"Not so consciously, though."
"I think she's too precious for words. It's something even to be in the same room with her!" gushed Audrey. "I've scored over you, Vivien, because she's written two verses in my album, and she only wrote one in yours!"
"Yes, but it was original poetry in mine!"
"How do you know, when it's in Russian?"
"She said so, at any rate."
"Oh! I must ask her to put in an original one for me."
"She's coming to tea with us to-morrow."
"You lucker!"
There seemed no lengths to which the girls would not go. Several of them kept sentimental diaries in which were recorded the doings and sayings of their deity. Audrey's ran as follows:—
Jan. 15th.—A new sun rose in the sky, and the world of school has changed for me. I could do nothing but gaze.
Jan. 16th.—Her name is Madame Bertier.
Jan. 17th.—Her Christian name is Olga Petrovna.
Jan. 18th.—She looked directly at me, and I blushed.
Jan. 19th.—To-day she smiled upon me.
Jan. 22nd.—To-day she accepted my flowers.
Jan. 23rd.—A black day. Vivien has engrossed her entirely.
Jan. 24th.—I have asked Mother to call upon her.
Jan. 25th.—The world dark. Mother too busy to call.
Jan. 30th.—Mother called to-day. Hooray!
Feb. 1st.—She is coming to tea. I feel I am treading on air.
Feb. 2nd.—She has been to our house. It was the happiest day of my life.