Meade L. T. - The Girls of St. Wode's стр 23.

Kiss me, first, she said. Llewellyn, I think you are the bravest boy in all the world.

You would not say so if you had seen me two hours back. I was so miserable I felt fit to kill myself; but there, he added, clenching one of his strong hands, I did not mean to let it out to you, and I am quite right now and I dont feel a bit miserable.

Leslie left the room, and Llewellyn was alone.

But, all the same, its a hard tug, he muttered as he glanced round him. He dropped into a chair and buried his face in his hands. He thought of the dreams which must never be realized, of the school-fellows who would more or less despise him, of the different position he must occupy in future.

Good-by literature, he said to himself; good-by the laurels which would have been so sweet to gather. Good-by dreams.

But, by and by, as Llewellyn thought, he raised his face, and, gazing straight before him, he saw another vision, and that vision comforted and strengthened him a good bit. It was that of a home, with a woman in it who wore the sweetest face in the world, and who was not tired with overwork, who, in fact, need not work at all. He saw himself as the one who was keeping that home. With his toil, with the energy of his strong young arms, with the youth and talents which God had given him, he was supporting his mother and his younger brothers and sisters; and they all looked up to him and loved him, and his heart was happy. The thought of the picture made his heart happy even now.

He smiled, dropped on his knees, muttered a hasty prayer, and, tumbling into bed, was soon fast asleep.

Leslie in her own room also slept, and bright dreams came to her. The thought of the future was delightful, and she looked upon it as Llewellyns gift.

For if Llewellyn had been selfish and had accepted Mr. Parkers offer, I could not have gone, thought the girl. I could not have left mother if Llewellyn were not with her; but, as it is, and as he is sacrificing himself, oh! I will work just double time in order to make it up to him. For some day he must have time to pursue his beloved classics, and his literature, and all those things which he cares for. No girl who has a noble brother like Llewellyn ought to shrink at anything. I believe I am the happiest, and I know I am the proudest, girl in the world.

CHAPTER XI ST. WODES COLLEGE

It so happened, however, that there was a vacancy for two sisters at West Hall, and owing to the breaking-down of a highly nervous student who had worked too hard for classical honors, there was also a vacancy in the North Hall.

North Hall was the house of residence where Belle Acheson carried on her vagaries, and pleased herself with the idea that she was one of the cleverest and most distinguished girls in college. She owned to a qualm of disgust, however, when she learned

that Letitia was to be under the same roof as herself, having a thorough scorn for that young lady; but, as she was allowed no choice in the matter, she felt that there was nothing for it but to submit to the inevitable.

Mr. Parker had himself visited St. Wodes College, had seen the principal, Miss Lauderdale, and had pleaded the cause of Leslie Gilroy with such passion and effect that special arrangements had been made in her favor, and she was admitted to the same hall as Marjorie and Eileen. For the first term she must share a large room with another girl; but that was a trifling matter to Leslie, who, now that things were thoroughly arranged, wished to start on her new career without a moments delay. As she had already passed the London Matriculation, there was no difficulty about her admission as soon as room could be found for her. This being arranged, she was able to go to St. Wodes at the beginning of Trinity term. It so happened, therefore, that Letitia, Eileen, Marjorie, and Leslie Gilroy all found themselves on a certain afternoon in the same cab, driving to St. Wodes from the railway station, a mile and a half distant. The girls luggage was to follow them; and as there happened to be a place in the cab for a fourth, and Leslie was standing, looking just a little forlorn, on the platform, Marjorie went up to her and suggested that they should all go together.

For I know you are a St. Wodes girl, she said.

How could you possibly guess that? replied Leslie, looking with admiration at Marjorie whose plain dress could never take away from the charm of her handsome face.

There was really no mystery about it. said Marjorie, after a pause. I am not a magician; but I happened to see the name of St. Wodes on that basket-trunk a minute or two ago. Will you come with us?

I shall be only too delighted, was the reply. I was feeling quite lost and strange. It would be nice to go to college in company. Is this your first term? she added, as she seated herself in the cab.

Yes, yes; we are all freshers, replied Lettie. We shall all have a most unenviable position, that I can foretell. There is a certain Miss Acheson, who resides in North Hall, who has told us of some of the discomforts, and, for my part, if I had not promised