It impressed them more than many quiet home lectures would have done , and roused an ambition to help when their time should come , well knowing that even in glorious America there is still plenty to be done before she is what she should be -- truly just , and free , and great . They were also quick to see that Lady Abercrombie treated all there as her equals , from stately Mrs Laurence , to little Josie , taking notes of everything and privately resolving to have some thick-soled English boots as soon as possible . No one would have guessed that she had a big house in London , a castle in Wales , and a grand country seat in Scotland , as she spoke of Parnassus with admiration , Plumfield as a ` dear old home ' , and the college as an honour to all concerned in it . At that , of course , every head went up a little , and when my lady left , every hand was ready for the hearty shake the noble Englishwoman gave them , with words they long remembered : ' I am very pleased to see this much-neglected branch of a woman 's education so well conducted here , and I have to thank my friend Mrs Laurence for one of the most charming pictures I 've seen in America -- Penelope among her maids . ' A group of smiling faces watched the stout boots trudge away , respectful glances followed the shabby bonnet till it was out of sight , and the girls felt a truer respect for their titled guest than if she had come in the coach and six , with all her diamonds on . ' I feel better about the `` odd jobs '' now . I only wish I could do them as well as Lady Abercrombie does , ' said one . ' I thanked my stars my buttonholes were nice , for she looked at them and said : `` Quite workmanlike , upon my word , '' added another , feeling that her gingham gown had come to honour . ` Her manners were as sweet and kind as Mrs Brooke 's . Not a bit stiff or condescending , as I expected . I see now what you meant , Mrs Bhaer , when you said once that well-bred people were the same all the world over . ' Mrs Meg bowed her thanks for the compliment , and Mrs Bhaer said : ' I know them when I see them , but never shall be a model of deportment myself . I 'm glad you enjoyed the little visit . Now , if you young people do n't want England to get ahead of us in many ways , you must bestir yourselves and keep abreast ; for our sisters are in earnest , you see , and do n't waste time worrying about their sphere , but make it wherever duty calls them . ' ` We will do our best , ma'am , ' answered the girls heartily , and trooped away with their work-baskets , feeling that though they might never be Harriet Martineaus , Elizabeth Brownings , or George Eliots , they might become noble , useful , and independent women , and earn for themselves some sweet title from the grateful lips of the poor , better than any a queen could bestow . Chapter 18 . CLASS DAY The clerk of the weather evidently has a regard for young people , and sends sunshine for class days as often as he can . An especially lovely one shone over Plumfield as this interesting anniversary came round , bringing the usual accompaniments of roses , strawberries , white-gowned girls , beaming youths , proud friends , and stately dignitaries full of well-earned satisfaction with the yearly harvest . As Laurence College was a mixed one , the presence of young women as students gave to the occasion a grace and animation entirely wanting where the picturesque half of creation appear merely as spectators . The hands that turned the pages of wise books also possessed the skill to decorate the hall with flowers ; eyes tired with study shone with hospitable warmth on the assembling guests ; and under the white muslins beat hearts as full of ambition , hope , and courage as those agitating the broadcloth of the ruling sex .
College Hill , XXXXX , and old Plum swarmed with cheery faces , as guests , students , and professors hurried to and fro in the pleasant excitement of arriving and receiving .
Bhaer College DAY England Martineaus Parnassus days independent left muslins