Chapter 11 Betty Vivian by L. T. Meade
A SPECIALITY ENTERTAINMENT
Certainly it was nice to be a Speciality. Even Fanny Crawford completely altered her manner to Betty Vivian. There were constant and earnest consultations amongst the members of the club in that charming sitting-room. Betty, of course, was eagerly questioned, and Betty was able to give daring and original advice. Whenever Betty spoke some one laughed, or some one looked with admiration at her; and when she was silent one or other of the girls said anxiously, "But do you approve, Betty? If you don't approve we must think out something else."
Betty soon entered into the full spirit of the thing, and one and all of the girls--Fanny excepted--said that she was the most delightful Speciality who had ever come to Haddo Court. During this time she was bravely trying to keep her vows. She had bought a little copy of Jeremy Taylor's "Holy Living," and read the required portion every day, but she did not like it; it had to do with a life which at one time she would have adored, but which now did not appeal to her. She liked that part of each day which was given up to fun and frolic, and she dearly loved the respect and consideration and admiration shown her by the other girls of the school.
It was soon decided that the next great entertainment of the Specialities was to be given in Betty Vivian's bedroom. Each girl was to subscribe three shillings, and the supper, in consequence, was to be quite sumptuous. Fanny Crawford, as the most practical member, was to provide the viands. She was to go into the village, accompanied by one of the teachers, two days before the date arranged in order to secure the most tempting cakes and pastry, and ginger-beer, and cocoa, and potted meat for sandwiches. Betty wondered how the provisions could be procured for so small a sum; but Fanny was by no means doubtful.
Now, Betty had of worldly wealth the exact sum of two pounds ten shillings; and when it is said that Betty possessed two pounds ten shillings, this money was really not Betty's at all, but had to be divided into three portions, for it was equally her sisters'. But as Sylvia and Hester always looked upon Betty as their chief, and as nothing mattered to them provided Betty was pleased, she gave three shillings from this minute fund without even telling them that she had done so. Then the invitations were sent round, and very neatly were they penned by Susie Rushworth and Olive Repton. It was impossible to ask all the girls of the school; but a select list from the girls in the upper school was carefully made, each Speciality being consulted on this point.
Martha West, who was now a full-blown member, suggested Sibyl Ray at once.
Fanny gave a little frown of disapproval. "Martha," she said, "I must say that I don't care for your Sibyl."
"And I like her," replied Martha. "She is not your style, Fan; but she just needs the sort of little help we can give her. We cannot expect every one to be exactly like every one else, and Sibyl is not half bad. It would hurt her frightfully if she were not invited to the first entertainment after I have become a Speciality."
"Well, that settles it," said Fanny in a cheerful tone; "she gets an invitation of course."
The teachers were never invited to these assemblies, but there was a murmur of anticipation in the whole school when the invitations went round. Who were to be the lucky ones? Who was to go? Who was not to go? As a rule, it was so managed by the Specialities that the whole of the upper school was invited once during the term to a delightful evening in one of the special bedrooms. But the first invitation of the season--the one after the admission of two new members, that extraordinary Betty Vivian and dear, good old Martha West--oh, it was of intense interest to know who were to go and who to stay behind!
"I've got my invitation," said a fat young girl of the name of Sarah Butt.
"And I," "And I," "And I," said others.
"I am left out," said a fifth.
"Well, Janie, don't fret," said Sarah Butt; "your turn will come next time."
"But I did so want to see Betty Vivian! They say she is the life of the whole club."
"Silly!" exclaimed Sarah; "why, you see her every day."
"Yes, but not as she is in the club. They all say that she is too wonderful! Sometimes she sits down cross-legged and tells them stories, and they get so excited they can't move. Oh, I say, do--do look! look what is in the corner of your card, Sarah! 'After supper, story-telling by Betty Vivian. Most of the lights down.' There, isn't it maddening! I do call it a shame; they might have asked me!"
"Well, I will tell you all the stories to-morrow," said Sarah.
"You!" The voice was one of scorn. "Why, you can't tell a story to save your life; whereas Betty, she looks a story herself all the time. She has it in her face. I can never take my eyes off her when she is in the room."
"Well, I can't help it," answered Sarah. "I am glad I'm going, that is all. The whole school could not be asked, for the simple reason that the room wouldn't hold us. I shall be as green as grass when your invitation comes, and now you must bear your present disappointment."
Fanny Crawford made successful and admirable purchases. On the nights when the Specialities entertained, unless it was midsummer, the girls met at six-thirty, and the entertainment continued until nine.
On that special evening Mrs. Haddo, for wise reasons all her own, excused the Specialities and their guests from attending prayers in the chapel. She had once made a little speech about this. "You will pray earnestly in your rooms, dears, and thank God for your happy evening," she had said; and from that moment the Specialities knew that they might continue their enjoyment until nine o'clock.
Oh, it was all fascinating! Betty was very grave. Her high spirits deserted her that morning, and she went boldly to Mrs. Haddo--a thing which few girls dared to do.
Mrs. Haddo was seated by her fire. She was reading a new book which had just been sent to her by post. "Betty, what do you want?" she said when the girl entered.
"May I take a very long walk all alone? Do you mind, Mrs. Haddo?"
"Anywhere you like, dear, provided you do not leave the grounds."
"But I want to leave the grounds, Mrs. Haddo."
"No, dear Betty--not alone."
Betty avoided the gaze of Mrs. Haddo, who looked up at her. Betty's brilliant eyes were lowered, and the black, curling lashes lay on her cheeks.
Mrs. Haddo wanted to catch Betty's soul by means of her eyes, and so draw her into communion with herself. "Betty, why do you want to walk outside the grounds, and all alone?"
"Restless, I suppose," answered Betty.
"Is this club too exciting for you, my child?"
"Oh no, I love it!" said Betty. Her manner changed at the moment. "And, please, don't take my hand. I--oh, it isn't that I don't want to hold your hand; but I--I am not worthy! Of course I will stay in the grounds to please you. Good-bye."