She knew nothing of the music that had sung wordless longings into his simple child-heart until it awakened answering voices of a deathless ambition.

So her surprise knew no bounds when he came slowly into the cabin one evening, and asked if he might be allowed to start to school the following week.
"Law, chile!" she answered.

"They isn't any school for cul'ud folks less'n a mile an' a half away, an' besides, you hasn't clothes fitten to wear.

The scholars would all laugh at you." Still he persisted.

"What put such a notion in yo' head, anyhow ?" she demanded.
John Jay turned his face aside, and busied himself with taking another reef in his suspenders.