The girls ran upstairs. They presently entered Fanny’s bedroom, which was a small apartment, but very neat and cheerful. It was next door to the Vivians’ own spacious one.
The moment they were inside Betty turned and faced Fanny. “Do you always intend to remain my enemy, Fanny?” she asked.
“Far from that, Betty; I want to be your truest friend.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, don’t talk humbug! If you are my truest friend you will act as such. Now, what is the matter—what is up?”
“I will tell you.”
“I am all attention,” said Betty. “Pray begin.”
“I hurt your feelings downstairs just now by saying that I did not care for your story-telling.”
“You didn’t hurt them in the least, for I never expected you to care. The story-telling wasn’t meant for you.”
“But I must mention now why I didn’t care,” continued Fanny, speaking as quickly as she could. “Had you been the Betty the rest of the school think you I could have lost myself, too, in your narrative, and I could have seen the picture you endeavored to portray. But knowing you as you are, Betty Vivian, I could only look down into your wicked heart——”
“What an agreeable occupation!” said Betty with a laugh which she tried to make light, but did not quite succeed.