The child's face worked, but she controlled the rising sob.
"Listen, Meg. It may be in five years, it may be in six years, it may be when you are a tall, accomplished young girl of eighteen, I shall come to the school where you are, and—" He paused.
"Take me home to be your housekeeper?" said Meg.
A laugh drifted to his face.
"Better than that. We will be friends, close friends, such friends as never were, if you go to this school," he said.
"You promise?" said the child, holding him with her eyes.
He nodded. "I promise, Meg."
"Then I will go to that school," she said submissively, putting her hand into his.
Until eight o'clock, when she usually said good-night, Meg helped Mr. Standish to pack up. She asked to be allowed to remain up a little longer, but he refused the petition.