“It is all very queer,” said Merry. “She was in such 158 splendid spirits to-day; all the girls said so when they were out preparing for our party, and now she looks years older and utterly miserable.”
“Go to bed, Merry, and leave your friend in my care.”
“Then you don’t think it wrong of me to be very fond of her?”
“I do not, Merry. There was a time when I hoped you would not care for her; now I earnestly want you to be her true friend. There is a very great deal of good in her, and she has had many sorrows. Pray for her to-night. Don’t be anxious. Everything will come as right as possible.”
“Oh Neta,” said Merry, “you are a darling! And when you talk like that I love you more than I ever did before. You see, dear, I could not help caring for Maggie from the very first, and nothing nor anybody can alter my love.”
Aneta kissed Merry, who left the room. Then Aneta herself, taking up her candle, went out. She was wearing a long white wrapper, and her clouds of golden hair were falling far below her waist. She looked almost like an angel as she went down the corridor as far as Miss Johnson’s room.
Lucy Johnson was just getting into bed when Aneta knocked.
“What is it, Neta?” said the governess in a tone almost of alarm.
“I want to break a rule, Lucy,” said Aneta; “so put me down for punishment to-morrow.”
“Oh, but why? What are you going to do?”