“You do, eh? Well, well, I hope you’ll forgive me. I didn’t think she’d do it—I was sure feminine vanity would win the day over missionary zeal. It seems it didn’t—though how much was pure missionary zeal and how much just plain King spunk I’m doubtful. I’ll keep my promise, Miss. You shall have your five dollars, and mind you put my name in the round space. No five-cent corners for me.”
CHAPTER XXIV. A TANTALIZING REVELATION
“I shall have something to tell you in the orchard this evening,” said the Story Girl at breakfast one morning. Her eyes were very bright and excited. She looked as if she had not slept a great deal. She had spent the previous evening with Miss Reade and had not returned until the rest of us were in bed. Miss Reade had finished giving music lessons and was going home in a few days. Cecily and Felicity were in despair over this and mourned as those without comfort. But the Story Girl, who had been even more devoted to Miss Reade than either of them, had not, as I noticed, expressed any regret and seemed to be very cheerful over the whole matter.
“Why can’t you tell it now?” asked Felicity.
“Because the evening is the nicest time to tell things in. I only mentioned it now so that you would have something interesting to look forward to all day.”
“Is it about Miss Reade?” asked Cecily.
“Never mind.”
“I’ll bet she’s going to be married,” I exclaimed, remembering the ring.
“Is she?” cried Felicity and Cecily together.