For some reason we talked quite soberly during our ride back to Rockdale, going over the incidents of the past, and the changes that our short lives had witnessed. Then we talked of the future, which we robed in bright hues like the blossoms of that lovely spring time. True, Harry was the principal talker. My heart was full. Still I knew that I must scale steep heights, tread rugged paths, press on when footsore and weary, perchance to meet little earthly success. Ah, how mysterious a thing human life would be, could we not discern in it the threshold of a higher, purer existence.
XI.
By rigid economy, by laboring in vacation, and performing various little offices in term time, I managed to continue at Rockdale two years. Latin was no longer a trouble to me, and Greek was becoming easy; but my purse was nearly empty. I was in need of several new books. And I began to turn in my mind what I could do towards defraying new expenses.
At this juncture the president of the board of trustees visited the school, where he remained the entire day, examining the classes, and inspecting the monthly reports. I had no suspicion of his purpose, and consequently gave my whole attention to my recitations. Although not as quick as many, I had been thorough, understood the principles of almost every thing that I had been over, and thus obtained correct answers. Greek and Latin were read easily, and the president was evidently satisfied with our progress.
That evening Mr. Harlan sent for me to his study. The time and the occasion were new to me, and I went with some trepidation. Mr. Harlan was not there, but in his place the visitor, Mr. Stovill.
“Mr. Harlan tells me that you intend to go through college, if your hands and your brains can take you there,” was his somewhat abrupt greeting.
“I am hoping to go. Others have done the same without more means.”
“What will you do to obtain the money? it will require a good deal for that.”
“I shall work for it.”
“Would you haul wood, build a stone Wall, or break stones on the street?”