“Zora, don’t talk cant; it isn’t worthy of your intelligence.”
‚ÄúIt was more than intelligent‚ÅÝ‚Äîit was true.‚Äù
‚ÄúZora‚ÅÝ‚Äîlisten, child! You were wrought up tonight, nervous‚ÅÝ‚Äîwild. You were happy to meet your people, and where he said one word you supplied two. What you attribute to him is the voice of your own soul.‚Äù
But Zora merely smiled.
“All you say may be true. But what does it matter? I know one thing, like the man in the Bible: ‘Whereas I was blind now I see.’ ”
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.”
“And if you are determined I will see that you are taught. You must know settlement-work and reform movements; not simply here