So the first year went, and the second and third were a repetition; but
the fourth was different, for that was the close of the course, ending
with graduation and all its attendant ceremonies and expenses. To Elnora
these appeared mountain high. She had hoarded every cent, thinking twice
before she parted with a penny, but teaching natural history in the
grades had taken time from her studies in school which must be made up
outside. She was a conscientious student, ranking first in most of her
classes, and standing high in all branches. Her interest in her violin
had grown with the years. She went to school early and practised half
an hour in the little room adjoining the stage, while the orchestra
gathered. She put in a full hour at noon, and remained another half hour
at night. She carried the violin to Sintons' on Saturday and practised
all the time she could there, while Margaret watched the road to see
that Mrs. Comstock was not coming. She had become so skilful that it was
a delight to hear her play music of any composer, but when she played
her own, that was joy inexpressible, for then the wind blew, the water
rippled, the Limberlost sang her songs of sunshine, shadow, black storm,
and white night.
Since her dream Elnora had regarded her mother with peculiar tenderness.
The girl realized, in a measure, what had happened. She avoided anything
that possibly could stir bitter memories or draw deeper a line on the
hard, white face.
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