"And that I shall always love you the best of anybody."
"Oh, Daisy, that is a sort of sacred thing to say. How can anyone tell——"
"I don't mean lovers or husbands, and you haven't any parents or sisters. Just here in the school—you will love me the best because I love you so. That is the highest claim."
"I will love you the best," Helen said almost solemnly.
Then a strange awesome feeling thrilled through Helen, and she wondered if it was right to promise away one's freedom, even in so simple a matter as loving a schoolmate.
"Oh, you dear, dear girl! Go to sleep and dream of me."
CHAPTER XIV
AND THORNS SPRANG UP
School work began in great earnest. There was no loitering now. The girls who went in the A grade would be seniors next year, and the A grade of seniors would graduate. Helen took up French with a vim. Mrs. Van Dorn spoke of it particularly in her letter, and she had the right to order what Helen should do. The girl never thought of any mental protest.