'I don't know. I think so. I was learning my German verses, I believe.'
'So Cardie had a right to grumble over your crooked parting and unkempt appearance. You should keep your duties like the contents of your drawers, neatly piled on the top of each other. No lady can arrange her hair properly and do German at the same time. Tell me, Olive, you have not so many headaches since I got your father to forbid your sitting up so late at night.'
'No, Aunt Milly; but all the same I wish you and he had not made the rule; it used to be such a quiet time.'
'And you learn all the quicker since you have had regular walks with Polly and Chriss.'
'I am less tired after my lessons, certainly. I thought that was because you took away the mending-basket; the stooping made my back ache, and——'
'I see,' returned Mildred, with a satisfied smile.
Olive's muddy complexion was certainly clearer, and there was less heaviness in her gait, since she had judiciously insisted that the hours of rest should be kept intact. It had cost Olive some tears, however, for that quiet time when the household were sleeping round her was very precious to the careworn girl.
Richard gave vent to an audible expression of pleasure when he noticed his sister's altered appearance, and his look of approbation was most pleasant to Mildred.
'If you would only hold yourself up, and smile sometimes, you would really look as well as other people,' was the qualified praise he gave her.
'I am glad you are pleased,' returned Olive, simply. 'I never expect you to admire me, Cardie. I am plainer than any one else, I know.'