"It is delightful to see what a tender conscience you have got! I confess I did not know of its existence until to-day, but I congratulate you most heartily on such a priceless possession. It will be a great relief to me, not to have to worry any more about your lessons. For the future I wash my hands of you."
"Am I not to be your chum any more, then, Janet?"
Bridget looked up, with decided relief on her face.
Janet saw the look. Her brow darkened; she had to make a great effort to suppress the strong dislike which filled her breast. Bridget, however, was rich; she might be useful.
"Of course, we are chums still," she said in a hasty voice. "It is your own fault if I don't do as much for you as I promised. You are a great little goose to reject the help which I am giving you. Your father sent you to school in order that you might learn; you can't learn if you are not helped. However, it's your own affair; but if you ever let out to mortal that I gave you this assistance your life won't be worth living, that's all."
"I'm not a bit afraid of your threats, Janet; but I won't tell, of course."
"I say," exclaimed Janet, suddenly rushing to the window, "what a nice carriage, and what fine horses! Who in the world can be coming to Mulberry Court now?"
Bridget had again bent over her lessons. They were hopelessly difficult. It was on the tip of her tongue to say:
"Janet, how am I to parse this sentence?" But she restrained herself.
Janet had forgotten all about her. She was gazing at the beautiful carriage and spirited horses with eyes full of curiosity.