“That is true,” replied Miss Heath, thoughtfully.
“And everyone knows,” pursued Prissie, “that Mr Hammond loves her.”
“Do they? I was not aware that such reports had got abroad.”
“Oh, yes: all Maggie’s friends know that, but they are so dreadfully stupid they cannot guess the other thing.”
“What other thing?”
“That dear Maggie is breaking her heart on account of Mr Hammond.”
“Then you think she loves him?”
“I do—I know it. Oh, won’t you do something to get them to marry each other?”
“My dear child, these are subjects in which neither you nor I can interfere.”
“Oh!” Prissie’s eyes filled with sudden tears. “If you won’t do anything, I must.”