“Yes. You know Maggie’s mother has married again; she is Mrs. Martin.”
“Of course, of course; I had forgotten for the moment. Yes, I have her address.”
“Well, if you will do all that,” continued Aneta, “I think that you will find a new Maggie in the future, one whom you—will trust, and—and love, as I love her.”
“My dear girl! as you love Maggie Howland?”
Aneta lowered her head for a minute. “It is true I did not love her,” she said, “in the past, but I have changed my views. I have been narrow-minded, and small, and silly. She herself has opened my eyes. I cannot tell you more now. Maggie will come down, and will be able to go on with her lessons just as usual this afternoon; but I want a day off, and I want it at once.”
“But where are you going, dear?”
“I am going to Aunt Lucia. You will let me have a cab, and I will drive to Aunt Lucia’s house in Eaton Square at once?” 164
Mrs. Ward looked doubtful. “You have a very grave reason for this?” she said.
“Very, very grave; and I will tell you all presently.”
“I have never had reason to doubt you,” said Mrs. Ward, “and I won’t doubt you now. Does Maggie know of this?”