“The first thing,” he said, “is to find out who has the letting of the Hall.”
Aunt Lydia ascertained this fact for him, and informed him that the trustee was May Elliott’s grandfather.
“Then I must go and see the schoolmarm,” remarked Walter, “and get her to help me.”
“Then you’re going to really try?” said Aunt Lydia.
“Yes,” answered Walter positively.
“Seems to me they might go up to St. John’s.”
“But they won’t, and St. John’s must come to them.”
“Now, Walter, I don’t want to throw a speck of cold water on it, but do you expect to succeed?”
“Well, Aunt, it won’t do any harm to try, and I am going to expect to succeed, too. I was reading about Admiral Farragut, what he said, that any man who is prepared for defeat would be half defeated before he commenced. He said he hoped for success and would try to have it, and trust God for the rest.”
“It looks to me jest like castin’ pearls afore swine.”