Meade L. T. - A Sweet Girl Graduate стр 25.

Annie Day patted her companions small white hand.

And so Ive hurt the dear little babys feelings! she said. But I didnt mean to no, that I didnt. And she such a pretty, sweet, little pet as she is! Well, Rosie, you know what I mean. If we can find out the truth about Miss Maggie well just have a quiet little crow over her all to ourselves. I dont suppose we shall find out; but opportunities may arise who knows? Now I want to speak to you about another person, and that is Maggies new friend.

What new friend? Rosalind blushed brightly.

That ugly Priscilla Peel. She has taken her up. Anyone can see that.

Oh, I dont think so.

But I do I am sure of it. Now I have good reason not to like Miss Priscilla. You know what a virtuous parade she made of herself a few nights ago?

Yes, you told me.

Horrid, set-up minx! Just the sort of girl

who ought to be suppressed, and crushed out of a college like ours. Vaunting her poverty in our very faces, and refusing to make herself pleasant or one with us in any sort of way. Lucy Marsh and I had a long talk over her that night, and we put our heads together to concoct a nice little bit of punishment for her. You know shes horridly shy, and as gauche as if she lived in the backwoods, and we meant to send her to Coventry. We had it all arranged, and a whole lot of girls would have joined us, for its contrary to the spirit of a place like this to allow girls of the Priscilla Peel type to become popular, or liked in any way. But, most unluckily, poor, dear, good, but stupid, Nancy Banister was in the room when Prissie made her little oration, and Nancy took her up as if she were a heroine, and spoke of her as if she had done something magnificent, and, of course, Nancy told Maggie, and now Maggie is as thick as possible with Prissie. So you see, my dear Rosalind, our virtuous little scheme is completely knocked on the head.

I dont see began Rosalind.

You little goose, before a week is out Prissie will be the fashion. All the girls will flock round her when Maggie takes her part. Bare, ugly rooms will be the rage; poverty will be the height of the fashion, and it will be considered wrong even to go in for the recognised college recreations. Rosie, my love, we must nip this growing mischief in the bud.

How? asked Rosalind.

We must separate Maggie Oliphant and Priscilla Peel.

How? asked Rose again. Im sure, she added, in a vehement voice, Im willing Im more than willing.

Good. Well, were at home now, and I absolutely must have a cup of tea. No time for it in my room to-night lets come into the hall and have some there. Look here, Rosalind, Ill ask Lucy Marsh to have cocoa to-night in my room, and you can come too. Now keep a silent tongue in your head, Baby.

Chapter Twelve A Good Thing to be Young

As the two girls were leaving the house, Geoffrey Hammond put in a sudden appearance.

I will see you home, he said to Maggie.

No, no, you mustnt, she answered; her tone was vehement. She forgot Prissies presence, and half-turned her back on her.

How unkind you are! said the young man, in a low tone.

No, Geoffrey, but I am struggling you dont know how hard I am struggling to be true to myself.

You are altogether mistaken in your idea of truth, said Hammond, turning, and walking a little way by her side.

I am not mistaken I am right.

Well, at least allow me to explain my side of the question.

No, it cannot be; there shall be no explanations, I am resolved. Good-night, you must not come any further.

She held out her hand. Hammond took it limply between his own.

You are very cruel, he murmured, in the lowest of voices.

He raised his hat, forgot even to bow to Priscilla, and hurried off down a side street.

Maggie walked on a little way. Then she turned, and looked down the street where he had vanished. Suddenly she raised her hand to her lips, kissed it, and blew the kiss after the figure which had already disappeared. She laughed excitedly when she did this, and her whole face was glowing with a beautiful colour.

Prissie, standing miserable and forgotten by the tall, handsome girls side, could see the light in her eyes, and the glow on her checks in the lamplight.

I am here, said Priscilla, at last, in a low, half-frightened voice. I am sorry I am here, but I am. I heard what you said to Mr Hammond. I am sorry I heard.

Maggie turned slowly, and looked at her. Prissie returned her gaze. Then, as if further words were wrung from her against her will, she continued

I saw the tears in your eyes in the fern-house at the Marshalls. I am very sorry, but I did see them.

My dear Prissie! said Maggie. She went up suddenly to the girl, put her arm round her neck, and kissed her.

Come home now, she said, drawing Prissies hand through her arm. I dont think I greatly mind your knowing, she said, after a pause. You are true; I see it in your face. You would never tell again you would never make mischief.

Tell again! Of course not.

Prissies words came out with great vigour.

I know you would not, Priscilla; may I call you Priscilla?