Jean Webster

“ Priscilla stood in the doorway and watched her in amazement. "Are you going to New York?" she asked.
"No," said Patty; "to the infirmary."
"Patty Wyatt, you're a wretched little hypocrite!"
"Not at all," said Patty, cheerfully. "I didn't ask to go, but the doctor simply insisted. I told her I had an examination, but she said it didn't make any difference; health must be the first consideration."
"What's in that bottle?" demanded Priscilla.
"That's for my appetite," said Patty, with a grin; "the doctor hopes to improve it. I didn't like to discourage her, but I don't much believe she can." ”

“ Miss Skelling wishes the Old English class to be provided with writing materials this afternoon."
Patty stopped with a groan. "I think it's absolutely abominable to give an examination without a word of warning."
"Not an examination," quoted Cathy; "just a 'little test to see how much you know.'"
"I don't know a thing," wailed Patty—"not a blessed thing."
"Nonsense, Patty; you know more than any one else in the class."
"Bluff—it's all pure bluff. I come in strong on the literary criticism and the general discussions, and she never realizes that I don't know a word of the grammar." ”

“ She dropped an Old English grammar and a copy of "Beowulf" into her suit-case.
"They won't let you study," said Priscilla.
"I shall not ask them," said Patty. "Good-by. Tell the girls to drop in occasionally and see me in my incarceration. Visiting hour from five to six." She stuck her head in again. "If any one wants to send violets, I think they might cheer me up."
The next afternoon Georgie and Priscilla presented themselves at the infirmary, and were met at the door by the austere figure of the head nurse. ”