“Oh!” said Merry, coming up to Maggie and dropping on her knees and fondling one of the girl’s cold hands, “why should I wait till Saturday? Why should I not know now?”
“I can’t talk of it, Merry. I am glad you—you—loved me. You won’t love me in the future. But kiss me just this once.”
“I am not going to leave you like this,” said Merry.
“You must, dear; yes, you must. Please, please go! And—please, be quick. Some one will see us together. Lucy Johnson will come in. Oh! don’t make matters worse for me. Good-night, Merry, good-night.”
Maggie seemed so anxious that Merry should go that the girl felt hurt and rose to her feet.
“Good-night, Merry dear,” said Maggie as Merry was walking towards the door. Then she added, in a semi-whisper which Merry did not catch, “And good-bye, Merry dear; we shall never meet again.”
Merry left the room, feeling full of apprehension. She thought for a minute as she stood outside. Then she went and knocked at Aneta’s door.
“Aneta, may I come in?”
“Of course, dear. What is the matter?” said her cousin.
Merry entered at once.