The Rebel of the School

ntric individual who bore the name of Charles Shirley, but was now managed by a Board of Governors. By the express order of the founder, the governors were women; and very admira

were not required to pay any fees; the remaining three hundred paid small fees in order to be

er their summer vacation, when they streamed out of the building in groups of

r the training either for good or evil of those who go to it. There were the girls who attended the school in the ordinary way, and there were the girls

ree girls standing in a group raised their umb

can have nothing to do with her. She entered a week ago. She doesn't pay any of the fee

slightly alarmed. Her face was beautiful in the truest sense of the world; it did not at all match with the shabby, faded clothes which she wore. She h

ry Denny. "Isn't she

pity we can't know he

e why we should make the poor ch

she will do something to raise herself into our set; but as it is, she must go with K

eedn't stand talking about her any longer. Will you come ho

said Alice; "but we a

Is it really arranged

ave never seen her. We are all pleased, and ex

f life, and are so ridiculously witty. Don't you remember that

s practically dismissed," said Alice. "I o

about her? The Irish are

besides that, her father has an awfully old castle in the south-west of Ireland. He is never troubled on account of the Land League or anything else,

seems almost unfair. The Great Shirley School is not meant for rich girls: a gir

Ravenscroft and asked if there was a vacancy for Kathleen, and if she knew of any one who would be nice to her and with whom she could live. Miss Ravenscroft thought of mother; she knew that mother would like to have a boarder who

will watch for you and th

w that she i

itching Irish girl-to-morrow m

had a determined walk and a good carriage. As she hurried her steps she saw Ruth Craven, the pretty foundation girl, walking in front of her. Ruth walked slowly and as if she were tir

y tired, Ruth C

. "I have had a cold for the last few

,' It isn't good form in our school. I hope you will be better to-mo

" said the

nd her. Tears rose to her eyes; she took out her handkerchief to wipe them away. She paused a

e quite wrong to let me go to the Shirley School. I must not let him think that. And granny will be still more vexed. I have had my hea

and two rooms upstairs, and that was all. To the front of the little house was the tiny parlour, at the back an equally tiny kitchen. Upstairs was a bedroom for Rut

a shilling; go to the shop and bring in some sausages. Be as quick

mean little street full of small shops. She entered one that she knew, and asked for a pound and a half of

that you are a scholar at

"I went there for th

going to educate you, mi

My grandparents cannot mak

without a word, and the young girl left the shop

itement of your new life won't turn your head. Whatever happens, you have got to be a little servant to me and a li

s, granny," answered

m from her and disapp

rulous but very deep voice which

the tiny stairs, and entered her own little bedroom, which was so w

white apron, and ran downstairs. She first of all entered the parlor. A handsome old man, with a decided look of Ruth herself,

ssing you all day. And how did you li

pper, grandfather. I must

from me to be impatient; I wouldn't be for all

ment later Ruth appeared, holding a brightly trimmed lamp in her hand; she laid it on a little centre-table, drew down the blinds, pulled the red curtains a

s while I am waiting, can't I,

illingly. He gave a sigh of contentment, drew the la

alt handy? Sausages ain't worth touching unless you eat them piping hot. Your grandfather wants his

he shop and bring in

e Shirley School! No, y

ol to-morrow if you don't let me w

n sank int

ere taking you out of your station; and that is a sad mistake-sad and terrib

They were accustomed to see her there, for old Mr. Craven more often than not had his little cask o

ere it is. But, all the same, I'm

so?" as

you are one of the S

ined the sc

o fetch beer for yo

d I shall fetch it for him as long

d walked carefully

andlady of the "Lion," and she began to consider in her own mind if one of her men

was eaten with consider

andfather-he is all agog to hear what you have got to say-and I will wash up. Now then

e got such a dear little granddaughte

things into the kitchen, and Ru

he said. "What did they do? Wh

ery good class indeed-at least

you have got to learn, dear. What sort of lessons are

in all its branches, music, and Latin if I like. I am determ

too. And you are ever so

d thing for me, does

irls are ladie

ee and four hundred girls. I do

e, anyhow, my

ad? That is t

you think

ut what does t

y after you were born. But he was a commissioned officer in the Punjab Infantry. Your mother was a governess, but she was a lady by birth; her father was a clergyman. Your parents m

uniform on. He looks very handsome. And I have a little water-color sketch of my mother, and she looks fair and

a shop-a grocer's shop, dear; and my wife, she was the daughter of a harne

nd lady for all th

k one of his weather-beaten hands bet

ren't in the position, and never expect to

t my father served the Queen, and that my mother was the daughter of a clergyman. But I am more glad to think that the

ad several severe losses. It was ver

t mo

no fortune by grocery-barely enough to put my boy into the army and to educate him for it, and enough to keep us with a pittance now that w

se to h

y scrap of good the place opens out to me. I mean to work as hard as ever I can. You shall be

lovely scheme in my head. I will work alongside of you, Ruth-you and I

dea!" said Ruth, c

quite happ

girl on earth. And now, may I begin to

for an hour or two. Mrs. Craven came in, looked at her proudly, wagged her head, and returned to the kitchen. After a time she came to the door and beckoned

-coming prese

books. Mr. Craven rose and w

ust work just as long as she likes. She is going to be a great power in the land,

rs. Craven. "And what on earth were you wh

wonderful stimulation, and a great interest

n suppress

hour at school. I'd dress up smart, and take her out, and get her the very best

to use them," replied the old man,

r a time, however, she uttered a sigh. She fl

cally sent to Coventry-that none of the nice girls will speak to me. But never