Chapter Twenty One.
Stealing Hearts.
When Annie ran out of the South Parlour she found herself suddenly face to face with Mrs Willis.
“Well, my dear child,” said the head-mistress in her kindest voice, “where are you running to? But I suppose I must not ask; you are, of course, one of the busy and secret conclave in the South Parlour?”
“No. I have left them,” said Annie, bending her head, and after her usual habit when agitated, shaking her hair about her face.
“Left them?” repeated Mrs Willis, “you mean, dear, that they have sent you for some message.”
“No. I am not one of them. May I go into the garden, Mrs Willis?”
“Certainly, my dear.”