"Why shouldn't he?" demanded Prue. "Miss Dodd looked at me in church Sunday; perhaps I shall sit next to her. Do the little girls come in your room, Marjorie?"
"At the opening of school, always, and you could come in at intermissions. We have five minute intermissions every hour, and an hour at noon."
"O, Aunt Prue! When shall I go? I wish I could go to-day! You say I read almost well enough. Marjorie will not be ashamed of me now."
"I'd never be ashamed of you," said Marjorie, warmly.
"Papa said I must not say my name was 'Jeroma,' shall I write it Prue
Holmes, Aunt Prue?"
"Prue J. Holmes! How would that do?"
But Miss Prudence spoke nervously and did not look at the child. Would she ever have to tell the child her father's story? Would going out among the children hasten that day?
"I like that," said Prue, contentedly; "because I keep papa's name tucked in somewhere. May I go to-day, Aunt Prue?"
"Not yet, dear. Master McCosh knows you are coming by and by. Marjorie may bring me a list of the books you will need and by the time the new quarter commences in February you may be able to overtake them if you study well. I think that will have to do, Prue."
"I would rather go to-day," sobbed the child, trying to choke the tears back. Rolling up her napkin hurriedly, she excused herself almost inaudibly and left the table.