Chapter 14 A Visit from Mr Aladdin.
The warm months passed and soon it was time for Rebecca and Imogene to stay at school.
The first winter Rebecca spent at Wareham as a boarding student was one of the happiest of her life.
She and Imogene were roommates.
They had arrived at school just after Christmas, during the coldest months of the year.
They brought all kinds of presents with them and had just finished setting up the room when Hulda knocked on the door.
"'Why, don't you girls have a lovely room here?' she said as she came inside.
"'Look at that wonderful screen.'
"'Oh, the screen was a present for Mr. Ladd,' Emma Jane said.
"'It's so stylish.
You two were lucky when you met him, and to think he's kept in touch with you all these years.'
Hulda sat down on a chair just inside the room.
She was a pretty girl with lovely red hair, but she was also vain and spent far too much time thinking about her appearance.
Isn't this your study hour?
Emma Jane asked.
Hulda said that indeed it was, but she had lost her Latin grammar book in the hallway yesterday and was waiting for a young man to return it.
I do have another book that Mr Morrison said I could use while I wait for mine to be returned.
Hulda continued
There was a perfectly elegant gentleman in his office when I went to ask about my book.
He was so handsome.
He looked at me the entire time I was in there.
You'll have to wear a mask if you're going to get any work done at all, Hulda, Rebecca said dryly.
You know, he had a perfectly gorgeous ring, too, Holda continued dreamily.
It sparkled and wound around his finger.
I've never seen anything like it.
Just then the bell rang.
Oh, dear, I must run.
Where has the hour gone?
Rebecca knew that it was probably Mr. Aladdin in the office.
He was a trustee of the school, and she remembered that he had had just such a ring.
After Hulda left, Rebecca went out on her own to see Miss Maxwell.
She often spent Fridays reading at her teacher's house.
It was her favorite time of the week.
She pulled David Copperfield down from the shelves and fell into a chair.
She read for half an hour before looking out the window.
There, coming down the path, were Mr. Aladdin and Hulda.
Rebecca didn't know what to think, except that she didn't want to share her friend with Hulda.
She sat back down in the chair and closed her book tightly.
She must have walked him over here on her way to class, Rebecca thought.
She was very happy when Mr. Ladd reached the front gate of the house and said goodbye to Hulda.
Suddenly the door opened and someone called out.
Hello?
Miss Maxwell said that I could find Rebecca Rowena Randall here.
Rebecca jumped to her feet.
Mr. Aladdin, oh, I knew you were in Wareham, but I was afraid you wouldn't have time to come see me.
Now, now, Mr. Ladd said, I always have time for a visit with you.
The two sat down and had a merry conversation.
Rebecca was saddened when he got up to go, but he promised to return soon.
Enjoy your time at school, Rebecca, he said kindly.
It's meant to be the best of your life.
I promise.
She smiled up at his handsome face.
I crossed my heart and promised.
