Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool gave a little helpless gesture. ‚ÄúAnd what shall you do?‚Äù she asked.
“I’m going back South to work for my people.”
‚ÄúWhen?‚Äù The old careworn look stole across Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool‚Äôs features.
Zora came gently forward and slipped her arms lovingly about the other woman’s neck.
‚ÄúNot right off,‚Äù she said gently; ‚Äúnot until I learn more. I hate to leave you, but‚ÅÝ‚Äîit calls!‚Äù
Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool held the dark girl close and began craftily:
“You see, Zora, the more you know the more you can do.”
“Yes.”
‚ÄúAnd if you are determined I will see that you are taught. You must know settlement-work and reform movements; not simply here but‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚Äù she hesitated‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚Äúin England‚ÅÝ‚Äîin France.‚Äù
“Will it take long?” Zora asked, smoothing the lady’s hair.
Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool considered. ‚ÄúNo‚ÅÝ‚Äîfive years is not long; it is all too short.‚Äù
“Five years: it is very long; but there is a great deal to learn. Must I study five years?”
Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool threw back her head.