experiences, and will pertain especially to matters
of Decorum.”
“Experience I. Oct. 18. I have learned that the most careful politeness may be called rudeness. Also that Pity is not akin to Love, even though the Bible says it is. Also, that remarks, intended to be polite, about one’s vocation, had best be avoided, especially when it is previously known that one’s vocation has been thrust upon her.
“Why these things are so,
I don’t pretend to know.”
She closed the book, and replaced it in her desk. Afterward she sat for a long moment watching a crescent moon sink below the horizon.
“Are you going to study to-night, Priscilla?” she asked at last.
Priscilla turned almost fiercely upon her. “I shall fail in Latin on Monday and Tuesday, anyway,” she said, with unreasoning loyalty, “and maybe on Wednesday, and I’m not exactly sure about Thursday. I know it will hurt me and not her, but it doesn’t seem as though I could ever get a good lesson for her again.”
At nine there was an indignation meeting in their room, which every one attended, except Imogene and Vivian, and at which Virginia, though the center of attraction, said little. She appreciated their loyalty, but somehow she could not talk. It had all surprised her too much. But the others could talk. The room hummed with their vehement whisperings.
“It just shows how suspicious she is!”