“Do you know many of the students there now?”
“I met most of those who were there last year. Some I knew quite well. Of course, the Senior class will not return, and there will be many new students. Those I hope to meet.”
“I’ve never had any girl companions,” said Elizabeth. “I expect to like all the girls.”
Again the smile. She shook her head decidedly in negation at Elizabeth’s remark.
“No; you will not like them all,” she replied. “Exeter Hall is like a little world. We have some fine girls there, but we have, too, some that are petty and selfish. Exeter Hall has sent forth some of the noblest women I have ever known, and it has also sent forth some that simply cumber the earth with their presence.”
“I would think they’d be able to keep that last class out.”
“Perhaps it could be done. But the Hall is for the girls—not the girls for the Hall. Some flighty, irresponsible girls, under the influence of the school, develop into strong characters, and leave there to do good work. But there are always a few who fritter their time, and leave the same as they enter. But even these must be given the opportunity for development, if they are capable of it. You know that is true even in public schools.”
“I know nothing about it,” was the reply. “I never went to school a day in my life.”
“How then, child, do you expect to enter Exeter? The requirements are considerable, and the examinations rigid.”
“I’ve been admitted. Miss Hale and my father taught me. Miss Hale said I was ready for the Middle Class, and they admitted me on her statement.”