"Indeed she is not. She is very different. I am beginning at last to enjoy my life and to appreciate her society. How beautiful she is, and how you have brought out her beauty!"
"Her beauty was given her by God," said Rosamund. "But, of course, now that she is learning, and becoming intelligent, and thinking good thoughts instead of bad thoughts, all these things must be reflected on her face. I want her to have other friends besides me, for I cannot always be with her, and I cannot tell you what a splendid girl I think Maud Singleton is."
"But then there is poor Miss Carter. Irene nearly killed her."
"Miss Carter is quite well and happy at the Singletons', and they just adore her, and Irene ought to apologize to her. I mean to make her when I get the chance. Perhaps not to-day. Anyhow, may we go?"
"You certainly may, and I wish you all success."
Rosamund danced away, and ran down the winding path to the edge of the lake.
"Irene, I want you to come in," she said. "I want to speak to you."
Irene rowed lazily back to the shore. She still sat in her boat and looked up at Rosamund.
"Will you get in?" she said. "There is a little breeze on the water; there is none on the land. What are you looking so solemn about?"
"I am not solemn at all. I want us to have fun this afternoon. It is rather dull here, just two girls all by themselves. I don't think that I can stay with you much longer unless you allow me to have other friends."