When Rhoda went off to her lesson in the study the poor little stay-at- home recalled the words of Eleanor Newman's inscription, and capped them by one even more touching: "Ella Mason, a student of exceptional promise, voluntarily relinquished a career of fame and glory to be a cheerful and uncomplaining helper at home." Alas, poor Ella! at the word "cheerful" her lips twitched, and at "uncomplaining" the big tears arose and trickled down her cheeks! For the rest of the holidays Rhoda worked more persistently than anyone suspected, with the exception of her tutor, who invariably found the allotted task not only perfectly accomplished, but exceeded in length. Even making allowances for the girl's undoubted gift for languages, he was amazed at her progress, and complimented her warmly at the close of the lessons, watching with half-amused, half-pitying eyes the flush of pleasure on the girl's cheeks. "You are very ambitious, Rhoda. Very anxious to distinguish yourself?" "Yes." "Well, well! you are young. It is natural. Remember only that there are different kinds of success, and aim for the best. When I was your age I had dreams of a deanery or a bishopric, but I have remained all my life in this sleepy village. My college companions have soared over my head, yet I can never feel myself an unsuccessful man. I have had great compensations, and have discovered that obscurity has many lessons which I needed badly to learn. Don't be too anxious for honour and glory; there are other things better worth having!" "The worst of old people is--they _will_ preach!" said Rhoda to herself as she walked home across the Park. "He is a good old thing, the Vicar, but a terrible bore. Unsuccessful! I should think he _is_ unsuccessful, with half-a-dozen children, and that wretched little bit of a house, and a poor stipend. No wonder he gets prosy. Young people understand young people best, and Miss Everett was quite right when she said it was no use trying to stuff lessons down your throat until you were ready to swallow them. If all the fathers, and mothers, and brothers, and vicars in the world were to lecture me now, and tell me to take it easy, and not to worry about the examination, it would have no effect. In another two days I go back to school, and then--then--" She stood still in the midst of the bare, wintry scene, and clasped her hands together passionately. "Rhoda Chester, you must work, you must win! If you don't do well in that examination, it will break your heart!" CHAPTER THIRTEEN. "IF I PASS--"