"I'm one of those who don't like," said Henrietta.
"Well, even supposing you don't like it, you're having a grand, noble try, both for my sake and Daisy's," said Maureen.
"Do you really think I'm improved?" said Henrietta in amazement.
"Of course I do. I should not know you for the same girl. But now, look at me, Henny. Listen! I want to be downright desperately proud of you and Daisy. I want you to be the top girl of the school. Not in cleverness—for you are not clever, darling—but in the other really important things."
"What do you mean?" said Henrietta. "I thought school was a hot-house to force the brain."
"Some schools are, but not Felicity. I want you to be noted in this school, first for your gentleness."
"Hum!" said Henrietta, "a gentle Fuzzy-wuzzy!"
"Let me go on and say what is in my heart," continued Maureen. "Second, for your unselfishness."
"Turned into a goody-goody," muttered Henrietta.
"No, no, dear child. Forgive me; that is really a silly expression, but turned into one who goes forward and who takes others along with her. And now, think of the jolly time we have before us. We three girls are going to meet Uncle Pat in Rome, that glorious, delightful place, and when the Christmas holidays are over, and you have seen something of another side of life, I am going to ask Mrs. Faithful to put you into the sort of occupation which you can really do well, and which you have a gift for."