Chapter 15 Illness, Schoolwork and Mr Aladdin's Visit.
The first happy year at Wareham was over and gone.
September had come and Rebecca was back at school.
She had spent most of the summer studying.
At fall, she became the assistant editor of the Wareham School Pilot.
She was the first girl to hold the post at the school newspaper.
It was her greatest triumph.
Although Rebecca worked hard, she was far from the best student.
Many of the girls were better at math and science, but Rebecca had a natural curiosity and a love of school that made her continue to try.
As rewarding as life at school was, life at the old brick house was equally hard.
Aunt Jane, Rebecca said one afternoon, it seems like nothing I'd do suits Aunt Miranda these days.
Her eyes were filled with tears.
Rebecca's tears brought tears to Jane's eyes as she comforted her niece.
You must be patient.
She wiped her tears and then Rebecca's.
I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry, but Aunt Miranda isn't well.
There are other problems, too.
Things you needn't be concerned about.
Just try to be kind to her, even if it's hard.
She's been so proud of you lately.
Oh, the poor dear.
Don't worry, Aunt Jane.
I'll put my best face forward.
When Rebecca carried up some toast for her aunt later in the day, that's exactly what she did.
She used the best china plates and brought her a pretty flower, too.
Now, Aunt Miranda, I know you don't want me to make a fuss, but I thought some toast would make you feel better.
Rebecca said cheerfully.
Thank you, Rebecca.
It looks good, but you shouldn't have wasted a perfectly good flower, Miranda said. can't say that.
It's a waste if it brightens up your day a bit, Rebecca replied.
Miranda put her best face forward, too.
She was under the weather, that was true, but there was something else.
Years ago, she and Jane had invested some money in a business that was no longer working.
They hadn't lost a huge amount, but it came at a time when Rebecca's school fees were due.
The two aunts decided they would scrimp and save every possible penny.
They had promised Rebecca's mother that they would give the girl an education, and that's just what they intended to do.
Rebecca and Emma Jane sat in their room talking.
If only we could be roommates forever, Emma Jane said.
We get along so well, and it would make me quite happy.
I'd like that too, Rebecca said, but I've already promised to help my brother John, with his housekeeping after he becomes a doctor.
That's his deepest wish.
We've talked about it in letter after letter.
He won't have his own house for many years, though, will he?
Emma Jane asked.
No, Rebecca sighed and flung herself on her bed.
Not unless we can pay off the debt on Sunnybrook Farm.
It'll work out, Rebecca.
I know it will, Emma Jane said kindly.
Rebecca turned over and said, It's only twelve hundred dollars, but it's so much to my family.
They've been working so hard, but it never seems to get any better.
I'll be done with school in a year or two.
At least then I can help.
Will you be a teacher or a writer before you go to live with John?
Emma Jane asked.
I suppose I'll do whichever comes first.
You could go with the Birch family and do preaching work.
They're always asking about you.
No, I don't think that's for me.
I don't want to go thousands of miles away from home to teach things that I'm not sure I know myself.
So Rebecca and Emma Jane sat and thought about life after school.
Each girl was completely lost in her own little world.
Mr Adam Ladd was on his way back from Temperance one afternoon when he decided to visit Rebecca at Wareham.
He also had some business to discuss with the principal.
It was the school's fiftieth anniversary and Mr Ladd knew he wanted to do something special for them.
But mainly he wanted to see Rebecca.
He had heard about the trouble with Sunnybrook Farm and knew that Miranda was not well.
He wanted to see how Rebecca was holding up.
Rebecca and Mr. Ladd walked around the woods beside Wareham School.
He took a good look at his friend and saw that she was thin and drawn.
She wore an old dress of her Aunt Jane's, which was looking rather shabby.
He knew that her pretty eyes and good nature would triumph over her problems, but he was still worried.
I do think you might be studying too hard, Rebecca.
You're looking quite tired, he said as they strolled along.
Well, maybe just a little, but vacation is coming up soon, she said with a smile.
And are you going to have a good rest?
You need to recover those dimples.
They're worth it, he said.
A shadow fell over Rebecca's face.
She held back her tears.
Mr. Aladdin, she cried.
It's just not one of my dimple days.
I'm afraid Aunt Miranda isn't well, and there's something else worrying her that she hasn't told me.
Rebecca waved goodbye and ran off.
Mr. Ladd walked toward the principal's office, deep in thought.
He wanted to finish up his plans to contribute to the school's fiftieth anniversary.
He planned to give the library a gift of books, but he also wanted to hold an essay competition.
The top two essays would win a grand prize.
He just didn't know yet what the prize would be.
When he finished speaking with the principal about his plans, Mr Ladd went to speak to Miss Maxwell.
He wanted to help Rebecca, but he knew she would never accept his money.
I know she'll tell me she must earn it herself, the good soul.
Mr Ladd had barely stepped through the door when he said Miss Maxwell, have you noticed that Rebecca looks so very tired these days?
Miss Maxwell took his hat and coat and said, Yes, indeed she does.
I was thinking of taking her away with me.
I always go south for the spring vacation, to Old Point Comfort.
I think Rebecca would enjoy coming along.
That's a perfect idea, Mr. Ladd said.
Of course, you'll let me help pay her way.
From the moment I met her, I knew she was an extraordinary child.
She deserves some help in this world.
I agree.
She needs a dozen things money could buy.
I only wish I were a rich woman, Miss Maxwell said.
Well, then, let me act through you, Mr. Ladd said.
It would be my pleasure to help.
I asked Moran to let me provide her with a musical education, but she wouldn't hear of it.
They are proud, the Sawyer women, but the hard work and lack of money have made Rebecca who she is.
She's got a great character because of it.
I do think this matter should be kept between the two of us.
Mr. Ladd smiled and said, You are a true fairy godmother.
He turned and gazed out the window.
Oh, look, there she is now.
Rebecca was walking down the street with a young man her own age.
She smiled up at him as they read something together.
Her eyes sparkled and there was a spring in her step.
Rebecca wasn't interested in dating boys, though.
Not like Holder was, anyway.
She and the boy were just friends, but it caused a bit of a stir with Mr. Ladd.
I dare say, as much as I support the Wareham School, I'm not sure I agree with boys and girls attending classes together, Mr Ladd said.
Miss Maxwell laughed.
I have my own doubts sometimes, but that's an impressive sight in front of you.
The junior and senior editors of the pilot are actually getting along with each other.
