Beulah - Page 60/348

Entering school is always a disagreeable ordeal, and to a sensitive

nature, such as Beulah's, it was torturing. Madam St. Cymon was a

good-natured, kind, little body, and received her with a warmth and

cordiality which made amends in some degree for the battery of eyes

she was forced to encounter.

"Ah, yes! the doctor called to see me about you--wants you to take

the Latin course. For the present, my dear, you will sit with Miss

Sanders. Clara, take this young lady with you."

The girl addressed looked at least sixteen years of age, and, rising

promptly, she come forward and led Beulah to a seat at her desk,

which was constructed for two persons. The touch of her fingers sent

a thrill through Beulah's frame, and she looked at her very

earnestly.

Clara Sanders was not a beauty in the ordinary acceptation of the

term, but there was an expression of angelic sweetness and purity in

her countenance which fascinated the orphan. She remarked the

scrutiny of the young stranger, and, smiling good-humoredly, said,

as she leaned over and arranged the desk: "I am glad to have you with me, and dare say we shall get on very

nicely together. You look ill."

"I have been ill recently and have not yet regained my strength. Can

you tell me where I can find some water? I feel rather faint."

Her companion brought her a glass of water. She drank it eagerly,

and, as Clara resumed her seat, said in a low voice: "Oh, thank you! You are very kind."

"Not at all. If you feel worse you must let me know." She turned to

her books and soon forgot the presence of the newcomer.

The latter watched her, and noticed now that she was dressed in deep

mourning. Was she too an orphan, and had this circumstance rendered

her so kindly sympathetic? The sweet, gentle face, with its soft,

brown eyes, chained her attention, and in the shaping of the mouth

there was something very like Lilly's. Soon Clara left her for

recitation, and then she turned to the new books which madam had

sent to her desk. Thus passed the morning, and she started when the

recess bell rang its summons through the long room. Bustle, chatter,

and confusion ensued. Pauline called to her to come into lunchroom,

and touched her little basket as she spoke, but Beulah shook her

head and kept her seat. Clara also remained.

"Pauline is calling you," said she gently.

"Yes, I hear; but I do not want anything." And Beulah rested her

head on her hands.