Beth looked at her curiously, but said nothing.
“I have always wanted one of my friends to have Number Eighty,” Maude hurried on to say. “I’d like to get Eighty-one for another, too; but Molly Granger is a regular dog in a manger. You, however, have more sense, I should suppose.”
“Thank you, Miss Grimshaw,” said Beth, but in a tone that did not seem entirely grateful.
“Now, you see what we’re after, Miss Baldwin,” said Maude, coolly. “I want you to exchange rooms with Laura. Really, she has a very nice room in the other wing; but she is too far away. She is quite necessary to my comfort—really, she is,” continued the girl. “And I am sure you will find the girls over there quite as pleasant as those on this corridor.”
“Thank you, Miss Grimshaw. I do not care to change,” Beth said, quite calmly. “Of course, you will excuse me?”
“But you haven’t heard my proposal yet,” Maude hastened to say. “I expect to pay you for the accommodation. One doesn’t get something for nothing in this world—I have found that out!” and she laughed rather scornfully.
“I do not understand you,” said Beth, sharply.
“Why, you will do something or other for money to help pay your tuition here. I don’t suppose it much matters what as long as it is not too hard. We have had girls like you at Rivercliff before, Miss Baldwin. Miss Hammersly rather prides herself upon having about so many each year, I believe,” she added, carelessly.
“Still I do not understand you!” cried Beth again, her eyes flashing.
“No? Really? I fancied I spoke plainly enough. I will pay you for the exchange you make with Laura, Miss Baldwin,” said Maude, rather sharply.