His parents had died in his babyhood , and Mrs. Elwell had taken him to bring up . She was a harsh woman , with a violent temper , and she had scolded and worried the boy all his short life . Upton people said it was a shame , but nobody felt called upon to interfere . Mrs. Elwell was not a person one would care to make an enemy of . She eyed Chester sourly when he went in , expecting some request to be allowed to go with Henry , and prepared to refuse it sharply . `` Aunt Harriet , '' said Chester suddenly , `` can I go to school this year ? It begins tomorrow . '' `` No , '' said Mrs. Elwell , when she had recovered from her surprise at this unexpected question . `` You 've had schoolin ' in plenty -- more 'n I ever had , and all you 're goin ' to get ! '' `` But , Aunt Harriet , '' persisted Chester , his face flushed with earnestness , `` I 'm nearly thirteen , and I can barely read and write a little . The other boys are ever so far ahead of me . I do n't know anything . '' `` You know enough to be disrespectful ! '' exclaimed Mrs. Elwell . `` I suppose you want to go to school to idle away your time , as you do at home -- lazy good-for-nothing that you are ! '' Chester thought of the drudgery that had been his portion all his life . He resented being called lazy when he was willing enough to work , but he made one more appeal . `` If you 'll let me go to school this year , I 'll work twice as hard out of school to make up for it -- indeed , I will . Do let me go , Aunt Harriet . I have n't been to school a day for over a year . ''
`` Let 's hear no more XXXXX this nonsense , '' said Mrs. Elwell , taking a bottle from the shelf above her with the air of one who closes a discussion .
Chester Harriet If Upton at from in of to with