The girls laughed. There was something very fresh and original about this young lady who spoke as if the world and anything in it were hers for the asking. It was easily seen she had not been denied much during her life, and most of them felt very much inclined to carry on the spoiling process if only they might be termed friends of this beautiful and determined young woman; for if there is anything young people worship, it is determination. But to talk of making Linnæa March love her was a little too absurd.
“How long is it since this unimpressionable young lady left the company? She won’t be in bed yet, will she? One of you go up to her room and tell her the new girl wants to see her, and bring her down.”
Really, this was most ridiculous! Who was to go and give this extraordinary message to Linnæa March? As if to-morrow were not soon enough to see her! Whoever went would not get a very great reception.
“Has she a chum here?”
“She has no chum at all.”
“Then do you go!” said the imperious Miss Rivers, pointing to a pleasant-looking girl beside her. “Listen to me,” said Gwendoline, when the messenger had departed; “I mean to make this Linnæa March like me; in fact, I mean to make her fall over head and ears in love with me, and none of you must say a word to influence her in any way. I have never yet made up my mind to do a thing that I have not done, and I shall show you that I can do this.”
The excitement of the school was aroused, and the girls awaited with great interest the development of the comedy to be enacted in their midst. Would it be a comedy or a tragedy? If, as she boasted, Gwendoline Rivers were able to awaken the love which lay dormant in that sensitive heart, woe to Linnæa if she should discover the motive which had called it forth; it would run a chance of souring her whole after life.
After a few minutes the door opened and the messenger returned, accompanied by Linnæa.
“Now, you know, I don’t think it was nice of you to go off to bed without waiting to see me!” said Gwendoline, advancing towards her with a smile and holding out her hand.
Linnæa’s sensitive face flushed.