Suddenly a light footstep entering the room startled her. Her hands were gently removed from her tear-stained face, while a spirited voice exclaimed:
"Hallo! Sissy! what's the matter? Has that kite-heart, Minnette, been mocking you?"
"No-o-o!" faltered Celeste, looking up through her tears into the bright face of Archie Rivers.
"What's the case, then? Something's wrong, I know. Tell me, like a good little girl, and I'll see if I can't help you," said Archie, resolutely retaining the hands with which she struggled to cover her face.
"Miss Hagar wants to send me to school, and I've no one to go with. Minnette doesn't like to be troubled with——"
"Oh, I see it all! Minnette's been showing her angelic temper, and won't let you go with her, eh?"
"Ye-e-es," sobbed Celeste, trying bravely not to cry.
"Well, never mind, birdie! I have to pass the Sisters' school every day on my way to the academy, and I'll take care of you, if you'll go with me. Will you?" he said, looking doubtfully into her little, shrinking face.
"I—I think so," said Celeste, rather hesitatingly. "I will be a trouble, though, I'm afraid."
"Not you!" exclaimed Archie, gayly. "I'll be your true knight and champion now, and by and by you'll be my little wife. Won't you?"