“Oh, thank you!” cried Lily; and ran into the house and up the stairs to Maria's room.
Maria was standing before the glass brushing her hair, which was very long, and bright, and thick. Lily went straight to her and threw her arms around her and began to weep. Maria pushed her aside gently.
“Why, what is the matter, Lily?” she asked. “Excuse me, but I must finish my hair; I have no more than time. What is the matter?”
“Nothing is the matter,” sobbed Lily, “only—Oh Maria I am so happy! I have not slept a wink all night I was so happy. Oh, you don't know how happy I am!”
Maria's face turned deadly white. She swept the glowing lengths of her hair over it with a deft movement. “Why, what makes you so happy?” she asked, coolly.
“Oh, Maria, he was in earnest, he was. I am engaged to George.”
Maria brushed her hair. “I am very glad,” she said, in an unfaltering voice. She bent her head, bringing her hair entirely over her face, preparatory to making a great knot on the top of her head. “I hope you will be very happy.”
“Happy!” said Lily. “Oh, Maria, you don't know how happy I am!”
“I am very glad,” Maria repeated, brushing her hair smoothly from her neck. “He seems like a very fine young man. I think you have made a wise choice, Lily.”
Lily flung herself into a chair and looked at Maria. “Oh, Maria dear,” she said, “I wish you were as happy as I. I hope you will be some time.”