“Well, girls,” she said, “you do look sweet, both of you!”
“Oh Neta, what a darling you are!” said Merry, who worshipped beauty, and had never come across any one so lovely as her cousin. “It’s two years since we met,” she continued, “and you have altered, and not altered. You’re more grown-up and more—more stately, but your face is the same. Whenever we want to think of the angels we think of you too, Neta.”
“That is very sweet of you, darlings; but, indeed, I am far from being an angel. I am just a very human girl; and, please, if you don’t mind, we won’t discuss my looks any more.”
Cicely and Merry both save their cousin a thoughtful glance. Then they said eagerly, “You must come to your room and wash your hands, and get refreshed for supper, for of course you are starving.”
“I shall like to have something to eat,” said Aneta. “What room am I to have, girls?”
“Oh, the white room, next to ours; we arranged it all this morning,” said Cicely.
“Well, come along at once,” said Aneta.
Soon the three girls found themselves in the beautiful bedroom which had been arranged for Aneta’s reception. As soon as ever they got there Cicely clasped one of her cousin’s arms and Merry the other.
“We have news for you—news!” they said.
“Yes?” said Aneta, looking at them with her bright, soft eyes.