Leslie thanked her and eagerly grasped the little parcel. There were two letters for herself—one from her mother and one from Llewellyn. Her eyes shone with
pleasure at the anticipation of the delightful time she would have reveling in the home news; the other letter was directed to Annie Colchester.
Now Leslie had not failed to remark that Annie seldom or never got letters, that she had made no real friends in the college, and that, as far as she could tell, she seemed to have no special friend anywhere.
“Here is a letter for you, Annie,” cried Leslie. “I am so glad that you have got one at last——”
She took the letter as she spoke over to Annie, who started up, dropped her pen, and stood with both hands outstretched.
“It has come,” she cried: “at last I have news.”
Her face grew suddenly white as death.
“What is it, dear?” said Leslie with sympathy.
“At last I have news,” repeated Annie. “I have been starving, or, rather, I have been thirsting. You cannot tell what a thirst like mine means; and this, this is a cup of cold water.”
“Well, read it in peace,” said Leslie. “I won’t disturb you. I am truly glad it has come.”