“No, no! That’s mean! I do beg and pray all you Blues that, whatever you do, you never move a finger to reduce the salaries of other women!” cried Tom fervently. “If you don’t need the money, give it away to Governesses’ Institutions—Convalescent Homes—whatever you like; but, for pity’s sake, don’t take less than your due. For my own part, I must candidly say that when I am Principal I shall select my staff from those who are like Kathleen, and find work a necessity rather than a distraction. It seems to me, if I were rich and idle, I could find lots of ways of making myself of use in the world without jostling the poor Marthas. I could coach poor governesses who were behind the times, but couldn’t afford to take lessons; I’d translate books into Braille for the blind; I’d teach working boys at their clubs, and half a dozen other interesting, useful things. There’s no need to be idle, even if one does live at home with a couple of dear old conservative parents. Where there’s a will there’s a way!”
“But I want it to be my way!” sighed Bertha, dolefully. Like the majority of people who ask for advice, she was far from satisfied now that she had got it.
Chapter Fourteen.
The “Revels.”
One of the Hurst Manor institutions was a whole holiday on the first Saturday in June, which was technically known as “Revels.” The holiday had been inaugurated partly to celebrate the coming of summer, and partly as a kindly distraction for the students, who at this season of the year were apt to be too absorbingly engrossed in the coming examinations. Old pupils declared that at no other time was the Principal so indulgent and anxious to second the girls’ fancies, while the particular form of entertainment was left entirely to their discretion. When the programme was drawn up it was submitted to Miss Bruce for approval, but, as she had never been known to object, the consultation was more a matter of form than necessity.
To Rhoda’s surprise, she found her name among those of the General Committee posted on the notice board, and the delight and pride consequent thereon diverted her thoughts into a new channel, and were as good as a tonic to her nervous system. It was a compliment to have been chosen, for the dozen girls had been drawn from all five houses, and Irene Grey and herself were the only representatives of the Blues.
“It’s a beauty competition, evidently. Can’t think why they haven’t asked me!” was Tom’s comment; but Rhoda felt convinced that she had been selected because of the dramatic abilities which she had exhibited on more than one of the Thursday “Frolics,” and was not far wrong in her surmise. She had, in truth, a keen eye for effect, a power of manufacturing properties, and of learning and even inventing suitable rhymes, which were invaluable in organising an entertainment.
“And besides,” said the Games Captain to her Secretary, “there’s her back hair! She has really admirable back hair!”