“News?” cried Richmond, starting eagerly, and then looking sadly at her friend.
“Yes, two more pupils. I’m getting along famously now. And it does make me so happy and resigned. There, I must go, but—”
“You have something more to say to me?”
“Yes, only—there, I will be firm. Don’t be angry with me, Rich dear, for I seem to have no one to care for here but you, and some day you shall pay me again, and I want you to borrow this.”
She slipped a tiny little purse into Richmond’s hands, and then turned scarlet, as she saw her companion’s pallid face.
“No, no, Janet, I could not: your little scraped together earnings. Pray don’t speak to me like that again.”
“I must. I will!” cried the girl with passionate earnestness. “I don’t want it, dear, and it is only a loan. Do, do, pray take it.”
“I could not,” said Richmond, thrusting the purse into her friend’s hand.
“For Mark’s sake, dear.”
“For Mark’s sake!” faltered Richmond hoarsely.