It was early morning when Aneta touched her companion.
“Maggie, I have been thinking hard all night, and I am going to do something.”
“You! What can you do? Oh, I remember everything now. 162 Oh, the horror! Oh, how can I endure it? Why didn’t I run away?”
“Maggie, you must promise me faithfully that you will never run away. Say it now, this minute. I believe in your word; I believe in your fine nature. I will help you with all my might and main through school-life, and afterwards. Give me your word now. You will stay at Aylmer House?”
“I will stay,” said poor Maggie.
“I don’t ask any more. Thank you, dear. Maggie, do nothing to-day, but leave matters in my hands. You are not well; your head aches, your forehead is so hot.”
“Yes, I have a headache,” owned Maggie.
“I shall be away for the greater part of the day, but I will ask Miss Johnson to look after you. Don’t say anything until I return.”
“But what are you going to do?”
“I am going to see your mother and your stepfather.”