"What were you after, Maggie, not coming to bed till such unearthly hours last night?"
"I know," Nona answered for Maggie. "She was up with Millie, talking. That's all."
I begin to think my journalising is in danger of running to excess. I must curb myself. Lessons have begun to-day, and my leisure will decrease.
[CHAPTER XI.]
JUVENILE AUTHORSHIP.
DIARY OF GLADYS HEPBURN.
July 1 (preceding).
MY eighteenth birthday. Mother gave me a beautiful edition of Shakespeare. She really ought not to spend so much on me, though I do dearly like to have this. Then I have a gold pencil-case from Uncle Tom; and Ramsay's present is a painting of his own, framed. I like the frame better than the painting, but I shall hang it up in my room. I am so glad I was not cross with him yesterday evening.
I do wonder whether I shall have a book out before my next birthday. It seems dreadfully conceited to think of such a thing.
Just two years and three months since we came to Glynde. I am so glad we came. To be sure it was nice being near London, and living alone with Mother and Uncle. But, after all, the children keep us bright, dear little things; and Ramsay can be pleasant sometimes, if he is provoking. Then I have Nellie here. Two years ago I did not dream what friends the Romillys and we would become; though, to be sure, Nellie and I took an immense fancy to each other at first sight. And the more I see of her, the more I love her.