human
I wonder, said Sylvia,
gpt
Do you like it?
human
I can't quite tell you, girls; it's all new to me at present. Everything is new and strange. Oh girls, England is a cold, cold country!
gpt
But it is declared by all the geography-books to be warmer than Scotland,
human
I don't mean physical cold,
gpt
I begin to like school, said Hetty.
human
Lessons aren't really a bit hard.
gpt
I think school is very stimulating, said Sylvia.
human
The teachers are all so kind, and we are making friends by degrees. The only thing that Hetty and I don't like is this, Bet, that we see so very little of you.
gpt
Although I see little of you I never forget you,
human
And then, continued Sylvia,
gpt
And perhaps, said Betty,
human
What do you mean?
gpt
Oh, nothing--nothing.
human
Betty, you are growing very mysterious.
gpt
I hope not, replied Betty.
human
I should just hate to be mysterious.
gpt
Well, you are growing it, all the same, said Hester.
human
But, oh Bet, you're becoming the most wonderful favorite in the school! I can't tell you what the other girls say about you, for I really think it would make you conceited. It does us a lot of good to have a sister like you; for whenever we are spoken to or introduced to a new girl--I mean a girl we haven't spoken to before--the remark invariably is, 'Oh, are you related to Betty Vivian, the Speciality?' And then--and then everything is all right, and the girls look as if they would do anything for us. We are the moon and stars, you are the sun; and it's very nice to have a sister like you.
gpt
Well, listen, girls. We're going to have a real good time to-morrow, and we'll forget all about school and the lessons and the chapel.
human
Oh, but I do like the chapel! said Sylvia in a thoughtful voice.
gpt
I love to hear Mr. Fairfax when he reads the lessons; and I think if I were in trouble about anything I could tell him, somehow.
human
Could you? said Betty. She started slightly, and stared very hard at her sister.
gpt
Perhaps one could, she said after a moment's pause.
human
Mr. Fairfax is very wonderful.
gpt
Oh yes, isn't he?
human
But we won't think of him to-night or to-morrow, continued Betty, rising to her feet as she spoke.
gpt
We must imagine ourselves back in Scotland again. Oh, it will be splendid to have that time at the Mileses' farm!
human
Have I your permission, Miss Symes, she said,
gpt
Aren't you well, Betty dear?
human
Physically I am quite well; mentally I am not.
gpt
Dear Betty!
human
I can't explain it, said Betty.
gpt
I would just rather not attend prayers to-night. Do you mind?
human
No, dear. You haven't perhaps yet been acquainted with the fact that the Specialities are never coerced to attend prayers. They are expected to attend; but if for any reason they prefer not, questions are not asked.
gpt
Oh, thank you!