Muriel was indeed pleased with the suggestion and so Faith went at once to her room, returning a few moments later with a beautifully illustrated copy of “Two Years Before the Mast.”
“Muriel,” she announced when she opened the door, this time without knocking, “I wonder if you know how lucky you are. You have the nicest room in the school. This round cupola room with so many windows, and such a sweeping view in three directions, is the one that many of us hope each year will be given to us.”
Then she laughed. “Honestly, I do not eavesdrop, but I happened to be in the reception room the first day of this term and heard Adelaine Stuart’s mother offering to pay extra if her spoiled darling could have it. But Miss Gordon said it had been reserved for you.
“Think of that, young lady. Moreover, you are doubly lucky, for, not only have you the nicest room in the school, but you are invited to spend an hour every evening with the idol of all our hearts, the adorable Miss Gordon.”
Muriel smiled at her new friend’s enthusiasm. “’Twa’n’t last long, though,” she replied. “I mean, Miss Gordon’s just bein’ kind to me now because she knows as I’m lonesome an’ she’n Uncle Lem are friends.”
Faith looked pityingly at the girl whose shadowed eyes plainly showed that many hours had been spent in tears.
“Muriel,” she suggested, “suppose you lie on the window seat. Pile those pillows under your head and try to rest while I read. I’m afraid you are holding yourself too tense these days, as our gym teacher tells us.”
Muriel did as she was bidden and Faith continued: “Now, take a deep breath and drop down on the pillows with every muscle relaxed. Listen idly while I read until you fall asleep. I really think that restful sleep is what you most need.”
Then Faith read for an hour. Muriel was greatly interested, but she was also very weary, and after a time she did fall into the first restful sleep that she had had since she arrived at the school.
Faith drew a cover over her new friend and stole out, but she did not go directly to her own room. Instead she went to the office of Miss Gordon.