For the first time in her life, she was dressed like other girls, and it was with a very happy heart that she kissed Miss Hester and went to the schoolhouse, regretting only that Miss Hester could not be persuaded to go with her.
After the exercises of the evening were over, a social hour followed, in which ice cream and cake were served, and every one walked around the room to talk with their friends; and now came the surprise of the evening—the most wonderful event in Maggie’s life.
Among the familiar villagers, she had noticed a quiet, pleasant-faced man who seemed to be a stranger,—at least she had never seen him before. He had come with the family from the little hotel, and no doubt at their invitation.
This gentleman was walking about, looking with interest at the people, when he came face to face with Maggie. He stopped suddenly; his eyes opened wide, and he seemed strangely moved—almost shocked.
Maggie was frightened, and tried to leave her place, but he stopped her with a low, eager question.
“Little girl, where did you get that locket?”
Maggie supposed he thought she had stolen it, and a bright color rose to her face, as she answered indignantly, “It was given to me to-day.”
“By whom?” he cried; “tell me instantly!”
“By Miss Hester,” Maggie replied, trying again to get away, for his eager manner frightened her.
“Miss Hester!” he repeated, in a disappointed tone, then muttering to himself, “It can’t be! yet it is so like! let me see it!” with a sudden movement.