“Now that you remark it, I have noticed that they are very grave; but they always do their lessons well, and I have nothing to complain of with regard to their conduct.”
“Nor have you anything to complain of with regard to Paulie’s conduct,” said Verena. “It isn’t that.”
“Then what is it, my dear?”
“It is that they are not natural. There is something on their minds. I am certain of it.”
“Verena,” said her aunt gently, “I wonder if I might confide in you.”
Verena started back; a distressed look came over her face.
“If it happens to be anything against Paulie, perhaps I had better not hear,” she said.
“I do not know if it is for her or against her. I am as much in the dark as you. I have not spoken of it yet to any one else, but I should like to mention it to you. It seems to me that light ought to be thrown on some rather peculiar circumstances or your sister will never get back her old brightness and gaiety of heart.”
“Then if you think so, please tell me, Aunt Sophy,” said Verena.
She got up as she spoke and shut the door. She was a very bright and pretty-looking girl, but her face sometimes wore too old a look for her age. Her aunt looked at her now with a mingling of affection and compassion.