“I won’t remain a minute longer than I can help. Thank you, Lucy,” said Aneta.
Miss Johnson kissed her pupil and left the room.
A minute later Aneta Lysle was running down the corridor in the direction of the bedroom occupied by Maggie Howland. It was some distance from her own room. She knocked at the door. She guessed somehow that Maggie would be still up.
Maggie said, “Come in,” and Aneta entered.
Maggie was in a white dressing-gown, with her thick, handsome hair falling below her waist. Her hair was her strongest point, and she looked for the time being almost pretty.
“What do you want, Aneta?” she said.
“To speak to you, Maggie.”
“But it’s against the rules,” said Maggie, drawling out her words a little, and giving Aneta a defiant glance.
“No,” said Aneta. “I asked for permission to come and see you, and I have obtained it.”
“Well, sit down, won’t you?” said Maggie.