal," she exclaimed,joyously. "I knew, of course, that he crossed the Alps and menaced Rome,but if we hadn't read the history I should have been at a great loss toknow just what to say. And one question about the Italian poets. Itseems to me I have been learning all summer from you. I was a realignoramus, wasn't I, except in mathematics. I owe you so much!"

  She squeezed the soft wrinkled hands in hers, so plump and warm. Herheartsome cheery voice penetrated deeper into the poor old soul thananything had done in a long while.

  She would owe her a good deal more in time. And she wondered abouttaking her abroad now. They could find teachers in plenty.

  "Now I must go back to my four other questions. Just pray that I shallnot fail anywhere."

  "I have a feeling that you will succeed."

  Two of the girls did not get through at four, but begged to stay, and itseemed hardly worth while to break another day, unless there were somenew applicants. Helen remained. She saw her answers piled up bythemselves. Then Miss Dowling beckoned her.

  "You are an excellent student," she exclaimed, "and you have had a veryfine teacher in Mr. Warfield. I think we must get him over here. Youhave missed only one question, and you go in with flying colors. I wishyou were to be in my class, but I shall have to wait for you until nextyear. You live at the Center? You will have to come up to us."

  The girl's eyes sparkled with delight at the commendation, and sheexpressed her gratification in a very pretty manner. Miss Dowling wasexceedingly interested in her.

  "I like those ambitious girls who are not puffed-up with vanity," shesaid to Mr. Steele. "Helen Grant. Do you know any Grants at theCenter?"

  "No. And the Center is the dullest of all the Hopes. We must find outabout this bright and shining light. I'll take these papers home andlook them over, and call around about nine."

  Miss Dowling nodded.

  "It's just too mean for anything!" declared Louise Searing. "I'm notsure that I shall even squeeze in, I've lost so many marks. I always didthink Mr. Warfield was partial to you, and it isn't fair."

  "I've been studying all summer," returned Helen.

  "And working at Mrs. Dayton's. For goodness sake what did you do? And Ican tell you it will make a difference with the real High School girls.Some here at North Hope are very stylish. So it is true you were outcarriage riding half the time?"

  The tone was unpleasant, half envious.

  "I went out with Mrs. Van Dorn, and read to her, and did little errands.Her real companion comes to-morrow. And about the middle of Septemberthey are going to Europe."

  "Oh!" Louise opened her eyes wide, rather nonplussed. Hope people didnot often go to Europe. And if companions were taken, then it wasn't sobad to be a companion. Perhaps it wouldn't be wise to begin to snubHelen Grant just now.