第80章 CHAPTER XVI(3)

God knows I envy the man who wins it!You have been in the college of the Limberlost all your life,and I never met a graduate from any other institution who could begin to compare with you in sanity,clarity,and interesting knowledge.

I wouldn't even advise you to read too many books on your lines.

You acquire your material first hand,and you know that you are right.What you should do is to begin early to practise self-expression.Don't wait too long to tell us about the woods as you know them.""Follow the course of the Bird Woman,you mean?"asked Elnora.

"In your own way;with your own light.She won't live forever.You are younger,and you will be ready to begin where she ends.The swamp has given you all you need so far;now you give it to the world in payment.

College be confounded!Go to work and show people what there is in you!"Not until then did he remember Mrs.Comstock.

"Should we go out to the trail and see if your mother is coming?"he asked.

"Here she is now,"said Elnora."Gracious,it's a mercy I got that violin put away in time!I didn't expect her so soon,"whispered the girl as she turned and went toward her mother.Mrs.Comstock's expression was peculiar as she looked at Elnora.

"I forgot that you were making sun-preserves and they didn't require much cooking,"she said."We should have waited for you.""Not at all!"answered Mrs.Comstock."Have you found anything yet?""Nothing that I can show you,"said Elnora."I am almost sure I have found an idea that will revolutionize the whole course of my work,thought,and ambitions.""`Ambitions!'My,what a hefty word!"laughed Mrs.Comstock.

"Now who would suspect a little red-haired country girl of harbouring such a deadly germ in her body?Can you tell mother about it?""Not if you talk to me that way,I can't,"said Elnora.

"Well,I guess we better let ambition lie.I've always heard it was safest asleep.If you ever get a bona fide attack,it will be time to attend it.Let's hunt specimens.

It is June.Philip and I are in the grades.You have an hour to put an idea into our heads that will stick for a lifetime,and grow for good.That's the way I look at your job.Now,what are you going to give us?We don't want any old silly stuff that has been hashed over and over,we want a big new idea to plant in our hearts.Come on,Miss Teacher,what is the boiled-down,double-distilled essence of June?Give it to us strong.We are large enough to furnish it developing ground.

Hurry up!Time is short and we are waiting.What is the miracle of June?What one thing epitomizes the whole month,and makes it just a little different from any other?""The birth of these big night moths,"said Elnora promptly.

Philip clapped his hands.The tears started to Mrs.

Comstock's eyes.She took Elnora in her arms,and kissed her forehead.

"You'll do!"she said."June is June,not because it has bloom,bird,fruit,or flower,exclusive to it alone.