"But perhaps you were never so greatly aggravated before, my dear!"
"No, I don't think I ever was. It—it was on mother's account, really."
"Try to forget the remarks of that unkind little girl; and ask God to help you to curb your angry temper. He will, you may be sure. And now, dear child, go to rest, and do not allow your mind to dwell upon the events of the day; and when you go to school to-morrow do not resent what has occurred. It was good of that big girl to interest herself on your behalf. What did you say her name was?"
"Grace Long. She is a boarder, but I do not know much about her, because she does not work in our class-room. She was very kind to me to-day. I think she must be a nice girl, because everyone seems to like her."
"Well, good-night, Marigold. Sleep well, and forget your troubles in pleasant dreams."
"Good-night, dear Aunt Mary," Marigold replied, as she flung her arms around the old lady's neck, and gave her a loving kiss. "You are one of the best people in the world!"
Miss Holcroft laughed, and shook her head. As she went downstairs to join her sister in the drawing-room her gentle face settled into graver lines, and she sighed regretfully as she thought of Marigold's mother.