"What does this mean?" said Christian. "Has anything happened? Oh, Miss Jessie, you are good to me."
"I try to be, darling, for I love you. The fact is—don't be frightened, but Miss Peacock wants you. You are to go to her at once, I hope and trust this may—— I mustn't—I daren't say any more."
"I am very glad that I can see Miss Peacock," said Christian.
Her tone was bright. She did not wait to say another word to Miss Jessie, but left the room.
Christian's tap at Miss Peacock's door was answered immediately by that good lady.
"Come in," she said; and when she saw the young girl, and noticed her pale face, she said in a particularly kind tone:
"Come here, Christian dear. You and I must have a cozy chat. I like to know all I possibly can of my pupils. Sit in that easy-chair. Is it too near the fire? Well, here is a screen. Now I will take this chair, and we shall enjoy ourselves."
Christian smiled. "Your room reminds me of mother's boudoir at home."
"Ah! I should like to know about your mother. You love her very, very much?"