"Then I must run home and tell him before he goes out," said Florry. "See, Tilly, I have taken these two books; and I will lend you any of mine that you like."
"But just wait a minute. I want to show you my birthday present," and Tilly displayed, with some pride, a very pretty little watch and gold chain, and a handsome enamelled locket. "I mean to wear them to school this morning."
"I wouldn't," said Florry. "You might lose them or something. And besides, Miss Van Ness wouldn't like it. Come, walk along with me as far as the school."
"I can't. I must change my dress first. Do you think you will get promoted to-day, Florry?"
"I am sure I don't know," answered Florry, rather absently.
"Well, do you think Emma will? She thinks so, I know, because she has been so good the last two weeks."
"I don't know," answered Florry, again. "It doesn't depend on the last two weeks, you know. But good-by, Tilly, I must go. Thank you for the books."
Tilly dressed herself for school, and, after some consideration, put on her new watch and chain; for she could not resist the desire she felt to show them off: Mr. Mansfield lived on a back street, parallel to that on which the school stood. His grounds joined those of the school at the back, and for Tilly's convenience, he had constructed a path and a stile, which shortened his daughter's daily journeys very much.
Tilly crossed the stile, and the first thing she saw was Emma Hausen, seated on a rock, close under the wall, and studying with all her might.
"Why, Emma! What are you doing here?" she asked.