The Ranch Girls at Boarding School

by Margaret Vandercook

Not approving of Olive’s continuance in the contest, Winifred had then freely expressed her opinion to Jessica and afterwards to Olive, but though her manner was now entirely friendly, her protest had not the least effect upon Olive’s decision. Indeed, when things had settled down into routine again Olive continued to work harder than ever during the following winter and spring months. Of course, her position among her classmates had altered somewhat; Margaret and Gerry were both her friends as well as a number of other girls who had never been actively disagreeable, but with Winifred, Olive could not keep up more than a faint pretense of friendliness. At heart the two girls did not like one another and no amount of veneering can ever cover a real antagonism of temperament. They exchanged greetings in their class rooms and several times Winifred called on the ranch girls, but as her visits were never returned, she had to try other methods of softening the hostility her own unkindness had created, hoping that before the school year was over something would give her a chance to win their liking.

One month after the return of the Primrose Hall students from their Christmas holidays the Theta Sorority had solemnly and with distinguished rites received Olive and Jean into their mystic order. When finally the invitation, so much discussed, had been extended to the two ranch girls they had not known what to do in the matter. Of course, they had not wished to show continued ill feeling, so with Jessica’s advice, had joined the society, afterwards greatly enjoying the pretty club house and the frequent informal entertainments which the sorority gave during the rest of the school year.

So month after month rolled pleasantly and less eventfully on at Primrose Hall. Weekly visits at the command of her grandmother were still made by Olive to “The Towers.” At first Miss Winthrop had been in the habit of accompanying her and later Jean and Frieda, but there were times when pilgrimages had to be made alone. Why they had to be made at all Olive did not understand, for Madame Van Mater still showed but little liking for the granddaughter whom circumstances and Miss Winthrop had surely thrust upon her. If she liked any one of the three ranch girls it was Jean, for as usual Jean had not really felt the least fear of her and when they had made their first call it was with difficulty that she refrained from giving her hostess a piece of her mind in regard to her treatment of Olive. Perhaps Madame Van Mater’s age prevented her from receiving the scolding and perhaps her manner. For instead Jean told her the story of the ranch girls’ discovery of Olive and of how much she had previously suffered. And perhaps this story worked as well as the scolding, since the old mistress of “The Towers” abruptly invited Jean to tell her nothing more of this woman Laska, but of their life at the Rainbow Ranch. Although all three girls could be eloquent on the subject of the ranch, Jean was allowed the floor and three times in the course of the conversation Madame Van Mater actually had laughed aloud, a proceeding most unusual with her. Perhaps after all, in spite of her hardness and pride, the old woman had not been altogether happy over her treatment of her son’s child, even though she believed that her son had forfeited her love and consideration by his own actions. But whatever her reasons, thus far kept to herself, Olive was forced to continue the weekly calls.

One afternoon in April, when Miss Winthrop was busy with school matters and Jean and Frieda were engaged in a game of basketball, Olive found herself compelled to go alone to see her grandmother. And she was particularly vexed over this special visit, as she had wished to join the other girls in their game.

Always until this afternoon Olive had been received by Madame Van Mater with entire formality in the old drawing room, where they had had their two memorable meetings, but to-day she found the drawing room empty and while she waited a maid came to say that she was kindly to walk upstairs.

Anything was better than the stiffness and coldness of the old drawing room! Because the spring day was cool, Olive on going upstairs found her grandmother before an open fire wrapped about with silk shawls and comforts. Her hair was, of course, piled as high as usual and her costume as handsome, but it was plain to see that she was not so well.

“Kindly don’t come near me, as I am suffering from a severe cold,” she announced, as Olive approached to shake hands with her, never having at any time offered her any more intimate greeting.

Olive sat down, trying to look properly interested, but really feeling bored and uncomfortable at the thought of the next half hour. These calendar-like visits and the fact that Jack Ralston was still a prisoner in New York were the only worries she now seemed to have at Primrose Hall.

“I am sorry you are ill,” she began politely, only to have her remark waved aside.

“I am not ill,” Madame Van Mater returned, “only not well; but if I were there are other more important matters than my health which I wish to discuss with you this afternoon; therefore am I very glad to see you alone.”