When the sheep was killed for family use, the skin was rolled up by the thrifty farmers in ashes or lime and laid away for some time. Then the wool could easily be separated from the hide. This last piece of labor generally fell to the children. And in Jesse Goldthwait's family none of the children would keep to the work but Lydia. So that it soon passed into a proverb, when Lydia exhibited that determination in anything which was so striking a point in her character, they would say to each other:
"It's no use trying to make her give up her design. You know Lydia never leaves till the last lock is pulled."
The years passed on and Lydia grew apace. But as she attained to early womanhood, she did not lose the slender form, the quiet voice she had inherited from her mother, or the firm will her father had bequeathed to her. She was brought up to habits of work and she had also received religious training from her parents.
When the girl was about fifteen years old, a council was held concerning her by her father and mother:
"Let us send the girl to school, father: you are comfortable for means, and Lydia is a good, obedient girl."
"That she is," replied the father, "and studiously inclined. I will think it over, mother."
After some deliberation, a boarding-school was chosen, and the girl placed under proper care.
Who cannot fancy the life of a school-girl of fifteen? Happy, careless as to the future, mindful of the husking-bees and quiltings, and with bright, shy glances for the youths who begin to "wish to see you home."
Among Lydia's acquaintances in the village where she was attending school, was a young man whose name was Calvin Bailey. One who was a stranger in the village, but his smart, dapper ways, and his smooth address won him many friends among the thoughtless, the youth and the pleasure-loving of the villagers.
"He is so nice," said the girls.