nion looked at
her keenly. "Expectant schoolgirl" was written from the top of Elizabeth's
fair hair to the soles of her shoes. Her linen traveling dress was
conspicuously new, as were her gloves and shoes.

"You are going to school, then?"

"Yes; to Exeter Hall." Elizabeth wondered in her own mind how she knew.

"You'll like it there. That is, unless you are the exception among girls.
I was a student there over thirty years ago. I liked it, I'm sure. And
every girl student I've ever met, and I meet them by the score, has no
voice except to sing its praises."

"Do you know many of the students there now?"

"I met most of those who were there last year. Some I knew quite well. Of
course, the Senior class will not return, and there will be many new
students. Those I hope to meet."

"I've never had any girl companions," said Elizabeth. "I expect to like
all the girls."

Again the smile. She shook her head decidedly in negation at Elizabeth's
remark.

"No; you will not like them all," she replied. "Exeter Hall is like a
little world. We have some fine girls there, but we have, too, some that
are petty and selfish. Exeter Hall has sent forth some of the noblest
women I have ever known, and it has also sent forth some that simply
cumber the earth with their presence."

"I would think they'd be able to keep that last class out."

"Perhaps it could be done. But the Hall is for the girls--not the girls
for the Hall. Some flighty, irresponsible girls, under the influence of
the school, develop into strong characters, and leave there to do good
work. But there are always a few who fritter their time, and leave the
same as they enter. But even these must be given the opportunity for
development, if they are capable of it. You know that is true even in
public schools."

"I know nothing about it," was the reply. "I never went to school a day in
my life."

"How then, child, do you expect to enter Exeter? The requirements are
considerable, and the examinations rigid."

"I've been admitted. Miss Hale and my father taught me. Miss Hale said I
was ready for the Middle Class, and they admitted me on her statement."

"And well they might. They would take Julia Hale's word for anything. Who
that knew her wouldn't?"

"You know her, then?"

"I was a student at Exeter. That means I know Julia Hale by report, at
least. But I was more fortunate than the most of girls. I really met her
and knew her well. Your father helped Miss