"It is a very stiff examination, is it not?" asked Cecil.
"Yes; but not for a girl of your abilities. I have heard a little of your story. It is very important for you to get on, and quickly, is it not?"
"Yes, Miss Forester. I have four brothers, all younger than myself. My eldest brother, Maurice, is very clever, very brilliant—a splendid fellow. Whatever happens, he must go to one of the universities."
"I should recommend you to try and get him into a good school, where he can work for a valuable scholarship," said Miss Forester.
"There are several scholarships connected with Hazlewick Grammar School," said Cecil. "Maurice intends to try for one when he is a little older; he could not do it before."
"But, my dear, four brothers to support and start in life means a very heavy burden for such slight shoulders as yours to carry."
"We are not quite without money," said Cecil, blushing as she spoke. "We have a hundred and fifty pounds a year between us, and perhaps you know, Miss Forester, that dear old Mrs. Lavender, Molly's grandmother, is giving me my education here free."
"That is a very sensible way for such a rich woman to spend her money," said Miss Forester. "Well, Cecil, a hundred and fifty yearly is not a large income on which to feed, educate, and start in the world four stalwart young sons of Britain."
"No; and that is the reason why I want to earn money before Maurice is eighteen."