Judith had brought her pencil and pad; for half an hour the girls put their heads together over square root; then Lottie Kindare threw her book across the small room to the bed.
“Judith, I know something new to tell you; Grace Marvin told me to-day at recess, and once it came true. I’ll show you.”
On the lowest shelf of the little book-case Lottie found her Bible; it was dusty, but she did not notice that.
With their chairs very near together, the Bible in Lottie’s lap, the girls sat silent a moment; Judith’s luminous eyes were filled with expectation.
“Now wish for what you want most,” commanded Lottie, impressively.
“I wish most of all for mother to be strong enough to go to Bensalem with Aunt Affy when she comes next week.”
Lottie colored and looked uncomfortable; this evening before she came up stairs, her mother had told her that the doctor had stopped down stairs to say that Mrs. Mackenzie must be urged to make no effort to go into the country; it was too late.
“Not that; something else,” said Lottie, impatiently, “not such a serious thing.”
“But I want that most,” said Judith, piteously.
“Then choose what you want second.”