“Of course,” replied Maria.
“Well, if you tell a lie which can hurt only yourself, and bless others, and are willing to bear the punishment for it, you are telling the truth like the angels. Don't you worry, my dear. But you must not go to Edgham for that money. I have enough for us both.”
“I have nearly all my last term's salary, except the sum I paid for my fare here,” Maria said, proudly.
“Well, dear, you shall spend it, and then you shall have some of mine.”
“I don't want any money, except what I earn,” Maria said.
“You may read to me, and earn it,” Miss Blair said easily. “Don't fret about such a petty thing. Now, will you please touch that bell, dear. I must go and arrange about our passage.”
“Our passage?” repeated Maria dully.
“Yes; to-day is Thursday. We can catch a Saturday steamer. We can buy anything which you need ready-made in the way of wearing-apparel, and get the rest on the other side.”
Maria gasped. She was very white, and her eyes were dilated. She stared at Miss Rosa Blair, who returned her stare with curious fixedness. Maria seemed to see depths within depths of meaning in her great dark eyes. A dimness swept over her own vision.
“Touch the bell, please, dear,” said Miss Blair.