Did you ever hear of such a discouraging series of events? It isn't the big troubles in life that require character. Anybody can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh--I really think that requires _spirit_.
It's the kind of character that I am going to develop. I am going to pretend that all life is just a game which I must play as skilfully and fairly as I can. If I lose, I am going to shrug my shoulders and laugh--also if I win.
Anyway, I am going to be a sport. You will never hear me complain again, Daddy dear, because Julia wears silk stockings and centipedes drop off the wall.
DEAR SIR: I am in receipt of a letter from Mrs. Lippett. She hopes that I am doing well in deportment and studies. Since I probably have no place to go this summer, she will let me come back to the asylum and work for my board until college opens.
_Je suis tres heureuse ^about the farm^, parsque je n'ai jamais ^been on a farm^ dans ma vie ^and I'd hate to^ retourner chez ^John Grier^, et ^wash dishes^ tout l'été. ^There would be danger of^ quelque chose affreuse ^happening^, parsque j'ai perdue ma humilité d'autre fois et j'ai peur ^that I would just break out^ quelque jour et ^smash every cup and saucer^ dans la maison._
_Pardon brièveté et ^paper^. Je ne peux pas ^send^ des mes nouvelles parseque je suis dans ^French class^ et j'ai peur que Monsieur le Professeur ^is going to call on me^ tout de suite._
Did you ever see this campus? (That is merely a rhetorical question. Don't let it annoy you.) It is a heavenly spot in May. All the shrubs are in blossom and the trees are the loveliest young green--even the old pines look fresh and new. The grass is dotted with yellow dandelions and hundreds of girls in blue and white and pink dresses. Everybody is joyous and care-free, for vacation's coming, and with that to look forward to, examinations don't count.
Isn't that a happy frame of mind to be in? And oh, Daddy! I'm the happiest of all! Because I'm not in the asylum any more; and I'm not anybody's nurse-maid or typewriter or bookkeeper (I should have been, you know, except for you).
I'm sorry I was ever impertinent to Mrs. Lippett.