Ellen described the extent of her preparation and Miss MacVane grew excited.
"How foolish to think of staying for four years! Get it in three! You can. You're no chicken—I mean you're old enough to use your time and not to run after the men and dramatics. Where are you going?"
"I thought I'd go to a girls' college."
"Oh, why don't you go to Cornell?" Miss MacVane spoke with missionary zeal. "Don't shut yourself up with a lot of little girls—you'll never stand it. Go where you may have some independence. Cornell is—"
But what Cornell was its admirer was prevented, by the arrival of the lecturer, from explaining.
"We'll continue this," she whispered, pressing Ellen's responsive hand.
When the lecture was over they walked together to the corner and there let a half-dozen cars pass. Miss MacVane proved to be an ardent advocate of education.
"I was a cash girl—I didn't know any other name than C-a-a-sh"—a passer-by turned a startled head—"I hadn't any money. Have you money? Because if you haven't there's a fund."
"If I could borrow just a little, then I could be sure of going in the fall," said Ellen excitedly.
"Of course you can borrow! To-morrow Doctor'll be away and you bring your catalogues into the office. I'll help you."