Aneta went back to her room, where she dressed with her usual expedition and extreme neatness. When she had finished her toilet she ran downstairs. It was not yet eight o’clock; but most of the girls were assembled in the large hall waiting for prayers, which always took place before breakfast. Mrs. Ward was seen passing to the library, where prayers were held. Aneta went up to her.
“Prayers first, of course,” said Aneta, “and afterwards may I talk to you?”
Mrs. Ward looked at Aneta. “What is the matter, dear?”
“Something very important indeed. I must see you.”
“Well, breakfast follows prayers; come to me the minute breakfast is over.”
“Thank you, dear Mrs. Ward,” said Aneta.
At breakfast Merry asked Aneta how Maggie was. Aneta said that Maggie had a headache, and would not be in school during the morning.
“Then what are we to do about our day?” said Molly Tristram, 163 who overheard this remark. “We have absolutely more to get through than we can possibly manage.”
“Oh, to-morrow will be quite all right,” said Aneta; “and Maggie will join you presently.”
Aneta was so respected in the school, so little given to exaggeration, so absolutely to be relied on, that these words of hers had a most calming effect. The girls continued their breakfast, those who were in the secret of to-morrow occasionally alluding to the subject in French, which was the only language allowed to be spoken. The others talked about their different occupations.