Free Primrose Square by Anne Douglas Page B

admit that there were.
    â€˜But girls as well, Dad, and I sit next to a nice young woman who could be a friend.’
    â€˜Elinor can look after herself, anyway,’ Corrie put in. ‘I think it’s grand that she’s thought of going to night school. I’m planning to go to a class myself next year.’
    â€˜What next?’ asked his father, but not too sharply. ‘Everybody seems set on going back to school, Hessie. Looks like you and me will have to join something.’
    â€˜Dad, you could,’ Elinor said seriously. ‘The WEA runs all sorts of classes – history, painting – everything. And they don’t cost a lot.’
    But Hessie shook her head and said she’d never have the time, and Walter said he’d other things to do when he finished work. Everyone knew what those things were, but no one mentioned the Dragon or the Castle. This was a pleasant time they were all enjoying, and no one wanted to spoil it.
    â€˜The chap who takes our course actually works for the WEA,’ Elinor volunteered, as they cleared the table. ‘He’s quite important, really, has to organize all the courses.’
    â€˜And is he nice?’ asked Hessie. ‘No’ too strict, I mean?’
    â€˜No, no, he keeps us all in order but you couldn’t call him strict. A very good teacher, as well.’
    â€˜That’s grand. I’m glad you’re meeting all these new people and enjoying yourself.’
    â€˜Gives you something to look forward to,’ remarked Corrie.
    â€˜True,’ Elinor agreed, but said no more. What she looked forward to was her own affair.

Sixteen
    For the following week’s class, Elinor tried so hard to make up for her previous lateness that she arrived too early. At least, that was what she thought, but when she got to the classroom, looking this time as composed as possible, it was to find Mr Muirhead already at his table, surrounded by young women. Even Brenda was there, admiring photographs of various pieces of equipment he was passing round and listening closely with the others to his descriptions – which left Elinor feeling rather taken aback. How foolish! Why shouldn’t the other girls be early? She knew it was only the way they were all looking up at the tutor that annoyed her. And that was foolish, too.
    Standing in the doorway, she cleared her throat, at which Mr Muirhead looked up and smiled and laid down his photographs.
    â€˜Miss Rae! Come in. I’ve just been showing some pictures of a mechanical calculating machine – that’s the Hollerith – and other aids you might find in a large office, but I’ll keep them for later, as it’s time for class.’
    â€˜At least I’m no’ late this time,’ Elinor murmured, moving to be near Brenda again, who said that the fellows were just arriving.
    â€˜Sound like a herd of elephants, eh?’
    True enough, the heavy footfalls of the young men all coming in together were thunderous, but at the sight of their tutor they hastily quietened down, with even Tam MacLean taking his seat and sending a grin to Brenda, which she, of course, ignored. Everyone seemed keen to listen to Mr Muirhead, who was expanding on some of the items he’d discussed the previous week, relieved perhaps that this time there were no interruptions and no need for threats.
    How different evening classes were from classes at school, Elinor realized. Unlike many young pupils, adult students were keen to learn, not only because they’d paid good money for their course, but also because their learning could lead to better things. They were proof, it seemed to her, that she’d been right: education of one sort or another was the key to a better life, and the more she dwelled on it, the more passionate she felt that everyone was entitled to that better life.
    When the bell rang for the end of another class, Mr Muirhead looked obviously pleased that it had