The Naughtiest Girl Again Page 15
It was a splendid afternoon – and in the evening the last School Meeting was to be held. There was a surprise for the School then, which William did not announce until after the usual business had been dealt with.
All the money was emptied out of the Box and evenly divided between each girl and boy. This was always done at the end of term, and the children were pleased, because it meant that they started their holidays with a little money in their pockets.
Then William made his announcement. «I am sorry to say that we are going to lose Kenneth this term», he said. «Kenneth's father and mother are going abroad and he is to go with them, so we shall not see him again until they come back, which will not be for six months.» The School listened in silence. «I should like to say that we thank Kenneth very much for being a wise and good monitor for many terms», said William. «He has done many kind and generous things that most of us know nothing about, and we shall miss him very much. We shall be very glad when you come back, Kenneth.»
«Thank you», said Kenneth, going scarlet. He was a quiet, shy boy, liked by everyone. The School was sorry to say good-bye.
«Well, as Kenneth will not be here to be a monitor next term, we have to choose another new one», said William. «You may like to have George back again, of course, or you may like to give someone else a chance if you think there is anyone worthy of being tried as a monitor. Nora, give out slips of paper, please.»
Nora rose, and gave out the slips of paper to each boy and girl. They took them and sat, thinking hard. It was unexpected to have to choose a monitor without talking about it between themselves first. Elizabeth chewed her pencil. Whom should she put? She decided on John – though she half felt that John wouldn't be a very good monitor, because he only understood one thing really well, and that was gardening! Still, it might be good to give him a chance. So she wrote down his name – John Terry. Soon everyone had written down a name. The papers were given to the Jury, who unfolded them and counted them. Then the Jury, too, considered the matter and at last handed in their own papers.
William and Rita undid them, said a few words to one another, and then William knocked on the table with his hammer.
«Three names have been given the most votes», he said. «One is John Terry – the second is Robert Jones, whom the younger ones have voted for (you should be pleased about that, Robert!) – and the third is – Elizabeth Allen.»
Elizabeth jumped. She had no idea at all that anyone would vote for her – or would even think her good enough to be a monitor. She had the surprise of her life!
«Now we have heard a great deal of Elizabeth this term», said William. «Some good, and some bad. But both Rita and I have noticed how well Elizabeth has tackled a big disappointment these last few weeks – and has tried to forget herself and to help her form in every way. So it is no wonder that so many people have voted for her.»
«We know that she brought her disappointment on herself», said Rita, «but we mustn't forget that she hurt her wrist in trying to stop Peter's horse. It was a brave thing to do. Elizabeth, you are a real mixture! You can be foolish and you can be wise. You can be impatient and you can be patient. You can be unkind and you can be kind – and we all know that you try to be fair, just, and loyal.»
Rita paused. Elizabeth listened, her heart thumping. Was Rita going to say that she must try again and perhaps be made monitor next term, if she did well?
No – Rita was not going to say that. She smiled down at Elizabeth and went on. «Well, Elizabeth, both William and I know you well by now, and we are quite sure that if we make you a monitor we shall not be disappointed in you. You will always treat other people better than you treat yourself – so we feel that it is quite safe to call you up to the Monitors' table, and ask you to do your best for the school next term.»
With burning cheeks and shining eyes Elizabeth marched up to the Jury's table. She had never in her life felt so proud or so pleased. Oh, she didn't mind now not playing in the school concert – she didn't mind missing games and matches and gym! Her ill-luck had turned into a piece of marvellous good luck – she was actually a monitor – yes, really and truly one. She took her place beside Joan, who squeezed her hand in delight.
«Jolly good!» said Joan. «I am glad!»
And there we will leave Elizabeth, sitting at the Monitors' table, dreaming of all the marvellous things she would do next term. A monitor! Could it really be true that the naughtiest girl in the school had become a monitor?
“I shall still do silly things, I expect, even now I'm a monitor” thought Elizabeth. “But never mind – I've got my chance! I'll show everybody something next term!”
And I expect she will!