“Put your things right back, Gincy,” she said, “you’re going to stay after all. I’ve just seen Mrs. Donnelly.”
Gincy looked up in astonishment that at first was too great for words. “You don’t mean hit?” she gasped at last, clutching her friend’s arm.
“Sure I do,” Talitha nodded with a smile. Her own burden lightened wonderfully at the sight of Gincy’s radiant face and suddenly dried tears. She left the girl putting her belongings back in drawers and closet with a joyful haste. Gincy had not even inquired how this transformation had been wrought; it was enough for her to know that she was not to be sent home.
Talitha’s next duty was to find Martin and make known her resolution. After a long search he was discovered in the library with a pile of reference books before him. He looked up with shining eyes. She knew how he rejoiced in the opportunity for another year’s work. It would take away half his pleasure to learn that she would not be there to share it, still she was confident that he would see the wisdom of her resolve. At a sign from her he followed wonderingly out back of the building to a seat under one of the large trees of the campus where they would be unnoticed.
“How’s Gincy coming on? She isn’t getting homesick a’ready, is she?” he inquired.
“Gincy! Not much; she’s pleased as can be with everything here. That’s what I came to see you about.” Talitha paused and looked down at her folded hands, while Martin sat staring at her in bewilderment. “Mrs. Donnelly came to see me this morning,” she went on presently. “She told me that Gincy must go home, that there is no place for her. So many girls have come this fall the rooms are crowded.”
“Go home!” repeated Martin indignantly. “Oh, we can’t let her; she mustn’t.”
“Of course not. She’s been crying till she’s ’most beat out, but I’ve been thinking it over and Gincy’s going to stay. I’ve just seen Mrs. Donnelly again—”
“Well, I’m mighty glad!” Martin gave a long breath of relief. “How did you manage it, Tally?”
“I’m going home instead,” she answered calmly.