"Because it's in you. You've brains, and pluck, and 'go', and all kinds of things that other folks haven't. You might do such a splendid amount in the world some day!"
"I, my dear girl!" cried Honor in amazement. "Why, I'm sure I'm not up to much!"
"You could be, if you tried."
"There are some things that aren't possible, however hard one tries. I can no more be really and truly good than you could win the Atalanta race at the sports!"
The colour flushed into Janie's thin cheeks. Her lack of physical prowess was sometimes rather a sore subject to her. Though she did not enjoy games, she would, nevertheless, have dearly liked the credit of excelling in them. For a moment or two she did not reply. She was considering hard, and making up her mind on a difficult point. When she spoke, it was with a touch of diffidence and hesitation in her voice.
"Suppose I could win the 'Atalanta', would you think it possible to be what Miss Maitland wants you?"
"Indeed, I'd think anything possible!" replied Honor, with more truth than politeness.
"Then shall we make it a bargain—if I win the race, you're going to try your very hardest?"
"Turn over a new leaf, in fact?"
"Yes."