“What wonderful thing have you found in the old case, child?” Miss Susanna interrupted her conversation with Leslie to peer tolerantly through her glasses at Marjorie.
“Look at it, Goldendede,” Marjorie excitedly thrust the notebook into the old lady’s hands. “It’s a notebook. Mr. Brooke’s own notebook; the one that you thought was lost. I’m sure of it.”
CHAPTER XV
BROOKE HAMILTON’S STAUNCHEST ADVOCATE
“I believe you are right, Marjorie.” Miss Susanna’s hands were trembling slightly as she opened the notebook and read aloud the first entry. “‘Thought of a new motto today. “Her ways led upward to the stars.” Note: This motto should be particularly applicable to the “one” whom I hope may rise, a future guiding light to Hamilton College.’”
“Why—why—that’s my motto.” Marjorie was looking her utter amazement. “I mean—” Sudden confusion deepened the pink in her cheeks to rose. “It’s the one you selected for me for citation, Goldendede,” she added in embarrassed explanation.
“It’s the one that suited you best, so don’t feel backward about coming forward and saying so,” Leslie assured with her slow smile.
“Of course it suited her,” chimed in Miss Susanna. “You know, Leslie, I’ve always said that Marjorie typified Uncle Brooke’s ideal of girlhood.”
“Wouldn’t you like to read us some more notes, Goldendede?” Marjorie asked persuasively.
“And thus take the subject off your very retiring self,” the old lady supplemented pithily. “Very good, my dear.” Miss Hamilton turned the first leaf and read out to her two avid listeners, “‘Must have Jenkins retake my foot measurements. Last pair of boots he made me are a fraction too narrow. Don’t forget to do this. Important.’”