There were now some important things, upon strict attendance to which she should insist during the remainder of the year.
One was, a more honest observance of the study hours; another, less gossip: perhaps she should be better understood if she said a higher tone of social intercourse. A thing never to be forgotten was, 201 that the school-life was a preparation for the longer one beyond, and that, a preparation for the one that never ends.
“Sometimes,” she said, dropping into that hushed tone which every girl in the remotest seat from her desk heard so easily, “I think our lives are but the school in which we all have set lessons to learn, set tasks to perform; and our wise Teacher, so patient, so gentle, so loving with us, when the great examination day comes, will hold us strictly accountable for every slighted lesson, for every neglected duty.
“If I could only impress upon you to-day how vitally important here and hereafter the faithful discharge of even your smallest duties may be to you, I should know that when our year together is over, and I part from many of you for the last time, I should meet you again as ‘crowns of my rejoicing.’
“I need hardly say, certainly not to the more intelligent, who would naturally gather information of this kind, how varied and important a woman’s work in life has grown to be. You are all more or less familiar with the fact that we have now entrance into the best colleges, both here and abroad. You know how we are educated for every profession, and to what eminence many of us have climbed. You understand fully, that there is not a position in the literary, business, mechanical, or art world in which to-day a woman may not be found working successfully.
“You know, too, that where prizes have been offered 202 in academical institutions, no matter for what object, it is by no means an uncommon thing for it to be awarded to a girl. Last week a class of fourteen women were graduated from the law department of the University of the City of New York. It is said to be the first law class exclusively of women that has ever been graduated.
“Two female medical graduates have been appointed house surgeons at two English hospitals. A society has been incorporated in New York entitled the ‘Colonial Dames of America,’ and to be located in New York City.
“Its objects are set forth to be, to collect manuscripts, traditions, relics, and mementoes of by-gone days for preservation; to commemorate the history and success of the American Revolution and consequent birth of the republic of the United States; to diffuse healthful and intelligent information with regard to American history, and tending to create a popular interest therein, and to inspire patriotism and love of country; to promote social interest and fellowship among its members, and to inculcate among the young the obligations of patriotism and reverence for the founders of American constitutional liberty.
“A number of prominent ladies are included in the list of officers.
“In this connection I will read you a short article I found in my morning paper; and here, let me say, there is not a girl in the school who should not in 203 some way manage to spend a half-hour every day in looking over a newspaper.