At night Dr. Graham shook hands with us kindly, and said that he thought our village was well represented. Frank Clavers had been sick for a few weeks, and obliged to stay at home. Still, his class had well sustained themselves, and Frank had always been at the head. Mr. Farnham and Mr. Wentworth were particularly kind, and Jennie could hardly contain herself as we rode home.
“It was better a great deal than the boy in the book; he broke down several times, and you did not fail once,” and she slid her mittened hand into mine.
“Fail! I guess he didn’t,” cried Mr. Willett. “Why, he came out the best there. It was no bad thing his being with me last summer; nothing like practice for a boy;” and Mr. Willett enjoyed with evident satisfaction the idea that whatever knowledge I had of mathematics was based on the practice I had in his grocery.
It had not been specified how long I was to remain at Rockdale. “Till spring,” Miss Grimshaw said; but whether that meant April or May was to me uncertain. What was my surprise, however, when May came and I asked if I was not to stop, and she answered, “The term is so nearly out it would be a pity for you to leave. I have spoken to Mr. Harlan about it, and he wishes you to remain; you must work hard enough in vacation to make up for it.”
The term closed in June, and then there was a final examination of a week. Frank Clavers was again with us, and as usual at the head of his class.
VII.
By the mass of school-boys, vacation is hailed not only as a respite from study, but also as a time to indulge in that “dolce far niente” life[A] so refreshing after months of prolonged effort. Not so in my case. I must not take advantage of Miss Grimshaw’s kindness, nor encroach too far on the benevolence of Mrs. Jeffries. Through their goodness I had been enabled to finish the term, and now I must work as faithfully as I had studied.
As there was little to do in the grocery and Mr. Willett already had a boy, I thought best to try the farmers. True, I knew little of haying or harvesting; but I was strong, and willing to do my best.
The next day after school closed I set out to find employment. Mr. Cosgrove at the Corners was the first one to whom I applied.
“No; you have been to school for the year; of course that has spoiled you for labor.”