“And he is always thinking of plans to do good to the lower classes. Nell, you cannot think how miserable some of them are; though they don’t half realise it, they get so dulled and weary. Oh, Nellie [97] ]dear, I do think he is the very best man in the world.” The young, sweet face was half hidden behind the deep cushion frill.
“Well, you are the very best woman,” Nell said very tenderly, and meant it indeed.
Pretty giddy little butterfly, that she was just now, she often paused in her flights to wish she could grow just as sweet and good and true and unselfish as Meg without any trouble.
“The very best woman,” she repeated; but Meg’s soft hand closed her lips and stayed there.
“If you knew how I’m always failing,” she said, with a deep sigh.
“But the trying is everything,” Nell said.
Then there were more tender words and wishes, and Nellie went to bed, stealing on tip-toe down the passage, for time had flown on noiseless wings and the household was asleep. And Meg took down the ivory frame, and put her lips to the laughing child-face.
“Oh, Judy,” she said, “I wish you knew. Dear little Judy, I wonder if you know?”
[98]
]CHAPTER IX.
THAT MISCHIEVOUS CUPID.
“For boys say, Love me or I die.”