The Leader of the Lower School: A Tale of School LifeBrazil, Angela
General
The Leader of the Lower School: A Tale of School Life
Brazil, Angela
Girls -- Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction; Schools -- Juvenile fiction
"Christina Rossetti's poems? Then she must surely mean that beautiful
illustrated edition that we were talking about at tea-time yesterday. I
remember Miss Edith said how immensely she would like to see it. No
doubt Leonora made a mental note of it. It was a kind thought of hers,
which Miss Edith will appreciate, I am sure."
"Is the edition expensive?" enquired Dilys casually.
"Fifteen shillings net, but of course to Leonora that is a mere
nothing--no more than sixpence to most girls. Still, perhaps I'd better
send for her and ask her."
"She's having her music lesson," put in Dilys quickly.
"The order ought to go off at once, if we are to have the presents in
time for the 1st of March," said Miss Lindsay, glancing at the clock. "I
must write now to catch the post. I think I may venture to send
Leonora's commission without consulting her. She must certainly mean the
illustrated edition, and in her case we really need not trouble to
consider the question of the price."
Dilys went away, rubbing her hands with satisfaction.
"Serves you right, Leonora Parker!" she chuckled to herself. "Your
little effort at economy is going to cost you rather more than you
bargained for. Miss Lindsay's an absolute trump. I hate mean people who
hoard up their money and keep it all for themselves."
She confided her success to the others, but exacted a promise of strict
secrecy.
"We'll simply say Miss Lindsay has sent for the book," she advised. "I
believe Leonora would be capable of countermanding the order if she knew
the amount of the bill. It will be a surprise for her later on."
"And a ripping joke for us!"
"It's Miss Lindsay's fault, though. She named the edition."
"Oh, yes, of course! We understand that, my dear girl!"
The presents arrived by return of post, just in time for Miss Edith's
birthday--a splendid blotter of delicious-smelling leather, and the
edition of Christina Rossetti's poems, a large and handsome volume full
of beautiful illustrations. Miss Lindsay brought them into the Juniors'
sitting-room, and showed them to the delighted girls.
"It was so nice of you, Leonora dear, to think of giving such a lovely
gift to Miss Edith all on your own account," she remarked; "so
thoughtful to have fixed upon the very thing she wanted. You meant this
edition, of course? I knew I could hardly be mistaken. Miss Edith will
be particularly pleased that a new girl should show such appreciation.
The pictures are perfect gems. We'll wrap the book up again in its
various papers, and you must hide it carefully away until to-morrow.
Would you like to give me the fifteen shillings now, or will Miss
Poppleton stop it out of your allowance?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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