"Do you remember," she said, suddenly coming up to her friend, "the old Annie of Lavender House?"
"How can I forget her," said Hester; "when she is my dearest friend?"
"Do you remember," continued Annie, "the heaps and heaps of scrapes she used to get into, and how there was no peace for her, and no way out of them at all except by confession?"
"Yes, I remember," said Hester, gravely.
"Well, I am going to confess now."
"To confess! But you have done nothing wrong, Annie darling."
"Oh, haven't I; I've been just at my old pranks—just as heedless, as impetuous, as mad, as I have ever been. Hester, I have done wrong, but as it does not concern you, I won't tell you, dear. Only before I go to Mrs. Willis, I should like to congratulate you."
"To congratulate me? On what?" asked poor Hester.
"On having the chance of such a girl as Antonia for your sister."