CHAPTER X.
UNDER FIRE.
EMMA LAURISTON was absent from school three days, and then took herplace, looking somewhat pale and languid; but several of the girls wererather impatient to see her.
"Have you heard bad news?" she asked of Kathie. "My cousin said youruncle had returned."
"Yes," in a grave tone, rather unlike the sunshiny Kathie.
"That was quite a romance about your friend Miss Darrell. Do they thinkMr. Meredith will--never get well?"
"They are afraid."
The little bell sounded to call them to order, and then began the usuallessons. Kathie's were always perfect, and yet, oddly enough, it seemedto Emma that her whole heart was not in them.
She had fallen into the habit of watching Kathie very narrowly. The"something different from other girls" was still a puzzle to her; andwhen the doctor had said, a few days ago, "You just missed having asevere attack of diphtheria," it startled Emma a good deal. She knewseveral who had died of diphtheria; and if she were to die--
Of course she wanted to live. She was young, and full of hope; and therewould be the fortune by and by,--one of those odd bequests of which shereaped little benefit now, as it was to go on accumulating until she wastwenty-one; but then she would be able to do a great many delightfulthings with it. That was not all, however. There was something veryterrible in the idea of death.
"O Miss Lauriston, we have ever so much to tell you and to talk about!"exclaimed Sue Coleman. "We are going to have some tableaux for acharitable object, and we want you to stand in several of them. You willmake such a lovely Sister of Charity in Consolation."
With that the ball was fairly opened. Emma was pleased and interested atonce.
"You are all to come over to my house after school. Belle Hadden hasplanned everything. She is a host in herself."
Kathie had been walking up and down with two or three girls that she didnot care much about, only they had joined her, and were, perhaps, bettercompany than her lonely thoughts.
"You are going over to Mrs. Coleman's,--are you not?" asked Emma, insurprise. "Don't you like tableaux?"
"Very much, but--Good by"; and Kathie made a feint of kissing her hand.
"Girls, haven't you asked Kathie Alston?" exclaimed Emma, in the firstlull, for the talk had been very energetic; "she would make up lovely inever so many characters."
There was a silence, and the girls glanced at each other withdetermination in their faces.
"What is the matter? Has she offended you? I noticed something a littlepeculiar in school to-day."
"Kathie Alston is well enough--in her place."
Emma colored. "Her place is as good as any of ours, I suppose," she madeanswer, slowly.
"Well, I don't quite think it is"; and Belle took up the glove. "Thereare some social distinctions--" The rest of the sentence was rathertroublesome.
"I am sure the Alstons are rich, if that is what you mean."
"That is not altogether what I mean"; yet Belle was a trifle embarrassedat being forced to meet the issue so squarely, though every girl felt inher secret soul that Emma was undeniably aristocratic. "If we are totake up everybody who becomes suddenly rich, there is Mary Carson andseveral others; and I've never been used to it. Mamma _is_ particularabout my associates."
"But the Alstons are educated, refined, and were always wealthy untilthey met with a reverse of fortune when Mr. Alston died."
"And Mrs. Alston used to sew for the whole neighborhood, I've heard.Fancy being compelled to meet your seamstress as an--an equal! Mrs.Wilder ought to be more exclusive about her scholars. Mamma said soherself. And only a few days ago some horrid country clowns stoppedright in front of the school, and she went off to take a ride in theirforlorn old wagon. Our cook is actually related to these people! Theirname is Strong,--a coarse, vulgar set, I know."
Belle talked very rapidly, and her face flushed with excitement. Forseveral moments Emma hesitated. The distinction appeared paltry and meanto her. Then she really _did_ like Kathie. "Girls," she began, atlength, "I think you are unjust. I have been at Cedarwood, and met allthe family. They are refined, intelligent, have a lovely home, andare--truly noble and Christian people." Emma uttered the last in spiteof herself.
"Well, every one can do as she likes"; and Belle gave her head a haughtytoss. "I don't think because a man digs up a nugget of gold in Australiahe is entitled to a king's position at once. There are some girls atschool that I should not associate with under _any_ circumstances."
Emma had a feeling that this was really absurd; yet most of the girlshad ranged themselves on this side, and it did require a good deal ofcourage to go against the opinions of her mates and friends. Still, whenshe came to think of it, Mrs. Grayson visited the Alstons, the Darrellswere their firm friends, and that rich and elegant Mr. Meredith! ButKathie _was_ rather inclined to be hand and glove with people beneathher.
"And Kathie Alston _does_ take up everybody," said one of the girls."Every few days you see her having some common thing in thatpony-phaeton of hers. She hasn't a bit of pride or good taste, and itseems to me that is next of kin to refinement."
"Let us go on with the tableaux."
Emma listened to the arrangements in silence. This made such a beautifulscene,--that was so brilliant, or so pathetic, and must not be left out.And before they were aware the dusky evening dropped down about them.
"Girls," she said at length, in a soft, low voice, "I have decided thatI will not take part in the tableaux. Kathie Alston and I have beenfriends, and I shall do nothing that I am quite sure to be ashamed ofafterward. You have been very kind to ask me, and I am not angry withany of the opinions I have heard expressed, though they may not pleaseme. Good night."
"Let her go over to the plebeians!" said some one, with a laugh.
At home Kathie had two pleasant surprises. First, a letter from MissJessie all to herself, in which they hoped, very faintly indeed, thatMr. Meredith had taken a turn for the better. If the good news shouldprove true, they meant, as soon as it would be safe, to remove to aprivate house. And then she said, "My darling little Kathie, we oftenfeel that we would give half the world to see you."
The other was from Sarah,--a decided improvement upon her Christmasepistle,--not a word misspelled, and the sentences very fairlyconstructed. The last part was filled with Cousin Ellen and her littleboy. Sarah told the whole story in her innocence, without the leastintention of boasting. Mr. and Mrs. Strong had offered these poorwayfarers a home until they could do better.
"It is very good of them,--isn't it?" said Kathie. "If the Strongs arenot polished, they have generous hearts."
"It certainly is most kind; and I am wonderfully pleased with theimprovement in Sarah."
"Uncle Robert, would it be rude to send Sarah a pretty blue hair-ribbon,and tell her a little about contrasting colors? I wish she would notwear so much scarlet. Is it wrong for everybody to look as pretty as heor she can?"
"No, my dear; and sometimes a delicate hint proves very useful. Sarahhas entirely too much color for scarlet; she needs something to tone herdown."
Kathie had been casting about for some time how to manage this matternicely, and her present idea appeared both delicate and feasible to her.Looking over her store, she found a fresh, pretty ribbon, and forgot allabout the school trouble.
The tableaux progressed rapidly. A number of the Academy boys wereinvited to join. Mr. Coleman had some tickets printed, which soldrapidly, and the affair promised to be successful.
But one evening Dick Grayson said, "Emma Lauriston would look prettierin Consolation, and make the best Evangeline, of any girl in Brookside.Why haven't you asked her and Kathie Alston?"
"Emma declined," was the almost abrupt answer.
"But Kathie is the sweetest little girl I ever saw. She is always readyfor everything."
There was no response. Belle Hadden had gone quite too far to admit that_her_ line of distinction had been wrongly drawn. Lottie Thorne feltboth sorry and ashame
d; but there was no going back without a ratherhumiliating admission. And yet if she only had _not_ spoken that day!
But Emma and Kathie drew nearer together in a quiet way through thesetroubled times. There were some petty slights to endure, and manyunkindnesses. Friends and companions can wound each other so often in anoiseless manner,--pain and sting without the buzzing of a wasp, sopatent to all the world,--and I often think these unseen hurts are thehardest to bear.
The evening at Mrs. Coleman's was both delightful and profitable. TheBrookside Standard contained quite a glowing account of theentertainment, and praised the young ladies for their labor in so good acause. The sum received, with several donations, amounted toeighty-seven dollars.
"Why did you not speak of it, Kathie?" asked Uncle Robert. "We would allhave gone."
Now, there had not been even a ticket offered to Kathie. Indeed, thespace being limited, Sue and Belle had made out a list of guestsbeforehand.
Kathie colored violently, and Uncle Robert looked quite astonished.Seeing that she was expected to answer, she summoned her courage.
"It was a--a party affair of the larger girls in school. They did notask every one."
"But we might have sent a gift, the object was so very worthy."
Kathie made no reply to that. Uncle Robert studied the grave face, anddecided that something had gone wrong.
Dick Grayson dropped in that evening. "I was so disappointed about yournot being there," he said. "You would just have fitted in two or threeof the tableaux."
But Kathie did not appear to be disposed to converse on the subject, sothey wandered off into a talk about Rob, and then Mr. Meredith claimedtheir attention.
The patricians flourished in grand style. It would have been reallylaughable to sensible people to see how one after another copied BelleHadden's airs and graces, and how the gulf widened in school. Several ofthe girls asked to have their seats changed, until the plebeians wereleft quite to themselves.
And yet the matter worked out a very odd and rather mortifyingretaliation. One afternoon Dick Grayson overtook Emma Lauriston walkinghomeward. He had that day received a letter from her brother Fred, andrepeated some of the contents.
"Are you going to Belle Hadden's party?" he asked, presently.
"I have not had any invitation." Emma's tone was rather curt.
"No?" in the utmost surprise. "What has happened among you girls? Youand Kathie were not at the tableaux. Is there a standing quarrel?"
Dick and Emma were excellent friends in boy-and-girl fashion.
"There is something very mean and foolish. I wish somebody could look atit with clear eyes and give Belle Hadden a lesson!"
Emma's usually soft voice was indignant, and her face crimsoned withexcitement.
"But how did Kathie Alston come to get mixed up with it. It seems to methat she is the last one to quarrel."
"There was no quarrel, at least no words. There are some veryaristocratic girls in school, and Belle is forever talking about hermother's family. So they have divided the girls into patricians andplebeians."
"But Mr. Conover is a gentleman, and the Alstons are all refined. Theidea of putting Kathie on the plebeian side is absurd! And you too--"
"I went over there," she said, sharply. "I would not take part in thetableaux on that account. Kathie had done nothing to them. It wasbecause her mother used to sew, I believe, and then Kathie herself isnot a bit proud. I suppose if they made a great show and parade like theHaddens--"
"I did not think Belle was that small! And you are a splendid champion,Emma. But Kathie is worthy of the best friendship in the world. She isnever mean or envious, or looking out for the best places, and Mr.Conover is just royal. The idea of the Haddens setting themselves up!Why, Mrs. Alston used to sew for my mother, and mother is one of herwarmest friends. Isn't there something very unjust about girls,--somegirls, I mean?" blushing as he corrected himself. "And why does not Mrs.Wilder interfere, or is she on the patrician side?"
"Mrs. Wilder really doesn't know anything about it. The little hatefulacts are done on the sly, just looks and tones, or some sentence that noone can take hold of. It would seem silly to complain of not beingnoticed. But it takes away the pleasant feeling that used to exist."
"And how does Kathie bear it?"
"Like a little angel. It hurts her cruelly too. About the time thisfirst began, some very common-looking people spoke to Kathie in thestreet, and the girls have laughed and sneered at that. Indeed, nothingthat she does escapes them. I almost wish that I wasn't a girl!"
"Boys don't badger a fellow that way, if they did there would be somethrashing! But I know just how to come up with Belle Hadden, and I'll doit!"
With that Dick laughed.
Emma was so much exasperated that the thought rather delighted her.
"What will you do?"
"I can't tell you until afterward. Don't I wish Rob Alston was home,though! He would enjoy the fun."
They separated at Emma's gate. She was not altogether sure that she wasright in her desire, but she determined not to worry herself on thatscore.
Belle's party was to be quite a grand affair. A number of the Academyboys were invited, those who were rich and stylish; Belle did not cometo school the next day, and the girls were rather indiscreet withouttheir leader.
The rooms were beautiful, the supper elegant, the music fine, but--therewere so _few_ young gentlemen! Not Dick Grayson, nor Walter Dorrance,nor Charlie Darrell, nor--ever so many others that had been counted uponsure.
Emma guessed as she heard the floating talk.
"I do suppose Belle Hadden was as deeply mortified last night as shecould be," Emma said to Kathie. "If ever I have another cause that Iwant righted I will place it in Dick Grayson's hand. He is equal toArthur's knights."
"What did he do?"
"He said he had a plan. I know now that it must have been to keep thenicest boys away from the party. Belle likes Dick so much too. It musthave been worth seeing,--their disappointment. A host of wall-flowerswith no one to lead them out to dance!"
"You didn't ask him to do it?" Kathie's face was full of pain andregret.
"No, not exactly. Indeed, I did not know what he meant to do, only I wastelling him about Belle Hadden's meanness, and he thought of a way topay her back."
"I am so sorry it was--that way."
"Kathie!"
"O Emma dear, don't think me ungrateful! You have stood by me of yourown accord, I know," and Kathie clasped her hand. "I am so much obligedto you. They had nothing against you at first, and they were very sorrynot to have you at the tableaux. But it always troubles me to know thatother people have suffered--"
"Not when they deserve it, surely!"
"Always--if it can be helped."
"And you would not have done this? You think it was not right for me totell?"
What could Kathie say,--blame her brave comrade?
"No, you do not think it right. I can see that in your face! Kathie, how_can_ you bear everything so patiently?"
"God makes it all right at last. He asks us to wait his time. And thoughit is very hard--" Kathie's lip quivered and her voice grew unsteady.
"It seems to me this has been the meanest thing I ever knew. You cannotguess what gave it the first start."
"Yes. It was while you were sick that the girls--took a dislike to me. Ispoke to some people one day, some friends," correcting herself, "andBelle laughed at them. Then the girls talked about--mamma."
"It was shameful!"
"We _were_ poor, and we had to work. Mamma could not help all that. Andthen Uncle Robert came, and we have been so very happy ever since.Thinking of it all, I don't mind this little trouble much. All thatBelle says cannot make us coarse and vulgar and ignorant, and I havebeen trying all the time to look on the best and brightest side."
Emma put her arm suddenly around Kathie.
"What is it," she asked, in a husky voice,--"what is it that makes yousweet and patient and tender and forgiving, always
ready to minister toothers and to the poor, even if you are laughed at and teased? Maybeit's the same grace that takes away the fear of death! O, I wish I knew!I wish I had it! I am sometimes so miserable, Kathie. Do you believethat your God _could_ love and pity me a little?"
"'Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.'"
It was all that Kathie could think of to say as Emma stopped short inher walk, trembling, excited, and tearful.
"But how to come?"
Kathie hesitated. It seemed that she knew so little herself, how thencould she direct another? She remembered the other time when she failedto bear witness, and though her shy, delicate nature shrank fromanything like a parade of her most sacred feelings, strength was givenher when she asked for it.
"I do not know how it is always--" in her sweet, faltering voice, "butwhen I first wanted to try--to be good,--to follow HIM even a little, itwas just as if I reached out my hand and prayed him to take it, and keptclose to him by endeavoring to do what he wishes--"
"And you did not have--any great light--"
"I had only a love and a desire to obey him. And it seemed as ifeverybody helped me,--mamma, Aunt Ruth, and Uncle Robert. But there isalways something to overcome, some battle to fight."
"And I am a poor, raw recruit. Do you think He will accept me, Kathie?"
"Every one--to the uttermost."
They walked to the corner, where their paths diverged.
"I wish you would come and see me," Kathie said, with her ready grace."Fred was there occasionally last summer, and Uncle Robert liked him somuch!"
"And you will forgive that--revenge? Perhaps I ought to have waited."
Kathie's look was sufficient, though she could not have spoken.
But the child went home in a gravely sweet frame of mind. She was in amood to tell Uncle Robert the whole story that evening; but there wereseveral guests, so there could be no confidences.
The next morning, after school was opened, Mrs. Wilder rose and toldthem she had a few words to say upon a subject that had been a source ofmuch disquiet for several days; and then she very kindly but wisely tookup the matter that had so divided and agitated the girls, and severelycondemned the folly of which some of them had been guilty. "They wouldfind as they grew older," she said, "that with people of culture andrefinement social distinctions did not depend so much on a little moreor a little less money, but nobleness of soul, thought, andfeeling,--deeds that could brave and endure the scrutiny of clear eyes,and not those which must always slink away and hide themselves behindwhispered insinuations."
It seemed, after all, as if, in some mysterious way, Mrs. Wilder hadlearned all the particulars. She mentioned no names, and did not in theleast seek to exalt Kathie; but the child knew by the kiss and thelingering glance bestowed upon her that afternoon that all her silenceand pain had been appreciated.
If Belle needed anything further to lower her self-esteem, she had it onher return home. Mr. Conover, Mrs. Alston, and Mrs. Grayson had met atthe house of a mutual friend when Mrs. Hadden happened to call.
"Belle," she began, sharply, "how could you have committed such ablunder as to omit that pretty little Miss Alston from your party-list?Her mother and her uncle are very charming people, and they have a hostof elegant friends in New York. Mrs. Havens was here last summer tovisit them, and those aristocratic Merediths are warm friends of theirs.I am so sorry it should have happened!"
"Miss Alston is a regular little Methodist,--too good to go to parties,"returned Belle, rather crossly.
And so ended the reign of the patricians. Belle somehow lost prestige atschool. Even Lottie began to be pleasant again with Kathie, secretlyhoping that Belle would never repeat her unlucky remark.
Dick Grayson and Charlie had to tell Kathie one evening how they spoileda good deal of the fun at Belle Hadden's party.
"I felt so sorry," Kathie said, gravely.
"Well, you are the queerest girl I ever saw," was Charlie's comment; yetsomething inside told him she was a noble one as well.
But the sweetest of all was the talk with Uncle Robert.