“Yes; but you are so mysterious, Neta.”
“I cannot say any more; you must forgive me,” answered Aneta. “And I hear the sound of wheels. Your father and mother are coming.”
“Yes, yes, the darlings!” said Merry, rushing into the hall to meet her parents.
Aneta and Cicely followed her example, and there was great excitement and much talk. Mrs. Cardew was now as anxious that the girls should go to Aylmer House as though she herself had always wished for such an arrangement, while Mr. Cardew could not say enough in Mrs. Ward’s praise.
“You agree with me, Aneta,” said Mrs. Cardew, “that the school is quite unique and above the ordinary.”
“Mrs. Ward is unique and above the ordinary,” was Aneta’s reply.
When the girls retired to their own rooms that night, Cicely and Merry met for a brief moment.
“How funny of Aneta not to like Maggie!” said Merry.
“Well, if I were you, Merry,” said Cicely, “I wouldn’t talk about it. I suppose Aneta is prejudiced.”
“Yes,” said Merry; “but against Maggie, of all people! Well, I, for my part, will never give her up.”