Miss Pat at School

In Short

This novel follows two sisters, Patricia and Elinor Kendall, as they embark on an artistic education at a prestigious Philadelphia academy. As the sisters trade the quiet life of their ancestral home for the scent of turpentine and the intensity of studio life, they encounter a cast of ambitious fellow students, kind mentors, and one notable academic rival. It is a story of coming-of-age that captures the specific, heightened atmosphere of early 20th-century art training, celebrating the camaraderie of young women finding their voices and their place in the world.

The Story

The story begins with the sisters’ arrival at the Academy of Fine Arts. Patricia is vivacious and eager, while Elinor possesses a quiet, disciplined intensity that marks her as a serious student. They settle into the rhythm of the studio, befriending vibrant peers like the spirited Griffin and the talented Margaret Howes. Their days are filled with the shared labor of drawing, modeling, and critiquing, while their evenings at home are enriched by their brother, David, and a dear family friend, Miss Jinny, who eventually joins them in the city.

The core conflict arises during a competition for a library panel prize. Elinor, modest but immensely gifted, pours her soul into a study that captures a scene of delicate symbolism. Her success, however, triggers the jealousy of a fellow student, Doris Leighton. Doris, feeling the pressure of the academy’s high expectations, surreptitiously gains access to Elinor's locker, copies her design, and submits a fraudulent version. When Elinor is accused of plagiarism by a faculty member, she is too dignified to defend herself with messy accusations, choosing to suffer the injustice rather than engage in a public scandal.

The truth is brought to light by the youngest sister, Judith, whose observant nature and love for storytelling lead her to treat the situation like a mystery plot. After noticing inconsistencies in Doris’s claims and rummaging through the studio waste, Judith discovers the shredded remnants of the original sketch Doris used to copy the work. When the deception is exposed, the social hierarchy of the school shifts; Doris leaves, and Elinor’s integrity is restored. The narrative concludes with a sense of transition as the group prepares to leave the studio. They look toward their respective futures—Elinor toward her artistic promise, Judith toward her writing, and Patricia toward a new chapter at their home, Greycroft. The book ends on a note of optimistic change, with the sisters acknowledging that while their time in the academy has been a formative "riotous" interlude, they are now ready to pursue their individual paths with renewed confidence.

How It Unfolds

The arrival The sisters step into the academy, where the smell of oil paint and the sight of heroic white casts create an atmosphere of serious, artistic purpose. Patricia immediately embraces the excitement, while Elinor approaches the work with a deeper, quieter reverence.

The social circle Through friendships with students like Griffin and Margaret, the sisters find a sense of belonging amidst the "painty smell" and crowded corridors. They navigate the lighthearted traditions of the academy, including a mysterious "Ghost Dance" and a costume ball, which solidify their bonds with their peers.

The accusation Elinor’s artistic excellence makes her a target, and a prestigious prize competition leads to a bitter accusation of plagiarism. She faces the faculty’s doubt with a quiet dignity, refusing to engage in the petty conflict even as the false charge threatens her reputation.

The discovery Judith, acting as an amateur sleuth, pieces together the truth by observing the students' habits and searching through discarded materials. Her discovery of the physical evidence of Doris’s deception vindicates her sister and forces the truth into the open.

The conclusion With the injustice addressed and the school year drawing to a close, the students celebrate their growth through a series of farewells. They look back on their shared experiences as a transformative time, readying themselves for the next stage of their lives outside the academy walls.

The People

Patricia Kendall is the energetic, often restless sister who acts as the family’s social engine. She is fiercely protective of Elinor and prone to dramatic flourishes, yet she possesses a grounded, practical spirit that eventually leads her toward agricultural pursuits at home.

Elinor Kendall is the poised, "sensitive" artist of the family. Her talent is matched by her humility, which makes her vulnerable to the machinations of others but ultimately earns her the respect of her peers and mentors. She remains the steady center of the group, even when she is the victim of unfair treatment.

Judith Kendall, the youngest, is a budding writer who observes the world through a literary lens. Her habit of treating life as if it were a story allows her to uncover truths others miss, making her the unlikely hero who saves her sister’s reputation.

Doris Leighton serves as the primary antagonist. Her desire for success at any cost drives her to betray the community of the academy. Her arc is defined by her eventual downfall and departure, serving as a foil to the sisters' integrity.

Bruce Haydon is a supportive friend and mentor figure whose quiet guidance and organizational efforts keep the sisters connected to their support network. He represents the mature, encouraging presence that helps the protagonists navigate their challenges.

In Its Own Voice

"Isn't it gloriously workmanlike--the bare walls and smudged doors and the painty smell, too?"

Elinor expresses her initial, reverent reaction to the reality of the art academy.

"I'm the family grub, and Judy and Elinor are the splendid butterflies."

Patricia reflects on her own perceived roles, humorously contrasting her practical nature with the artistic aspirations of her sisters.

"She's so tremendously alive that she must need some play, and if she's only willing, we'll see that she gets it, won't we, Norn?"

Patricia speaks with affection about their friend Miss Jinny, highlighting the sisters' devotion to those who support them.

What It's Really About

At its heart, the book explores the tension between personal integrity and the competitive pressures of professional ambition. It asks whether one can pursue greatness without losing one's sense of fairness or kindness. The sisters navigate a world where success is often measured by prizes and public recognition, yet the narrative consistently argues that character is the true metric of a person. It is a meditation on the value of quiet resilience and the importance of having a supportive community, suggesting that talent alone is insufficient if it is not accompanied by the strength to endure disappointment and the humility to support others.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy stories about creative environments, such as those found in Little Women or the school stories of the early 20th century, will find much to love here. The book captures the specific, tactile atmosphere of an art school—the smell of clay, the cold north light in the studios, and the camaraderie of students working toward a common dream. It feels like a genuine, lived-in memory of a specific era, offering a glimpse into a time when women were first asserting their presence in professional artistic circles.

Modern readers should be prepared for the earnest, sometimes dramatic tone characteristic of its 1915 publication date. The dialogue occasionally features the stylized, turn-of-the-century slang of the student body, which might feel quaint or mannered to contemporary ears. Additionally, the book reflects the period's social attitudes, particularly regarding class and the roles of "dependents," which are presented without modern critical distance. However, for those who appreciate a warm, character-driven story about the bonds of sisterhood and the pursuit of artistic excellence, the book remains a charming and sincere read. It leaves the reader with a lasting sense of the fleeting, transformative nature of the school years and the enduring strength of the relationships formed during them.