"Yes, I know. I am only a child, and your mother does not approve. Then I go to the heretic school."
"She thinks the school a bad thing. And about the maids—"
"I could not be one of them," Jeanne said stiffly.
"Mother has chosen them, I had no say. She manages everything. When I have my own home I shall do as I like and invite whom I choose. Mother thinks I do not know anything and have no mind, but, Jeanne, I love you, and I am not afraid of what you learn at school. Monsieur Beeson said it was a good thing. And you will not be angry with me?"
"No, no, Marie." The child's heart was touched.
"We will be friends afterward. I shall tell M'sieu Beeson how long we have cared for each other."
"You—like him?" hesitatingly.
"He is very kind. And girls cannot choose. I wish he were younger, but it will be gay at Christmastide, and my own home will be much to me. Yes, we will wait until then. Jeanne, kiss me for good luck. You are quite sure you are not angry?"
"Oh, very sure."
The two girls kissed each other and Jeanne cried, "Good luck! good luck!" But all the same she felt Marie was going out of her life and it would leave a curious vacancy.