Irma in Italy: A Travel Story

To M. E. F. A TRUE TRAVELLER

Of course it's great to go to Europe; any one would jump at the chance, but still——
As the speaker, a bright-eyed girl of sixteen, paused, her companion, slightly younger, continued:
Yes, I know what you mean—it doesn't seem just like Irma to go away before school closes. Why, if she misses the finals, she may have to drop from the class next year.
Probably she expects Italy to help her in her history and Latin.

Travelling is all very well, responded the other, but there's nothing better than regular study. Why, here's Irma coming, she concluded hastily; she can speak for herself.
You are surely gossiping about me, cried Irma pleasantly, as she approached her two friends seated on the front steps of Gertrude's house. You have surely been gossiping, for you stopped talking as soon as you saw me, and Lucy looks almost guilty.
Listeners sometimes hear good of themselves, replied Lucy, but we'll admit we have been wondering how you made up your mind to run away from school. I shouldn't have dared.
My father and mother decided for me, when Aunt Caroline said she must know at once. There was some one else she would invite, if I couldn't go. I simply could not give up so good a chance to see Europe. But of course I am sorry to leave school.
Now, Irma, no crocodile tears. Gertrude pinched her friend's arm as she spoke. Fond as I am—or ought to be—of school, I wouldn't think twice about leaving it all, if I had a chance to shorten this horrid winter.