“I’m going to study reading and rifm-tic,” she added, hoping to produce even more of an impression.
Helen and Randy laughed, “I hope they will reserve ‘rifm-tic,’” said Helen, “until a little later.”
“When there is snow,” said Randy, “we can coast on our sled down to Mr. Lawton’s house, without stopping; and although I’m pretty tall this winter, I think I shall coast just as I did last season, only this year Prue will sit behind me.”
“And Jotham ’most always drags her home, so she don’t have to walk ’t all,” said Prue, anxious to tell all the particulars.
“Randy is fortunate to have such an accommodating friend,” said Helen, “and now I have something to tell you. I have been helping my aunt to make some plans for the winter, and I have really found three days at the Christmas holidays for which I have made no engagements, and, if it will please you, Randy, I will give those days to you.”
Mrs. Weston paused in her work to say, “We shall all be pleased to have you with us, and Randy will be wild until you come.”
Helen had taken leave of Sandy and his wife at their home, so when Randy’s father brought the old horse and wagon to the door, she said good-by to Mrs. Weston and little Prue, and with Randy and her father rode to the depot at the centre.
They arrived just a few moments before the train was due, and Helen and Randy walked up and down the platform, talking earnestly over the promised visit and the winter schooldays so soon to commence.
“I shall think of you every day,” said Randy, “and I mean to study so hard this winter that some day, when I write, I shall be able to tell you that I am at the head of my class.”
“That is right,” said Helen; “ambition and hard work will accomplish wonders.”