“What is this little book, in which you were
so absorbed as I came upon you?” he resumed,
as he picked it up from the seat where she had laid
it and turned to the title page. “U-m! another
production by that remarkable woman! Do you understand
it?”
“I am growing to understand it better every
time I read it. There is much that is beautiful
and helpful in it.”
“Well, one would need to read over and over
to comprehend what she teaches, and”—reflectively—“I
am not sure but what it would be well worth one’s
while. But I must go. Dorrie will think I
am very late this afternoon. An, revoir, Miss
Minturn,” and slipping the book into Katherine’s
hands, he lifted his hat and went his way, while she
looked after him with shining eyes.
“Mamma sowed better than she knew, there; the
soil is good and the seed is taking root,” she
told herself as she turned with a light heart back
to her book.
Sadie receives an opportune invitation.
The last weeks of the school year just seemed to melt
away until only one remained, and this was filled
full with many duties, various class meetings, preparations
for graduating day, class receptions, etc.
For some time Katherine had observed that Sadie appeared
absent-minded and depressed; in fact, wholly unlike
herself, and twice of late she had surprised her in
violent weeping. But the girl would give no reason,
made light of it as “nervousness,” and
evaded all questions.
One day, while looking over their personal belongings
and packing away things no longer needed, preparatory
to their flitting, Katherine abruptly inquired:
“Sadie, where are you going to spend your summer?”
The girl started violently and turned a vivid scarlet.
“I—I don’t know, honey.
I reckon I may travel some,” she said, after
a moment of hesitation.
“With your guardian and his family?”
“N-o; they’re going to Europe, but I don’t
care to go with them.”
“But you surely cannot travel by yourself,”
Katherine observed, in surprise, while she regarded
the averted face opposite her curiously, an unaccountable
feeling of uneasiness taking possession of her.
“I—I suppose I can’t; perhaps
I shan’t, after all,” Sadie stammered.
“I may go to some quiet place and board.”
“Even in that case you would need a chaperon,”
Katherine objected.
“Well, Mr. Farnsworth wants me to go to his
sister in Genesee County. She’s a stiff,
little old maid who lives by herself, and he says
if I will not go to Europe I must stay with her.
But I might as well be shut up in a convent, and—I
won’t,” and there was a resonant note
of defiance in Miss Minot’s voice as she concluded.
“But what is your objection to the European
trip, Sadie? I should think you would like it;
I am sure you could have no better opportunity than
to go with the Farnsworths,” argued Katherine,
who was more and more perplexed by her roommate’s
strange caprice.
