Page:The Lark - E Nesbit, 1922.djvu/24

Rh "Well?" said the Head. "I suppose your letter contains the same news as mine?"

"I suppose so, Miss James," said Jane. "Mine—but you'd better read it, perhaps."

Miss James read it, aloud.

"

"Please take the 12 o'clock train to London on Wednesday. You will be met at Paddington. I have made all arrangements for you and enclose notes for expenses.

"I am writing to Miss James, and no doubt she will be willing to accept a term's fees instead of a term's notice. Bring all your luggage. You will not return to school.

"Mine's the same," said Lucilla.

"And you had no idea of this?"

"No," said both the girls.

"It is very sudden," said the Head. "I feel it very much." "Cheap!" said the canary.

"We should have had to leave some time," said Lucilla. "You are now," began Miss James, leaning back comfortably, "going out into the world. You will no longer have the guiding hand, the mature mind, the affectionate heart of your teachers to rely on. You will be free . . . " "Sweet, sweet, sweet!" said the canary.

". . . from all the restraints of school. Let it be your care . . ." Miss James went on. And we need not follow her further. Every girl who has left school knows exactly what she said. The last words were all that mattered.

"The matron will pack your boxes to-day. You had better assist her. And never forget in the rush of the battle of life that you are St. Olave's girls. Let that thought be your shield and your banner. Be proud of the school, and