“Well, I show a frantic interest in all the reference books mentioned, and I’ve even bought one or two of them. I also make a special note of any witticism—alleged witticism—of my instructor. Then I’m building up a scholarly reputation by adorning my room with books and plaster casts. When I have a brass tea-kettle I shall be ready for company. But it will be tiresome to keep that tea-kettle polished.”
“It’s less trouble than you might think,” said Julia, laughing. “That’s the advantage of owning a roommate.”
“Well, you are an angel. Miss Roberts, do you do all the polishing in this establishment?”
“Ah! it wouldn’t be becoming to disclose how much work I do.”
“Oh, well,” said Clarissa, “it’s a fair division of labor after all for you to do the rubbing and scrubbing, while Julia does the æsthetic and ornamental for the two.”
Ruth colored at this remark, and Julia looked up in surprise at the careless Clarissa. But the Western girl, unconscious of offence, was looking at the photographs on the mantle-piece.
Before Clarissa turned around, Ruth, gathering up her books, had left the room.
“Why did she leave us?” asked Clarissa, discovering her absence.
“Oh, she often studies in her own room. Only on Monday afternoon does she feel perfectly free.”
“I see,” responded Clarissa, “I am a little in the way to-day.”