“Oh dear, how very queer!” said Merry, and she reddened deeply.
“Why do you look like that?” said Susan.
“Nothing, nothing,” said Merry.
Susan was silent for a minute or two. Then she said, “That’s a curious-looking girl.”
“What girl?” said Merry indignantly.
“I think you said her name was Howland—Miss Howland.”
“She is one of the most delightful girls I know,” replied Merry at once.
“Well, I don’t know her, you see, so I can’t say. Aneta tells me that she is a member of your school.”
“Yes; and I am so delighted!” said Merry.
Again Susan Heathfield was silent, feeling a little puzzled; but Merry quickly changed the conversation, for she did not want to have any more talk with regard to Maggie Howland. Merry, however, had a very transparent face. Her conversation with her friend had left traces of anxiety and even slight apprehension on her sweet, open face. Merry Cardew was oppressed by the first secret of her life, and it is perhaps to be regretted, or perhaps the reverse, that she found it almost impossible to keep a secret.