To Marian's surprise Mrs. Hunt threw back her head and laughed till the tears came, though Marian could not see that she had said anything very funny.
When Mrs. Hunt had wiped her eyes she remarked: "We shall miss Miss Dorothy next year."
"Why, isn't she coming back to teach?" asked Marian in dismay.
Mrs. Hunt shook her head.
"Oh, why not?"
"Ask your papa; he knows," said Mrs. Hunt laughing again.
But before Marian had a chance to do this, Patty came to make Mrs. Hunt the long-promised visit, and it was Patty who guessed the secret. "Did you know that Miss Dorothy is not coming back here next year?" was one of Marian's first questions.
Patty nodded. "I heard her say so to Emily."
"Then you will have her and I shall not," returned Marian jealously.
"Oh, yes, I think you will have her as much as I," returned Patty, "for she is making all sorts of pretty things and I think she is going to be married."