“Oh, Beth!” wailed Molly, again. “You are shutting yourself off from everything!”
“Oh no, dear.”
“Oh yes, you will!”
“No. I shall not be shutting myself off from the most necessary thing in my life here at Rivercliff School,” Beth declared firmly.
“For pity’s sake! what is that?”
“Work. If I am not socially connected with any clique of girls I shall stand a better chance of getting work from all.”
“Cracky-me! What work?” gasped Molly.
“You didn’t think I was in earnest!” cried Beth.
“But—but—you have a whole year to think of work.”
“No. I have a whole year—or, almost—to earn what I need for next year. I must take opportunity by the forelock, for he will certainly be shaved close for me behind. A regular ‘Riley cut,’ to quote my slangy brother again. I must not let the first opportunity get by me.”