"You see the swamp and all the fields around it are so full,"explained Elnora."Every day I felt smaller and smaller,and I wanted to know more and more,and pretty soon I grew desperate,just as Freckles did.But I am better off than he was,for I have his books,and I have a mother;even if she doesn't care for me as other girls'mothers do for them,it's better than no one."The Bird Woman's glance fell,for the girl was not conscious of how much she was revealing.Her eyes were fixed on a black pitcher filled with goldenrod in the centre of the table and she was saying what she thought.
"As long as I could go to the Brushwood school I was happy,but I couldn't go further just when things were the most interesting,so I was determined I'd come to high school and mother wouldn't consent.You see there's plenty of land,but father was drowned when Iwas a baby,and mother and I can't make money as men do.
The taxes are higher every year,and she said it was too expensive.I wouldn't give her any rest,until at last she bought me this dress,and these shoes and I came.
It was awful!"
"Do you live in that beautiful cabin at the northwest end of the swamp?"asked the Bird Woman.
"Yes,"said Elnora.
"I remember the place and a story about it,now.
You entered the high school yesterday?"
"Yes."
"It was rather bad?"
"Rather bad!"echoed Elnora.
The Bird Woman laughed.
"You can't tell me anything about that,"she said.
"I once entered a city school straight from the country.
My dress was brown calico,and my shoes were heavy."The tears began to roll down Elnora's cheeks.
"Did they----?"she faltered.
"They did!"said the Bird Woman."All of it.I am sure they did not miss one least little thing."Then she wiped away some tears that began coursing her cheeks,and laughed at the same time.
"Where are they now?"asked Elnora suddenly.
"They are widely scattered,but none of them have attained heights out of range.Some of the rich are poor,and some of the poor are rich.Some of the brightest died insane,and some of the dullest worked out high positions;some of the very worst to bear have gone out,and I frequently hear from others.Now I am here,able to remember it,and mingle laughter with what used to be all tears;for every day I have my beautiful work,and almost every day God sends some one like you to help me.What is your name,my girl?""Elnora Comstock,"answered Elnora."Yesterday on the board it changed to Cornstock,and for a minute Ithought I'd die,but I can laugh over that already."The Bird Woman arose and kissed her."Finish your lunch,"she said,"and I will bring my price lists,and make a memorandum of what you think you have,so Iwill know how many boxes to prepare.And remember this:
What you are lies with you.If you are lazy,and accept your lot,you may live in it.If you are willing to work,you can write your name anywhere you choose,among the only ones who live beyond the grave in this world,the people who write books that help,make exquisite music,carve statues,paint pictures,and work for others.
Never mind the calico dress,and the coarse shoes.
