,a ,sweet ,girl ,graduate ,by ,l4,t4 ,meade ,illustrations by ,hal ,ludlow ,published by ,cassell and ,company1 ,limited1 ,london1 ,paris1 ,melbourne4 ,this edition dated #ahia4 ,a ,sweet ,girl ,graduate1 by ,l4,t4 ,meade4 ,a ,,sweet ,,girl ,,graduate1 ,,by ,l4,t4 ,,meade4 ,,chapter ,,one4 ,,going ,,out ,,into ,,the ,,world4 ,priscilla's trunk was neatly packed4 ,it was a new trunk1 and had a nice canvas covering over it4 ,the canvas was bound with red braid1 and ,priscilla's initials were worked on the top in large plain letters4 ,her initials were ,p4,p4,p41 and they stood for ,priscilla ,penywern ,peel4 ,the trunk was corded and strapped and put away1 and ,priscilla stood by her aunt's side in the little parlour of ,penywern ,cottage4 ,well1 ,i think ,i've told you everything1 said the aunt4 ,oh1 yes1 ,aunt ,raby1 ,i sha'n't forget4 ,i'm to write once a week1 and ,i'm to try not to be nervous4 ,i don't suppose ,i shall be--,i don't see why ,i should4 ,girls aren't nervous nowadays1 are they8 ,i don't know1 my dear4 ,it seems to me that if they aren't they ought to be4 ,i can understand girls doing hard things if they must4 ,i can understand anyone doing anything that has to be done1 but as to not being nervous--well--there6 ,sit down1 ,prissie1 child1 and take your tea4 ,priscilla was tall and slight4 ,her figure was younger than her years1 which were nearly nineteen1 but her face was older4 ,it was an almost careworn face1 thoughtful1 grave1 with anxious lines already deepening the seriousness of the too serious mouth4 ,priscilla cut some bread-and-butter1 and poured out some tea for her aunt and for herself4 ,miss ,rachel ,peel was not the least like her niece4 ,she was short and rather dumpy4 ,she had a sensible1 downright sort of face1 and she took life with a gravity which would have oppressed a less earnest spirit than ,priscilla's4 ,well1 ,i'm tired1 she said1 when the meal was over4 ,i suppose ,i've done a great deal more than ,i thought ,i had all day4 ,i think ,i'll go to bed early4 ,we have said all our last words1 haven't we1 ,priscilla8 ,pretty nearly1 ,aunt ,raby4 ,oh1 yes1 that reminds me--there's one thing more4 ,your fees will be all right1 of course1 and your travelling1 and ,i have arranged about your washing money4 ,yes1 ,aunt ,raby1 oh1 yes2 everything is all right4 ,priscilla fidgeted1 moved her position a little1 and looked longingly out of the window4 ,you must have a little money over and above these things1 proceeded ,miss ,peel1 in her sedate voice4 ,i am not rich1 but ,i'll allow you-- yes1 ,i'll manage to allow you two shillings a week4 ,that will be for pocket-money1 you understand1 child4 ,the girl's old-young face flushed painfully4 ,i'll want a few pence for stamps1 of course1 she said4 ,but ,i sha'n't write a great many letters4 ,i'll be a great deal too busy studying4 ,you need not allow me anything like so large a sum as that1 ,aunt ,raby4 ,nonsense1 child4 ,you'll find it all too small when you go out into the world4 ,you are a clever girl1 ,prissie1 and ,i'm going to be proud of you4 ,i don't hold with the present craze about women's education4 ,but ,i feel somehow that ,i shall be proud of you4 ,you'll be learned enough1 but you'll be a woman with it all4 ,i wouldn't have you stinted for the world1 ,prissie1 my dear4 ,yes1 ,i'll make it ten shillings a month--yes1 ,i will4 ,i can easily screw that sum out of the butter money4 ,now1 not another word4 ,i'm off to bed4 ,good-night1 my love4 ,priscilla kissed her aunt and went out4 ,it was a lovely autumn evening4 ,she stepped on to the green sward which surrounded the little cottage1 and with the moonlight casting its full radiance on her slim figure1 looked steadily out over the sea4 ,the cottage was on the top of some high cliffs4 ,the light of the moon made a bright path over the water1 and ,priscilla had a good view of shining1 silvered water1 and dark1 deep blue sky4 ,she stood perfectly still1 gazing straight out before her4 ,some of the reflection and brightness of the moonlight seemed to get into her anxious eyes1 and the faint dawn of a new-born hope to tremble around her lips4 ,she thought herself rich with ten shillings a month pocket-money4 ,she returned to the house1 feeling overpowered at ,aunt ,raby's goodness4 ,upstairs in ,prissie's room there were two beds4 ,one was small2 in this she herself slept4 ,the other had now three occupants4 ,three heads were raised when ,prissie entered the room1 and three shrill voices exclaimed-- ,here we are1 all wide-awake1 ,prissie1 darling6 ,this remark1 made simultaneously1 was followed by prolonged peals of laughter4 ,three of you in that small bed6 said ,priscilla4 ,she stood still1 and a smile broke all over her face4 ,why1 ,hattie1 she said1 catching up the eldest of the three girls1 and giving her a fervent hug--how did you slip out of ,aunt ,raby's room8 ,oh1 ,i managed to1 said ,hattie1 in a stage whisper4 ,aunt ,raby came upstairs half an hour ago1 and she undressed very fast1 and got into bed1 and ,i heard her snoring in about a minute4 ,it was then ,i slipped away4 ,she never heard4 ,hop up on the bed now1 ,prissie1 exclaimed ,rose1 another of the children1 and let us all have a chat4 ,here1 ,katie1 if you'll promise not to cry you may get into the middle1 between ,hattie and me1 then you'll be very close to darling ,prissie4 ,katie was the youngest of the three occupants of the bed3 she was about eight years old2 her small face was delicate in its outline1 her mouth peevish2 she did not look a strong child1 and self-control could scarcely be expected of her4 ,priscilla placed her candle on the chimney-piece1 jumped on the bed according to orders1 and looked earnestly at her three small sisters4 ,now1 ,prissie1 said ,hattie1 in the important little voice which she always used1 begin1 go on--tell us all about your grand college life4 ,how can ,i1 ,hattie1 when ,i don't know what to say4 ,i can't guess what ,i am to do at college4 ,oh dear1 sighed ,rose1 ,i only wish ,i were the one to go6 ,it will be very dull living with ,aunt ,raby when you are away1 ,priscilla4 ,she won't let us take long walks1 and if ever we go in for a real1 jolly lark we are sure to be punished4 ,oh dear1 oh dear6 ,even though it is for your good1 ,i wish with all my heart you were not going away1 ,prissie1 said ,hattie1 in her blunt fashion4 ,katie burst into sudden loud wails4 ,priscilla coloured4 ,then she spoke with firmness4 ,we have had enough of this kind of talk4 ,katie1 you shall come and sit in my lap1 darling4 ,i'll wrap you up quite warm in this big shawl4 ,now1 girls1 she said1 what is the use of making things harder8 ,you know1 perfectly1 you two elder ones1 why ,i must go away1 and you1 ,katie1 you know also1 don't you1 pet8 ,yes1 ,prissie1 answered ,katie1 speaking in a broken1 half-sobbing voice1 only ,i am so lonely4 ,but you're not going to be selfish1 darling4 ,by-and-by ,i'll come back to you all4 ,once every year1 at least1 ,i'll come back4 ,and then1 after ,i've gone through my course of study1 ,i'll get a situation of some sort--a good situation--and you three shall come and live with me4 ,there1 what do you say to that8 ,only three years1 and then such a jolly time4 ,why1 ,katie will be only eleven then4 ,priscilla spoke in a remarkably cheerful voice1 but the appalling magnitude of three years could not be diminished1 and the three little sisters who were to stay behind with ,aunt ,raby were still disposed to view things dismally4 ,if she wasn't just what she is-- began ,hattie4 ,if she didn't think the least tiny morsel of a lark wrong-- continued ,rose4 ,why1 then we could pull along somehow1 sighed ,hattie4 ,oh1 you'll pull along as it is1 said ,priscilla4 ,i'll write to you as often as ever ,i can4 ,if possible ,i'll keep a sort of journal1 and send it to you4 ,and perhaps there'll be stories and larks in it4 ,now you really must go to sleep1 for ,i have to get up so early in the morning4 ,katie1 darling1 ,i'll make a corner for you in my bed to-night4 ,won't that be a treat8 ,oh1 yes1 ,prissie4 ,katie's pale face was lit up by a radiant smile2 ,hattie and ,rose lay down side by side1 and closed their eyes4 ,in a few moments they were sound asleep4 ,as they lay in the sound happy sleep of healthy childhood ,priscilla bent over them and kissed them4 ,then before she lay down herself she knelt by the window1 looked up at the clear1 dark sky in which the moon sailed in majesty1 bent her head1 murmured a few words of prayer1 then crept into bed by her little sister's side4 ,prissie felt full of courage and good resolves4 ,she was going out into the world to-morrow1 and she was quite determined that the world should not conquer her1 although she knew that she was a very poor maiden with a specially heavy load of care on her young shoulders4 ,,chapter ,,two4 ,,the ,,delights ,,of ,,being ,a ,,fresher4 ,the college was quite shut away in its own grounds1 and only from the upper windows did the girls get a peep of the old ,university town of ,kingsdene4 ,from these1 however1 particularly in the winter1 they could see the gabled colleges1 the chapels with their rich glory of architecture1 and the smooth lawns of the college gardens as they sloped gently down to the river4 ,st ,benet's1 the ,college for ,women1 was approached by a private road1 and high entrance gates obstructed the gaze of the curious4 ,inside there were cheerful halls and pleasant gardens1 and gay1 fresh1 unrestrained life4 ,but the passer-by got no peep of these things unless the high gates happened to be open4 ,this was the first evening of term1 and most of the girls were back4 ,there was nothing very particular going on1 and they were walking about the gardens1 and greeting old friends1 and telling each other their experiences1 and more or less picking up the threads which had been broken or loosened in the long vacation4 ,the evenings were drawing in1 but the pleasant twilight which was soon to be rendered brilliant by the full moon seemed to the girls even nicer than broad daylight to linger about in4 ,they did not want to go into the houses2 they flitted about in groups here and there1 chatting and laughing merrily4 ,st ,benet's had three ,halls1 each with its own ,vice-,principal1 and a certain number of resident students4 ,each ,hall stood in its own grounds1 and was more or less a complete home in itself4 ,there were resident lecturers and demonstrators for the whole college1 and one ,lady ,principal1 who took the lead1 and was virtually head of the college4 ,miss ,vincent was the name of the present ,principal4 ,she was an old lady1 and had a ,vice-,principal under her at ,vincent ,hall1 the largest and newest of these spacious homes1 where young women received the advantages of ,university instruction to prepare them for the battle of life4 ,priscilla was to live at ,heath ,hall--a slightly smaller house1 which stood at a little distance away--its grounds being divided from the grounds of ,vincent ,hall by means of a rustic paling4 ,miss ,heath was the very popular ,vice-,principal of this ,hall1 and ,prissie was considered a fortunate girl to obtain a home in her house4 ,she sat now a forlorn and rather scared young person1 huddled up in one corner of the fly which turned in at the wide gates1 and finally deposited her and her luggage at the back entrance of ,heath ,hall4 ,priscilla looked out into the darkness of the autumn night with frightened eyes4 ,she hated herself for feeling nervous4 ,she had told ,aunt ,raby that1 of course1 she would have no silly tremors1 yet here she was1 trembling1 and scarcely able to pay the cabman his fare4 ,she heard a girl's laugh in the distance1 and it caused her to start so violently that she dropped one of her few treasured sixpences1 which went rolling about aimlessly almost under the horse's hoofs4 ,stop a minute1 ,i'll find it for you1 said a voice4 ,a tall girl with big1 brown eyes suddenly darted into view1 picked up the sixpence as if by magic1 popped it into ,priscilla's hand1 and then1 vanished4 ,priscilla knew that this was the girl who had laughed2 she heard her laughing again as she turned to join someone who was standing beside a laurel hedge4 ,the two linked their arms together1 and walked off in the darkness4 ,such a frightened poor ,fresher6 said the girl who had picked up the sixpence to her companion4 ,maggie1 said the other in a warning voice1 ,i know you1 ,i know what you mean to do4 ,my dear good ,nancy1 it is more than ,i know myself4 ,what awful indiscretion does your prophetic soul see me perpetrating8 ,oh1 ,maggie1 as if anything could change your nature6 ,you know you'll take up that miserable ,fresher for about a fortnight1 and make her imagine that you are going to be excellent friends for the rest of your life1 and then--p-f6 you'll snuff her out as if she had never existed2 ,i know you1 ,maggie1 and ,i call it cruel4 ,is not that ,miss ,banister ,i hear talking8 said a voice quite close to the two girls4 ,they both turned1 and immediately with heightened colour rushed up eagerly to shake hands with the ,vice-,principal of their college4 ,how do you do1 my dears8 she said in a hearty voice4 ,are you quite well1 ,maggie1 and you1 ,nancy8 ,had you a pleasant holiday8 ,and did you two great chums spend it together8 ,the girls began answering eagerly2 some other girls came up and joined the group1 all anxious to shake hands with ,miss ,heath1 and to get a word of greeting from her4 ,at this moment the dressing-gong for dinner sounded1 and the little group moved slowly towards the house4 ,in the entrance-hall numbers of girls who had recently arrived were standing about2 all had a nod1 or a smile1 or a kiss for ,maggie ,oliphant4 ,how do you do1 ,miss ,oliphant8 ,come and see me to-night in my room1 won't you1 dear8 issued from many throats4 ,maggie promised in her good-natured1 affectionate1 wholesale way4 ,nancy ,banister was also greeted by several friends4 ,she1 too1 was gay and bright1 but quieter than ,maggie4 ,her face was more reliable in its expression1 but not nearly so beautiful4 ,if you accept all these invitations1 ,maggie1 she said1 as the two girls walked down the corridor which led to their rooms1 you know you will have to sit up until morning4 ,why will you say yes' to everyone8 ,you know it only causes disappointment and jealousy4 ,maggie laughed4 ,my dear1 good creature1 don't worry your righteous soul1 she answered4 ,i'll call on all the girls ,i can1 and the others must grin and bear it4 ,now we have barely time to change our dresses for dinner4 ,stay1 though1 ,nance1 there's a light under ,annabel ,lee's door2 who have they dared to put into her room8 ,it must be one of those wretched ,freshers4 ,i don't think ,i can bear it4 ,i shall have to go away into another corridor4 ,maggie1 dear--you are far too sensitive4 ,could the college afford to keep a room empty because poor dear ,annie ,lee occupied it8 ,they could1 they ought1 burst from ,maggie4 ,she stamped her foot with anger4 ,that room is a shrine to me4 ,it will always be a shrine4 ,i shall hate the person who lives in it4 ,tears filled her bright brown eyes4 ,her arched proud lips trembled4 ,she opened her door1 and going into her room1 shut it with a bang1 almost in ,nancy ,banister's face4 ,nancy stood still for a minute4 ,a quick sigh came from her lips4 ,maggie is the dearest girl in the college1 she said to herself2 the dearest1 the sweetest1 the prettiest1 yet also the most tantalising1 the most provoking1 the most inconsequent4 ,it is the greatest wonder she has kept so long out of some serious scrape4 ,she will never leave here without doing something outrageous1 and yet there isn't a girl in the place to be named with her4 ,i wish-- here ,nancy sighed again1 and put her hand to her brow as if to chase away some perplexity4 ,then1 after a moment's hesitation1 she went up to the door of the room next to ,maggie's and knocked4 ,there was a moment's silence1 then a constrained voice said-- ,come in4 ,nancy entered at once4 ,priscilla ,peel was standing in the centre of the room4 ,the electric light was turned on1 revealing the bareness and absence of all ornament of the apartment2 a fire was laid in the grate but not lit1 and ,priscilla's ugly square trunk1 its canvas covering removed1 stood in a prominent position1 half on the hearthrug1 half on the square of carpet1 which covered the centre of the floor4 ,priscilla had taken off her jacket and hat4 ,she had washed her hands1 and removed her muddy boots1 and smoothed out her straight1 light brown hair4 ,she looked what she felt--a very stiff and unformed specimen of girlhood4 ,there was a great lump in her throat1 brought there by mingled nervousness and home-sickness1 but that very fact only made her manner icy and repellent4 ,forgive me1 said ,nancy1 blushing all over her rosy face4 ,i thought perhaps you might like to know one or two things as you are quite strange here4 ,my name is ,banister4 ,i have a room in the same corridor1 but quite at the other end4 ,you must come and visit me1 presently4 ,oh1 has no one lit your fire8 ,wouldn't you like one8 ,the evenings are turning so chilly now1 and a fire in one's room gives one a home-like feeling1 doesn't it8 ,shall ,i light it for you8 ,no1 no1 thank you1 said ,priscilla stiffly4 ,she longed to rush at ,nancy1 and smother her with kisses1 but she could only stand in the middle of her room1 helpless and awkward1 held in a terrible bondage of shyness4 ,nancy drew back a step1 chilled in spite of herself4 ,i see there are matches on the chimney-piece1 she said1 so you can light the fire yourself1 whenever you like4 ,the gong that will sound in a minute will be for dinner1 and ,miss ,heath always likes us to be punctual for that meal4 ,it does not matter about any other4 ,do you think you can find your way to the dining-hall8 ,or shall ,i come and fetch you8 ,no--thank you4 ,i--,i can manage4 ,but ,i'll come with pleasure if you like me to4 ,no1 ,i'd rather you didn't trouble1 please4 ,very well2 if you're sure you know the way4 ,you go down the broad stairs1 then turn to the right1 then to the left4 ,good-bye1 ,i must rush off1 or ,i shall be late4 ,nancy shut the door behind her4 ,she did it gently1 although she did not feel gentle1 for she had a distinct sensation of being irritated4 ,meanwhile ,priscilla1 clasping her hands together behind the closed door1 looked yearningly in the direction where the bright face and trim1 neat girlish figure had stood4 ,she was trembling slightly1 and her eyes slowly filled with tears4 ,i feel sick and lonely and horrid1 she said1 under her breath4 ,talk of nerves2 oh1 if ,aunt ,raby could see me now6 why1 ,i'm positively shaking1 ,i can scarcely speak1 ,i can scarcely think properly4 ,what would the children say if they saw their ,prissie now8 ,and ,i'm the girl who is to fight the world1 and kill the dragon1 and make a home for the nestlings4 ,don't ,i feel like it6 ,don't ,i look like it6 ,don't ,i just loathe myself6 ,how hideously ,i do my hair1 and what a frightful dress ,i have on4 ,oh1 ,i wish ,i weren't shaking so much4 ,i know ,i shall get red all over at dinner4 ,i wish ,i weren't going to dinner4 ,i wish1 oh1 ,i wish ,i were at home again4 ,crash6 bang6 pealed the great gong through the house4 ,doors were opened all along the corridor2 light steps passed ,priscilla's room4 ,she heard the rustle of silk1 and the sweet1 high tinkle of girlish laughter4 ,she stayed in her room till the last footsteps had died away1 then in desperation made a rush for it1 flew down the wide stairs in a bashful agony1 and1 as a matter of course1 entered the spacious dining-hall by the door devoted to the dons4 ,a girl's life at one of the women's colleges is supposed to be more or less an unfettered sort of existence2 the broad rules guiding conduct are few1 and little more than those which must be exercised in any well-organised family4 ,but there is the unspoken etiquette made chiefly by the students themselves1 which fills the place like an atmosphere1 and which can only be transgressed at the risk of surly glances and muttered comments1 and even words of derision4 ,no student was expected to enter the hall by the dons' entrance1 and for this enormity to be perpetrated by a ,fresher immediately made her the cynosure of all eyes4 ,poor ,priscilla was unconscious of any offence4 ,she grew scarlet under the gaze of the merciless young eyes1 and further added to her sins by sitting down at one of the tables at the top of the hall4 ,no one reproved her in words1 or requested her to take a lower seat1 but some rude giggles were not inaudible2 and ,priscilla1 who would thankfully have taken her dinner in the scullery1 heard hints about a certain young person's presumption1 and about the cheek of those wretched ,freshers1 which must instantly be put down with a high hand4 ,priscilla had choked over her soup1 and was making poor way with the fish that followed1 when suddenly a sweet1 low voice addressed her4 ,this is your first evening at ,st ,benet's1 said the voice4 ,i hope you will be happy4 ,i know you will1 after a little4 ,priscilla turned1 and met the full gaze of lovely eyes1 brown like a nut1 soft and deep as the thick pile of velvet1 and yet with a latent flash and glow in them which gave them a red1 half-wild gleam now and then4 ,the lips that belonged to this face were slightly parted in a smile2 the smile and the expression in the eyes stole straight down with a glow of delicious comfort into ,priscilla's heart4 ,thank you1 she said1 in her stiff1 wooden tone2 but her eyes did not look stiff1 and the girl began to talk again4 ,i believe my room is next to yours4 ,my name is ,oliphant--,margaret ,oliphant1 but everyone calls me ,maggie4 ,that is1 of course1 ,i mean my friends do4 ,would you like to come into my room1 and let me tell you some of the rules8 ,thank you1 said ,priscilla again4 ,she longed to add1 ,i should love beyond words to come into your room2 but instead she remarked icily1 ,i think ,miss ,heath has given me printed rules4 ,oh1 you have seen our dear ,dorothea--,i mean ,miss ,heath4 ,isn't she lovely8 ,i don't know1 answered ,priscilla4 ,i think she's rather a plain person4 ,my dear ,miss--7,i have not caught your name7--you really are too deliciously prosaic4 ,stay here for a month1 and then tell me if you think ,dorothea--,i mean ,miss ,heath--plain4 ,no1 ,i won't say any more4 ,you must find out for yourself4 ,but now1 about the rules4 ,i don't mean the printed rules4 ,we have1 ,i assure you1 at ,st ,benet's all kinds of little etiquettes which we expect each other to observe4 ,we are supposed to be democratic1 and inclined to go in for all that is advanced in womanhood4 ,but1 oh dear1 oh dear6 let any student dare to break one of our own little pet proprieties1 and you will see how conservative we can be4 ,have ,i broken any of them8 asked ,priscilla in alarm4 ,i did notice that everyone stared at me when ,i came into the hall1 but ,i thought it was because my face was fresh1 and ,i hoped people would get accustomed to me by-and-by4 ,you poor dear child1 there are lots of fresh faces here besides yours4 ,you should have come down under the shelter of my wing1 then it would have been all right4 ,but what have ,i done8 ,do tell me4 ,i'd much rather know4 ,well1 dear1 you have only come into the hall by the dons' entrance1 and you have only seated yourself at the top of the table1 where the learned students who are going in for a tripos take their august meals4 ,that is pretty good for a ,fresher4 ,forgive me1 we call the new girls ,freshers for a week or two4 ,oh1 you have done nothing wrong4 ,of course not1 how could you know any better8 ,only ,i think it would be nice to put you up to our little rules1 would it not8 ,i should be very much obliged1 said ,priscilla4 ,and please tell me now where ,i ought to sit at dinner4 ,miss ,oliphant's merry eyes twinkled4 ,look down this long hall1 she said4 ,observe that door at the farther end--that is the students' door2 through that door you ought to have entered4 ,yes--well1 well8 ,what an impatient ,well1 well4' ,i shall make you quite an enthusiastic ,benetite before dinner is over4 ,priscilla blushed4 ,i am sorry ,i spoke too eagerly1 she said4 ,oh1 no1 not a bit too eagerly4 ,but please tell me where ,i ought to have seated myself4 ,there is a table near that lower entrance1 ,miss-- ,peel1 interposed ,priscilla4 ,my name is ,priscilla ,peel4 ,how quaint and great-grandmotherly4 ,quite delicious6 ,well1 ,miss ,peel1 by that entrance door is a table1 a table rather in a draught1 and consecrated to the ,freshers--there the ,freshers humbly partake of nourishment4 ,i see4 ,then ,i am as far from the right place as ,i can be4 ,about as far as you can be4 ,and that is why all the girls have stared so at me4 ,yes1 of course2 but let them stare4 ,who minds such a trifle8 ,priscilla sat silent for a few moments4 ,one of the neat waiting-maids removed her plate2 her almost untasted dinner lay upon it4 ,miss ,oliphant turned to attack some roast mutton with truly ,british vigour4 ,by-and-by ,priscilla's voice1 stiff but with a break in it1 fell upon her ear4 ,i think the students at ,st ,benet's must be very cruel4 ,my dear ,miss ,peel1 the honour of the most fascinating college in ,england is imperilled4 ,unsay those words4 ,maggie ,oliphant was joking4 ,her voice was gay with badinage1 her eyes brimful of laughter4 ,but ,priscilla1 unaccustomed to light repartee or chaff in any form1 replied to her with heavy and pained seriousness4 ,i think the students here are cruel1 she repeated4 ,how can a stranger know which is the dons' entrance1 and which is the right seat to take at table8 ,if nobody shows her1 how can a stranger know8 ,i do think the students are cruel1 and ,i am sorry--,i am very sorry ,i came4 ,,chapter ,,three4 ,,an ,,unwilling ,,at ,,home4 ,most of the girls who sat at those dinner-tables had fringed or tousled or curled locks4 ,priscilla's were brushed simply away from her broad forehead4 ,after saying her last words1 she bent her head low over her plate1 and longed even for the protection of a fringe to hide her burning blushes4 ,her momentary courage had evaporated2 she was shocked at having betrayed herself to a stranger2 her brief fit of passion left her stiffer and shyer than ever4 ,blinding tears rushed to ,priscilla's eyes1 and her terror was that they would drop on to her plate4 ,suppose some of those horrid girls saw her crying8 ,hateful thought4 ,she would rather die than show emotion before them4 ,at this moment a soft1 plump little hand was slipped into hers1 and the sweetest of voices said-- ,i am so sorry anything has seemed unkind to you4 ,believe me1 we are not what you imagine4 ,we have our fun and our prejudices1 of course1 but we are not what you think we are4 ,priscilla could not help smiling1 nor could she resist slightly squeezing the fingers which touched hers4 ,you are not unkind1 ,i know1 she answered2 and she ate the rest of her dinner in a comforted frame of mind4 ,after dinner one of the lecturers who resided at ,heath ,hall1 a pleasant1 bright girl of two- or three-and-twenty1 came and introduced herself1 and presently took ,priscilla with her to her own room1 to talk over the line of study which the young girl proposed to take up4 ,this conference lasted some little time1 and then ,priscilla1 in the lecturer's company1 returned to the hall for tea4 ,a great many girls kept coming in and out4 ,some stayed to have tea1 but most helped themselves to tea and bread-and-butter1 and took them away to partake of in their own private rooms4 ,maggie ,oliphant and ,nancy ,banister presently rushed in for this purpose4 ,maggie1 seeing ,priscilla1 ran up to her4 ,how are you getting on8 she asked brightly4 ,oh1 by-the-bye1 will you cocoa with me to-night at half-past ten8 ,i don't know what you mean1 answered ,priscilla4 ,but ,i'll do it1 she added1 her eyes brightening4 ,all right1 ,i'll explain the simple ceremony when you come4 ,my room is next to yours1 so you'll have no difficulty in finding me out4 ,i don't expect to have anyone present except ,miss ,banister1 nodding her head in ,nancy's direction1 and perhaps one other girl4 ,by-bye1 ,i'll see you at half-past ten4 ,maggie turned to leave the hall1 but ,nancy lingered for a moment by ,priscilla's side4 ,wouldn't you like to take your tea up to your room8 she asked4 ,we most of us do it4 ,you may1 you know4 ,i don't think ,i wish to1 answered ,priscilla1 in an uncertain voice4 ,nancy half-turned to go1 then came back4 ,you are going to unpack by-and-by1 aren't you8 she asked4 ,oh1 yes1 when ,i get back to my room4 ,perhaps you ought to know beforehand2 the girls will be coming to call4 ,priscilla raised her eyes4 ,what girls8 she asked1 alarm in her tone4 ,oh1 most of the students in your corridor4 ,they always call on a ,fresher the first night in her room4 ,you need not bother yourself about them2 they'll just talk for a little while and then go away4 ,what is the matter1 ,miss ,peel8 ,maggie has told me your name1 you see4 ,what you tell me sounds so very--very formal4 ,but it isn't--not really4 ,shall ,i come and help you to entertain them8 ,i wish-- began ,priscilla4 ,she hesitated2 the words seemed to stick in her throat4 ,what did you say8 ,nancy bent forward a little impatiently4 ,i wish--yes1 do come1 with a violent effort4 ,all right1 you may expect me4 ,nancy flew after ,maggie ,oliphant1 and ,priscilla went slowly up the wide1 luxurious stairs4 ,she turned down the corridor which led to her own room4 ,there were doors leading out of this corridor at both sides1 and ,priscilla caught glimpses of luxurious rooms bright with flowers and electric light4 ,girls were laughing and chatting in them2 she saw pictures on the walls1 and lounges and chairs scattered about4 ,her own room was at the far end of the corridor4 ,the electric light was also brightening it1 but the fire was unlit1 and the presence of the unpacked trunk1 taking up a position of prominence on the floor1 gave it a very unhomelike feel4 ,in itself the room was particularly picturesque4 ,it had two charming lattice windows1 set in deep square bays4 ,one window faced the fireplace1 the other the door4 ,the effect was slightly irregular1 but for that very reason all the more charming4 ,the walls of the room were painted light blue2 there was a looking-glass over the mantelpiece set in a frame of the palest1 most delicate1 blue4 ,a picture-rail ran round the room about six feet from the ground1 and the high frieze above had a scroll of wild roses painted on it in bold1 free relief4 ,the panels of the doors were also decorated with sprays of wild flowers in picturesque confusion4 ,both the flowers and the scroll were boldly designed1 but were unfinished1 the final and completing touches remaining yet to be given4 ,priscilla looked hungrily at these unexpected trophies of art4 ,she could have shouted with glee as she recognised some of her dear1 wild ,devonshire flowers among the groups on the door panels4 ,she wondered if all the rest of the students were treated to these artistic decorations1 and grew a little happier and less homesick at the thought4 ,priscilla could have been an artist herself had the opportunity arisen1 but she was one of those girls all alive with aspiration and longing who never up to the present had come in the way of special culture in any style4 ,she stood for some time gazing at the groups of wild flowers1 then remembering with horror that she was to receive visitors that night1 she looked round the room to see if she could do anything to make it appear home-like and inviting4 ,it was a nice room1 certainly4 ,priscilla had never before in her whole life occupied such a luxurious apartment1 and yet it had a cold1 dreary1 uninhabited feel4 ,she had an intuition that none of the other students' rooms looked like hers4 ,she rushed to light the fire1 but could not find the matches1 which had been removed from their place on the mantelpiece1 and felt far too shy to ring the electric-bell4 ,it was ,priscilla's fashion to clasp her hands together when she felt a sense of dismay1 and she did so now1 as she looked around the pretty room1 which yet with all its luxuries looked to her cold and dreary4 ,the furniture was excellent of its kind4 ,a ,turkey carpet covered the centre of the floor1 the boards round the edge were stained and brightly polished4 ,in one corner of the room was a little bed1 made to look like a sofa by day1 with a ,liberty cretonne covering4 ,a curtain of the same shut away the wardrobe and washing apparatus4 ,just under one of the bay-windows stood a writing-table1 so contrived as to form a writing-table1 and a bookcase at the top1 and a chest of drawers to hold linen below4 ,besides this there was a small square table for tea in the room1 and a couple of chairs4 ,the whole effect was undoubtedly bare4 ,priscilla was hesitating whether to begin to unpack her trunk or not when a light knock was heard at her door4 ,she said ,come in1 and two girls burst rather noisily into the apartment4 ,how do you do8 they said1 favouring the fresh girl with a brief nod4 ,you came to-day1 didn't you8 ,what are you going to study8 ,are you clever8 ,these queries issued rapidly from the lips of the tallest of the girls4 ,she had red hair1 tousled and tossed about her head4 ,her face was essentially commonplace2 her small restless eyes now glanced at ,priscilla1 now wandered over the room4 ,she did not wait for a reply to any of her queries1 but turned rapidly to her companion4 ,i told you so1 ,polly1 she said4 ,i was quite sure that she was going to be put into ,miss ,lee's room4 ,you see ,i'm right1 this is ,annabel ,lee's old room2 it has never been occupied since4 ,hush6 said the other girl4 ,the two walked across the apartment and seated themselves on ,priscilla's bed4 ,there came a fresh knock at the door1 and this time three students entered4 ,they barely nodded to ,priscilla1 and then rushed across the room with cries of rapture to greet the girls who were seated on the bed4 ,how do you do1 ,miss ,atkins8 ,how do you do1 ,miss ,jones8 ,miss ,jones and ,miss ,atkins exchanged kisses with ,miss ,phillips1 ,miss ,marsh1 and ,miss ,day4 ,the babel of tongues rose high1 and everyone had something to say with regard to the room which had been assigned to ,priscilla4 ,look1 said ,miss ,day1 it was in that corner she had her rocking-chair4 ,girls1 do you remember ,annabel's rocking-chair1 and how she used to sway herself backwards and forwards in it1 and half-shut her lovely eyes8 ,oh1 and don't ,i just seem to see that little red tea-table of hers near the fire1 burst from ,miss ,marsh4 ,that ,japanese table1 with the ,japanese tea-set--oh dear1 oh dear6 those cups of tea--those cakes6 ,well1 the room was luxurious1 was worth coming to see in ,annabel's time4 ,it's more than it is now1 laughed ,miss ,jones in a harsh voice4 ,how bare the walls look without her pictures4 ,it was in that recess the large figure of ,hope' by ,burne-,jones used to hang1 and there1 that queer1 wild1 wonderful head looking out of clouds4 ,you know she never would tell us the artist's name4 ,yes1 she had pretty things everywhere6 ,how the room is altered6 ,i don't think ,i care for it a bit now4 ,could anyone who knew ,annabel ,lee care for the room without her8 asked one of the girls4 ,she had a common1 not to say vulgar1 face1 but it wore a wistful expression as she uttered these words4 ,all this time ,priscilla was standing1 feeling utterly shy and miserable4 ,from time to time other girls came in2 they nodded to her1 and then rushed upon their companions4 ,the eager talk began afresh1 and always there were looks of regret1 and allusions1 accompanied by sighs1 to the girl who had lived in the room last4 ,well1 said one merry little girl1 who was spoken to by the others as ,ada ,hardy1 ,i have no doubt that by-and-by1 when ,miss-- ,she glanced towards ,priscilla4 ,peel1 faltered ,priscilla4 ,when ,miss ,peel unpacks her trunk1 she'll make the room look very pretty1 too4 ,she can't1 said ,miss ,day1 in a tragic voice2 she never could make the room look as it used to--not if she was to live till the age of ,methuselah4 ,of course you'll improve it1 ,miss ,peel2 you couldn't possibly exist in it as it is now4 ,i can tell you of a capital shop in ,kingsdene1 ,miss ,peel1 said ,miss ,marsh1 where you can buy tables and chairs1 and pretty artistic cloths1 and little whatnots of all descriptions4 ,i'd advise you to go to ,rigg's6 he's in the ,high ,street1 ,number #dh4 ,but ,spilman has much the most recherche articles1 you know1 ,lucy1 interposed ,miss ,day4 ,i'll walk over to ,spilman's to-morrow with you1 if you like1 ,miss ,peel4 ,before ,priscilla had time to reply there was again a knock at the door1 and this time ,nancy ,banister1 looking flushed and pretty1 came in4 ,she took in the scene at a glance3 numbers of girls making themselves at home in ,priscilla's room1 some seated on her trunk1 some on her bureau1 several curled up in comfortable attitudes on her bed1 and she herself standing1 meek1 awkward1 depressed1 near one of the windows4 ,how tired you look1 ,miss ,peel6 said ,nancy ,banister4 ,priscilla smiled gratefully at her4 ,and your trunk is not unpacked yet8 ,oh6 there is time enough1 faltered ,priscilla4 ,are we in your way8 suddenly spoke ,miss ,marsh1 springing to her feet4 ,good-night4 ,my name is ,marsh1 my room is thirty-eight4 ,she swung herself lazily and carelessly out of the room1 followed1 at longer or shorter intervals1 by the other girls1 who all nodded to ,priscilla1 told her their names1 and one or two the numbers of their rooms4 ,at last she was left alone with ,nancy ,banister4 ,poor thing6 ,how tired and white you look6 said ,nancy4 ,but now that dreadful martyrdom is over1 you shall have a real cosy time4 ,don't you want a nice hot cup of cocoa8 ,it will be ready in a minute or two4 ,and please may ,i help you to unpack8 ,thank you1 said ,priscilla2 her teeth were chattering4 ,if ,i might have a fire8 she asked suddenly4 ,oh1 you poor1 shivering darling6 ,of course4 ,are there no matches here8 ,there were some on the mantelpiece before dinner4 ,no1 ,i declare they have vanished4 ,how careless of the maid4 ,i'll run into ,maggie's room and fetch some4 ,miss ,banister was not a minute away4 ,she returned with a box of matches1 and1 stooping down1 set a light to the wood1 and a pleasant fire was soon blazing and crackling merrily4 ,now1 isn't that better8 said ,nancy4 ,please sit down on your bed1 and give me the key of your trunk4 ,i'll soon have the things out1 and put all to rights for you4 ,i'm a splendid unpacker4 ,but ,priscilla had no desire to have her small and meagre wardrobe overhauled even by the kindest of ,st ,benet's girls4 ,i will unpack presently myself1 if you don't mind1 she said4 ,she felt full of gratitude1 but she could not help an almost surly tone coming into her voice4 ,nancy drew back1 repulsed and distressed4 ,perhaps you would like me to go away8 she said4 ,i will go into ,maggie's room1 and let you know when cocoa is ready4 ,thank you1 said ,prissie4 ,miss ,banister disappeared1 and ,priscilla sat on by the fire1 unconscious that she had given any pain or annoyance1 thinking with gratitude of ,nancy1 and with feelings of love of ,maggie ,oliphant1 and wondering what her little sisters were doing without her at home to-night4 ,by-and-by there came a tap at her door4 ,priscilla ran to open it4 ,miss ,oliphant stood outside4 ,won't you come in8 said ,priscilla1 throwing the door wide open1 and smiling with joy4 ,it was already delightful to her to look at ,maggie4 ,please come in1 she added1 in a tone almost of entreaty4 ,maggie ,oliphant started and turned pale4 ,into that room8 ,no1 no1 ,i can't1 she said in a queer voice4 ,she rushed back to her own1 leaving ,priscilla standing in amazement by her open door4 ,there was a moment's silence2 then ,miss ,oliphant's voice1 rich1 soft1 and lazy1 was heard within the shelter of her own apartment4 ,please come in1 ,miss ,peel1 cocoa awaits you4 ,do not stand on ceremony4 ,priscilla went timidly across the landing1 and the next instant found herself in one of the prettiest of the students' rooms at ,st ,benet's4 ,a few rare prints and some beautiful photogravures of well-known pictures adorned the walls4 ,the room was crowded with knick-knacks1 and rendered gay and sweet by many tall flowers in pots4 ,a piano stood open by one of the walls1 and a violin lay carelessly on a chair not far off4 ,there were piles of new music1 and some tempting1 small1 neatly-bound books lying about4 ,a fire glowed on the hearth1 and a little brass kettle sang merrily on the hob4 ,the cocoa-table was drawn up in front of the fire1 and on a quaintly shaped tray stood the bright little cocoa-pot1 and the oddly devised cups and saucers4 ,welcome to ,st ,benet's8 said ,maggie1 going up and taking ,priscilla's hand cordially within her own4 ,now you'll have to get into this low chair1 and make yourself quite at home and happy4 ,how snug you are here1 said ,prissie1 her eyes brightening1 and a pink colour mounting into her cheeks4 ,she was glad that ,maggie was alone2 she felt more at ease with her than with anyone1 but the next moment she said1 with a look of apparent regret-- ,i thought ,miss ,banister was in your room8 ,no2 ,nancy has gone to her own room at the end of the corridor to do some work for an hour4 ,she will come back to say good-night4 ,she always does4 ,are you sorry to have me by myself8 ,indeed ,i am not1 said ,priscilla4 ,the smile1 which made her rather plain face attractive1 crept slowly back to it4 ,maggie poured out a cup of cocoa and brought it to her1 then1 drawing another chair forward1 she seated herself in it1 sipped her own cocoa1 and began to talk4 ,long afterwards ,priscilla remembered that talk4 ,it was not what ,maggie said1 for her conversation in itself was not at all brilliant1 but it was the sound of her rich1 calm1 rather lazy voice1 the different lights which glanced and gleamed in her eyes1 the dimples about her mouth1 the attitude she put herself in4 ,maggie had a way of changing colour1 too1 which added to her fascinations4 ,sometimes the beautiful oval of her face would be almost ivory white1 but then again a rosy cloud would well up and up the cheeks1 and even slightly suffuse the broad1 low forehead4 ,her face was never long the same1 never more than a moment in repose2 eyes1 mouth1 brow1 even the very waves of her hair seemed to ,priscilla1 this first night as she sat by her hearth1 to be all speech4 ,the girls grew cosy and confidential together4 ,priscilla told ,maggie about her home1 a little also about her past history1 and her motive in coming to ,st ,benet's4 ,maggie sympathised with all the expression she was capable of4 ,at last ,priscilla bade her new friend good-night1 and1 rising from her luxurious chair1 prepared to go back to her own room4 ,she had just reached the door of ,maggie's room1 and was about to turn the handle1 when a sudden thought arrested her4 ,she came back a few steps4 ,may ,i ask you a question8 she said4 ,certainly1 replied ,miss ,oliphant4 ,who is the girl who used to live in my room8 ,annabel ,lee1 the other girls call her4 ,who is she8 ,what is there remarkable about her8 ,to ,priscilla's astonishment ,maggie started a step forward1 her eyes blazed with an expression which was half frightened--half angry4 ,she interlocked one soft hand inside the other1 her face grew white1 hard1 and strained4 ,you must not ask me about ,annabel ,lee1 she said in a whisper1 for ,i-- ,i can tell you nothing about her4 ,i can never tell you about her-- never4 ,then she rushed to her sofa-bed1 flung herself upon it face downwards1 and burst into queer1 silent1 distressful tears4 ,someone touched ,priscilla softly on her shoulder4 ,let me take you to your room1 ,miss ,peel1 said ,nancy ,banister4 ,don't take any notice of ,maggie2 she will be all right by-and-by4 ,nancy took ,priscilla's hand1 and walked with her across the corridor4 ,i am so sorry ,i said anything to hurt ,miss ,oliphant1 said ,priscilla4 ,oh1 you were not to blame4 ,you could not know any better4 ,of course1 now that you do know1 you will never do it again4 ,but ,i don't know anything now4 ,please will you tell me who ,annabel ,lee is8 ,hush6 don't speak so loud4 ,annabel ,lee-- ,nancy's eyes filled with tears--no girl in the college was so popular4 ,why do you say was8 and why do you cry8 ,i did not know that ,i cried4 ,annabel ,lee is dead4 ,oh6 ,priscilla walked into her room1 and ,nancy went back to ,maggie ,oliphant4 ,,chapter ,,four4 ,,an ,,eavesdropper4 ,the students at ,st ,benet's were accustomed to unlimited licence in the matter of sitting up at night4 ,at a certain hour the electric lights were put out1 but each girl was well supplied with candles1 and could sit up and pursue her studies into the small hours1 if she willed4 ,it was late when ,priscilla left ,maggie ,oliphant's room on this first night1 but1 long as her journey had been1 and tired as she undoubtedly felt1 the events of the evening had excited her1 and she did not care to go to bed4 ,her fire was now burning well1 and her room was warm and cosy4 ,she drew the bolt of her door1 and1 unlocking her trunk1 began to unpack4 ,she was a methodical girl1 and well trained4 ,miss ,rachel ,peel had instilled order into ,priscilla from her earliest days1 and she now quickly disposed of her small but neat wardrobe4 ,her linen would just fit into the drawers of the bureau4 ,her two or three dresses and jackets were hung tidily away behind the curtain which formed her wardrobe4 ,priscilla pushed her empty trunk against the wall1 folded up the bits of string and paper which lay scattered about1 and then1 slowly undressing1 she got into bed4 ,she undressed with a certain sense of luxuriousness and pleasure4 ,her room began to look charming to her now that her things were unpacked1 and the first sharp pain of her home-sickness was greatly softened since she had fallen in love with ,maggie ,oliphant4 ,priscilla had not often in the course of her life undressed by a fire1 but then had she ever spent an evening like this one8 ,all was fresh to her1 new1 exciting4 ,now she was really very tired1 and the moment she laid her head on her pillow would doubtless be asleep4 ,she got into bed1 and1 putting out her candle1 lay down4 ,the firelight played on the pale blue walls1 and lit up the bold design of the briar-roses1 which ran round the frieze at the top of the room4 ,priscilla wondered why she did not drop asleep at once4 ,she felt vexed with herself when she discovered that each instant the chance of slumber was flying before her1 that every moment her tired body became more restless and wide-awake4 ,she could not help gazing at that scroll of briar-roses2 she could not help thinking of the hand that had painted the flowers1 of the girl whose presence had once made the room in which she now lay so charming4 ,priscilla had not yet been twelve hours at ,st ,benet's1 and yet almost every student she had met had spoken of ,annabel ,lee--had spoken of her with interest1 with regret4 ,one girl had gone further than this2 she had breathed her name with bitter sorrow4 ,priscilla wished she had not been put into this room4 ,she felt absolutely nervous2 she had a sense of usurping someone else's place1 of turning somebody else out into the cold4 ,she did not believe in ghosts1 but she had an uncomfortable sensation1 and it would not have greatly surprised her if ,annabel had come gliding back in the night watches to put the finishing touches to those scrolls of wild flowers which ornamented the panels of the doors1 and to the design of the briar-rose1 which ran round the frieze of the room4 ,annabel might come in1 and pursue this work in stealthy spirit fashion1 and then glide up to her1 and ask her to get out of this little white bed1 and let the strange visitor1 to whom it had once belonged1 rest in it herself once more4 ,annabel ,lee6 ,it was a queer name--a wild1 bewitching sort of a name-- the name of a girl in a song4 ,priscilla knew many of ,poe's strange songs1 and she found herself now murmuring some words which used to fascinate her long ago3-- ,and the angels1 not half so happy in heaven1 ,went envying her and me2 ,yes6 that was the reason 7as all men know ,in this kingdom by the sea7 ,that the wind came out of the cloud by night1 ,chilling and killing my ,annabel ,lee6 ,but our love it was stronger by far than the love ,of those who were older than we1-- ,of many far wiser than we2 ,and neither the angels in heaven above1 ,nor the demons down under the sea1 ,can ever dissever my soul from the soul ,of the beautiful ,annabel ,lee4 ,some ashes fell from the expiring fire2 ,priscilla jumped up in bed with a start4 ,her heart was beating fast4 ,she thought of ,maggie's exquisite face4 ,she remembered it as she had seen it that night when they were sitting by the fire1 as she had seen it last1 when it turned so white1 and the eyes blazed at her in anger4 ,priscilla stretched out her hand for a box of matches4 ,she would light her candle1 and1 as there was no chance of her going to sleep1 sit up1 put her dressing-jacket on1 and begin to write a long letter home to ,aunt ,raby and to her little sisters4 ,such methodical work would calm nerves not often so highly strung4 ,she rose1 and fetching her neat little leather writing-case from where she had placed it on the top of her bureau1 prepared to open it4 ,the little case was locked4 ,priscilla went over to her curtained wardrobe1 pushed it aside1 and felt in the pocket of the dress she had worn that day for her purse4 ,it was not there4 ,within that purse the little key was safely hiding1 but the purse itself was nowhere to be found4 ,priscilla looked all round the room4 ,in vain2 the neat brown-leather purse1 which held the key1 some very precious memoranda of different sorts1 and her small store of worldly wealth1 was nowhere to be found4 ,she stood still for a moment in perplexity4 ,all her nervous fears had now completely vanished2 a real calamity and a grave one stared her in the face4 ,suppose her purse were gone8 ,suppose it had been stolen8 ,the very small supply of money which that purse contained was most precious to ,priscilla4 ,it seemed to her that nothing could well be more terrible than for her now to have to apply to ,aunt ,raby for fresh funds4 ,aunt ,raby had stinted herself dreadfully to get ,priscilla's modest little outfit together1 and now--oh1 she would rather starve than appeal to her again4 ,suddenly as she stood in the middle of her room a memory came back to her4 ,it was the recollection of a very trivial incident4 ,she remembered something dropping on the floor as she sat by ,maggie's side at dinner4 ,she had felt too nervous and miserable at the time to take any notice of the slight sound made by the fall1 but now it returned vividly to her memory4 ,she was sure that her purse must have dropped out of her pocket at that moment1 and was convinced that it was now lying quietly under the table where she had sat4 ,priscilla felt far too excited to wait until the morning to make herself sure on this point4 ,no2 happen what might1 she would set her fears at rest now1 and find her way somehow through the strange and sleeping house until she discovered her lost treasure4 ,partly re-dressing1 she took her candle in her hand1 and softly unhasped her door4 ,it was a well-oiled lock1 and made no click or noise of any kind as she turned the handle4 ,when she opened the door wide it did not creak4 ,the long corridor outside had a stone floor1 and was richly carpeted4 ,no fear of treacherous1 creaking boards here4 ,priscilla prepared to walk briskly down the length of the corridor1 when she was arrested by seeing a light streaming out of ,maggie ,oliphant's room4 ,the electric lights were all extinguished1 and this light alone shone like a ray in the darkness4 ,prissie stood still1 with a gasp of dismay4 ,she did not want ,maggie to hear her now4 ,she would have been distressed at ,maggie being acquainted with her carelessness4 ,she felt sure that a girl like ,maggie ,oliphant could never understand what a little purse1 which only contained a sovereign or two1 would mean to her4 ,on tiptoe1 and shading the candle with her hand1 she stole past the partly open door4 ,a rich tapestry curtain hung at the other side1 and ,maggie doubtless thought the door was shut4 ,priscilla had almost gone past the open door1 when her steps were again arrested by the sound of voices4 ,someone said ,priscilla ,peel1 and then someone else laughed4 ,priscilla stood perfectly still4 ,of course she had no right to listen1 but she did2 she waited breathless1 in an agony of expectation1 for the next words4 ,i would not be jealous if ,i were you1 ,nancy1 said ,maggie's lazy1 sweet voice4 ,the poor girl is as queer as her name1 but it gives me a kind of aesthetic pleasure to be good to people4 ,you have no cause to be jealous1 sweet pet4 ,priscilla raised one trembling hand1 and noiselessly put out her candle4 ,her feet seemed rooted to the spot4 ,nancy murmured something1 which ,priscilla could not hear4 ,then there was the sound of one girl kissing another1 and ,maggie's light laugh was heard again4 ,the unfortunate girl has fallen in love with you1 there's no doubt about that1 ,maggie1 said ,nancy4 ,well1 my dear1 she'll get over that little fever presently4 ,when ,i'm kind to them1 they all have it4 ,i believe ,i am gracious to them just because ,i like to see that grateful1 affectionate expression in their eyes4 ,the fact is1 ,nance1 ,i have a perfectly crazy desire to excite love4 ,but do you give love1 ,maggie8 ,do you ever give it back in return8 ,sometimes4 ,i don't know1 ,i believe ,i am rather fond of you1 for instance4 ,maggie1 was ,geoffrey ,hammond at ,st ,hilda's this afternoon8 ,i can't possibly say1 replied ,maggie1 in a cold voice4 ,then she added excitedly1 ,i don't believe the door is shut6 ,you are so careless1 ,nannie1 so indifferent to the fact that there may be eavesdroppers about4 ,priscilla crept back to her room4 ,she had forgotten all about her purse2 every other feeling was completely swallowed up in a burning1 choking sense of anger4 ,,chapter ,,five4 ,,why ,,priscilla ,,peel ,,went ,,to ,,st ,,benet',s4 ,priscilla had received a shock1 and hers was not the sort of nature to take such a blow easily4 ,she was a reserved girl1 but her feelings were deep1 her affections very strong4 ,priscilla had a rather commonplace past1 but it was the sort of past to foster and deepen the peculiarities of her character4 ,her father had died when she was twelve1 her mother when she was fourteen4 ,they were north-country folk1 and they possessed all the best characteristics of their class4 ,they were rigidly upright people1 they never went in debt2 they considered luxuries bad for the soul1 and the smaller refinements of life altogether unnecessary4 ,mr ,peel managed to save a little money out of his earnings4 ,he took year by year these savings to the nearest ,county ,bank1 and invested them to the best of his ability4 ,the bank broke1 and in one fell stroke he lost all the savings of a life4 ,this affected his health1 and he never held up his head or recovered his vigour of mind and body again4 ,he died1 and two years afterwards his wife followed him4 ,priscilla was then fourteen1 and there were three little sisters several years younger4 ,they were merry little children1 strong1 healthy1 untouched by care4 ,priscilla1 on the contrary1 was grave1 and looked much older than her years4 ,on the night their mother was buried1 ,aunt ,rachel ,peel1 their father's sister1 came from her home far away on the borders of ,devonshire1 and told the four desolate children that she was going to take them away to live on her little farm with her4 ,aunt ,raby spoke in a very frank manner4 ,she concealed nothing4 ,it's only fair to tell you1 ,prissie1 she said1 addressing the tall1 gawky girl1 who stood with her hands folded in front of her--it's only fair to tell you that hitherto ,i've just made two ends meet for one mouth alone1 and how ,i'm to fill four extra ones the ,lord knows1 but ,i don't4 ,still1 ,i'm going to try1 for it shall never be said that ,andrew ,peel's children wanted bread while his sister1 ,rachel ,peel1 lived4 ,we have none of us big appetites1 said ,priscilla1 after a long1 solemn pause2 we can do with very little food--very little4 ,the only one who ever is really hungry is ,hattie4 ,aunt ,raby looked up at the pale face1 for ,prissie was taller than her aunt even then1 and said in a shocked voice-- ,good gracious1 child6 do you think ,i'd stint one of you8 ,you ought all to be hearty1 and ,i hope you will be4 ,no1 no1 it isn't that1 ,prissie1 but there'll be no luxuries1 so don't you expect them4 ,i don't want them1 answered ,priscilla4 ,the children all went to ,devonshire1 and ,aunt ,raby toiled1 as perhaps no woman had ever toiled before1 to put bread into their mouths4 ,katie had a fever1 which made her pale and thin1 and took away that look of robustness which had characterised the little ,yorkshire maiden4 ,nobody thought about the children's education1 and they might have grown up without any were it not for ,priscilla1 who taught them what she knew herself4 ,nobody thought ,priscilla clever2 she had no brilliance about her in any way1 but she had a great gift for acquiring knowledge4 ,wherever she went she picked up a fresh fact1 or a fresh fancy1 or a new idea1 and these she turned over and over in her active1 strong1 young brain1 until she assimilated them1 and made them part of herself4 ,amongst the few things that had been saved from her early home there was a box of her father's old books1 and as these comprised several of the early poets and essayists1 she might have gone farther and fared worse4 ,one day the old clergyman who lived at a small vicarage near called to see ,miss ,peel4 ,he discovered ,priscilla deep over ,carlyle's ,history of the ,french ,revolution4 ,the young girl had become absorbed in the fascination of the wild and terrible tale4 ,some of the horror of it had got into her eyes as she raised them to return ,mr ,hayes' courteous greeting4 ,his attention was arrested by the look she gave him4 ,he questioned her about her reading1 and presently offered to help her4 ,from this hour ,priscilla made rapid progress4 ,she was not taught in the ordinary fashion1 but she was being really educated4 ,her life was full now2 she knew nothing about the world1 nothing about society4 ,she had no ambitions1 and she did not trouble herself to look very far ahead4 ,the old classics which she studied from morning till night abundantly satisfied her really strong intellectual nature4 ,mr ,hayes allowed her to talk with him1 even to argue points with him4 ,he always liked her to draw her own conclusions2 he encouraged her really original ideas2 he was proud of his pupil1 and he grew fond of her4 ,it was not ,priscilla's way to say a word about it1 but she soon loved the old clergyman as if he were her father4 ,some time between her sixteenth and seventeenth birthday that awakening came which altered the whole course of her life4 ,it was a summer's day4 ,priscilla was seated in the old wainscotted parlour of the cottage1 devouring a book lent to her by ,mr ,hayes on the origin of the ,greek ,drama1 and occasionally bending to kiss little ,katie1 who sat curled up in her arms1 when the two elder children rushed in with the information that ,aunt ,raby had suddenly lain flat down in the hayfield1 and they thought she was asleep4 ,prissie tumbled her book in one direction1 and ,katie in the other4 ,in a moment she was kneeling by ,miss ,peel's side4 ,what is it1 ,aunt ,raby8 she asked1 tenderly4 ,are you ill8 ,the tired woman opened her eyes slowly4 ,i think ,i fainted1 dear love1 she said4 ,perhaps it was the heat of the sun4 ,priscilla managed to get her back into the house4 ,she grew better presently1 and seemed something like herself1 but that evening the aunt and niece had a long talk1 and the next day ,prissie went up to see ,mr ,hayes4 ,i am interested1 he said1 when he saw her enter the room1 to see how you have construed that passage in ,cicero1 ,priscilla4 ,you know ,i warned you of its difficulty4 ,oh1 please1 sir1 don't1 said ,prissie1 holding up her hand with an impatient movement1 which she now and then found herself indulging in4 ,i don't care if ,cicero is at the bottom of the sea4 ,i don't want to speak about him1 or think about him4 ,his day is over1 mine is--oh1 sir1 ,i beg your pardon4 ,granted1 my dear child4 ,sit down1 ,prissie4 ,i will forgive your profane words about ,cicero1 for ,i see you are excited4 ,what is the matter8 ,i want you to help me1 ,mr ,hayes4 ,will you help me8 ,you have always been my dear friend1 my good friend4 ,of course ,i will help you4 ,what is wrong8 ,speak to me fully4 ,aunt ,raby fainted in the hayfield yesterday4 ,indeed8 ,it was a warm day2 ,i am truly concerned4 ,would she like to see me8 ,is she better to-day8 ,she is quite well to-day--quite well for the time4 ,my dear ,priscilla1 what a tragic face6 ,your ,aunt ,raby is not the first woman who has fainted1 and got out of her faint again and been none the worse4 ,that is just the point1 ,mr ,hayes4 ,aunt ,raby has got out of her faint1 but she is the worse4 ,mr ,hayes looked hard into his pupil's face4 ,there was no beauty in it4 ,the mouth was wide1 the complexion dull1 the features irregular4 ,even her eyes--and perhaps they were ,prissie's best point--were neither large nor dark2 but an expression now filled those eyes and lingered round that mouth which made the old rector feel solemn4 ,he took one of the girl's thin unformed hands between his own4 ,my dear child1 he said1 something weighs on your mind4 ,tell your old friend--your almost father--all that is in your heart4 ,thus begged to make a confidence1 ,priscilla did tell a commonplace1 and yet tragic1 story4 ,aunt ,raby was affected with an incurable illness4 ,it would not kill her soon2 she might live for years1 but every year she would grow a little weaker1 and a little less capable of toil4 ,as long as she lived the little farm belonged to her1 but whenever she died it would pass to a distant cousin4 ,whenever ,aunt ,raby died1 ,priscilla and her three sisters would be penniless4 ,so ,i have come to you1 continued ,prissie1 to say that ,i must take steps at once to enable me to earn money4 ,i must support ,hattie and ,rose and ,katie whenever ,aunt ,raby goes4 ,i must earn money as soon as it is possible for a girl to do so1 and ,i must stop dreaming and thinking of nothing but books1 for perhaps books and ,i will have little to say to each other in future4 ,that would be sad1 replied ,mr ,hayes1 for that would be taking a directly opposite direction to the path which ,providence clearly intends you to walk in4 ,priscilla raised her eyes1 and looked earnestly at the old rector4 ,then1 clasping her hands tightly together1 she said with suppressed passion-- ,why do you encourage me to be selfish1 ,mr ,hayes8 ,i will not1 he replied1 answering her look2 ,i will listen patiently to all you have to say4 ,how do you propose to earn bread for yourself and your sisters8 ,i thought of dressmaking4 ,um6 ,did you--make--the gown you have on8 ,yes1 replied ,priscilla1 looking down at her ungainly homespun garment4 ,the rector rose to his feet1 and smiled in the most sweet and benevolent way4 ,i am no judge of such matters1 he said1 and ,i may be wrong4 ,but my impression is that the style and cut of that dress would scarcely have a large demand in fashionable quarters4 ,oh1 sir6 ,prissie blushed all over4 ,you know ,i said ,i should have to learn4 ,my dear child1 said ,mr ,hayes1 firmly1 when it becomes a question of a woman earning her bread1 let her turn to that path where promise lies4 ,there is no promise in the fit of that gown1 ,prissie4 ,but here--here there is much4 ,he touched her big forehead lightly with his hand4 ,you must not give up your books1 my dear1 he said1 for1 independently of the pleasure they afford1 they will also give you bread-and-butter4 ,go home now1 and let me think over matters4 ,come again to-morrow4 ,i may have important things to say to you4 ,from this conversation came the results which1 shortly after the completion of her eighteenth year1 made ,priscilla an inmate of ,st ,benet's far-famed ,college for ,women4 ,mr ,hayes left no stone unturned to effect his object4 ,he thought ,priscilla could do brilliantly as a teacher1 and he resolved that for this purpose she should have the advantages which a collegiate life alone could offer to her4 ,he himself prepared her for her entrance examination1 and he and ,aunt ,raby between them managed the necessary funds to give the girl a three-years' life as a student in these halls of learning4 ,prissie knew very little about the money part of the scheme4 ,she only guessed what had become of ,aunt ,raby's watch and chain2 and a spasm crossed her face when one day she happened to see that ,aunt ,raby's poor little jewel case was empty4 ,the jewels and the watch could certainly not fetch much1 but they provided ,prissie with a modest little outfit1 and ,mr ,hayes had got a grant from a loan society1 which further lightened expenses for all parties4 ,priscilla bade her sisters1 her aunt1 and the old rector good-bye1 and started on her new life with courage4 ,,chapter ,,six4 ,,college ,,life4 ,the routine of life at ,st ,benet's was something as follows3-- ,the dressing-bell was rung at seven1 and all the students were expected to meet in the chapel for prayers at eight4 ,nothing was said if they did not appear2 no reproofs were uttered1 and no inquiries made2 but the good-fellowship between the students and the dons was so apparent in the three ,halls1 that known wishes were always regarded1 and1 as a rule1 there were few absentees4 ,the girls went to chapel in their white-straw sailor-hats1 simply trimmed with a broad band of ribbon of the college colours1 green with a narrow stripe of gold4 ,breakfast immediately followed chapel2 tea and coffee and different cold meats were placed on the side-tables1 and the girls helped themselves to what they pleased4 ,the great event at breakfast was the post4 ,each student1 when she entered the breakfast-hall1 would make an eager rush to the side-table where the letters were neatly placed4 ,during breakfast these were read and chatted over4 ,the whole meal was most informal1 and seldom lasted more than a quarter of an hour4 ,after breakfast the notice-board in the large entrance-hall was visited and eagerly scanned1 for it contained a detailed account of the hours for the different lectures1 and the names of the lecturers who would instruct the students during the day4 ,by the side of the large official notice-board hung another1 which was read with quite as deep interest4 ,this contained particulars of the meetings of the different clubs and societies for pleasure or profit got up by the girls themselves4 ,on the morning after her arrival1 ,priscilla1 with the other students1 read the contents of these two boards1 and then1 in the company of a ,fresher1 nearly as shy as herself1 she wandered about the lovely grounds which surrounded ,heath ,hall until nine o'clock1 when lectures began4 ,lectures continued without interruption until lunch-time1 a meal which was taken very much when the girls pleased4 ,the time allowed for this light midday refreshment was from half-past twelve to two4 ,the afternoons were mostly given up to games and gymnastics1 although occasionally there were more lectures1 and the more studious of the girls spent a considerable part of the time studying in their own rooms4 ,tea was the convivial meal of the day2 to this the girls invited outside friends and acquaintances1 and1 as a rule1 they always took it in their own rooms4 ,dinner was at half-past six1 and from half-past seven to half-past nine was usually the time when the different clubs and societies met4 ,there was a regularity and yet a freedom about the life2 invisible bounds were prescribed1 beyond which no right-minded or conscientious girl cared to venture1 but the rules were really very few4 ,students might visit their friends in ,kingsdene1 and receive them at the college4 ,they might entertain them at luncheon or dinner1 or at tea in their own rooms1 at a fixed charge2 and provided the friends left at a certain hour1 and the girls themselves asked for leave of absence when they wished to remain out1 and mentioned the place to which they proposed to go1 no questions were asked1 and no objections offered4 ,they were expected to return to the college not later than eleven at night1 and one invitation to go out in the week was1 as a rule1 the most they ever accepted4 ,into this life ,priscilla came1 fresh from the ,devonshire farm and from all the pursuits and interests which had hitherto formed her world4 ,she had made a very firm niche for herself in ,aunt ,raby's old cottage1 and the dislodgment therefrom caused her for the time such mental disquiet and so many nervous and queer sensations that her pain was often acute and her sense of awkwardness considerable4 ,priscilla's best in her early life always seemed but a poor affair1 and she certainly neither looked nor was at her best at first here4 ,after a few days1 however1 she fitted into her new grooves1 took up the line of study which she intended to pursue1 and was quickly absorbed in all the fascinations which it offered to a nature like hers4 ,her purse was restored to her on the morning after her arrival1 and neither ,maggie ,oliphant nor ,nancy ,banister ever guessed that she had overheard some words of theirs on the night of her arrival1 and that these had put bitterness into her heart and nearly destroyed her faith in her fellow-students4 ,both ,maggie and ,nance made several overtures of kindness to ,prissie1 but the cold manner which was more or less habitual to her never thawed1 and1 after a time1 they left her alone4 ,there is no saying what might have happened to ,prissie had she never overheard this conversation4 ,as it was1 however1 after the first shock it gave her courage4 ,she said to herself-- ,i should think very little of myself if ,i did not despise a girl like ,miss ,oliphant4 ,is it likely ,i should care to imitate one whom ,i despise8 ,there was a brief1 dreadful hour when ,i absolutely pined to have pretty things in my room as she has in hers2 now ,i can do without them4 ,my room shall remain bare and unadorned4 ,in this state it will at least look unique4 ,it did4 ,the other students who lived in the same corridor came to visit ,priscilla in the free and easy manner which characterised them1 and made remarks the reverse of flattering4 ,when was she going to put her pictures up8 ,miss ,day would be delighted to help her whenever she chose to do it4 ,when did she intend to go down to ,kingsdene to order her easy-chairs and little ,japanese tables1 and rugs1 and the other small but necessary articles which would be required to make her room habitable8 ,for several days ,priscilla turned these inquiries aside4 ,she blushed1 stammered1 looked awkward1 and spoke of something else4 ,at last1 however1 she summoned up courage1 and1 once for all1 delivered herself from her tormentors4 ,she did that remarkably brave thing which sometimes very nervous people can brace themselves to do4 ,it was evening1 and ,miss ,day1 ,miss ,marsh1 and ,nancy ,banister had all come in for a few minutes to see ,priscilla on their way to their own rooms4 ,do come and cocoa with me to-night1 ,miss ,peel1 said ,miss ,day4 ,you're so dreadfully unsociable1 not a bit like an ordinary ,st ,benet's girl4 ,if you go on in this fashion you'll be moped to death before your first term is over4 ,i am accustomed to a very quiet life1 responded ,priscilla1 and ,i want to work2 ,i have come here to work4 ,dear1 dear6 anyone would suppose you were going in for a tripos4 ,if this were your last term ,i could understand it--but your first6 ,it was ,miss ,marsh who said these words4 ,she was a bright-eyed1 merry-looking girl1 the reverse of over-studious herself4 ,oh1 come along1 dear3 ,i'll give you such a delicious cup of cocoa1 said ,miss ,day4 ,she crossed the room1 and tried to link her hand affectionately in ,prissie's arm4 ,miss ,peel drew back a step4 ,thank you1 she said1 but ,i--,i--cannot come4 ,i must say you have a blunt way of refusing1 said ,miss ,day4 ,she felt inclined to be offended1 but ,nancy ,banister1 who was standing by1 and had not hitherto spoken1 bestowed a quick glance of approval on ,priscilla1 and then said something soothing to ,miss ,day4 ,may ,i cocoa with you instead1 ,annie8 she said4 ,i am afraid no one can accuse me of killing myself with work1 but we all respect earnest workers--we must4 ,it is for them ,st ,benet's is really meant4 ,it was endowed for them1 and built for them1 and we poor drones must not throw disparaging remarks on the busy bees4 ,oh1 nonsense6 said ,miss ,marsh2 ,st ,benet's was made for sociability as well as study1 and ,i have no patience with the students who don't try to combine the two4 ,by the way1 she added1 turning round1 and speaking in a rather impertinent voice to ,priscilla1 ,i sent you a message to say ,i was going down to ,kingsdene this afternoon1 and would be happy to take you with me if you would care to visit ,spilman's4 ,thank you1 said ,priscilla1 ,i got your note just too late to answer it4 ,i was going to speak to you about it1 she added4 ,then you would have come8 ,priscilla's face grew very red4 ,no1 ,i should not have come4 ,it was ,miss ,marsh's turn to get red4 ,come6 ,annie1 she exclaimed1 turning to ,miss ,day1 we had better waste no more time here4 ,miss ,banister1 we'll see you presently1 won't we8 ,good-night1 ,miss ,peel4 ,perhaps you don't mind my saying something very frank8 ,i do1 said ,priscilla1 but that won't prevent your saying it1 will it8 ,i don't think it will4 ,after you have been at ,st ,benet's a little longer you will know that we not only appreciate cleverness and studious ways1 but also obliging and sociable and friendly manners2 and--and-- pretty rooms--rooms with easy-chairs1 and comfortable lounges1 and the thousand and one things which give one a feeling of home4 ,take my advice1 ,miss ,peel1 there's no use fighting against the tide4 ,you'll have to do as others do in the long run1 and you may as well do it at once4 ,that is my plain opinion1 and ,i should not have given it to you1 if ,i had not thought you needed it4 ,good-night4 ,no1 stop a minute1 said ,priscilla4 ,every scrap of colour had left her face1 every trace of nervousness her manner4 ,she walked before the two girls to the door1 and closed it4 ,please stay just for a minute longer1 ,miss ,day and ,miss ,marsh1 and you too1 ,miss ,banister1 if you will4 ,she went across the room again1 and1 opening the top drawer of her bureau1 took out her purse4 ,out of the purse she took a key4 ,the key fitted a small padlock1 and the padlock belonged to her trunk4 ,she unlocked her empty trunk and opened it4 ,there1 she said1 turning to the girls--there1 she continued1 you will be good enough to notice that there are no photographs concealed in this trunk1 no pictures1 no prints4 ,she lifted the tray4 ,empty1 you see1 she added1 pointing with her hand to the lower portion of the trunk--nothing here to make my room pretty1 and cosy1 and home-like4 ,then she shut the trunk again and locked it1 and going up to where the three girls stood1 gazing at her in bewilderment and some alarm1 she unfastened her purse1 and turned all its contents into the palm of her hand4 ,look1 ,miss ,marsh1 she said1 turning to the girl who had spoken last4 ,you may count what is here4 ,one sovereign1 one half-sovereign1 two or three shillings1 some pence4 ,would this money go far at ,spilman's1 do you think8 ,priscilla put it all slowly back again into her purse4 ,her face was still absolutely colourless4 ,she laid the purse on the top of her bureau4 ,i do not suppose1 she said1 in a low1 sad voice1 that ,i am the sort of girl who often comes to a place of this sort4 ,i am poor1 and ,i have got to work hard1 and ,i have no time for pleasure4 ,nevertheless1 she added--and now a great wave of colour swept over her face1 and her eyes were lit up1 and she had a sensation of feeling quite glad1 and strong1 and happy--,i am not going away because ,i am poor1 and ,i am not going to mind what anyone thinks of me as long as ,i do right4 ,my room must stay empty and bare1 because ,i have no money to make it full and beautiful4 ,and do you think that ,i would ask those--those who sent me here--to add one feather's weight to their cares and expenses1 to give me money to buy beautiful things because ,i am afraid of you8 ,no1 ,i should be awfully afraid to do that2 but ,i am not afraid of you4 ,priscilla opened the drawer of her bureau and put her little light purse back again in its hiding-place4 ,good-night1 ,miss ,peel1 said ,miss ,day1 in a thin1 small kind of voice4 ,good-night1 ,miss ,peel1 said ,miss ,marsh4 ,the girls went gently out of the room4 ,they closed the door behind them1 without making any noise4 ,nancy ,banister remained behind4 ,she came up to ,priscilla1 and kissed her4 ,you are brave1 she said4 ,i admire you4 ,i--,i--am proud of you4 ,i am glad to know that a girl like you has come to live here4 ,don't--don't1 said poor ,prissie4 ,her little burst of courage had deserted her4 ,she covered her face with her trembling hands4 ,she did not want ,nancy ,banister to see that her eyes were full of tears4 ,,chapter ,,seven4 ,,in ,,miss ,,oliphant',s ,,room4 ,my dear1 said ,nancy ,banister that same evening--my dear and beloved ,maggie1 we have both been guilty of a huge mistake4 ,what is that8 asked ,miss ,oliphant4 ,she was leaning back in a deep easy-chair1 and ,nancy1 who did not care for luxurious seats1 had perched herself on a little stool at her feet4 ,nancy was a small1 nervous-looking person2 she had a zealous face1 and eager1 almost too active movements4 ,nancy was the soul of bustling good-nature1 of brightness and kindness4 ,she often said that ,maggie ,oliphant's laziness rested her4 ,what is it8 said ,maggie1 again4 ,how are we in the wrong1 ,nance8 ,she lifted her dimpled hand as she spoke1 and contemplated it with a slow1 satisfied sort of smile4 ,we have made a mistake about ,miss ,peel1 that is all2 she is a very noble girl4 ,oh1 my dear ,nance6 ,poor little ,puritan ,prissie6 ,what next8 ,it is all very fine to call her names1 replied ,nancy--here she sprang to her feet--but ,i couldn't do what she did4 ,do you know that she absolutely and completely turned the tables on that vulgar ,annie ,day and that pushing1 silly little ,lucy ,marsh4 ,i never saw any two look smaller or poorer than those two when they skedaddled out of her room4 ,yes1 that's the word--they skedaddled to the door1 both of them1 looking as limp as a cotton dress when it has been worn for a week1 and one almost treading on the other's heels2 and ,i do not think ,prissie will be worried by them any more4 ,really1 ,nancy1 you look quite pretty when you are excited6 ,now1 what did this wonderful ,miss ,peel do8 ,did she box the ears of those two detestable girls8 ,if so1 she has my hearty congratulations4 ,more than that1 ,maggie--that poor1 little1 meek1 awkward1 slim creature absolutely demolished them4 ,oh6 she did it in such a fine1 simple1 unworldly sort of way4 ,i only wish you had seen her6 ,they were twitting her about not going in for all the fun here1 and1 above everything1 for keeping her room so bare and unattractive4 ,you know she has been a fortnight here to-day1 and she has not got an extra thing-- not one4 ,there isn't a room in the ,hall like hers--it's so bare and unhomelike4 ,what's the matter1 ,maggie8 ,you needn't go on1 ,nancy3 if it's about the room1 ,i don't want to hear it4 ,you know ,i can't--,i can't bear it4 ,maggie's lips were trembling1 her face was white1 she shaded her eyes with her hand4 ,oh1 my darling1 ,i am so sorry4 ,i forgot--,i really did6 ,there1 you must try and think it was any room4 ,what she did was all the same4 ,well1 those girls had been twitting her4 ,i expect she's had a nice fortnight of it6 ,she turned very white1 and at last her blood was up1 and she just gave it to them4 ,she opened her little trunk4 ,i really could have cried4 ,it was such a poor1 pathetic sort of receptacle to be capable of holding all one's worldly goods1 and she showed it to them-- empty6 ,you see1' she said1 that ,i have no pictures nor ornaments here6' ,then she turned the contents of her purse into her hand4 ,i think1 ,maggie1 she had about thirty shillings in the world1 and she asked ,lucy ,marsh to count her money1 and inquired how many things she thought it would purchase at ,spilman's4 ,then1 ,maggie1 ,priscilla turned on them4 ,oh1 she did not look plain1 then1 nor awkward either4 ,her eyes had such a splendid1 good1 brave sort of light in them4 ,and she said she had come here to work1 and she meant to work1 and her room must stay bare1 for she had no money to make it anything else4 ,but1' she said1 ,i am not afraid of you1 but ,i am afraid of hurting those'-- whoever those' are--those'--oh1 with such a ring on the word--who have sent me here6' ,after that the two girls skedaddled2 they had had enough of her1 and ,i expect1 ,maggie1 your little ,puritan ,prissie will be left in peace in the future4 ,don't call her my little ,puritan1 said ,maggie4 ,i have nothing to say to her4 ,maggie was leaning back again in her chair now2 her face was still pale1 and her soft eyes looked troubled4 ,i wish you wouldn't tell me heroic stories1 ,nancy1 she remarked1 after a pause4 ,they make me feel so uncomfortable4 ,if ,priscilla ,peel is going to be turned into a sort of heroine1 she'll be much more unbearable than in her former character4 ,oh1 ,maggie1 ,i wish you wouldn't talk in that reckless way1 nor pretend that you hate goodness4 ,you know you adore it--you know you do6 ,you know you are far and away the most lovable and bewitching1 and the--the very best girl at ,st ,benet's4 ,no1 dear little ,nance1 you are quite mistaken4 ,perhaps ,i'm bewitching--,i suppose to a certain extent ,i am1 for people always tell me so--but ,i'm not lovable1 and ,i'm not good4 ,there1 my dear1 do let us turn from that uninteresting person--,maggie ,oliphant4 ,and so1 ,nancy1 you are going to worship ,priscilla ,peel in future8 ,oh1 dear no6 that's not my way4 ,but ,i'm going to respect her very much4 ,i think we have both rather shunned her lately1 and ,i did feel sure at first that you meant to be very kind to her1 ,maggie4 ,miss ,oliphant yawned4 ,it was her way to get over emotion very quickly4 ,a moment before her face had been all eloquent with feeling2 now its expression was distinctly bored1 and her lazy eyes were not even open to their full extent4 ,perhaps ,i found her stupid1 she said1 and so for that reason dropped her4 ,perhaps ,i would have continued to be kind if she had reciprocated attentions1 but she did not4 ,i am glad now1 very glad1 that we are unlikely to be friends1 for1 after what you have just told me1 ,i should probably find her insupportable4 ,are you going1 ,nancy8 ,yes1 ,i promised to have cocoa with ,annie ,day4 ,i had almost forgotten4 ,good-night1 ,maggie4 ,nancy shut the door softly behind her1 and ,maggie closed her eyes for a moment with a sigh of relief4 ,it's nice to be alone1 she said1 softly1 under her breath1 it's nice1 and yet it isn't nice4 ,nancy irritated me dreadfully this evening4 ,i don't like stories about good people4 ,i don't wish to think about good people4 ,i am determined that ,i will not allow my thoughts to dwell on that unpleasant ,priscilla ,peel1 and her pathetic poverty1 and her burst of heroics4 ,it is too trying to hear footsteps in that room4 ,no1 ,i will not think of that room1 nor of its inmate4 ,now1 if ,i could only go to sleep6 ,maggie curled herself up in her luxurious chair1 arranged a soft pillow under her head1 and shut her eyes4 ,in this attitude she made a charming picture3 her thick1 black lashes lay heavily on her pale cheeks2 her red lips were slightly parted2 her breathing came quietly4 ,by-and-by repose took the place of tension--her face looked as if it were cut out of marble4 ,the excitement and unrest1 which her words had betrayed1 vanished utterly2 her features were beautiful1 but almost expressionless4 ,this lasted for a short time1 perhaps ten minutes2 then a trivial circumstance1 the falling of a coal in the grate1 disturbed the light slumber of the sleeper4 ,maggie stirred restlessly1 and turned her head4 ,she was not awake1 but she was dreaming4 ,a faint rose tint visited each check1 and she clenched one hand1 then moved it1 and laid it over the other4 ,presently tears stoic from under the black eyelashes1 and rolled down her cheeks4 ,she opened her eyes wide2 she was awake again2 unutterable regret1 remorse1 which might never be quieted1 filled her face4 ,maggie rose from her chair1 and1 going across the room1 sat down at her bureau4 ,she turned a shaded lamp1 so that the light might fall upon the pages of a book she was studying1 and1 pushing her hands through her thick hair1 she began to read a passage from the splendid ,prometheus ,vinctus of ,aeschylus-- ,o divine ether1 ,o swift-winged winds6 ,she muttered the opening lines to herself1 then turning the page began to translate from the ,greek with great ease and fluency3 ,o divine ether1 and swift-winged winds1 ,o flowing rivers1 and ocean with countless-dimpling smile1 ,earth1 mother of all1 and the all-seeing circle of the sun1 to you ,i call2 ,behold me1 and the things that ,i2 a god1 suffer at the hands of gods4 ,behold the wrongs with which ,i am worn away1 and which ,i shall suffer through endless time4 ,such is the shameful bondage which the new ruler of the ,blessed ,ones has invented for me4 ,alas6 ,alas6 ,i bewail my present and future misery-- ,anyone who had seen ,maggie in her deep and expressionless sleep but a few minutes before would have watched her now with a sensation of surprise4 ,this queer girl was showing another phase of her complex nature4 ,her face was no longer lacking in expression1 no longer stricken with sorrow1 nor harrowed with unavailing regret4 ,a fine fire filled her eyes2 her brow1 as she pushed back her hair1 showed its rather massive proportions4 ,now1 intellect and the triumphant delight of overcoming a mental difficulty reigned supreme in her face4 ,she read on without interruption for nearly an hour4 ,at the end of that time her cheeks were burning like two glowing crimson roses4 ,a knock came at her door2 she started and turned round petulantly4 ,it's just my luck1 muttered ,maggie4 ,i'd have got the sense of that whole magnificent passage in another hour4 ,it was beginning to fill me3 ,i was getting satisfied--now it's all over6 ,i'd have had a good night if that knock hadn't come--but now--now ,i am ,maggie ,oliphant1 the most miserable girl at ,st ,benet's1 once again4 ,the knock was repeated4 ,miss ,oliphant sprang to her feet4 ,come in1 she said in a petulant voice4 ,the handle of the door was slowly turned1 the tapestry curtain moved forward1 and a little fair-haired girl1 with an infantile expression of face1 and looking years younger than her eighteen summers1 tripped a few steps into the room4 ,i beg your pardon1 ,maggie1 she said4 ,i had not a moment to come sooner--not one1 really4 ,that stupid ,miss ,turner chose to raise the alarm for the fire brigade2 of course ,i had to go1 and ,i've only just come back and changed my dress4 ,you ought to be in bed1 ,rosalind3 it's past eleven o'clock4 ,oh1 as if that mattered6 ,i'll go in a minute4 ,how cosy you look here4 ,my dear1 ,i am not going to keep you out of your beauty sleep4 ,you can admire my room another time4 ,if you have a message for me1 ,rosalind1 let me have it1 and then--oh1 cruel word1 but ,i must say it1 my love-- ,go6 ,rosalind ,merton had serene baby-blue eyes2 they looked up now full at ,maggie4 ,then her dimpled little hand slid swiftly into the pocket of her dress1 came out again with a quick1 little1 frightened dart1 and deposited a square envelope with some manly1 writing on it on the bureau1 where ,maggie had been studying ,prometheus ,vinctus4 ,the letter covered the greater portion of the open page4 ,it seemed to ,maggie as if the ,greek play had suddenly faded and gone out of sight behind a curtain4 ,there1 said ,rosalind1 that's for you4 ,i was at ,kingsdene to-day-- and--,i--,i said you should have it1 and ,i--,i promised that ,i'd help you1 ,maggie4 ,i--yes--,i promised4 ,i said ,i would help you1 if you'd let me4 ,thank you1 replied ,miss ,oliphant1 in a lofty tone4 ,the words came out of her lips with the coldness of ice4 ,and if ,i need you--,i--promise-- to ask your help4 ,where did you say you met ,mr ,hammond8 ,maggie took up her letter1 and opened it slowly4 ,at ,spilman's2 he was buying something for his room4 ,he-- ,rosalind blushed all over her face4 ,maggie took her letter out of its envelope4 ,she looked at the first two or three words1 then laid it1 open as it was1 on the table4 ,thank you1 ,rosalind1 she said in her usual tone4 ,it was kind of you to bring this1 certainly2 but ,mr ,hammond would have done better--yes1 undoubtedly better--had he sent his letter by post4 ,there would have been no mystery about it then1 and ,i should have received it at least two hours ago4 ,thank you1 ,rosalind1 all the same--good-night4 ,rosalind ,merton stepped demurely out of the room4 ,in the corridor1 however1 a change came over her small childish face4 ,her blue eyes became full of angry flame1 and she clenched her baby hand and shook it in the direction of the closed door4 ,oh1 ,maggie ,oliphant1 what a deceiver you are6 she murmured4 ,you think that ,i'm a baby1 and notice nothing1 but ,i'm on the alert now1 and ,i'll watch--and watch4 ,i don't love you any longer1 ,maggie ,oliphant4 ,who loves being snubbed8 ,oh1 of course1 you pretend you don't care about that letter6 ,but ,i know you do care2 and ,i'll get hold of all your secrets before many weeks are over1 see if ,i don't6 ,,chapter ,,eight4 ,,the ,,kindest ,,and ,,most ,,comforting ,,way4 ,maggie was once more alone4 ,she stood quite still for nearly half a minute in the centre of her room4 ,her hands were clasped tightly together4 ,the expression of her face and her attitude showed such intense feeling as to be almost theatrical4 ,this was no acting1 however2 it was ,maggie's nature to throw herself into attitudes before spectators or alone4 ,she required some vent for all her passionate excitement1 and what her girl-friends called ,miss ,oliphant's poses may have afforded her a certain measure of relief4 ,after standing still for these few seconds1 she ran to the door and drew the bolt2 then1 sinking down once more in her easy-chair1 she took up the letter which ,rosalind ,merton had brought her1 and began to read the contents4 ,four sides of a sheet of paper were covered with small1 close writing1 the neat somewhat cramped hand which at that time characterised the men of ,st ,hilda's ,college4 ,maggie's eyes seemed to fly over the writing2 they absorbed the sense1 they took the full meaning out of each word4 ,at last all was known to her1 burnt in1 indeed1 upon her brain4 ,she crushed the letter suddenly in one of her hands1 then raised it to her lips and kissed it2 then fiercely1 as though she hated it1 tossed it into the fire4 ,after this she sat quiet1 her hands folded meekly1 her head slightly bent4 ,the colour gradually left her cheeks4 ,she looked dead tired and languid4 ,after a time she arose1 and1 walking very slowly across her room1 sat down by her bureau1 and drew a sheet of paper before her4 ,as she did so her eyes fell for a moment on the ,greek play which had fascinated her an hour ago4 ,she found herself again murmuring some lines from ,prometheus ,vinctus3-- ,o divine ether1 and swift-winged winds-- ,she interrupted herself with a petulant movement4 ,folly6 she murmured1 pushing the book aside4 ,even glorious1 great thoughts like those don't satisfy me4 ,whoever supposed they would8 ,what was ,i given a heart for8 ,why does it beat so fiercely1 and long1 and love8 and why is it wrong--wrong of me to love8 ,oh1 ,annabel ,lee6 oh1 darling6 if only your wretched ,maggie ,oliphant had never known you6 ,maggie dashed some heavy tears from her eyes1 then1 taking up her pen1 she began to write4 ,heath ,hall1-- ,st ,benet's4-- ,dear ,mr ,hammond-- ,i should prefer that you did not in future give letters for me to any of my friends here4 ,i do not wish to receive them through the medium of any of my fellow-students4 ,please understand this4 ,when you have anything to say to me1 you can write in the ordinary course of post4 ,i am not ashamed of any slight correspondence we may have together2 but ,i refuse to countenance1 or to be in any sense a party to1 what may even seem underhand4 ,i shall try to be at the ,marshalls' on ,sunday afternoon1 but ,i have nothing to say in reply to your letter4 ,my views are unalterable4 ,yours sincerely1-- ,margaret ,oliphant4 ,maggie did not read the letter after she had written it4 ,she put it into an envelope and directed it4 ,hers was a large and bold hand1 and the address was swiftly written-- ,geoffrey ,hammond1 ,esq1 ,st ,hilda's1 ,kingsdene4 ,she stamped her letter and1 late as it was1 took it down herself1 and deposited it in the post-bag4 ,the next morning1 when the students strolled in to breakfast1 many pairs of eyes were raised with a new curiosity to watch ,priscilla ,peel4 ,even ,maggie1 as she drank her coffee1 and munched a piece of dry toast1 for she was a very poor eater1 could not help flashing a keen and interested glance at the young girl as she came into the room4 ,prissie was the reverse of fashionable in her attire2 her neat brown cashmere dress had been made by ,aunt ,raby4 ,the hemming1 the stitching1 the gathering1 the frilling1 which went to make up this useful garment were neat1 were even exquisite2 but then1 ,aunt ,raby was not gifted with a stylish cut4 ,prissie's hair was smoothly parted1 but the thick plait on the back of the neck was by no means artistically coiled4 ,the girl's plain pale face was not set off by the severity of her toilet2 there was no touch of spring or brightness anywhere1 no look or note which should belong to one so young1 unless it was the extreme thinness of her figure4 ,the curious eyes of the students were raised when she appeared1 and one or two laughed and turned their heads away4 ,they had heard of her exploit of the night before4 ,miss ,day and ,miss ,marsh had repeated this good story4 ,it had impressed them at the time1 but they did not tell it to others in an impressive way1 and the girls1 who had not seen ,prissie1 but had only heard the tale1 spoke of her to one another as an insufferable little prig4 ,isn't it too absurd1 said ,rosalind ,merton1 sidling up to ,maggie1 and casting some disdainful glances at poor ,priscilla1 the conceit of some people6 ,of all forms of conceit1 preserve me from the priggish style4 ,i don't understand you1 said ,maggie1 raising her eyes and speaking in her lazy voice4 ,are there any prigs about8 ,i don't see them4 ,oh1 ,miss ,peel1--she jumped up hastily--won't you sit here by me8 ,i have been reserving this place for you1 for ,i have been so anxious to know if you would do me a kindness4 ,please sit down1 and ,i'll tell you what it is4 ,you needn't wait1 ,rosalind4 ,what ,i have got to say is only for ,miss ,peel's ears4 ,rosalind retired in dudgeon to the other end of the room1 and1 if the laughing and muttering continued1 they now only reached ,maggie and ,priscilla in the form of very distant murmurs4 ,how pale you look1 said ,maggie1 turning to the girl1 and how cold you are6 ,yes1 ,i am quite sure you are bitterly cold4 ,now you shall have a good breakfast4 ,let me help you4 ,please1 do4 ,i'll go to the side-table1 and bring you something so tempting2 wait and see4 ,you mustn't trouble1 really1 began ,prissie ,miss ,oliphant flashed a brilliant smile at her2 ,prissie found her words arrested1 and1 in spite of herself1 her coldness began to thaw4 ,maggie ran over to the side-table1 and ,priscilla kept repeating under her breath-- ,she's not true--she's beautiful1 but she's false2 she has the kindest1 sweetest1 most comforting way in the world1 but she only does it for the sake of an aesthetic pleasure4 ,i ought not to let her4 ,i ought not to speak to her4 ,i ought to go away1 and have nothing to do with her proffers of goodwill1 and yet somehow or other ,i can't resist her4 ,maggie came back with some delicately carved chicken and ham1 and a hot cup of delicious coffee4 ,is not this nice8 she said2 now eat it all up1 and speak to me afterwards4 ,oh1 how dreadfully cold you do look6 ,i feel cold--in spirit as well as physically1 retorted ,priscilla4 ,well1 let breakfast warm you--and--and--a small dose of the tonic of sympathy1 if ,i may dare to offer it4 ,priscilla turned her eyes full upon ,miss ,oliphant4 ,do you mean it8 she said1 in a choked kind of voice4 ,is that quite true what you said just now8 ,true8 ,what a queer child6 ,of course it is true4 ,what do you take me for8 ,why should not ,i sympathise with you8 ,i want you to1 said ,prissie4 ,tears filled her eyes2 she turned her head away4 ,maggie gave her hand a squeeze4 ,now eat your breakfast1 she said4 ,i shall glance through my letters while you are busy4 ,she leant back in her chair1 and opened several envelopes4 ,priscilla ate her chicken and ham1 drank her coffee1 and felt the benefit of the double tonic which had been administered in so timely a fashion4 ,it was one of ,miss ,oliphant's peculiarities to inspire in those she wanted to fascinate absolute and almost unreasoning faith for the time being4 ,doubts would and might return in her absence1 but in the sunshine of her particularly genial manner they found it hard to live4 ,after breakfast the girls were leaving the room together1 when ,miss ,heath1 the ,principal of the ,hall in which they resided1 came into the room4 ,she was a tall1 stately woman of about thirty-five1 and had seen very little of ,priscilla since her arrival1 but now she stopped to give both girls a special greeting4 ,her manners were very frank and pleasant4 ,my dear1 she said to ,prissie1 ,i have been anxious to cultivate your acquaintance4 ,will you come and have tea with me in my room this afternoon8 ,and1 ,maggie1 dear1 will you come with ,miss ,peel8 ,she laid her hand on ,maggie's shoulder as she spoke1 looked swiftly into the young girl's face1 then turned with a glance of great interest to ,priscilla4 ,you will both come1 she said4 ,that is right4 ,i won't ask anyone else4 ,we shall have a cosy time together1 and ,miss ,peel can tell me all about her studies1 and aims1 and ambitions4 ,thank you1 said ,maggie1 ,i'll answer for ,miss ,peel4 ,we'll both come2 we shall be delighted4 ,miss ,heath nodded to the pair1 and walked swiftly down the long hall to the dons' special entrance1 where she disappeared4 ,is not she charming8 whispered ,maggie4 ,did ,i not tell you you would fall in love with ,dorothea8 ,but ,i have not1 said ,priscilla1 colouring4 ,and ,i don't know whether she is charming or not4 ,maggie checked a petulant exclamation1 which was rising to her lips4 ,she was conscious of a curious desire to win her queer young companion's goodwill and sympathy4 ,never mind1 she said1 the moment of victory is only delayed4 ,you will tell a very different story after you have had tea with ,dorothea this evening4 ,now1 let us come and look at the notice-boards1 and see what the day's programme is4 ,by the way1 are you going to attend any lectures this morning8 ,yes1 two1 said ,prissie--one on ,middle ,history1 from eleven to twelve1 and ,i have a ,french lecture afterwards4 ,well1 ,i am not doing anything this morning4 ,i wish you were not4 ,we might have taken a long walk together4 ,don't you love long walks8 ,oh1 yes2 but there is no time for anything of that sort here--nor-- ,priscilla hesitated4 ,i don't think there's space for a very long walk here1 she added4 ,the colour rushed into her cheeks as she spoke1 and her eyes looked wistful4 ,maggie laughed4 ,what are your ideas with regard to space1 ,miss ,peel8 ,the whole of ,kingsdene-shire lies before us4 ,we are untrammelled1 and can go where we please4 ,is not that a sufficiently broad area for our roamings8 ,but there is no sea1 said ,priscilla4 ,we should never have time to walk from here to the sea1 and nothing--nothing else seems worth while4 ,oh1 you have lived by the sea8 ,yes1 all my life4 ,when ,i was a little girl1 my home was near ,whitby1 in ,yorkshire1 and lately ,i have lived close to ,lyme--two extreme points of ,england1 you will say2 but no matter1 the sea is the same4 ,to walk for miles on the top of the cliffs1 that means exercise4 ,ah1 said ,maggie1 with a sigh1 ,i understand you--,i know what you mean4 ,she spoke quickly1 as she always did under the least touch of excitement4 ,such a walk means1 more than exercise2 it means thought1 aspiration4 ,your brain seems to expand then1 and ideas come4 ,of course you don't care for poor flat ,kingsdene-shire4 ,priscilla turned and stared at ,miss ,oliphant4 ,maggie laughed2 she raised her hand to her forehead4 ,i must not talk any more1 she said1 turning pale1 and shrinking into herself4 ,forgive my rhapsodies4 ,you'll understand what they are worth when you know me better4 ,oh1 by the way1 will you come with me to ,kingsdene on ,sunday8 ,we can go to the three o'clock service at the chapel1 and afterwards have tea with some friends of mine--the ,marshalls--they'd be delighted to see you4 ,what chapel is the service at8 inquired ,priscilla4 ,what chapel8 ,is there a second8 ,come with me1 and you will never ask that question again4 ,get under the shade of ,st ,hilda's--see once those fretted roofs1 and those painted windows4 ,listen but once to that angel choir1 and then dare to ask me what chapel ,i mean1 when ,i invite you to come and taste of heaven beforehand4 ,thank you1 said ,priscilla1 ,i'll come4 ,i cannot be expected to know about things before ,i have heard of them1 can ,i8 ,but ,i am very much obliged to you1 and ,i shall be delighted to come4 ,,chapter ,,nine4 ,a ,,new ,,like4 ,the ,vice-,principal's room at ,heath ,hall was double the size of those occupied by the students4 ,miss ,heath had1 of course1 a separate sleeping apartment4 ,her delightful sitting-room1 therefore1 had not the curtained-off effect which took slightly from the charm of the students' rooms4 ,in summer ,miss ,heath's room was beautiful1 for the two deep bay-windows--one facing west1 the other south--looked out upon smoothly kept lawns and flower-beds1 upon tall elm trees1 and also upon a distant peep of the river1 for which ,kingsdene was famous1 and some of the spires and towers of the old churches4 ,in winter1 too1 however--and winter had almost come now--the ,vice-,principal's room had a unique effect1 and ,priscilla never forgot the first time she saw it4 ,the young girl stepped across the threshold of a new life on this first evening4 ,she would always remember it4 ,it was getting dark1 and curtains were drawn round the cosy bays1 and the firelight blazed cheerfully4 ,prissie was a little before rather than behind her time1 and there was no one in the room to greet her when she entered4 ,she felt so overmastered by shyness1 however1 that this was almost a relief1 and she sank down into one of the many comfortable chairs with a feeling of thankfulness1 and looked around her4 ,the next moment a servant entered with a lamp1 covered with a gold silk shade4 ,she placed it on a table near the fire1 and lit a few candles1 which stood on carved brackets round the walls4 ,then ,prissie saw what made her forget ,miss ,heath1 and her shyness1 and all else--a great bank of flowers1 which stretched across one complete angle of the room4 ,there were some roses1 some chrysanthemums1 some geraniums4 ,they were cunningly arranged in pots1 but had the effect at a little distance of a gay1 tropical garden4 ,prissie rushed to them1 knelt down by a tall1 white1 ,japanese chrysanthemum1 and buried her face in its long1 wavy petals4 ,prissie had never seen such flowers1 and she loved all flowers4 ,her heart swelled with a kind of wonder2 and when1 the next moment1 she felt a light and very soft kiss on her forehead she was scarcely surprised4 ,my dear child1 said ,miss ,heath1 ,i am so sorry ,i was not in the room when you came in2 but1 never mind1 my flowers gave you welcome4 ,yes1 said ,prissie1 standing up pale1 and with a luminous light in her eyes4 ,you love flowers8 said ,miss ,heath1 giving her a keen glance4 ,oh1 yes2 but ,i did not know--,i could not guess--that any flower could be as beautiful as this1 and she touched the great white chrysanthemum with her finger4 ,yes1 and there are some flowers even more wonderful4 ,have you ever seen orchids8 ,no4 ,then you have something to live for4 ,orchids are ordinary flowers spiritualised4 ,they have a glamour over them4 ,we have good orchid shows sometimes at ,kingsdene4 ,i will take you to the next4 ,the servant brought in tea1 and ,miss ,heath placed ,prissie in a comfortable chair1 where she was neither oppressed by lamplight nor firelight4 ,a shy little soul like this will love the shade1 she said to herself4 ,for all her plainness this is no ordinary girl1 and ,i mean to draw her out presently4 ,what a brow she has1 and what a light came into her eyes when she looked at my white chrysanthemum4 ,there came a tap at the door1 and ,maggie ,oliphant entered1 looking fresh and bright4 ,she gave ,prissie an affectionate glance and nod1 and then began to busy herself1 helping ,miss ,heath with the tea4 ,during the meal a little pleasant murmur of conversation was kept up4 ,miss ,heath and ,maggie exchanged ideas4 ,they even entered upon one or two delicate little skirmishes1 each cleverly arguing a slight point on which they appeared to differ4 ,maggie could make smart repartees1 and ,miss ,heath could parry her graceful young adversary's home-thrusts with excellent effect4 ,they talked of one or two books which were then under discussion2 they said a little about music1 and a word or two with regard to the pictures which were just then causing talk among the art critics in ,london4 ,it was all new to ,prissie1 this light1 airy1 nothing kind of talk4 ,it was not study2 could it be classed under the head of recreation8 ,prissie was accustomed to classify everything1 but she did not know under what head to put this pleasant conversation4 ,she was bewildered1 puzzled4 ,she listened without losing a word4 ,she forgot herself absolutely4 ,miss ,heath1 however1 who knew ,maggie ,oliphant1 but did not know ,prissie1 was observant of the silent young stranger through all the delights of her pleasant talk4 ,almost imperceptibly she got ,prissie to say a word or two4 ,she paused when she saw a question in ,prissie's eyes1 and her timid and gentle words were listened to with deference4 ,by slow degrees ,maggie was the silent one1 and ,priscilla and ,miss ,heath held the field between them4 ,no1 ,i have never been properly educated1 ,prissie was saying4 ,i have never gone to a high school4 ,i don't do things in the regular fashion4 ,i was so afraid ,i should not be able to pass the entrance examination for ,st ,benet's4 ,i was delighted when ,i found that ,i had done so4 ,you passed the examination creditably1 said ,miss ,heath4 ,i have looked through your papers4 ,your answers were not stereotyped4 ,they were much better2 they were thoughtful4 ,whoever has educated you1 you have been well taught4 ,you can think4 ,oh1 yes1 my dear friend1 ,mr ,hayes1 always said that was the first thing4 ,ah1 that accounts for it1 replied ,miss ,heath4 ,you have had the advantage of listening to a cultivated man's conversation4 ,you ought to do very well here4 ,what do you mean to take up8 ,oh1 everything4 ,i can't know too much4 ,miss ,heath laughed1 and looked at ,maggie4 ,maggie was lying back in her easy-chair1 her head resting luxuriously against a dark velvet cushion4 ,she was tapping the floor slightly with her small foot2 her eyes were fixed on ,prissie4 ,when ,miss ,heath laughed1 ,maggie echoed the sound1 but both laughs were in the sweetest sympathy4 ,you must not overwork yourself1 my dear1 said ,miss ,heath4 ,that would be a very false beginning4 ,i think--,i am sure--that you have an earnest and ardent nature1 but you must avoid an extreme which will only end in disaster4 ,prissie frowned4 ,what do you mean8 she said4 ,i have come here to study4 ,it has been done with such1 such difficulty4 ,it would be cruel to waste a moment4 ,i mustn't2 it wouldn't be right4 ,you can't mean what you say4 ,miss ,heath was silent4 ,she thought it kinder to look away from ,prissie4 ,after a moment she said1 in a voice which she on purpose made intensely quiet and matter-of-fact-- ,many girls come to ,st ,benet's1 ,miss ,peel1 who are1 ,i fancy1 circumstanced like you4 ,their friends find it difficult to send them here1 but they make the sacrifice1 sometimes in one way1 sometimes in another--and the girls come4 ,they know it is their duty to study2 they have an ulterior motive1 which underlies everything else4 ,they know by-and-by they must pay back4 ,oh1 yes1 said ,priscilla1 starting forward1 and a flush coming into her face4 ,i know that--that is what it is for4 ,to pay back worthily--to give back a thousandfold what you have received4 ,those girls can't be idle1 can they8 she added in a gentle1 piteous sort of way4 ,my dear1 there have been several such girls at ,st ,benet's1 and none of them has been idle2 they have been best and first among our students4 ,many of them have done more than well--many of them have brought fame to ,st ,benet's4 ,they are in the world now1 and earning honourable livelihoods as teachers1 or in other departments where cultivated women can alone take the field4 ,these girls are all paying back a thousandfold those who have helped them4 ,yes1 said ,prissie4 ,you would like to follow their example8 ,oh1 yes2 please tell me about them4 ,some of them were like you1 and thought they would take up everything-- everything ,i mean in the scholastic line4 ,they filled their days with lectures1 and studied into the short hours of the night4 ,maggie1 dear1 please tell ,miss ,peel about ,good-night and ,good-morning4 ,they were such a funny pair1 said ,maggie4 ,they had rooms next to each other in our corridor1 ,miss ,peel4 ,they were both studying for a tripos1 and during the term before the examination one went to bed at four1 and one got up at four4 ,mary ,joliffe used to go into ,susan ,martin's room and say good-morning to her4 ,susan used to raise such a white face and say1 ,good-night1 my dear4' ,well1 poor things1 neither of them got a tripos2 they worked too hard4 ,the simple ,english of all this1 said ,miss ,heath1 is that the successful girl here is the girl who takes advantage of the whole life mapped out for her1 who divides her time between play and work1 who joins the clubs1 and enters heartily into the social life of the place4 ,yes1 she added1 looking suddenly full at ,priscilla1 these last words of mine may seem strange to you1 dear4 ,believe me1 however1 they are true4 ,but ,i know1 she added with a sigh1 that it takes rather an old person to believe in the education of play4 ,priscilla looked unconvinced4 ,i must do what you wish1 she said1 for1 of course1 you ought to know4 ,what a lame kind of assent1 my love6 ,maggie1 you will have to gently lure this young person into the paths of frivolity4 ,i promise you1 my dear1 that you shall be a very cultivated woman some day2 but ,i only promise this if you will take advantage of all sides of the pleasant life here4 ,now tell me what are your particular tastes8 ,what branch of study do you like best8 ,i love ,latin and ,greek better than anything else in the world4 ,do you truly8 said ,maggie1 suddenly starting forward4 ,then in one thing we have a great sympathy4 ,what have you read8 ,do tell me4 ,miss ,heath stepped discreetly into the background4 ,the two girls conversed for a long time together4 ,,chapter ,,ten4 ,,st4 ,,hilda',s ,,chapel4 ,here we are now1 said ,maggie ,oliphant1 touching her young companion2 we are in good time2 this is the outer chapel4 ,yes1 ,i know all that you are thinking1 but you need not speak3 ,i did not want to speak the first time ,i came to ,st ,hilda's4 ,just follow me quickly4 ,i know this verger2 he will put us into two stalls3 then it will be perfect4 ,yes1 answered ,priscilla4 ,she spoke in an awed kind of voice4 ,the cool effect of the dark oak1 combined with the richness of the many shafts of coloured light coming from the magnificent windows1 gave her own face a curious expression4 ,was it caused by emotion1 or by the strange lights in the chapel8 ,maggie glanced at her1 touched her hand for a moment1 and then hurried forward to her seat4 ,the girls were accommodated with stalls just above the choir2 they could read out of the college prayer-books1 and had a fine view of the church4 ,the congregation streamed in1 the choir followed2 the doors between the chapel and ante-chapel were shut1 the curtains were dropped1 and the service began4 ,there is no better musical service in ,england than that which ,sunday after ,sunday is conducted at ,st ,hilda's ,chapel at ,kingsdene4 ,the harmony and the richness of the sounds which fill that old chapel can scarcely be surpassed4 ,the boys send up notes clear and sweet as nightingales' into the fretted arches of the roof2 the men's deeper notes swell the music until it breaks on the ears in a full tide of perfect harmony2 the great organ fills in the breaks and pauses4 ,this splendid service of song seems to reach perfection4 ,in its way earth cannot give anything more perfect4 ,maggie ,oliphant did not come very often to ,st ,hilda's4 ,at one time she was a constant worshipper there2 but that was a year ago1 before something happened which changed her4 ,then ,sunday after ,sunday two lovely girls used to walk up the aisle side by side4 ,the verger knew them1 and reserved their favourite stalls for them4 ,they used to kneel together1 and listen to the service1 and1 what is more1 take part in it4 ,but a time came when one of the girls could never return to ,st ,hilda's1 and the other1 people said1 did not care to sit in the old seat without her4 ,they said she missed her friend1 and was more cut up than anyone else at the sudden death of one so fair and lovely4 ,when ,maggie took her place in the old stall to-day more than one person turned to look at her with interest4 ,maggie always made a picturesque effect2 she wore a large hat1 with a drooping plume of feathers2 her dress was very rich and dark2 her fair face shone in the midst of these surroundings like an exquisite flower4 ,the service went on4 ,during the prayers ,maggie wept1 but1 when a great wave of song filled the vast building1 she forgot all her sorrow2 her voice rose with the other singers1 clear1 sweet1 and high4 ,her soul seemed to go up on her voice1 for all the sadness left her face2 her eyes looked jubilant4 ,prissie had never been in any place like ,st ,hilda's before4 ,it had been one of her dreams to go to the cathedral at ,exeter1 but year after year this desire of hers had been put off and put off1 and this was the first time in her life that she had ever listened to cathedral music4 ,she was impressed1 delighted1 but not overpowered4 ,the organ is magnificent1 she said to herself1 but not grander than the sea4 ,the sea accompanies all the service at the dear little old church at home4 ,people met1 and talked to one another in the green quadrangle outside the chapel4 ,several other ,st ,benet's girls had come to the afternoon service4 ,amongst them was ,miss ,day1 and that fair1 innocent-looking little girl1 ,rosalind ,merton4 ,miss ,day and ,miss ,merton were together4 ,they were both stepping back to join ,maggie and ,prissie1 when a tall1 dark young man came hastily forward1 bowed to ,rosalind ,merton1 and1 coming up to ,maggie ,oliphant1 shook hands with her4 ,i saw you in chapel1 he said4 ,are you coming to the ,marshalls' to tea8 ,i am4 ,let me introduce to you my friend1 ,miss ,peel4 ,miss ,peel1 this is ,mr ,hammond4 ,hammond raised his hat to ,prissie1 said a courteous word to her1 and then turned to speak again to ,maggie4 ,the three walked through the gates of the quadrangle1 and turned up the narrow1 picturesque ,high ,street4 ,it would soon be dusk2 a wintry light was over everything4 ,rosalind ,merton and ,miss ,day followed behind4 ,maggie1 who was always absorbed with the present interest1 did not heed or notice them1 but ,priscilla heard one or two ill-bred giggles4 ,she turned her head with indignation1 and received scornful glances from both girls4 ,the four met for a moment at a certain corner4 ,maggie said something to ,annie ,day1 and introduced ,mr ,hammond to her4 ,as she did so1 ,rosalind took the opportunity to come up to ,priscilla and whisper to her-- ,you're not wanted1 you know4 ,you had much better come home with us4 ,what do you mean8 replied ,prissie in her matter-of-fact voice4 ,miss ,oliphant has asked me to go with her to the ,marshalls'4 ,oh1 well--if you care to be in the-- resumed ,rosalind4 ,maggie suddenly flashed round on her4 ,come1 ,miss ,peel1 we'll be late1 she said4 ,good-bye4 ,she nodded to ,rosalind2 her eyes were full of an angry fire2 she took ,prissie's hand1 and hurried down the street4 ,the two girls walked away1 still giggling2 a deep colour mantled ,maggie's cheeks4 ,she turned and began to talk desperately to ,mr ,hammond4 ,her tone was flippant2 her silvery laughter floated in the air4 ,priscilla turned and gazed at her friend4 ,she was seeing ,maggie in yet another aspect4 ,she felt bewildered4 ,the three presently reached a pleasant house standing in its own grounds4 ,they were shown into a large drawing-room1 full of young people4 ,mrs ,marshall1 a pretty old lady1 with white hair1 came forward to receive them4 ,maggie was swept away amid fervent embraces and handshakes to the other end of the room4 ,mrs ,marshall saw that ,priscilla looked frightened2 she took her under her wing1 sat down by her on a sofa1 and began to talk4 ,prissie answered in a sedate voice4 ,mrs ,marshall had a very gentle manner4 ,prissie began to lose her shyness2 she almost imagined that she was back again with ,aunt ,raby4 ,my dear1 you will like us all very much1 the old lady said4 ,no life can be so absolutely delightful as that of a girl graduate at ,st ,benet's4 ,the freedom from care1 the mixture of study with play1 the pleasant social life1 all combine to make young women both healthy and wise4 ,ah1 my love1 we leave out the middle of the old proverb4 ,the girls at ,st ,benet's are in that happy period of existence when they need give no thought to money-making4 ,some are1 said ,prissie4 ,she sighed1 and the colour rushed into her cheeks4 ,mrs ,marshall looked at her affectionately4 ,helen1 she called to her grand-daughter who was standing near1 bring ,miss ,peel another cup of tea--and some cake1 ,helen--some of that nice cake you made yesterday4 ,now1 my love1 ,i insist4 ,you don't look at all strong4 ,you really must eat plenty4 ,helen ,marshall supplied ,prissie's wants1 was introduced to her1 and1 standing near1 joined in the talk4 ,i am so glad you know ,miss ,oliphant1 said ,mrs ,marshall4 ,she will make a delightful friend for you4 ,and isn't she lovely8 said ,helen ,marshall4 ,i don't think ,i know anyone with such a beautiful face4 ,you ought to be very proud to have her as a friend4 ,aren't you very proud8 ,no1 said ,prissie1 ,i don't know that ,i am4 ,i am not even sure that she is my friend4 ,of course she is--she wrote most affectionately of you to grandmother4 ,you can't think how nicely she spoke4 ,we were glad1 we were delighted1 because ,maggie--dear ,maggie--has had no great friends lately4 ,now1 if you have had your tea1 ,miss ,peel1 ,i'll take you about the room1 and introduce you to one or two people4 ,priscilla rose from her seat at once1 and the two girls began to move about the crowded drawing-room4 ,helen ,marshall was very slight and graceful2 she piloted ,prissie here and there without disturbing anyone's arrangements4 ,at last the two girls found themselves in an immense conservatory1 which opened into the drawing-room at one end4 ,a great many of the guests were strolling about here4 ,priscilla's eyes sparkled at the sight of the lovely flowers4 ,she forgot herself1 and made eager exclamations of ecstasy4 ,helen1 who up to now had thought her a dull sort of girl1 began to take an interest in her4 ,i'll take you into our fern-house1 which is just beyond here1 she said4 ,we have got such exquisite maidenhairs1 and such a splendid ,killarney fern4 ,come2 you shall see4 ,the fern-house seemed to be deserted4 ,helen opened the door first1 and ran forward4 ,prissie followed4 ,the fern-house was not large2 they had almost reached the end when a girl stood up suddenly1 and confronted them4 ,the girl was ,maggie ,oliphant4 ,she was sitting there alone4 ,her face was absolutely colourless1 and tears were lying wet on her eyelashes4 ,maggie made a swift remark1 a passing jest1 and hurried past the two into the outer conservatory4 ,priscilla could scarcely tell why1 but at that moment she lost all interest in both ferns and flowers4 ,the look of misery on ,maggie's face seemed to strike her own heart like a chill4 ,you look tired1 said ,helen ,marshall1 who had not noticed ,maggie's tearful eyes4 ,perhaps ,i am1 answered ,prissie4 ,they went back again into the drawing-room4 ,prissie still could see nothing but ,miss ,oliphant's eyes1 and the look of distress on her pale face4 ,helen suddenly made a remark4 ,was there ever such a merry creature as ,maggie8 she said4 ,do look at her now4 ,prissie raised her eyes4 ,miss ,oliphant was the centre of a gay group1 among whom ,geoffrey ,hammond stood4 ,her laugh rang out clear and joyous2 her smile was like sunshine1 her cheeks had roses in them1 and her eyes were as bright as stars4 ,,chapter ,,eleven4 ,,conspirators4 ,annie ,day and her friend ,rosalind ceased to laugh as soon as they turned the corner4 ,annie now turned her eyes and fixed them on ,rosalind1 who blushed and looked uncomfortable4 ,well1 said ,annie1 you are a humbug1 ,rose6 ,what a story you told me about ,mr ,hammond--how he looked at you1 and was so anxious to make use of you4 ,oh1 you know all you said4 ,you told me a charming story about your position as gooseberry4' ,you expected a little fun for yourself1 didn't you1 my friend8 ,well1 it seems to me that if anyone is to have the fun1 it is ,priscilla ,peel4 ,rosalind had rather a nervous manner4 ,she bit her lips now2 her baby-blue eyes looked angry1 her innocent face wore a frown4 ,she dropped her hold of ,annie ,day's arm4 ,miss ,day was one of the most commonplace girls at ,heath ,hall4 ,she had neither good looks nor talent2 she had no refinement of nature1 nor had she those rugged but sterling qualities of honesty and integrity of purpose which go far to cover a multitude of other defects4 ,i wish you wouldn't speak to me in that way1 said ,rosalind1 with a little gasp4 ,i hate people to laugh at me1 and ,i can't stand sneers4 ,oh1 no6 you're such a dear little innocent baby4 ,of course1 ,i can quite understand4 ,and does she suppose ,i'll ruffle her pretty little feathers8 ,no1 not ,i4 ,i'd rather invent a new cradle song for you1 ,rosie1 dear4 ,don't1 don't6 said ,rosalind4 ,look here1 ,annie1 ,i must say something--yes1 ,i must4 ,i hate ,maggie ,oliphant6 ,you hate ,miss ,oliphant8 ,annie ,day stood still1 turned round1 and stared at her companion4 ,when did this revolution take place1 my dear8 ,what about ,rose and ,maggie sitting side by side at dinner8 ,and ,rose creeping away all by herself to ,maggie's room1 and angling for an invitation to cocoa1 and trying hard1 very hard1 to become a member of the ,dramatic ,society1 just because ,maggie acts so splendidly4 ,has it not been ,maggie--,maggie--ever since the term began1 until we girls1 who were not in love with this quite too charming piece of perfection1 absolutely hated the sound of her name8 ,oh1 ,rose1 what a fickle baby you are4 ,i am ashamed of you6 ,don't6 said ,rose1 again4 ,she linked her hand half timidly in ,miss ,day's arm4 ,miss ,day was almost a head and shoulders above the little1 delicate1 fairy-like creature4 ,i suppose ,i can't help changing my mind1 she said4 ,i did love ,maggie1 of course ,i loved her--she fascinated me2 but ,i don't care for her--no1 ,i hate her now6 ,how vehemently you pronounce that naughty word1 my fair ,rosalind4 ,you must give me some reasons for this grievous change in your feelings4 ,she snubbed me1 said ,rosalind2 she made little of me4 ,i offered to do her a kindness1 and she repulsed me4 ,who cares to be made little of1 and repulsed8 ,who1 truly1 ,rosie8--not even an innocent baby4 ,now then1 my love1 let me whisper a little secret to you4 ,i have never loved ,miss ,oliphant4 ,i have never been a victim to her charms4 ,time was when she and ,miss ,lee--poor ,annabel6--ruled the whole of our ,hall4 ,those two girls carried everything before them4 ,that was before your day1 ,rose4 ,then ,miss ,lee died4 ,she caught a chill1 and had a fever1 and was dead in a couple of days4 ,yes1 of course1 it was shocking4 ,they moved her to the hospital1 and she died there4 ,oh1 there was such excitement1 and such grief--even ,i was sorry2 for ,annabel had a way about her1 ,i can't describe it1 but she could fascinate you4 ,it was awfully interesting to talk to her1 and even to look at her was a real pleasure4 ,we used not to think much about ,maggie when ,annabel was by2 but now1 what with ,maggie and her mystery1 and ,maggie and her love affair1 and ,maggie and her handsome face1 and her wealth1 and her expectations1 why she bids fair to be more popular even than the two were when they were together4 ,yes1 little ,rose1 ,i don't want her to be popular any more than you do4 ,i think it's a very unhealthy sign of any place to have all the girls sighing and groaning about one or two--dying to possess their autographs1 and kissing their photographs1 and framing them1 and putting them up in their rooms4 ,i hate that mawkish kind of nonsense1 continued ,miss ,day1 looking very virtuous1 and ,i think ,miss ,heath ought to know about it1 and put a stop to it4 ,i do1 really4 ,rosalind was glad that the gathering darkness prevented her sharp companion from seeing the blush on her face2 for amongst her own sacred possessions she kept an autograph letter of ,maggie's1 and she had passionately kissed ,maggie's beautiful face as it looked at her out of a photograph1 and1 until the moment when all her feelings had undergone such a change1 was secretly saving up her pence to buy a frame for it4 ,now she inquired eagerly-- ,what is the mystery about ,miss ,oliphant8 ,so many people hint about it1 ,i do wish you would tell me1 ,annie4 ,if ,i told you1 pet1 it would cease to be a mystery4 ,but you might say what you know4 ,do1 ,annie6 ,oh1 it isn't much--it's really nothing2 and yet--and yet-- ,you know it isn't nothing1 ,annie6 ,well1 when ,annabel died1 people said that ,maggie had more cause than anyone else to be sorry4 ,i never could find out what that cause was2 but the servants spread some reports4 ,they said they had found ,maggie and ,annabel together2 ,annabel had fainted1 and ,maggie was in an awful state of misery--in quite an unnatural state1 they said2 she went into hysterics1 and ,miss ,heath was sent for1 and was a long time soothing her4 ,there was no apparent reason for this1 although1 somehow or other1 little whispers got abroad that the mystery of ,annabel's illness and ,maggie's distress was connected with ,geoffrey ,hammond4 ,of course1 nothing was known1 and nothing is known2 but1 certainly1 the little whisper got into the air4 ,dear me1 ,rosalind1 you need not eat me with your eyes4 ,i am repeating mere conjectures1 and it is highly probable that not the slightest notice would have been taken of this little rumour but for the tragedy which immediately followed4 ,annabel1 who had been as gay and well as anyone at breakfast that morning1 was never seen in the college again4 ,she was unconscious1 the servants said1 for a long time1 and when she awoke was in high fever4 ,she was removed to the hospital1 and ,maggie had seen the last of her friend4 ,poor ,annabel died in two days1 and afterwards ,maggie took the fever4 ,yes1 she has been quite changed since then4 ,she always had moods1 as she called them1 but not like now4 ,sometimes ,i think she is almost flighty4 ,rosalind was silent4 ,after a while she said1 in a prim little voice1 which she adopted now and then when she wanted to conceal her real feelings-- ,but ,i do wonder what the quarrel was about--,i mean1 what really happened between ,annabel and ,maggie4 ,look here1 ,rosalind1 have ,i said anything about a quarrel8 ,please remember that the whole thing is conjecture from beginning to end1 and don't go all over the place spreading stories and making mischief4 ,i have told you this in confidence1 so don't forget4 ,i won't forget1 replied ,rosalind4 ,i don't know why you should accuse me of wanting to make mischief1 ,annie4 ,i can't help being curious1 of course1 and1 of course1 ,i'd like to know more4 ,well1 for that matter1 so would ,i1 replied ,annie4 ,where there is a mystery it's much more satisfactory to get to the bottom of it4 ,of course1 something dreadful must have happened to account for the change in ,miss ,oliphant4 ,it would be a comfort to know the truth1 and1 of course1 one need never talk of it4 ,by the way1 ,rosie1 you are just the person to ferret this little secret out2 you are the right sort of person for spying and peeping4 ,oh1 thank you1 replied ,rosalind2 if that's your opinion of me ,i'm not inclined to do anything to please you4 ,spying and peeping1 indeed6 ,what next8 ,annie ,day patted her companion's small white hand4 ,and so ,i've hurt the dear little baby's feelings6 she said4 ,but ,i didn't mean to--no1 that ,i didn't4 ,and she such a pretty1 sweet1 little pet as she is6 ,well1 ,rosie1 you know what ,i mean4 ,if we can find out the truth about ,miss ,maggie we'll just have a quiet little crow over her all to ourselves4 ,i don't suppose we shall find out2 but opportunities may arise--who knows8 ,now ,i want to speak to you about another person1 and that is ,maggie's new friend4 ,what new friend8 ,rosalind blushed brightly4 ,that ugly ,priscilla ,peel4 ,she has taken her up4 ,anyone can see that4 ,oh1 ,i don't think so4 ,but ,i do--,i am sure of it4 ,now ,i have good reason not to like ,miss ,priscilla4 ,you know what a virtuous parade she made of herself a few nights ago8 ,yes1 you told me4 ,horrid1 set-up minx6 ,just the sort of girl who ought to be suppressed1 and crushed out of a college like ours4 ,vaunting her poverty in our very faces1 and refusing to make herself pleasant or one with us in any sort of way4 ,lucy ,marsh and ,i had a long talk over her that night1 and we put our heads together to concoct a nice little bit of punishment for her4 ,you know she's horridly shy1 and as gauche as if she lived in the backwoods1 and we meant to send her to ,coventry4' ,we had it all arranged1 and a whole lot of girls would have joined us1 for it's contrary to the spirit of a place like this to allow girls of the ,priscilla ,peel type to become popular1 or liked in any way4 ,but1 most unluckily1 poor1 dear1 good1 but stupid1 ,nancy ,banister was in the room when ,prissie made her little oration1 and ,nancy took her up as if she were a heroine1 and spoke of her as if she had done something magnificent1 and1 of course1 ,nancy told ,maggie1 and now ,maggie is as thick as possible with ,prissie4 ,so you see1 my dear ,rosalind1 our virtuous little scheme is completely knocked on the head4 ,i don't see-- began ,rosalind4 ,you little goose1 before a week is out ,prissie will be the fashion4 ,all the girls will flock round her when ,maggie takes her part4 ,bare1 ugly rooms will be the rage2 poverty will be the height of the fashion1 and it will be considered wrong even to go in for the recognised college recreations4 ,rosie1 my love1 we must nip this growing mischief in the bud4 ,how8 asked ,rosalind4 ,we must separate ,maggie ,oliphant and ,priscilla ,peel4 ,how8 asked ,rose again4 ,i'm sure1 she added1 in a vehement voice1 ,i'm willing--,i'm more than willing4 ,good4 ,well1 we're at home now1 and ,i absolutely must have a cup of tea4 ,no time for it in my room to-night--let's come into the hall and have some there4 ,look here1 ,rosalind1 ,i'll ask ,lucy ,marsh to have cocoa to-night in my room1 and you can come too4 ,now keep a silent tongue in your head1 ,baby4 ,,chapter ,,twelve4 ,a ,,good ,,thing ,,to ,,be ,,young4 ,it was long past the tea-hour at ,heath ,hall when ,maggie ,oliphant and ,priscilla started on their walk home4 ,the brightness and gaiety of the merry party at the ,marshalls' had increased as the moments flew on4 ,even ,priscilla had caught something of the charm4 ,the kindly spirit which animated everyone seemed to get into her4 ,she first became interested1 then she forgot herself4 ,prissie was no longer awkward2 she began to talk1 and when she liked she could talk well4 ,as the two girls were leaving the house1 ,geoffrey ,hammond put in a sudden appearance4 ,i will see you home1 he said to ,maggie4 ,no1 no1 you mustn't1 she answered2 her tone was vehement4 ,she forgot ,prissie's presence1 and half-turned her back on her4 ,how unkind you are6 said the young man1 in a low tone4 ,no1 ,geoffrey1 but ,i am struggling--you don't know how hard ,i am struggling--to be true to myself4 ,you are altogether mistaken in your idea of truth1 said ,hammond1 turning1 and walking a little way by her side4 ,i am not mistaken--,i am right4 ,well1 at least allow me to explain my side of the question4 ,no1 it cannot be2 there shall be no explanations1 ,i am resolved4 ,good-night1 you must not come any further4 ,she held out her hand4 ,hammond took it limply between his own4 ,you are very cruel1 he murmured1 in the lowest of voices4 ,he raised his hat1 forgot even to bow to ,priscilla1 and hurried off down a side street4 ,maggie walked on a little way4 ,then she turned1 and looked down the street where he had vanished4 ,suddenly she raised her hand to her lips1 kissed it1 and blew the kiss after the figure which had already disappeared4 ,she laughed excitedly when she did this1 and her whole face was glowing with a beautiful colour4 ,prissie1 standing miserable and forgotten by the tall1 handsome girl's side1 could see the light in her eyes1 and the glow on her checks in the lamplight4 ,i am here1 said ,priscilla1 at last1 in a low1 half-frightened voice4 ,i am sorry ,i am here1 but ,i am4 ,i heard what you said to ,mr ,hammond4 ,i am sorry ,i heard4 ,maggie turned slowly1 and looked at her4 ,prissie returned her gaze4 ,then1 as if further words were wrung from her against her will1 she continued-- ,i saw the tears in your eyes in the fern-house at the ,marshalls'4 ,i am very sorry1 but ,i did see them4 ,my dear ,prissie6 said ,maggie4 ,she went up suddenly to the girl1 put her arm round her neck1 and kissed her4 ,come home now1 she said1 drawing ,prissie's hand through her arm4 ,i don't think ,i greatly mind your knowing1 she said1 after a pause4 ,you are true2 ,i see it in your face4 ,you would never tell again--you would never make mischief4 ,tell again6 ,of course not4 ,prissie's words came out with great vigour4 ,i know you would not1 ,priscilla2 may ,i call you ,priscilla8 ,yes4 ,will you be my friend1 and shall ,i be your friend8 ,if you would1 said ,prissie4 ,but you don't mean it4 ,it is impossible that you can mean it4 ,i'm not a bit like you--and--and--you only say these things to be kind4 ,what do you mean1 ,priscilla8 ,i must tell you1 said ,prissie1 turning very pale4 ,i heard what you said to ,miss ,banister the night ,i came to the college4 ,what ,i said to ,miss ,banister8 ,what did ,i say8 ,oh1 can't you remember8 ,the words seemed burnt into me3 ,i shall never forget them4 ,i had left my purse in the dining-hall1 and ,i was going to fetch it4 ,your door was a little open4 ,i heard my name1 and ,i stopped--yes1 ,i did stop to listen4 ,oh1 what a naughty1 mean little ,prissie6 ,you stopped to listen4 ,and what did you hear8 ,nothing good1 of course8 ,the bad thing was said to punish you for listening4 ,i heard1 said ,priscilla1 her own cheeks crimson now1 ,i heard you say that it gave you an aesthetic pleasure to be kind1 and that was why you were good to me4 ,maggie felt her own colour rising4 ,well1 my dear1 she said1 it still gives me an aesthetic pleasure to be kind4 ,you could not expect me to fall in love with you the moment ,i saw you4 ,i was kind to you then1 perhaps1 for the reason ,i stated4 ,it is very different now4 ,it was wrong of you to be kind to me for that reason4 ,wrong of me8 ,what an extraordinary girl you are1 ,priscilla--why was it wrong of me8 ,because ,i learnt to love you4 ,you were gentle to me1 and spoke courteously1 when others were rude and only laughed2 my whole heart went out to you when you were so sweet and gentle and kind4 ,i did not think--,i could not possibly think--that you were good just because it gave you a sort of selfish pleasure4 ,when ,i heard your words ,i felt dreadful4 ,i hated ,st ,benet's2 ,i wished ,i had never come4 ,your words turned everything to bitterness for me4 ,did they really1 ,priscilla8 ,oh1 ,prissie6 what a thoughtless1 wild1 impulsive creature ,i am4 ,well1 ,i don't feel now as ,i did that night4 ,if those words were cruel1 forgive me4 ,forget those words1 ,prissie4 ,i will1 if you will4 ,i8 ,i have forgotten them utterly4 ,thank you1 thank you4 ,then we'll be friends--real friends2 true friends8 ,yes4 ,you must say ,yes1 ,maggie4' ,yes1 ,maggie4 ,that is right4 ,now keep your hand in my arm4 ,let's walk fast ,is it not glorious to walk in this semi-frosty sort of weather8 ,prissie1 you'll see a vast lot that you don't approve of in your new friend4 ,oh1 ,i don't care1 said ,priscilla4 ,she felt so joyous she could have skipped4 ,i've as many sides1 continued ,maggie1 as a chameleon has colours4 ,i am the gayest of the gay1 as well as the saddest of the sad4 ,when ,i am gay you may laugh with me1 but ,i warn you when ,i am sad you must never cry with me4 ,leave me alone when ,i have my dark moods on1 ,prissie4 ,very well1 ,maggie1 ,i'll remember4 ,i think you'll make a delightful friend1 said ,miss ,oliphant1 just glancing at her2 but ,i pity your side of the bargain4 ,why8 ,because ,i'll try you so fearfully4 ,oh1 no1 you won't4 ,i don't want to have a perfect friend4 ,perfect6 ,no1 child--,heaven forbid4 ,but there are shades of perfection4 ,now1 when ,i get into my dark moods1 ,i feel wicked as well as sad4 ,no1 we won't talk of them2 we'll keep them away4 ,prissie1 ,i feel good to-night--good--and glad3 it's such a nice feeling4 ,i am sure of it1 said ,priscilla4 ,what do you know about it1 child8 ,you have not tasted life yet4 ,wait until you do4 ,for instance--no1 though--,i won't enlighten you4 ,prissie1 what do you think of ,geoffrey ,hammond8 ,i think he loves you1 very much4 ,poor ,geoffrey6 ,now1 ,prissie1 you are to keep that little thought quite dark in your mind--in fact1 you are to put it out of your mind4 ,you are not to associate my name with ,mr ,hammond's--not even in your thoughts4 ,you will very likely hear us spoken of together1 and some of the stupid girls here will make little quizzing1 senseless remarks4 ,but there will be no truth in them1 ,prissie4 ,he is nothing to me1 nor ,i to him4 ,then why did you blow a kiss after him8 asked ,priscilla4 ,maggie stood still4 ,it was too dark for ,priscilla to see her blush4 ,oh1 my many-sided nature6 she suddenly exclaimed4 ,it was a wicked sprite made me blow that kiss4 ,prissie1 my dear1 ,i am cold3 race me to the house4 ,the two girls entered the wide hall1 flushed and laughing4 ,other girls were lingering about on the stairs4 ,some were just starting off to evening service at ,kingsdene2 others were standing in groups1 chatting4 ,nancy ,banister came up1 and spoke to ,maggie4 ,maggie took her arm1 and walked away with her4 ,prissie found herself standing alone in the hall4 ,it was as if the delightful friendship cemented between herself and ,miss ,oliphant in the frosty air outside had fallen to pieces like a castle of cards the moment they entered the house4 ,prissie felt a chill4 ,her high spirits went down a very little4 ,then1 resolving to banish the ignoble spirit of distrust1 she prepared to run upstairs to her own room4 ,miss ,heath called her name as she was passing an open door4 ,is that you1 my dear8 ,will you come to my room after supper to-night8 ,oh1 thank you1 said ,prissie1 her eyes sparkling4 ,miss ,heath came to the threshold of her pretty room1 and smiled at the young girl4 ,you look well and happy1 she said4 ,you are getting at home here4 ,you will love us all yet4 ,i love you now6 said ,prissie1 with fervour4 ,miss ,heath1 prompted by the look of intense and sincere gladness on the young face1 bent and kissed ,priscilla4 ,a rather disagreeable voice said suddenly at her back-- ,i beg your pardon1 and ,lucy ,marsh ran down the stairs4 ,she had knocked against ,prissie in passing2 she had witnessed ,miss ,heath's kiss4 ,the expression on ,lucy's face was unpleasant4 ,prissie did not notice it1 however4 ,she went slowly up to her room4 ,the electric light was on1 the fire was blazing merrily4 ,priscilla removed her hat and jacket1 threw herself into the one easy-chair the room contained1 and gave herself up to pleasant dreams4 ,many new aspects of life were opening before her4 ,she felt that it was a good thing to be young1 and she was distinctly conscious of a great1 soft glow of happiness4 ,,chapter ,,thirteen4 ,,caught ,,in ,a ,,trap4 ,college life is school life over again1 but with wide differences4 ,the restraints which characterise the existence of a school-girl are scarcely felt at all by the girl graduate4 ,there are no punishments4 ,up to a certain point she is free to be industrious or not as she pleases4 ,some rules there are for her conduct and guidance1 but they are neither many nor arbitrary4 ,in short1 the young girl graduate is no longer thought of as a child4 ,she is a woman1 with a woman's responsibilities2 she is treated accordingly4 ,miss ,day1 ,miss ,marsh1 ,miss ,merton1 and one or two other congenial spirits1 entered heartily into the little plot which should deprive ,priscilla of ,maggie ,oliphant's friendship4 ,they were anxious to succeed in this1 because their characters were low1 their natures jealous and mean4 ,prissie had set up a higher standard than theirs1 and they were determined to crush the little aspirant for moral courage4 ,if in crushing ,prissie they could also bring discredit upon ,miss ,oliphant1 their sense of victory would have been intensified2 but it was one thing for these conspirators to plot and plan1 and another thing for them to perform4 ,it is possible that in school life they might have found this easier2 opportunities might have arisen for them1 with mistresses to be obeyed1 punishments to be dreaded1 rewards to be won4 ,at ,st ,benet's there was no one especially to be obeyed1 and neither rewards nor punishments entered into the lives of the girls4 ,maggie ,oliphant did not care in the least what girls like ,miss ,day or ,miss ,marsh said or thought about her1 and ,priscilla1 who was very happy and industrious just now1 heard many innuendoes and sly little speeches without taking in their meaning4 ,still1 the conspirators did not despair4 ,the term before ,christmas was in some ways rather a dull one1 and they were glad of any excitement to break the monotony4 ,as difficulties increased their ardour also deepened1 and they were resolved not to leave a stone unturned to effect their object4 ,where there is a will there is a way4 ,this is true as regards evil and good things alike4 ,one foggy morning1 towards the end of ,november1 ,priscilla was standing by the door of one of the lecture-rooms1 a book of ,french history1 a ,french grammar and exercise-book1 and a thick note-book in her hand4 ,she was going to her ,french lecture1 and was standing patiently by the lecture-room door1 which had not yet been opened4 ,priscilla's strongest bias was for ,greek and ,latin1 but ,mr ,hayes had recommended her to take up modern languages as well1 and she was steadily plodding through the ,french and ,german1 for which she had not so strong a liking as for her beloved classics4 ,prissie was a very eager learner1 and she was busy now looking over her notes of the last lecture1 and standing close to the door1 so as to be one of the first to take her place in the lecture-room4 ,the rustling of a dress caused her to look round1 and ,rosalind ,merton stood by her side4 ,rosalind was by no means one of the students of the college4 ,she attended as few lectures as were compatible with her remaining there1 but ,french happened to be one of the subjects which she thought it well to take up1 and she appeared now by ,prissie's side with the invariable note-book1 without which no girl went to lecture1 in her hand4 ,isn't it cold8 she said1 shivering1 and raising her pretty face to ,priscilla's4 ,prissie glanced at her for a moment1 said ,yes2 she supposed it was cold1 in an abstracted voice1 and bent her head once more over her note-book4 ,rosalind was looking very pretty in a dress of dark blue velveteen4 ,her golden curly hair lay in little tendrils all over her head1 and curled lovingly against her soft white throat4 ,i hate ,kingsdene in a fog1 she continued1 and ,i think it's very wrong to keep us in this draughty passage until the lecture-room is opened4 ,don't you1 ,miss ,peel8 ,well1 we are before our time1 so no one is to blame for that1 answered ,priscilla4 ,of course1 so we are4 ,rosalind pulled out a small gold watch1 which she wore at her girdle4 ,how stupid of me to have mistaken the hour6 she exclaimed4 ,then looking hard at ,prissie1 she continued in an anxious tone-- ,you are not going to attend any lectures this afternoon1 are you1 ,miss ,peel8 ,no1 answered ,priscilla4 ,why8 ,rosalind's blue eyes looked almost pathetic in their pleading4 ,i wonder1--she began2 ,i'm so worried1 ,i wonder if you'd do me a kindness4 ,i can't say until you ask me1 said ,priscilla2 what do you want me to do8 ,there's a girl at ,kingsdene1 a ,miss ,forbes4 ,she makes my dresses now and then2 ,i had a letter from her last night1 and she is going to ,london in a hurry1 because her mother is ill4 ,she made this dress for me2 isn't it pretty8 ,yes1 answered ,priscilla1 just glancing at it4 ,but what connection has that with my doing anything for you8 ,oh1 a great deal2 ,i'm coming to that part4 ,miss ,forbes wants me to pay her for making this dress before she goes to ,london4 ,i can only do this by going to ,kingsdene this afternoon4 ,well8 said ,priscilla4 ,i want to know if you will come with me4 ,miss ,heath does not like our going to the town alone1 particularly at this time of year1 when the evenings are so short4 ,will you come with me1 ,miss ,peel8 ,it will be awfully good-natured of you1 and ,i really do want poor ,miss ,forbes to have her money before she goes to ,london4 ,but cannot some of your own friends go with you8 returned ,priscilla4 ,i don't wish to refuse1 of course1 if it is necessary2 but ,i want to work up my ,greek notes this afternoon4 ,the next lecture is a very stiff one1 and ,i sha'n't be ready for it without some hard work4 ,oh1 but you can study when you come back4 ,do come with me4 ,i would not ask you1 only ,i know you are so good-natured1 and ,annie ,day and ,lucy ,marsh have both to attend lectures this afternoon4 ,i have no one to ask--no one1 really1 if you refuse4 ,i have not half so many friends as you think1 and it would be quite too dreadful for poor ,miss ,forbes not to have her money when she wants to spend it on her sick mother4 ,priscilla hesitated for a moment4 ,two or three other girls were walking down the corridor to the lecture-room2 the door was flung open4 ,very well1 she said1 as she entered the room1 followed by ,rosalind1 ,i will go with you4 ,at what hour do you want to start8 ,at three o'clock4 ,i'm awfully grateful4 ,a thousand thanks1 ,miss ,peel4 ,prissie nodded1 seated herself at the lecture-table1 and in the interest of the work which lay before her soon forgot all about ,rosalind and her troubles4 ,the afternoon of that day turned out not only foggy1 but wet4 ,a drizzling rain shrouded the landscape1 and very few girls from ,st ,benet's were venturing abroad4 ,at half-past two ,nancy ,banister came hastily into ,priscilla's room4 ,maggie and ,i are going down to the library1 she said1 to have a cosy read by the fire2 we want you to come with us4 ,why1 surely you are never going out1 ,miss ,peel8 ,yes1 ,i am1 answered ,prissie1 in a resigned voice4 ,i don't like it a bit1 but ,miss ,merton has asked me to go with her to ,kingsdene1 and ,i promised4 ,well1 you sha'n't keep your promise4 ,this is not a fit day for you to go out1 and you have a cough1 too4 ,i heard you coughing last night4 ,yes1 but that is nothing4 ,i must go1 ,miss ,banister2 ,i must keep my word4 ,i daresay it won't take ,miss ,merton and me very long to walk into ,kingsdene and back again4 ,and ,i never knew that ,rosalind ,merton was one of your friends1 ,prissie1 continued ,nancy1 in a puzzled voice4 ,nor is she--,i scarcely know her2 but when she asked me to go out with her1 ,i could not very well say no4 ,i suppose not2 but ,i am sorry1 all the same1 for it is not a fit day for anyone to be abroad1 and ,rosalind is such a giddy pate4 ,well1 come back as soon as you can4 ,maggie and ,i are going to have a jolly time1 and we only wish you were with us4 ,nancy nodded brightly1 and took her leave1 and ,priscilla1 putting on her waterproof and her shabbiest hat1 went down into the hall to meet ,rosalind4 ,rosalind was also in waterproof1 but her hat was extremely pretty and becoming1 and ,priscilla fancied she got a glimpse of a gay silk dress under the waterproof cloak4 ,oh1 how quite too sweet of you to be ready6 said ,rosalind1 with effusion4 ,she took ,prissie's hand and squeezed it affectionately1 and the two girls set off4 ,the walk was a dreary one1 for ,kingsdene1 one of the most beautiful places in ,england in fine weather1 lies so low1 that in the winter months fogs are frequent1 and the rain is almost incessant1 so that then the atmosphere is always damp and chilly4 ,by the time the two girls had got into the ,high ,street1 ,prissie's thick1 sensible boots were covered with mud1 and ,rosalind's thin ones felt very damp to her feet4 ,they soon reached the quarter where the dressmaker1 ,miss ,forbes1 lived4 ,prissie was asked to wait downstairs1 and ,rosalind ran up several flights of stairs to fulfil her mission4 ,she came back at the end of a few minutes1 looking bright and radiant4 ,i am sorry to have kept you waiting1 ,miss ,peel1 she said1 but my boots were so muddy that ,miss ,forbes insisted on polishing them up for me4 ,well1 we can go home now1 ,i suppose8 said ,prissie4 ,ye-es2 only as we are here1 would you greatly mind our going round by ,bouverie ,street8 ,i want to inquire for a friend of mine1 ,mrs ,elliot-,smith4 ,she has not been well4 ,oh1 ,i don't mind1 said ,priscilla4 ,will it take us much out of our way8 ,no1 only a step or two4 ,come1 we have just to turn this corner1 and here we are4 ,what a dear--quite too good-natured girl you are1 ,miss ,peel6 ,prissie said nothing4 ,the two started forth again in the drizzling mist and fog1 and presently found themselves in one of the most fashionable streets of ,kingsdene1 and standing before a ponderous hall-door1 which stood back in a portico4 ,rosalind rang the bell1 which made a loud peal4 ,the door was opened almost immediately2 but1 instead of a servant appearing in answer to the summons1 a showily dressed girl1 with a tousled head of flaxen hair1 light blue eyes1 and a pale face1 stood before ,rosalind and ,prissie4 ,oh1 you dear ,rose6 she said1 clasping her arms round ,miss ,merton1 and dragging her into the house3 ,i had almost given you up4 ,do come in--do come in1 both of you4 ,you are more than welcome4 ,what a miserable1 horrid1 too utterly depressing afternoon it is6 ,how do you do1 ,meta8 said ,rosalind1 when she could interrupt this eager flow of words4 ,may ,i introduce my friend1 ,miss ,peel8 ,miss ,peel1 this is my very great and special friend and chum1 ,meta ,elliot-,smith4 ,oh1 you charming darling6 said ,meta1 giving ,rose a fresh hug1 and glancing in a supercilious but friendly way at ,prissie4 ,we came to inquire for your mother1 dear ,meta1 said ,rose1 in a demure tone4 ,is she any better8 ,yes1 my dear darling1 she's much better4 ,meta's eyes flashed interrogation into ,rose's3 ,rose's returned back glances1 which spoke whole volumes of meaning4 ,look here1 said ,meta ,elliot-,smith1 now that you two dear1 precious girls have come1 you mustn't go away4 ,oh1 no1 ,i couldn't hear of it4 ,i have perfect oceans to say to you1 ,rose--and it is absolutely centuries since we have met4 ,off with your waterproof1 and up you come to the drawing-room for a cup of tea4 ,one or two friends are dropping in presently1 and the ,beechers and one or two more are upstairs now4 ,you know the ,beechers1 don't you1 ,rosalind8 ,here1 ,miss ,peel1 let me help you to unburden yourself4 ,little ,rose is so nimble in her ways that she doesn't need any assistance4 ,oh1 but indeed ,i can't stay1 said ,prissie4 ,it is quite impossible6 ,you know1 ,miss ,merton1 it is impossible4 ,we are due at ,st ,benet's now4 ,we ought to be going back at once4 ,rosalind ,merton's only answer was to slip off her waterproof cloak1 and stand arrayed in a fascinating toilet of silk and lace--a little too dressy1 perhaps1 even for an afternoon party at ,kingsdene1 but vastly becoming to its small wearer4 ,priscilla opened her eyes wide as she gazed at her companion4 ,she saw at once that she had been entrapped into her present false position1 and that ,rosalind's real object in coming to ,kingsdene was not to pay her dressmaker1 but to visit the ,elliot-,smiths4 ,i can't possibly stay1 she said in a cold1 angry voice4 ,i must go back to ,st ,benet's at once4 ,she began to button up her waterproof as fast as ,miss ,elliot-,smith was unbuttoning it4 ,nonsense1 you silly old dear6 said ,rosalind1 who1 having gained her way1 was now in the best of spirits4 ,you mustn't listen to her1 ,meta2 she studies a great deal too hard1 and a little relaxation will do her all the good in the world4 ,my dear ,miss ,peel1 you can't be so rude as to refuse a cup of tea1 and ,i know ,i shall catch an awful cold if ,i don't have one4 ,do come upstairs for half an hour2 do1 there's a dear ,prissie6 ,priscilla hesitated4 ,she had no knowledge of so-called society4 ,her instincts told her it was very wrong to humour ,rose4 ,she disliked ,miss ,elliot-,smith1 and felt wild at the trick which had been played on her4 ,nevertheless1 on an occasion of this kind1 she was no match for ,rose1 who knew perfectly what she was about1 and stood smiling and pretty before her4 ,just for a few moments1 said ,rosalind1 coming up and whispering to her4 ,i really won't keep you long4 ,you will just oblige me for a few minutes4 ,well1 but ,i'm not fit to be seen in this old dress8 whispered back poor ,prissie4 ,oh1 yes1 you are2 you're not bad at all1 and ,i am sure ,meta will find you a secluded corner if you want it--won't you1 ,meta8 ,yes1 of course1 if ,miss ,peel wants it1 answered ,meta4 ,but she looks all right1 so deliciously quaint--,i simply adore quaint people6 ,quite the sweet girl graduate1 ,i do declare4 ,you don't at all answer to the role1 you naughty ,rosalind8 ,so ,prissie1 in her ill-made brown dress1 her shabbiest hat1 and her muddy boots1 had to follow in the wake of ,rosalind ,merton and her friend4 ,at first she had been too angry to think much about her attire1 but she was painfully conscious of it when she entered a crowded drawing-room1 where everyone else was in suitable afternoon toilet4 ,she was glad to shrink away out of sight into the most remote corner she could find2 her muddy boots were pushed far in under her chair1 and hidden as much as possible by her rather short dress2 her checks burnt unbecomingly2 she felt miserable1 self-conscious1 ill at ease1 and very cross with everyone4 ,it was in vain for poor ,priscilla to whisper to herself that ,greek and ,latin were glorious and great1 and dress and fashion were things of no moment whatever4 ,at this instant she knew all too well that dress and fashion were reigning supreme4 ,meta ,elliot-,smith was effusive1 loud1 and vulgar1 but she was also good-natured4 ,she admired ,rosalind1 but in her heart of hearts she thought that her friend had played ,prissie a very shabby trick4 ,she brought ,prissie some tea1 therefore1 and stood for a moment or two by her side1 trying to make things a little more comfortable for her4 ,someone soon claimed her attention1 however1 and poor ,prissie found herself alone4 ,,chapter ,,fourteen4 ,,in ,,the ,,elliot-,,smiths' ,,drawing-,,room4 ,the fun and talk rose fast and furious4 ,more and more guests arrived2 the large drawing-rooms were soon almost as full as they could hold4 ,priscilla1 from her corner1 half-hidden by a sheltering window curtain1 looked in vain for ,rosalind4 ,where had she hidden herself8 ,when were they going away8 ,surely ,rosalind would come to fetch her soon8 ,they had to walk home and be ready for dinner4 ,dinner at ,st ,benet's was at half-past six1 and ,prissie reflected with a great sensation of thankfulness that ,rosalind and she must go back in good time for this meal1 as it was one of the rules of the college that no girl should absent herself from late dinner without getting permission from the ,principal4 ,prissie looked in agony at the clock which stood on a mantelpiece not far from where she had ensconced herself4 ,presently it struck five2 no one heard its silver note in the babel of sound1 but ,priscilla watched its slowly moving hands in an agony4 ,rose must come to fetch her presently4 ,prissie knew--she reflected to her horror that she had not the moral courage to walk about those drawing-rooms hunting for ,rose4 ,two or three exquisitely dressed but frivolous-looking women stood in a group not far from the window where ,priscilla sat forlorn4 ,they talked about the cut of their mantles1 and the price they had given for their new winter bonnets4 ,their shrill laughter reached ,prissie's ears1 also their words4 ,they complimented one another1 but talked scandal of their neighbours4 ,they called somebody--who1 ,prissie could not imagine--a certain lady1 and spoke of how she was angling to get a footing in society1 and how the good set at ,kingsdene would certainly never have anything to do with her or hers4 ,she's taking up those wretched girl graduates1 said one of these gossips to her neighbour4 ,then her eye fell upon ,prissie4 ,she said ,hush6 in an audible tone1 and the little party moved away out of earshot4 ,the minute hand of the clock on the mantelpiece pointed to nearly half-past five4 ,poor ,prissie felt her miseries grow almost intolerable4 ,tears of mortification and anguish were forcing themselves to her eyes4 ,she felt that1 in addition to having lost so many hours of study1 she would get into a serious scrape at ,st ,benet's for breaking one of the known rules of the college4 ,at this moment a quiet voice said1 ,how do you do8 ,she raised her tearful eyes4 ,geoffrey ,hammond was standing by her side4 ,he gave her a kind glance1 shook hands with her1 and stood by her window uttering commonplaces until ,priscilla had recovered her self-possession4 ,then1 dropping into a chair near1 he said1 abruptly-- ,i saw you from the other end of the room4 ,i was surprised4 ,i did not suppose you knew our hostess4 ,nor do ,i really1 said ,prissie1 with sudden vehemence4 ,oh1 it's a shame6 she added1 her face reddening up woefully2 ,i have been entrapped6 ,you must not let the people who are near us hear you say words of that kind1 said ,hammond2 they will crowd around to hear your story4 ,now1 ,i want it all to myself4 ,do you think you can tell it to me in a low voice8 ,to poor ,hammond's horror ,prissie began to whisper4 ,i beg your pardon1 he said1 interrupting her1 but do you know that the buzzing noise caused by a whisper carries sound a long way8 ,that is a well authenticated fact4 ,now1 if you will try to speak low4 ,oh1 thank you2 yes1 ,i will1 said ,prissie4 ,she began a garbled account ,hammond looked at her face and guessed the truth4 ,the miseries of her present position were depriving the poor girl of the full use of her intellect4 ,at last he ascertained that ,priscilla's all-absorbing present anxiety was to be in time for the half-past six dinner at ,st ,benet's4 ,i know we'll be late1 she said1 and ,i'll have broken the rules1 and ,miss ,heath will be so much annoyed with me4 ,hammond volunteered to look for ,miss ,merton4 ,oh1 thank you1 said ,prissie1 the tears springing to her eyes4 ,how very1 very kind you are4 ,please don't speak of it1 said ,hammond4 ,stay where you are4 ,i'll soon bring the young truant to your side4 ,he began to move about the drawing-rooms1 and ,prissie from her hiding-place watched him with a world of gratitude in her face4 ,talk of my stirring from this corner1 she said to herself1 why1 ,i feel glued to the spot6 ,oh1 my awful muddy boots4 ,i daren't even think of them4 ,now ,i do hope ,mr ,hammond will find ,miss ,merton quickly4 ,how kind he is6 ,i wonder ,maggie does not care for him as much as he cares for her4 ,i do not feel half as shy with him as ,i do with everyone else in this dreadful--dreadful room4 ,oh1 ,i do trust he'll soon come back1 and bring ,miss ,merton with him4 ,then1 if we run all the way1 we may1 perhaps1 be in time for dinner4 ,hammond was absent about ten minutes2 they seemed like so many hours to anxious ,prissie4 ,to her horror she saw him returning alone1 and now she so far forgot her muddy boots as to run two or three steps to meet him4 ,she knocked over a footstool as she did so1 and one or two people looked round1 and shrugged their shoulders at the poor gauche girl4 ,where is she8 exclaimed ,prissie1 again speaking in a loud voice4 ,oh1 haven't you brought her8 ,what shall ,i do8 ,it's all right1 ,i assure you1 ,miss ,peel4 ,let me conduct you back to that snug seat in the window4 ,i have seen ,miss ,merton1 and she says you are to make yourself happy4 ,she asked ,miss ,heath's permission for you both to be absent from dinner to-day4 ,she did8 ,i never heard of anything so outrageous4 ,i won't stay4 ,i shall go away at once4 ,had you not better just think calmly over it8 ,if you return to ,st ,benet's without ,miss ,merton1 you will get her into a scrape4 ,do you think ,i care for that8 ,oh1 she has behaved disgracefully6 ,she has told ,miss ,heath a lie4 ,i shall explain matters the very moment ,i go back4 ,priscilla was not often in a passion1 but she felt in one now4 ,she lost her shyness1 and her voice rose without constraint4 ,i am not supposed to know the ways of society1 she said1 but ,i don't think ,i want to know much about this sort of society4 ,and she got up1 prepared to leave the room4 ,the ladies1 who had been gossiping at her side1 turned at the sound of her agitation4 ,they saw a plain1 badly-dressed girl1 with a frock conveniently short for the muddy streets1 but by no means in tone with her present elegant surroundings1 standing up and contradicting1 or at least appearing to contradict1 ,geoffrey ,hammond1 one of the best known men at ,st ,hilda's1 a ,senior ,wrangler1 too4 ,what did this gauche girl mean8 ,most people were deferential to ,hammond1 but she seemed to be scolding him4 ,prissie for the time being became more interesting even than the winter fashions4 ,the ladies drew a step or two nearer to enjoy the little comedy4 ,priscilla noticed no one1 but ,hammond felt these good ladies in the air4 ,his checks burned1 and he wished himself well out of his present position4 ,if you will sit down1 ,miss ,peel1 he said1 in a low1 firm voice1 ,i think ,i can give you good reasons for not rushing away in this headlong fashion4 ,well1 what are they8 said ,prissie4 ,hammond's voice had a sufficiently compelling power to make her sit down once more on her window-ledge4 ,don't you think1 he said1 seating himself in front of her1 that we may as well keep this discussion to ourselves8 ,oh1 yes2 was ,i speaking too loud8 ,i wouldn't vex you for anything4 ,pardon me2 you are still speaking a little loud4 ,oh6 ,poor ,prissie fell back1 her face crimson4 ,please say anything you wish1 she presently piped in a voice as low as a little mouse might have used4 ,what ,i have to say is simply this1 said ,hammond3 ,you will gain nothing now by rushing off to ,st ,benet's4 ,however hard you struggle1 you cannot get there in time for dinner4 ,would it not be best1 then1 to remain here quietly until ,miss ,merton asks you to accompany her back to the college8 ,then1 of course1 it will remain with you to pay her out in any way you think well4 ,thank you2 perhaps that is best4 ,it is quite hopeless now to think of getting back in time for dinner4 ,i only hope ,miss ,merton won't keep me waiting very long1 for it is very1 very dull sitting here1 and seeing people staring at you4 ,i would not look at them if ,i were you1 ,miss ,peel2 and1 if you will permit me1 ,i shall be only too pleased to keep you company4 ,oh1 thank you1 said ,prissie4 ,then ,i sha'n't mind staying at all4 ,the next half-hour seemed to pass on the wings of the wind4 ,priscilla was engaged in an animated discussion with ,hammond on the relative attractions of the ,iliad and the ,odyssey2 her opinion differed from his1 and she was well able to hold her ground4 ,her face was now both eloquent and attractive1 her eyes were bright1 her words terse and epigrammatic4 ,she looked so different a girl from the cowed and miserable little ,prissie of an hour ago that ,rosalind ,merton1 as she came up and tapped her on the shoulder1 felt a pang of envy4 ,i am sorry to interrupt you1 she said1 but it is time for us to be going home4 ,have you given ,mr ,hammond his message8 ,what do you mean8 asked ,priscilla4 ,i have not any message for ,mr ,hammond4 ,you must have forgotten4 ,did not ,miss ,oliphant give you a letter for him8 ,certainly not4 ,what do you mean8 ,i felt sure ,i saw her1 said ,rosalind4 ,i suppose ,i was mistaken4 ,well1 sorry as ,i am to interrupt a pleasant talk1 ,i fear ,i must ask you to come home with me now4 ,she raised her pretty baby eyes to ,hammond's face as she spoke4 ,he absolutely scowled down at her1 shook hands warmly with ,priscilla1 and turned away4 ,come and bid ,mrs ,elliot-,smith good-bye1 said ,rosalind1 her eyes still dancing4 ,she is at the other end of the drawing-room2 come1 you can follow me4 ,how disgracefully you have behaved1 ,miss ,merton6 began ,priscilla at once4 ,you cannot expect me ever to speak to you again1 and ,i shall certainly tell ,miss ,heath4 ,they were walking across the crowded drawing-room now4 ,rosalind turned1 and let her laughing eyes look full at ,prissie4 ,my dear ,miss ,peel1 pray reserve any little scolding you intend to bestow upon me until we get out into the street1 and please do not tread upon my dress6 ,,chapter ,,fifteen4 ,,polly ,,singleton4 ,miss ,day was having quite a large party for cocoa in her room4 ,she had invited not only her own chosen friends from ,heath ,hall1 but also two or three congenial spirits from ,katharine ,hall4 ,five or six merry-looking girls were now assembled in her room4 ,miss ,day's room was one of the largest in the college2 it was showily furnished1 with an intention to produce a ,japanese effect4 ,several paper lanterns hung from the ceiling1 and were suspended to wire supports1 which were fastened to different articles of furniture4 ,in honour of ,miss ,day's cocoa1 the lanterns were all lit now1 and the effect1 on fans and pictures and on brilliant bits of colour1 was grotesque and almost bizarre4 ,miss ,day thought her room lovely4 ,it was dazzling1 but the reverse of reposeful4 ,the girls were lounging about1 chatting and laughing2 they were having a good time1 and were absolutely at their case4 ,one1 a red-haired girl1 with frank1 open blue eyes1 and a freckled face1 an inmate of ,katharine ,hall1 was sending her companions into fits of laughter4 ,yes1 she was saying1 in a high1 gay voice1 ,i'm not a bit ashamed of it2 there's never the least use in not owning the truth4 ,i'm used up1 girls3 ,i haven't a penny piece to bless myself with1 and this letter came from ,spilman to-night4 ,spilman says he'll see ,miss ,eccleston if ,i don't pay up4 ,madame ,clarice wrote two nights ago declaring her intention of visiting ,miss ,eccleston if ,i didn't send her some money4 ,i shall have no money until next term4 ,there's a state of affairs6 ,what do you mean to do1 ,polly8 asked ,lucy ,marsh1 in a sympathising tone4 ,do8 ,my dear creature1 there's only one thing to be done4 ,i must have an auction on the quiet ,i shall sell my worldly all4 ,i can buy things again1 you know1 after dad sends me his next allowance4 ,oh1 ,polly1 but you cannot really mean it6 ,miss ,marsh1 ,miss ,day1 and two or three more crowded round ,polly ,singleton as they spoke4 ,you can't mean to have an auction1 began ,miss ,day2 no one ever heard of such a thing at ,st ,benet's4 ,why1 it would be simply disgraceful6 ,no1 it wouldn't--don't turn cross1 ,annie4 ,i'll have an auction first1 and then a great feed in the empty room4 ,i can go on tick for the feed2 ,jones1 the confectioner1 knows better than not to oblige me4 ,he's not like that horrid ,spilman and that mean ,madame ,clarice4 ,but1 ,polly1 if you write to your father1 he'll be sure to send you what you want to clear off those two debts4 ,you have often told us he has lots of money4 ,my dears1 he has more tin than he knows what to do with2 but do you think ,i am going to have the poor old dear worried8 ,when ,i was coming here he said1 ,polly1 you shall have thirty pounds every term to spend as pocket-money2 not a penny more1 not a penny less4 ,and you must keep out of debt on it2 mind that1 ,polly ,singleton4' ,i gave the dear old dad a hug4 ,he's the image of me--only with redder hair and more freckles4 ,and ,i said1 ,i'll do my best1 dad1 and anyhow1 you sha'n't be put out whatever happens4' ,then you didn't tell him you'd keep out of debt8 ,no1 for ,i knew ,i'd break my word4 ,i've always been in debt ever since ,i could remember4 ,i wouldn't know how it felt not to owe a lot of money4 ,it's habit1 and ,i don't mind it a bit4 ,but ,i don't want dad to know1 and ,i don't want ,miss ,eccleston to know1 for perhaps she would write to him4 ,if those old horrors won't wait for their money till next term1 why there's nothing for it but an auction4 ,i have some nice things1 and they'll go very cheap2 so there's a chance for you all1 girls4 ,but if ,miss ,eccleston finds out8 said ,miss ,day4 ,what if she does8 ,there's no rule against auctions1 and1 as ,i don't suppose any of you will have one1 it isn't worth making a rule for me alone4 ,anyhow1 ,i'm resolved to risk it4 ,my auction will be on ,monday1 and ,i shall make out an inventory of my goods to-morrow4 ,will you advertise it on the notice-board in your hall1 dear8 asked ,lucy ,marsh4 ,why not8 ,a good idea6 ,the great ,a4 will be held in ,miss ,singleton's room1 from eight to ten o'clock on the evening of ,monday next4 ,great ,bargains6 ,enormous ,sacrifice6 ,things absolutely given away6 ,oh1 what fun6 ,i'll be my own auctioneer4 ,polly lay back in her armchair1 and laughed loudly4 ,what is all this noise about8 asked a refined little voice1 and ,rosalind ,merton entered the room4 ,two or three girls jumped up at once to greet her4 ,come in1 ,rosie2 you're just in time4 ,what do you think ,miss ,singleton is going to do now8 ,i can't tell2 what8 asked ,rosalind4 ,something outre1 ,i feel certain4 ,polly made a wry face1 and winked her eyes at her companions4 ,i know ,i'm not refined enough for you1 ,miss ,merton1 she drawled4 ,i'm rough1 like my dad1 rough and ready2 but1 at any rate1 ,i'm honest--at least1 ,i think ,i'm honest4 ,when ,i owe money1 ,i don't leave a stone unturned to pay what ,i owe4 ,having sinned1 ,i repent4 ,i enter the ,valley of ,humiliation1 and give up all3 who can do more8 ,oh1 dear1 ,polly1 ,i don't think ,i'd call owing a little money1 sinning1 said ,lucy ,marsh1 whose ideas were known to be somewhat lax4 ,well1 my dear1 there's nothing for those in debt but to sell their possessions4 ,my auction is on ,monday4 ,will you come1 ,rosalind8 ,you don't mean it8 said ,rose1 her blue eyes beginning to sparkle4 ,yes1 ,i do1 absolutely and truly mean it4 ,and you will sell your things--your lovely things8 ,my things1 my lovely1 lovely things must be sold4 ,but not your clothes8 ,your new sealskin jacket1 for instance8 ,polly made a wry face for a moment4 ,putting her hand into her pocket she pulled out ,spilman's and ,madame ,clarice's two bills4 ,i owe a lot1 she said1 looking with a rueful countenance at the sum total4 ,yes1 ,i even fear the sealskin must go4 ,i don't want to part with it2 dad gave it me just before ,i came here4 ,it's a lovely seal1 said ,annie ,day1 and it seems a sin to part with it2 it's cut in the most stylish way too1 with those high shoulders4 ,don't praise it1 please1 said ,polly1 lying back in her chair1 and covering her eyes with her hand4 ,it cuts like a knife to part with dad's last present4 ,well1 ,i'm rightly punished4 ,what a fool ,i was to get all those ,japanese things from ,spilman1 and that fancy ball-dress for the theatricals4 ,oh1 dear6 ,oh1 dear6 ,perhaps you won't want to part with your seal1 dear1 said ,lucy1 who was not so greedy as some of the other girls1 and really pitied ,polly4 ,you have so many beautiful things without that1 that you will be sure to realise a good bit of money4 ,no1 ,lucy1 ,i owe such a lot2 the seal must go4 ,oh1 what a worry it is6 ,and at auctions of this kind1 said ,rosalind1 in her low voice1 even beautiful things don't realise much4 ,how can they8 ,rosalind is after that seal1 whispered ,lucy to ,annie ,day4 ,the seal would swallow you up1 ,rosie1 said ,annie1 in a loud voice4 ,don't aspire to it2 you'd never come out alive4 ,the seal can be brought to know good manners1 retorted ,rose1 angrily4 ,his size can be diminished1 and his strength abated4 ,but ,i have not said that ,i want him at all4 ,you do so jump to conclusions1 ,miss ,day4 ,i know what ,i want1 said a girl called ,hetty ,jones1 who had not yet spoken3 ,i'm going in for some of ,polly's ornaments4 ,you won't put too big a price upon your corals1 will you1 ,poll8 ,i shall bid for your ,american rocking-chair1 ,polly1 exclaimed ,miss ,day4 ,i tell you what you must do1 ,miss ,singleton1 shouted another girl1 you must get those inventories ready as soon as possible1 and send them round the college for everyone to read1 for you have got such nice things that there will be sure to be a great rush at your auction4 ,don't sell any of the college possessions by mistake1 my dear1 said ,lucy ,marsh4 ,you would get into trouble then4 ,indeed1 as it is1 ,i don't see how you are to keep out of it4 ,polly pushed her hands impatiently through her bright red hair4 ,who's afraid8 she said1 and laughed4 ,when are we to see your things1 ,polly8 asked ,miss ,jones4 ,if the auction is on ,monday1 there must be a show day1 when we can all go round and inspect4 ,i know that's always done at auctions1 for ,i've been at several in the country4 ,the show day is the best fun of all4 ,the farmers' wives come and pinch the feather-beds between their thumbs and forefingers1 and hold the blankets up to the light to see if the moths have got in4 ,hetty1 how vulgar6 interposed ,miss ,day4 ,what has ,polly's auction of her recherche things to do with blankets and feather-beds8 ,now the cocoa is ready4 ,who will help me to carry the cups round8 ,i had some fun to-day1 said ,rosalind1 when each of the girls1 provided with their cups of cocoa1 sat round and began to sip4 ,i took ,miss ,propriety to town with me4 ,oh1 did you1 darling8 ,do tell us all about it6 said ,annie ,day1 running up to ,rosalind and taking her hand4 ,there isn't much to tell4 ,she behaved as ,i expected2 her manners are not graceful1 but she's a deep one4 ,anybody can see that who looks at her1 remarked ,lucy ,marsh4 ,we went to the ,elliot-,smiths'1 continued ,rosalind4 ,good gracious1 ,rosie6 interrupted ,hetty ,jones4 ,you don't mean to say you took ,propriety to that house8 ,yes2 why not8 ,it's the jolliest house in ,kingsdene4 ,but fancy taking poor ,propriety there4 ,what did she say8 ,say8 ,she scolded a good deal4 ,scolded6 ,poor little proper thing6 ,how ,i should have liked to have seen her4 ,did she open her purse1 and exhibit its emptiness to the company at large8 ,did she stand on a chair and lecture the frivolous people who assemble in that house on the emptiness of life8 ,oh1 how ,i wish ,i could have looked on at the fun6 ,you'd have beheld an edifying sight then1 my dear1 said ,rosalind4 ,prissie's whole behaviour was one to be copied4 ,no words can describe her tact and grace4 ,but what did she do1 ,rosie8 ,i wish you would speak out and tell us4 ,you know you are keeping something back4 ,whenever she saw me she scolded me1 and she tripped over my dress several times4 ,oh1 you dear1 good1 patient ,rosalind1 what a bore she must have been4 ,no1 she wasn't1 for ,i scarcely saw anything of her4 ,she amused herself capitally without me1 ,i can tell you4 ,amused herself8 ,propriety amused herself8 ,how diverting6 ,could she stoop to it8 ,she did4 ,she stooped and--conquered4 ,she secured for herself an adorer4 ,rosalind1 how absurd you are6 ,poor1 ,plain ,propriety6 ,as long as ,i live ,i shall hate the letter ,p1 suddenly interrupted ,annie ,day1 for since that disagreeable girl has got into the house we are always using it4 ,never mind1 ,rosalind2 go on with your story1 said ,miss ,jones4 ,what did ,plain ,propriety do8 ,rosalind threw up her hands1 rolled her eyes skywards1 and uttered the terse remark-- ,she flirted6 ,oh1 ,rosie6 who would flirt with her8 ,i suppose she got hold of some old rusty1 musty don4 ,but then ,i do not suppose you'd find that sort of man at the ,elliot-,smiths'4 ,this remark came from ,lucy ,marsh4 ,rosalind ,merton1 who was leaning her fair head against a dark velvet cushion1 looked as if she enjoyed the situation immensely4 ,what do you say to a ,senior ,wrangler8 she asked1 in a gentle voice4 ,rosalind1 what--not the ,senior ,wrangler8 ,rosalind nodded4 ,oh6 oh6 oh6 what could he see--,geoffrey ,hammond1 of all people6 ,he's so exclusive1 too4 ,well1 said ,hetty ,jones1 standing up reluctantly1 for she felt it was time to return to her neglected studies1 wonders will never cease6 ,i could not have supposed that ,mr ,hammond would condescend to go near the ,elliot-,smiths'1 and most certainly ,i should never have guessed that he would look at a girl like ,priscilla ,peel4 ,well1 he flirted with her1 said ,rosalind1 and she with him4 ,they were so delighted with one another that ,i could scarcely get ,prissie away when it was time to leave4 ,they looked quite engrossed--you know the kind of air--there was no mistaking it6 ,miss ,peel must have thanked you for taking her4 ,thanked me8 ,that's not ,miss ,prissie's style4 ,i could see she was awfully vexed at being disturbed4 ,well1 it's rather shabby1 said ,polly ,singleton1 speaking for the first time4 ,everyone at ,st ,benet's knows to whom ,mr ,hammond belongs4 ,yes1 yes1 of course1 of course1 cried several voices4 ,and ,maggie has been so kind to ,miss ,peel1 continued ,polly4 ,yes--shame6--how mean of little ,propriety6 the voices echoed again4 ,rosalind gave a meaning glance at ,annie ,day4 ,annie raised her eyebrows1 looked interrogative1 then her face subsided into a satisfied expression4 ,she asked no further questions1 but she gave ,rosalind an affectionate pat on the shoulder4 ,soon the other girls came up one by one to say good-night4 ,rosalind1 ,annie1 and ,lucy were alone4 ,they drew their chairs together1 and began to talk4 ,,chapter ,,sixteen4 ,,pretty ,,little ,,rosalind4 ,i have done it now1 said ,rosalind2 the estrangement will come about naturally4 ,propriety won't head a party at this college1 for she will not have ,miss ,oliphant's support4 ,my dear girls1 we need do nothing further4 ,the friendship we regretted is at an end4 ,did you take ,priscilla ,peel to the ,elliot-,smiths' on purpose1 then8 asked ,miss ,day4 ,i took her there for my own purposes1 replied ,rosalind4 ,i wanted to go4 ,i could not go alone1 as it is against our precious rules4 ,it was not convenient for any of my own special friends to come with me1 so ,i thought ,i'd play ,prissie a nice little trick4 ,oh1 wasn't she angry6 ,my dear girls1 it was as good as a play to watch her face4 ,rosalind lay back in her chair and laughed heartily4 ,her laughter was as melodious as the sound of silver bells4 ,well1 said ,miss ,marsh1 after a pause1 ,i wish you would stop laughing and go on with your story1 ,rose4 ,rosalind resumed her grave deportment4 ,that's all1 she said2 there's nothing1 more to tell4 ,did you know1 then1 that ,mr ,hammond would be there8 ,no1 ,i had not the least idea that piece of luck would fall in my way4 ,meta managed that for me most delightfully4 ,you know1 girls1 how earnestly the poor dear ,elliot-,smiths aspire1 and how vain are their efforts1 to get into what we are pleased to call the good set' here4 ,it isn't their fault1 poor things1 for1 though they really have no talent nor the smallest literary desires1 they would give their eyes to be hail-fellows-well-met' with some of our intellectual giants4 ,well1 ,meta got to know ,mr ,hammond at a tennis party in the summer1 and when she met him last week she asked him to come to her house to-day4 ,she told me she was dying to have him1 of course1 but when she asked him she could see by his face and manner that he was searching his brains for an excuse to get out of it4 ,all of a sudden it flashed into her head to say1 ,some of our friends from ,st ,benet's will be present4' ,the moment she said this he changed1 and got very polite1 and said he would certainly look in for a little while4 ,poor ,meta was so delighted6 ,you can fancy her chagrin when he devoted himself all the time to ,prissie4 ,he thought he'd meet ,maggie ,oliphant1 said ,annie ,day2 it was a shame to lure him on with a falsehood4 ,i don't wonder at people not respecting the ,elliot-,smiths4 ,my dear1 responded ,rosalind1 ,meta did not tell a lie4 ,i never could have guessed that you were strait-laced1 ,annie4 ,nor am ,i1 responded ,annie1 with a sigh1 which she quickly suppressed4 ,the whole thing fitted in admirably with our wishes1 continued ,rose1 and now we need not do anything further in the matter4 ,rumour1 in the shape of ,hetty ,jones's tongue1 and ,polly ,singleton's hints1 will do the rest for us4 ,do you really think that ,maggie ,oliphant cares for ,mr ,hammond8 asked ,lucy ,marsh4 ,cares for him6 said ,rosalind4 ,does a duck swim8 ,does a baby like sweet things8 ,maggie is so much in love with ,mr ,hammond that she's almost ill about it--there6 ,nonsense6 exclaimed the other two girls4 ,she is1 ,i know she is4 ,she treats him shamefully1 because of some whim of hers4 ,i only wish she may never get him4 ,he'd do nicely for you1 wouldn't he1 ,rose8 said ,annie ,day4 ,a delicate pink came into ,rosalind's cheeks4 ,she rose to leave the room4 ,mr ,hammond is not in my style1 she said4 ,much too severe and too learned4 ,good-night1 girls4 ,i must look over the notes of that wretched ,french lecture before ,i go to bed4 ,rosalind sought her own room1 which was in another corridor4 ,it was late now--past eleven o'clock4 ,the electric light had been put out4 ,she was well supplied with candles1 however1 and lighting two on the mantelpiece and two on her bureau1 she proceeded to stir up her fire and to make her room warm and cosy4 ,rosalind still wore the pretty light silk which had given her such an elegant appearance at the ,elliot-,smiths' that afternoon4 ,securing the bolt of her door1 she pushed aside a heavy curtain1 which concealed the part of her room devoted to her wardrobe1 washing apparatus1 etc4 ,rosalind's wardrobe had a glass door1 and she could see her petite figure in it from head to foot4 ,it was a very small figure1 but exquisitely proportioned4 ,its owner admired it much4 ,she turned herself round1 took up a hand-glass1 and surveyed herself in profile1 and many other positions4 ,then1 taking off her pretty dress1 she arrayed herself in a long white muslin dressing-robe1 and letting down her golden hair1 combed out the glittering masses4 ,they fell in showers below her waist4 ,her face looked more babyish and innocent than ever as it smiled to its own fair image in the glass4 ,how he did scowl at me6 said ,rosalind1 suddenly speaking aloud4 ,but ,i had to say it4 ,i was determined to find out for myself how much or how little he cares for ,maggie ,oliphant1 and1 alas6 there's nothing of the little' in his affection4 ,well1 well6 ,i did not do badly to-day4 ,i enjoyed myself1 and ,i took a nice rise out of that disagreeable ,miss ,peel4 ,now must ,i look through those horrid ,french notes8 ,need ,i8 ,she pirouetted on one toe in front of the glass4 ,the motion exhilarated her1 and1 raising her white wrapper so as to get a peep at her small1 pretty feet1 she waltzed slowly and gracefully in front of the mirror4 ,i can't and won't study to-night1 she said again4 ,i hate study1 and ,i will not spoil my looks by burning the midnight oil4 ,suddenly she clasped her hands1 and the colour rushed into her cheeks4 ,how fortunate that ,i remembered6 ,i must write to mother this very night4 ,this is ,thursday4 ,the auction is on ,monday4 ,i have not a post to lose4 ,hastily seating herself in front of her bureau1 ,rosalind scribbled a few lines3-- ,dearest1 ,precious ,mamsie-- ,whatever happens1 please send me a postal order for #aj pounds by return4 ,one of the richest girls in the place is going to have an auction1 and ,i shall pick up some treasures4 ,if you could spare #ae pounds1 or even #bj pounds1 the money would be well spent1 but ten at least ,i must have4 ,there is a sealskin jacket1 which cost at least eighty pounds1 and such coral ornaments--you know1 that lovely pink shade4 ,send me all you can1 precious mamsie1 and make your ,baby happy4 ,your own little ,rose4 ,p4,s4--,oh1 mamsie1 such a sealskin6 and such coral6 ,this artless epistle was quickly enclosed in an envelope1 addressed1 and deposited in the post-box4 ,afterwards pretty little ,rosalind spent a night of dreamless slumber1 and awoke in the morning as fresh and innocent-looking as the fairest of the babies she compared herself to4 ,,chapter ,,seventeen4 ,,sealskin ,,and ,,pink ,,coral4 ,monday arrived4 ,it wanted now less than three weeks to the end of the term4 ,a good many girls were talking about home and ,christmas1 and already the hard-worked1 the studious1 the industrious were owning to the first symptoms of that pleasant fatigue which would entitle them to the full enjoyment of their merited holiday4 ,priscilla was now a happy girl4 ,she had found her niche in the college2 her work was delightful4 ,under ,maggie's advice she became a member of the ,debating ,society1 and rather reluctantly allowed her name to be entered in the ,dramatic ,club4 ,she felt very shy about this1 but that was because she did not know her own power4 ,to her astonishment1 ,priscilla found that she could act4 ,if the part suited her she could throw herself into it so that she ceased to be awkward1 ungainly ,priscilla ,peel4 ,out of herself she was no longer awkward1 no longer ungainly4 ,she could only personate certain characters2 light and airy parts she could not attempt1 but where much depended on passion and emotion ,priscilla could do splendidly4 ,every day her friends found fresh points of interest in this queer girl4 ,nancy ,banister was really attached to her1 ,maggie was most faithful in her declared friendship1 and ,miss ,heath took more notice of ,priscilla than of any other girl in the ,hall4 ,the different lecturers spoke highly of ,miss ,peel's comprehension1 knowledge1 and ability4 ,in short1 things were going well with her1 and she owned to her own heart that she had never felt happier in her life4 ,prissie1 too1 was looking forward to the ,christmas holidays4 ,she was to return home then1 and her letters to her three little sisters1 to ,aunt ,raby1 and to ,mr ,hayes were full of the delights of her college life4 ,no one could have been more angry than poor ,prissie during that miserable time at the ,elliot-,smiths'4 ,many complaints did she resolve to make1 and dire was the vengeance which she hoped would fall on ,rose's devoted head4 ,but1 during her talk with ,mr ,hammond1 some of her anger had cooled down4 ,he had touched on great subjects1 and ,prissie's soul had responded like a musical instrument to the light and skilled finger of the musician4 ,all her intellectual powers were aroused to their utmost1 keenest life during this brief little talk4 ,she found that ,hammond could say better and more comprehensive things than even her dear old tutor1 ,mr ,hayes4 ,hammond was abreast of the present-day aspect of those things in which ,prissie delighted4 ,her short talk with him made up for all the tedium of the rest of that wretched afternoon4 ,on her walk home ,priscilla made up her mind to have nothing further to say to ,rose1 but also not to make a complaint about her4 ,she would pass the matter over in silence4 ,if questioned1 she would tell her own friends where she had been2 if not questioned1 she would volunteer no information4 ,maggie and ,nancy did ask her casually what had kept her out so long4 ,i was at the ,elliot-,smiths' with ,miss ,merton1 replied ,priscilla4 ,they both started when she said this1 and looked at her hard4 ,they were too well-bred1 however1 to give utterance to the many comments which crowded to their lips4 ,prissie read their thoughts like a book4 ,i did not like it at all1 she said2 but ,i'd rather say nothing about it1 please4 ,after ,mr ,hammond came ,i was happy4 ,mr ,hammond was there8 said ,nancy1 in an eager voice4 ,geoffrey ,hammond was at the ,elliot-,smiths'8 ,impossible6 ,he was there1 repeated ,prissie4 ,she glanced nervously at ,maggie1 who had taken up a book1 and was pretending to read4 ,he came1 and he spoke to me4 ,he was very1 very kind1 and he made me so happy4 ,dear ,prissie1 said ,maggie1 suddenly4 ,she got up1 went over to the young girl1 tapped her affectionately on the shoulder1 and left the room4 ,prissie sat1 looking thoughtfully before her4 ,after a time she bade ,nancy ,banister ,good-night1 and went off to her own room to study the notes she had taken that morning at the ,french lecture4 ,the next few days passed without anything special occurring4 ,if a little rumour were already beginning to swell in the air1 it scarcely reached the ears of those principally concerned4 ,maggie ,oliphant continued to make a special favourite of ,miss ,peel4 ,she sat near her at breakfast1 and at the meetings of the ,dramatic ,society was particularly anxious to secure a good part for ,prissie4 ,the members of the society intended to act ,the ,princess before the end of the term1 and as there was a great deal to work up1 and many rehearsals were necessary1 they met in the little theatre on most evenings4 ,maggie ,oliphant had been unanimously selected to take the part of the ,princess4 ,she electrified everyone by drawing ,miss ,peel towards her1 and saying in an emphatic voice-- ,you must be the ,prince1 ,priscilla4 ,a look of dismay crept over several faces4 ,one or two made different proposals4 ,would not ,nancy ,banister take the part better1 ,maggie8 said ,miss ,claydon1 a tall1 graceful girl1 who was to be ,psyche4 ,no2 ,nancy is to be ,cyril4 ,she sings well1 and can do the part admirably4 ,miss ,peel must be the ,prince3 ,i will have no other lover4 ,what do you say1 ,miss ,peel8 ,i cannot2 it is impossible1 almost whispered ,prissie4 ,cannot' is a word which must not be listened to in our ,dramatic ,society1 responded ,maggie4 ,i promise to turn you out a most accomplished ,prince1 my friend2 no one shall be disappointed in you4 ,girls1 do you leave this matter in my hands8 ,do you leave the ,prince to me8 ,we cannot refuse you the privilege of choosing your own ,prince1 ,princess1 said ,miss ,claydon1 with a graceful curtsy4 ,the others assented1 but unwillingly4 ,miss ,oliphant was known to be more full of whims than anyone else in the college4 ,her extraordinary and sudden friendship for ,prissie was regarded as her latest caprice4 ,rosalind ,merton was not a particularly good actress1 but her face was too pretty not to be called into requisition4 ,she was to take the part of ,melissa4 ,the society had a grand meeting on the day of ,polly ,singleton's auction4 ,matters were still very much in a state of chaos1 but the rehearsal of some of the parts was got through with credit under the directions of the clever stage-manager1 one of the nicest and best girls in the college1 ,constance ,field4 ,she had a knack of putting each girl at her ease--of discovering the faintest sparks of genius1 and fanning them into flame4 ,priscilla had learned her speeches accurately3 her turn came2 she stood up trembling and began4 ,gradually the stony 7or was it yearning87 look in ,maggie's face moved her4 ,she fancied herself ,hammond1 not the ,prince4 ,when she spoke to ,maggie she felt no longer like a feeble school-girl acting a part4 ,she thought she was pleading for ,hammond1 and enthusiasm got into her voice1 and a light filled her eyes4 ,there was a little cheer when ,priscilla got through her first rehearsal4 ,nancy ,banister came up to ,rosalind4 ,i do believe ,maggie is right1 she said1 and that ,miss ,peel will take the part capitally4 ,miss ,oliphant is well-known for her magnanimity1 retorted ,rosalind1 an ugly look spoiling the expression of her face4 ,her magnanimity8 ,what do you mean1 ,rose8 ,to choose that girl for her ,prince6 retorted ,rosalind4 ,ask ,mr ,hammond what ,i mean4 ,ask the ,elliot-,smiths4 ,i don't know the ,elliot-,smiths1 said ,nancy1 in a cold voice4 ,she turned away2 she felt displeased and annoyed4 ,rose glanced after her2 then she ran up to ,maggie ,oliphant1 who was preparing to leave the little theatre4 ,don't you want to see the auction8 she said1 in a gay voice4 ,it's going to be the best fun we have had for many a long day4 ,maggie turned and looked at her4 ,the auction8 ,what auction do you mean8 she asked4 ,why1 ,polly ,singleton's1 of course4 ,you've not heard of it8 ,it's the event of the term6 ,maggie laughed4 ,you must be talking nonsense1 ,rose1 she said4 ,an auction at ,st ,benet's6 ,a real auction8 ,impossible6 ,no1 it's not impossible4 ,it's true4 ,polly owes for a lot of things1 and she's going to pay for them in that way4 ,did you not get a notice8 ,polly declared she would send1 one without fail to every girl in the college4 ,now ,i remember1 said ,miss ,oliphant1 laughing4 ,i got an extraordinary type-written production4 ,i regarded it as a hoax1 and consigned it to the waste-paper basket4 ,but it wasn't a hoax2 it was true4 ,come away1 ,miss ,oliphant1 do4 ,polly has got some lovely things4 ,i don't think ,i even know who ,polly is1 said ,maggie4 ,she surely is not an inmate of ,heath ,hall8 ,no1 no--of ,katharine ,hall4 ,you must know her by sight1 at least4 ,a great1 big1 fat girl1 with red hair and freckles4 ,yes1 now ,i remember4 ,i think she has rather a pleasant face4 ,oh1 do you really8 ,isn't she awfully common and vulgar-looking8 ,common and vulgar-looking people are often pleasant1 nevertheless1 retorted ,maggie4 ,you'll come to her auction8 insisted ,rose4 ,i don't know4 ,she has no right to have an auction4 ,such a proceeding would give great displeasure to our ,principals4 ,how can you tell that8 ,there never was an auction at the college before4 ,how can ,i tell1 ,rose8 ,instinct is my guide in a matter of this sort4 ,maggie stepped back and looked haughty4 ,well1 said ,rose1 the ,principals won't ever know2 we are taking good care of that4 ,oh6 ,i hope you may be successful4 ,good-night4 ,maggie turned to walk away4 ,she saw ,priscilla standing not far off4 ,come1 ,prissie1 she said1 affectionately1 you did admirably to-night1 but you must have another lesson4 ,you missed two of the best points in that last speech4 ,come back with me into the theatre at once4 ,rose bit her lips with vexation4 ,she was wildly anxious to be at the auction4 ,the sealskin might be put up for sale1 and she not present4 ,the corals might go to some other happy girl2 but she had made a resolve to bring some of the very best girls in the college to this scene of rioting4 ,her reckless companions had dared her to do this1 and she felt what she called her honour at stake4 ,nancy ,banister had declined her invitation with decision2 ,constance ,field had withered her with a look4 ,now she must secure ,maggie4 ,i wish you'd come1 she said1 following ,maggie and ,prissie to the door of the theatre4 ,it will be an awful disappointment if you don't6 ,we all reckoned on having you4 ,what do you mean1 ,rose8 ,we thought you wouldn't be above a bit of fun4 ,you never used to be1 you know4 ,you never used to be strict and proper1 and over-righteous1 used you8 ,priscilla was startled to see the queer change these few words made on ,maggie4 ,her cheeks lost their roses2 her eyes grew big1 pathetic1 miserable4 ,then a defiant expression filled them4 ,if you put it in that way1 she said1 ,i'll go and peep at the thing4 ,it isn't my taste1 nor my style1 but goodness knows ,i'm no better than the rest of you4 ,come1 ,prissie4 ,maggie seized ,priscilla's hand2 her clasp was so tight as to be almost painful4 ,she hurried ,prissie along so fast that ,rose could scarcely keep up with them4 ,they entered the hall4 ,maggie seized a hat for herself and another for ,prissie from the hat-stand2 then the three girls crossed the garden to ,katharine ,hall4 ,a moment or two later they had reached the scene of the evening's amusement4 ,loud voices and laughter greeted them2 they entered a large room crowded to overflowing4 ,the atmosphere here was hot and stifling1 and chaos reigned supreme4 ,pictures1 ornaments of all kinds had been removed roughly and hastily from the walls2 clothes1 and even jewels1 were piled on the tables1 and a tall girl1 standing on a chair1 was declaiming volubly for the benefit of her companions4 ,when ,maggie1 ,rose1 and ,priscilla entered the room ,polly was exhibiting the charms of a yellow silk dress somewhat the worse for wear4 ,laughter choked her voice2 her bright blue eyes shone with excitement and amusement4 ,who'll try this8 she began4 ,it has a double charm4 ,not only has it reposed round this fair and lovely form1 but the silk of which it is made was given to me by my mother's aunt1 who had it from her mother before her4 ,when ,i part with this1 ,i part with a relic4 ,those who purchase it secure for themselves a piece of history4 ,who will buy1 who will buy1 who will buy8 ,an historical dress going--such a bargain6 ,who1 who will buy8 ,i'll give you five shillings1 ,polly1 screamed a dark-eyed girl who stood near4 ,five shillings6 ,this lovely dress going for five shillings6 proceeded ,polly4 ,and sixpence1 added another voice4 ,this beautiful1 historical robe going for five-and-sixpence1 said ,miss ,singleton1 in her gay voice4 ,oh1 it's a bargain--it's dirt cheap6 ,who will buy8 who will buy8 ,the bids went up1 and finally the yellow dress was knocked down to a rosy-faced country girl for the sum of thirteen shillings and ninepence4 ,polly's various other possessions were one by one brought to the hammer1 some of them fetching fairly large sums1 for they were most of them good and worth having1 and there were wealthy girls at the college1 who were not above securing a bargain when it came in their way4 ,at last the prize on which all ,rose's hopes were set was put up for sale4 ,polly's magnificent sealskin jacket was held aloft1 and displayed to the admiring and covetous gaze of many4 ,rose's face brightened2 an eager1 greedy look filled her eyes4 ,she actually trembled in her anxiety to secure this prize of prizes4 ,maggie ,oliphant1 who was standing in a listless1 indifferent attitude near the door1 not taking the smallest part in the active proceedings which were going forward1 was for the first time roused to interest by the expression on ,rosalind's face4 ,she moved a step or two into the crowd1 and when one or two timid bids were heard for the coveted treasure1 she raised her own voice1 and for the first time appeared eager to secure something for herself4 ,rose bid against her1 an angry flush filling her blue eyes as she did so4 ,maggie nonchalantly made her next bid a little higher--,rose raised hers4 ,soon they were the only two in the field2 other girls had come to the limit of their purses1 and withdrew vanquished from the struggle4 ,rosalind's face grew very white4 ,could she have knocked ,maggie ,oliphant down with a blow she would have done so at that moment4 ,maggie calmly and quietly continued her bids1 raising them gradually higher and higher4 ,five1 six1 seven1 eight1 nine1 ten pounds3 ,rose had come to the end of her resources4 ,she stepped away with a bitter smile on her face4 ,the sealskin jacket was ,maggie ,oliphant's property for ten guineas4 ,maggie laid it carelessly on a table near1 and returning once more to her position near the door1 watched the sale proceed4 ,one by one ,polly ,singleton parted with her dresses1 her pictures1 her furniture4 ,at last1 opening a case1 she proceeded to dispose of some trinkets1 none of which1 with the exception of the pink coral set1 was of very high value4 ,this1 which consisted of necklace1 bracelets1 and earrings1 and some pretty pins for the hair1 was most eagerly coveted by many4 ,several girls bid for the coral1 and ,maggie1 who had not raised her voice since she secured the sealskin jacket1 once more noticed the greedy glitter in ,rosalind's eyes4 ,i can't help it1 she said1 turning and speaking in a low voice to ,priscilla1 who stood by her side--,i can't help it1 ,prissie2 ,i don't want that coral a bit--coral doesn't suit me3 ,i dislike it as an ornament4 ,but something inside of me says ,rose ,merton shall not wear it4 ,stay here1 ,prissie1 ,i'll be back in a minute4 ,miss ,oliphant moved forward2 she was so tall that her head could be seen above those of most of the other girls4 ,the bids for the coral had now risen to three pounds ten4 ,maggie at one bound raised them ten shillings4 ,rose bid against her1 and for a short time one or two other girls raised their previous offers4 ,the price for the coral rose and rose4 ,soon a large sum was offered for it1 and still the bids kept rising4 ,rosalind and ,maggie were once more alone in the field1 and now any onlooker could perceive that it was not the desire to obtain the pretty ornaments1 but the wish for victory which animated both girls4 ,when the bids rose above ten guineas ,rosalind's face assumed a ghastly hue1 but she was now far too angry with ,maggie to pause or consider the fact that she was offering more money for the pink coral than she possessed in the world4 ,the bids still went higher and higher4 ,there was intense excitement in the room2 all the noisy babel ceased4 ,no sound was heard but the eager voices of the two who were cruelly fighting each other1 and the astonished tones of the young auctioneer4 ,twelve1 thirteen1 fourteen pounds were reached4 ,maggie's bid was fourteen pounds4 ,guineas6 screamed ,rose1 with a weak sort of gasp4 ,maggie turned and looked at her1 then walked slowly back to her place by ,priscilla's side4 ,the coral belonged to ,rose ,merton1 and she had four guineas too little to pay for it4 ,,chapter ,,eighteen4 ,a ,,black ,,self ,,and ,a ,,white ,,self4 ,it is quite true1 ,maggie1 said ,nancy ,banister4 ,it is about the auction4 ,yes1 there is no doubt about that4 ,what possessed you to go8 ,maggie ,oliphant was standing in the centre of her own room with an open letter in her hand4 ,nancy was reading it over her shoulder3-- ,katharine ,hall1-- ,december #c4 ,miss ,eccleston and ,miss ,heath request ,miss ,oliphant and ,miss ,peel to present themselves in ,miss ,eccleston's private sitting-room this evening at seven o'clock4 ,that is all1 said ,maggie4 ,it sounds as solemn and unfriendly as if one were about to be tried for some capital offence4 ,it's the auction1 of course1 repeated ,nancy4 ,those girls thought they had kept it so quiet2 but someone must have peached1' ,i suppose1 to curry favour4 ,whatever made you go1 ,maggie8 ,you know you have never mixed yourself up with that ,day1 and ,merton1 and ,marsh set4 ,as to that poor ,polly ,singleton1 there's no harm in her1 but she's a perfect madcap4 ,what could have possessed you to go8 ,my evil genius1 repeated ,maggie1 in a gloomy tone4 ,you don't suppose ,i wished to be there1 ,nancy2 but that horrid little ,merton girl said something taunting1 and then ,i forgot myself4 ,oh1 dear1 ,nancy6 what shall ,i ever do with that other self of mine8 ,it will ruin me in the end4 ,it gets stronger every day4 ,maggie sat down on the sofa4 ,nancy suddenly knelt by her side4 ,dear ,meg1 she said1 caressingly1 you're the noblest1 and the sweetest1 and the most beautiful girl at ,st ,benet's6 ,why can't you live up to your true self8 ,there are two selfs in me1 replied ,maggie4 ,and if one even approaches the faintest semblance of angelhood1 the other is black as pitch4 ,there1 it only wastes time to talk the thing over4 ,i'm in for the sort of scrape ,i hate most4 ,see1 ,nancy1 ,i bought this at the auction4 ,she opened her wardrobe1 and taking out ,polly ,singleton's magnificent eighty-guinea sealskin jacket1 slipped it on4 ,don't ,i look superb8 said ,maggie4 ,she shut the wardrobe-door1 and surveyed herself in its long glass4 ,brown was ,maggie ,oliphant's colour4 ,it harmonised with the soft tints of her delicately rounded face1 with the rich colour in her hair1 with the light in her eyes4 ,it added to all these charms1 softening them1 giving to them a more perfect lustre4 ,oh1 ,maggie6 said ,nancy1 clasping her hands1 you ought always to be dressed as you are now4 ,maggie dropped her arms suddenly to her sides4 ,the jacket1 a little too large for her1 slid off her shoulders1 and lay in a heap on the floor4 ,what8 she said1 suddenly4 ,am ,i never to show my true and real self8 ,am ,i always to be disguised in sham beauty and sham goodness8 ,oh1 ,nancy1 ,nancy6 if there is a creature ,i hate--,i hate--her name is ,maggie ,oliphant6 ,nancy picked up the sealskin jacket1 and put it back into the wardrobe4 ,i am sorry you went to the auction1 ,maggie1 she repeated1 and ,i'm more sorry still to find you bought poor ,polly ,singleton's sealskin4 ,well1 it's done now1 and we have to consider how to get you out of this scrape4 ,there's no time for you to indulge in that morbid talk of yours to-day1 ,maggie1 darling4 ,let us consider what's best to be done4 ,nothing1 retorted ,maggie4 ,i shall simply go to ,miss ,heath and ,miss ,eccleston1 and tell them the truth4 ,there's nothing else to be done4 ,no hope whatever of getting out of the affair4 ,i went to ,polly ,singleton's auction because ,rosalind ,merton raised the demon in me4 ,i tried to become the possessor of the sealskin jacket because her heart was set on it4 ,i won an eighty-guinea jacket for ten guineas4 ,you see how ignoble my motives were1 also how unworthy the results4 ,i did worse even than that--for ,i will out with the truth to you1 ,nancy--,i revenged myself still further upon that spiteful little gnat1 ,rosalind1 and raised the price of her coveted coral to such an extent that ,i know by her face she is pounds in debt for it4 ,now1 my dear1 what have you to say to me8 ,nothing good1 ,i know that4 ,let me read ,aristotle for the next hour just to calm my mind4 ,maggie turned away1 seated herself by her writing bureau1 and tried to lose both the past and the present in her beloved ,greek4 ,she will do it1 too1 whispered ,nancy as she left the room4 ,no one ever was made quite like ,maggie4 ,she can feel tortures1 and yet the next moment she can be in ecstasy4 ,she is so tantalising that at times you are almost brought to believe her own stories about herself4 ,you are almost sure that she has got the black self as well as the white self4 ,but through it all1 yes1 through it all1 you love her4 ,dear ,maggie6 ,whatever happens1 ,i must always--always love her4 ,nancy was walking slowly down the corridor when a room door was gently opened1 and the sweet childish innocent face of ,rosalind peeped out4 ,nancy1 is that you8 ,do1 for ,heaven's sake1 come in and speak to me for a moment4 ,what about1 ,rosalind8 ,i have only a minute or two to spare4 ,my ,german lecture is to begin immediately4 ,oh1 what does that signify8 ,you don't know the awful trouble we've got into4 ,you mean about the auction8 ,yes--yes2 so you have heard8 ,of course ,i've heard4 ,if that is all1 ,rosalind1 ,i cannot wait to discuss the matter now4 ,i am very sorry for you1 of course1 but as ,i said to ,maggie1 why did you do it8 ,oh1 you've been talking to ,miss ,oliphant8 ,thank goodness she'll have to answer for her sins as well as the rest of us4 ,maggie is my friend1 so you need not abuse her1 ,rosalind4 ,lucky for her that she has got one true friend6 retorted ,rosalind4 ,what do you mean8 ,i mean what ,i say4 ,maggie is making such a fool of herself that we are all laughing at her behind her back4 ,indeed8 ,i fail to understand you4 ,you are being made a fool of1 too1 ,nancy4 ,oh1 ,i did think you'd have had more sense4 ,how8 ,speak4 ,say at once what you want to say1 ,rosalind1 and stop talking riddles1 for ,i must fly to my work4 ,fly1 then1 retorted ,rosalind1 only think twice before you give your confidence to a certain person4 ,a person who makes a fine parade of poverty and so-called honesty of purpose1 but who can1 and who does1 betray her kindest and best friend behind her back4 ,it is my private belief we have to thank this virtuous being for getting us into the pleasant scrape we are in4 ,i am convinced she has tried to curry favour by telling ,miss ,heath all about poor ,polly's auction4 ,you mean ,priscilla ,peel8 said ,nancy1 in a firm voice4 ,she forgot her ,german lecture now4 ,you have no right to say words of that kind4 ,you have taken a dislike to ,prissie1 no one knows why4 ,she is not as interesting nor as beautiful as ,maggie1 but she is good1 and you should respect her4 ,rosalind laughed bitterly4 ,good8 ,is she8 ,ask ,mr ,hammond4 ,you say she is not beautiful nor interesting4 ,perhaps he finds her both4 ,ask him4 ,rosalind1 ,i shall tell ,maggie what you say4 ,this is not the first time you have hinted unkind things about ,priscilla4 ,it is better to sift a matter of this kind to the bottom than to hint it all over the college as you are doing ,maggie shall take it in hand4 ,let her6 ,i shall only be too delighted6 ,what a jolly time the saintly ,priscilla will have4 ,i can't stay any longer1 ,rosalind4 ,but1 ,nancy1 just one moment4 ,i want to put accounts right with ,polly before to-night4 ,mother sent me ten pounds to buy something at the auction4 ,the coral cost fourteen guineas4 ,i have written to mother for the balance1 and it may come by any post4 ,do lend it to me until it comes6 ,do1 kind ,nancy6 ,i have not got so much in the world1 ,i have not really1 ,rosalind4 ,good-bye2 my lecture will have begun4 ,nancy ran out of the room1 and ,miss ,merton turned to survey ruefully her empty purse1 and to read again a letter which had already arrived from her mother3-- ,my ,dear ,rosalind-- ,i have not the additional money to spare you1 my poor child4 ,the ten pounds which ,i weakly yielded at your first earnest request was1 in reality1 taken from the money which is to buy your sisters their winter dresses4 ,i dare not encroach any further on it1 or your father would certainly ask me why the girls were dressed so shabbily4 ,fourteen guineas for coral6 ,you know1 my dear child1 we cannot afford this extravagance4 ,my advice is to return it to your friend1 and to ask her to let you have the ten guineas back4 ,you might return it to me in a ,postal ,order1 for ,i want it badly4 ,it was one thing to struggle to let you have it in the hopes that you would secure a really valuable garment like a sealskin jacket1 and another to give it to you for some rather useless ornaments4 ,your affectionate mother1-- ,alice ,merton4 ,,chapter ,,nineteen4 ,,in ,,miss ,,eccleston',s ,,sitting-,,room4 ,miss ,eccleston was a dark1 heavy-looking person2 she was not as attractive either in appearance or manner as ,miss ,heath4 ,she was estimable1 and the college authorities thought most highly of her1 but her character possessed more hardness than softness1 and she was not as popular with the girls and young lecturers who lived in ,katharine ,hall as was ,miss ,heath with her girls4 ,when ,maggie entered ,miss ,eccleston's sitting-room that evening1 she found the room about half-full of eager1 excited-looking girls4 ,miss ,eccleston was standing up and speaking2 ,miss ,heath was leaning against the wall2 a velvet curtain made a background which brought out her massive and grand figure in full relief4 ,miss ,eccleston looked excited and angry2 ,miss ,heath's expression was a little perplexed1 and a kind of sorrowful mirth brought smiles to her lips now and then1 which she was most careful to suppress instantly4 ,as ,maggie made her way to the front of the room she recognised several of the girls4 ,rosalind ,merton1 ,annie ,day1 ,lucy ,marsh1 were all present4 ,she saw them1 although they were standing hidden behind many other girls4 ,prissie1 too1 was there--she had squeezed herself into a corner4 ,she looked awkward1 plain1 and wretched4 ,she was clasping and unclasping her hands1 and trying to subdue the nervous tremors which she could not conceal4 ,maggie1 as she walked across the room1 singled ,prissie out4 ,she gave her a swift glance1 a brilliant and affectionate smile1 and then stood in such a position that neither ,miss ,eccleston nor ,miss ,heath could catch a glimpse of her4 ,miss ,eccleston1 who had been speaking when ,maggie entered the room1 was now silent4 ,she had a note-book in her hand1 and was rapidly writing something in it with a pencil4 ,someone gave ,maggie a rather severe prod on her elbow4 ,polly ,singleton1 tall1 flushed1 and heavy1 stood close to her side4 ,you'll stand up for me1 won't you1 ,miss ,oliphant8 whispered ,polly4 ,maggie raised her eyes1 looked at the girl1 who was even taller than herself1 and began to reply in her usual voice4 ,silence1 said ,miss ,eccleston4 ,she put down her note-book4 ,i wish for no conversation between you at the present moment1 young ladies4 ,good-evening1 ,miss ,oliphant2 ,i am pleased to see you here4 ,i shall have a few questions to ask you in a minute4 ,now1 ,miss ,singleton1 if you please1 we will resume our conversation4 ,you have confessed to the fact of the auction4 ,i wish now to ascertain what your motive was4 ,poor ,polly stammered and reddened1 twisted her hands as badly as ,prissie herself could have done1 and looked to right and left of her in the most bewildered and unhappy manner4 ,don't you hear me1 ,miss ,singleton8 ,i wish to know what your motive was in having an auction in ,katharine ,hall1 repeated ,miss ,eccleston4 ,tell her the truth1 whispered ,maggie4 ,polly1 who was in a condition to catch even at a straw for support1 said1 falteringly-- ,i had the auction in my room because of dad4 ,miss ,eccleston raised her brows4 ,the amused smile of sorrow round ,miss ,heath's mouth became more marked4 ,she came forward a few steps1 and stood near ,miss ,eccleston4 ,you must explain yourself1 ,miss ,singleton1 repeated the latter lady4 ,do tell everything1 said ,maggie1 again4 ,dad is about the only person ,i hate vexing1 began ,polly once more4 ,he is awfully rich1 but he hates me to get into debt1 and--and--there was no other way to raise money4 ,i couldn't tell dad--,i--couldn't keep out of debt1 so ,i had to sell my things4 ,you have made a very lame excuse1 ,miss ,singleton1 said ,miss ,eccleston1 after a pause4 ,you did something which was extremely irregular and improper4 ,your reason for doing it was even worse than the thing itself4 ,you were in debt4 ,the students of ,st ,benet's are not expected to be in debt4 ,but there's no rule against it1 suddenly interrupted ,maggie4 ,hush6 your turn to speak will come presently4 ,you know1 ,miss ,singleton--all the right-minded girls in this college know--that we deal in principles1 not rules4 ,now1 please go on with your story4 ,polly's broken and confused narrative continued for the next five minutes4 ,there were some titters from the girls behind her--even ,miss ,heath smiled faintly4 ,miss ,eccleston alone remained grave and displeased4 ,that will do1 she said at last4 ,you are a silly and rash girl1 and your only possible defence is your desire to keep the knowledge of your extravagance from your father4 ,your love for him1 however1 has never taught you true nobility4 ,had you that even in the most shadowy degree1 you would abstain from the things which he detests4 ,he gives you an ample allowance4 ,were you a school-girl and ,i your mistress1 ,i should punish you severely for your conduct4 ,miss ,eccleston paused4 ,polly put her handkerchief up to her eyes and began to sob loudly4 ,miss ,oliphant1 said ,miss ,eccleston1 will you please account for the fact that you1 who are looked up to in this college1 you who are one of our senior students1 and for whom ,miss ,heath has a high regard1 took part in the disgraceful scenes which occurred in ,miss ,singleton's room on ,monday evening8 ,i shall certainly tell you the truth1 retorted ,maggie4 ,she paused for a moment4 ,then1 the colour flooding her cheeks1 and her eyes looking straight before her1 she began-- ,i went to ,miss ,singleton's room knowing that ,i was doing wrong4 ,i hated to go1 and did not take the smallest interest in the proceedings which were being enacted there4 ,she paused again4 ,her voice1 which had been slightly faltering1 grew a little firmer4 ,her eyes met ,miss ,heath's1 which were gazing at her in sorrowful and amazed surprise4 ,then she continued--,i did not go alone4 ,i took another and perfectly innocent girl with me4 ,she is a newcomer1 and this is her first term4 ,she would naturally be led by me1 and ,i wish therefore to exonerate her completely4 ,her name is ,priscilla ,peel4 ,she did not buy anything1 and she hated being there even more than ,i did1 but ,i took her hand and absolutely forced her to come with me4 ,did you buy anything at the auction1 ,miss ,oliphant8 ,yes1 a sealskin jacket4 ,do you mind telling me what you paid for it8 ,ten guineas4 ,was that1 in your opinion1 a fair price for the jacket8 ,the jacket was worth a great deal more4 ,the price ,i paid for it was much below its value4 ,miss ,eccleston made some further notes in her book4 ,then she looked up4 ,have you anything more to say1 ,miss ,oliphant8 ,i could say more4 ,i could make you think even worse of me than you now think1 but as any further disclosures of mine would bring another girl into trouble ,i would rather not speak4 ,you are certainly not forced to speak4 ,i am obliged to you for the candour with which you have treated me4 ,miss ,eccleston then turned to ,miss ,heath1 and said a few words to her in a low voice4 ,her words were not heard by the anxiously listening girls1 but they seemed to displease ,miss ,heath1 who shook her head2 but ,miss ,eccleston held very firmly to her own opinion4 ,after a pause of a few minutes1 ,miss ,heath came forward and addressed the young girls who were assembled before her4 ,the leading spirit of this college1 she said1 is almost perfect immunity from the bondage of rules4 ,the ,principals of these ,halls have fully trusted the students who reside in them1 and relied on their honour1 their rectitude1 their sense of sound principle4 ,hitherto we have had no reason to complain that the spirit of absolute trust which we have shown has been abused2 but the circumstance which has just occurred has given ,miss ,eccleston and myself some pain4 ,it has surprised us2 it has given us a blow1 interrupted ,miss ,eccleston4 ,and ,miss ,eccleston feels1 proceeded ,miss ,heath1 and perhaps she is right1 that the matter ought to be laid before the college authorities1 who will decide what are the best steps to be taken4 ,you don't agree with that view1 do you1 ,miss ,heath8 asked ,maggie ,oliphant suddenly4 ,at first ,i did not4 ,i leant to the side of mercy4 ,i thought you might all have learnt a lesson in the distress which you have caused us1 and that such an occurrence could not happen again4 ,won't ,miss ,eccleston adopt your views8 questioned ,maggie4 ,she glanced round at her fellow-students as she spoke4 ,no--no1 interrupted ,miss ,eccleston4 ,i cannot accept the responsibility4 ,the college authorities must decide the matter4 ,remember1 said ,maggie1 stepping forward a pace or two1 that we are no children4 ,if we were at school you ought to punish us1 and1 of course1 you would4 ,i hate what ,i have done1 and ,i own it frankly4 ,but you cannot forget1 ,miss ,eccleston1 that no girl here has broken a rule when she attended the auction1 and bought ,miss ,singleton's things2 and that even ,miss ,singleton has broken no rule when she went in debt4 ,there was a buzz of applause and even a cheer from the girls in the background4 ,miss ,eccleston looked angry1 but perplexed4 ,miss ,heath again turned and spoke to her4 ,she replied in a low tone4 ,miss ,heath said something further4 ,at last ,miss ,eccleston sat down1 and ,miss ,heath came forward and addressed ,maggie ,oliphant4 ,your words have been scarcely respectful1 ,miss ,oliphant1 she said1 but there is a certain justice in them which my friend1 ,miss ,eccleston1 is the first to admit4 ,she has consented1 therefore1 to defer her final decision for twenty-four hours2 at the end of that time the students of ,katharine ,hall and ,heath ,hall will know what we finally decide to do4 ,after the meeting in ,miss ,eccleston's drawing-room the affair of the auction assumed enormous proportions4 ,there was no other topic of conversation4 ,the students took sides vigorously in the matter3 the gay1 giddy1 and careless ones voting the auction a rare bit of fun1 and upholding those who had taken part in it with all their might and main4 ,the more sober and high-minded girls1 on the other hand1 took ,miss ,heath's and ,miss ,eccleston's views of the matter4 ,the principles of the college had been disregarded1 the spirit of order had been broken2 debt1 which was disgraceful1 was made light of4 ,these girls felt that the tone of ,st ,benet's was lowered4 ,even ,maggie ,oliphant sank in their estimation4 ,a few went to the length of saying that they could no longer include her in their set4 ,katharine ,hall1 the scene of the auction itself1 was1 of course1 now the place of special interest4 ,heath ,hall was also implicated in it1 but ,seymour ,hall1 which stood a little apart from its sister ,halls1 had sent no student to the scene of dissipation4 ,seymour ,hall was the smallest of the three4 ,it was completely isolated from the others1 standing in its own lovely grounds on the other side of the road4 ,it now held its head high1 and the girls who belonged to the other ,halls1 but had taken no part in the auction1 felt that their own beloved ,halls were lowered1 and their resentment was all the keener because the ,seymour ,hall girls gave themselves airs4 ,i shall never live through it1 said ,ida ,mason1 a ,heath ,hall girl to her favourite chum1 ,constance ,field4 ,nothing can ever be the same again4 ,if my mother knew1 ,constance1 ,i feel almost sure she would remove me4 ,the whole thing is so small and shabby and horrid1 and then to think of ,maggie taking part in it6 ,aren't you awfully shocked1 ,constance8 ,what is your true opinion8 ,my true opinion1 said ,constance1 is this3 it is our duty to uphold our own ,hall and our own chums4 ,as to the best of us1 if we are the best1 going away because a thing of this sort has occurred1 it is not to be thought of for a moment4 ,why1 ,ida1 ,constance laughed as she spoke1 you might as well expect one of the leading officers to desert his regiment when going into battle4 ,you know what ,maggie ,oliphant is1 ,ida4 ,as to deserting her because she has had one of her bad half-hours1 which she frankly confessed to1 like the brave girl she is1 ,i would as soon cut off my right hand4 ,now1 ,ida1 my dear1 don't be a little goose4 ,your part1 instead of grumbling and growling1 and hinting at the place not being fit for you1 is to go round to every friend you have in ,heath ,hall1 and get them to rally round ,maggie and ,miss ,heath4 ,there's that poor ,miss ,peel1 too1 said ,ida1 ,maggie's new friend--that queer1 plain girl2 she's sure to be frightfully bullied4 ,i suppose ,i'd better stick up for her as well8 ,of course1 dear1 you certainly ought4 ,but as to ,miss ,peel being plain1 ,ida1 ,i don't think ,i quite agree with you4 ,her face is too clever for that4 ,have you watched her when she acts8 ,no1 ,i don't think ,i have4 ,she seems to be very uninteresting4 ,look at her next time1 and tell me if you think her uninteresting afterwards4 ,now ,i'm off to find ,maggie4 ,she is sure to be having one of her bad times1 poor darling4 ,constance ,field was a girl whose opinion was always received with respect4 ,ida went off obediently to fulfil her behests2 and ,constance1 after searching in ,maggie's room1 and wandering in different parts of the grounds1 found the truant at last1 comfortably established with a pile of new books and magazines in the library4 ,the library was the most comfortable room in the house1 and ,maggie was leaning back luxuriously in an easy-chair1 reading some notes from a lecture on ,aristotle aloud to ,prissie1 who sat at her feet1 and took down notes of her own from ,maggie's lips4 ,the two looked up anything but gratefully when ,constance approached4 ,miss ,field1 however1 was not a person to be dismissed with a light and airy word1 and ,maggie sighed and closed her book when ,constance sat down in an armchair1 which she pulled close to her4 ,there were no other girls in the library1 and ,prissie1 seeing that ,miss ,field intended to be confidential1 looked at ,maggie with a disconsolate air4 ,perhaps ,i had better go up to my own room1 she said1 timidly4 ,maggie raised her brows1 and spoke in an impatient voice4 ,you are in no one's way1 ,priscilla1 she said4 ,here are my notes from the lecture4 ,i read to the end of this page2 you can make out the rest for yourself4 ,well1 ,constance1 have you anything to say8 ,not unless you want to hear me1 said ,miss ,field1 in her dignified manner4 ,maggie tried to stifle a yawn4 ,oh1 my dear ,connie1 ,i'm always charmed1 you know that4 ,well1 ,i thought ,i'd like to tell you that ,i admired the way you spoke last night4 ,were you present8 ,no1 but some friends of mine were4 ,they repeated the whole thing verbatim4 ,oh1 you heard it second-hand4 ,highly coloured1 no doubt1 and not the least like its poor original4 ,maggie spoke with a kind of bitter1 defiant sarcasm1 and a delicate colour1 came into ,miss ,field's cheeks4 ,at least1 ,i heard enough to assure me that you spoke the truth and concealed nothing1 she said4 ,it is the case that ,i spoke the truth1 as far as it went2 but it is not the case that ,i concealed nothing4 ,well1 ,maggie1 ,i have come to offer you my sincere sympathy4 ,thank you1 said ,maggie4 ,she leant back in her chair1 folded her hands1 and a tired look came over her expressive face4 ,the fact is1 she said1 suddenly1 ,i am sick of the whole thing4 ,i am sorry ,i went2 ,i made a public confession of my sorrow last night2 now ,i wish to forget it4 ,how can you possibly forget it1 until you know ,miss ,heath's and ,miss ,eccleston's decision8 ,frankly1 ,constance1 ,i don't care what decision they come to4 ,you don't care8 ,you don't mind the college authorities knowing8 ,i don't care if every college authority in ,england knows4 ,i have been humbled in the eyes of ,miss ,heath1 whom ,i love2 nothing else matters4 ,when ,maggie said these words1 ,prissie rose to her feet1 looked at her with a queer1 earnest glance1 suddenly bent forward1 kissed her frantically1 and rushed out of the room4 ,and ,i love that dear true-hearted child1 too1 said ,maggie4 ,now1 ,constance1 do let us talk of something else4 ,we'll talk about ,miss ,peel4 ,i don't know her as you do1 but ,i'm interested in her4 ,oh1 pray don't2 ,i want to keep her to myself4 ,why8 ,is she such a rara avis8 ,i don't care what she is4 ,she suits me because she loves me without question4 ,she is absolutely sincere2 she could not say an untrue thing2 she is so clever that ,i could not talk frivolities when ,i am with her2 and so good1 so really1 simply good1 that she keeps at bay my bad half-hours and my reckless moods4 ,constance smiled4 ,she believed part of ,maggie's speech2 not the whole of it1 for she knew the enthusiasm of the speaker4 ,i am going to ,kingsdene1 said ,maggie suddenly4 ,prissie is coming with me4 ,will you come1 too1 ,constance8 ,i wish you would4 ,thank you1 said ,constance4 ,she hesitated for a moment4 ,it is the best thing in the world for ,heath ,hall1 she thought1 that the girls should see me walking with ,maggie to-day4 ,aloud she said1 ,all right1 ,maggie1 ,i'll go upstairs and put on my hat and jacket1 and meet you and ,miss ,peel in the porch4 ,we are going to tea at the ,marshalls'1 said ,maggie4 ,you don't mind that1 do you8 ,you know them1 too8 ,know them8 ,i should think so4 ,isn't old ,mrs ,marshall a picture8 ,and ,helen is one of my best friends4 ,you shall make ,helen happy this afternoon1 dear ,constance4 ,maggie ran gaily out of the room as she spoke1 and a few minutes later the three girls1 in excellent spirits1 started for ,kingsdene4 ,as they entered the town they saw ,rosalind ,merton coming to meet them4 ,there was nothing in this1 for ,rosalind was a gay young person1 and had many friends in ,kingsdene4 ,few days passed that did not see her in the old town on her way to visit this friend or that1 or to perpetrate some little piece of extravagance at ,spilman's or at her dressmaker's4 ,on this occasion1 however1 ,rosalind was neither at ,spilman's or the dressmaker's4 ,she was walking demurely down the ,high ,street1 daintily dressed and charming to look at1 in ,hammond's company4 ,rosalind was talking eagerly and earnestly1 and ,hammond1 who was very tall1 was bending down to catch her words1 when the other three girls came briskly round a corner1 and in full view of the pair4 ,oh6 exclaimed ,priscilla aloud1 in her abrupt1 startled way4 ,her face became suffused with a flood of the deepest crimson1 and ,maggie1 who felt a little annoyed at seeing ,hammond in ,rosalind's company1 could not help noticing ,prissie's almost uncontrollable agitation4 ,rosalind1 too1 blushed1 but prettily1 when she saw the other three girls come up4 ,i will say good-bye1 now1 ,mr ,hammond1 she said1 for ,i must get back to ,st ,benet's in good time to-night4 ,she held out her hand1 which the young man took1 and shook cordially4 ,i am extremely obliged to you1 he said4 ,maggie was near enough to hear his words4 ,rosalind tripped past her three fellow-students with an airy little nod1 and the faint beginning of a mocking curtsy4 ,hammond came up to the three girls and joined them at once4 ,are you going to the ,marshalls'8 he said to ,maggie4 ,yes4 ,so am ,i4 ,what a lucky rencontre4 ,he said another word or two1 and then the four turned to walk down the ,high ,street4 ,maggie walked on in front with ,constance4 ,hammond fell to ,priscilla's share4 ,i am delighted to see you again1 she said1 in her eager1 agitated1 abrupt way4 ,are you8 he replied in some astonishment4 ,then he hastened to say something polite4 ,i forgot1 we had not ended our discussion4 ,you almost convinced me with regard to the superior merits of the ,odyssey1' but not quite4 ,shall we renew the subject now8 ,no1 please don't4 ,that's not why ,i'm glad to see you4 ,it's for something quite1 quite different4 ,i want to say something to you1 and it's most important4 ,can't we just keep back a little from the others8 ,i don't want ,maggie to hear4 ,now why were ,miss ,oliphant's ears so sharp that afternoon8 ,why1 even in the midst of her gay chatter to ,constance1 did she hear every word of ,priscilla's queer1 garbled speech8 ,and why did astonishment and even anger steal into her heart8 ,what she did1 however1 was to gratify ,prissie immensely by hurrying on with her companion1 so that she and ,hammond were left comfortably in the background4 ,i don't quite know what you mean1 he said1 stiffly4 ,what can you possibly have of importance to say to me8 ,i don't want ,maggie to hear1 repeated ,prissie1 in her earnest voice4 ,she knew far too little of the world to be in the least alarmed at ,hammond's stately tones4 ,what ,i want to say is about ,maggie1 and yet it isn't4 ,about ,miss ,oliphant8 ,oh1 yes1 but she's ,maggie to me4 ,she's the dearest1 the best--there's no one like her1 no one4 ,i didn't understand her at first1 but now ,i know how noble she is4 ,i had no idea until ,i knew ,maggie that a person could have faults1 and yet be noble4 ,it's a new sort of experience to me4 ,prissie's eyes1 in which even in her worst moments there always sat the soul of a far-reaching sort of intelligence1 were shining now through tears4 ,hammond saw the tears1 and the lovely expression in the eyes1 and said to himself-- ,good heavens1 could ,i ever have regarded that dear child as plain8 ,aloud1 he said1 in a softened voice1 ,i'm awfully obliged to you for saying these sorts of things of ,miss--,miss ,oliphant1 but you must know1 at least you must guess1 that ,i--,i have thought them for myself long1 long ago4 ,yes1 of course1 ,i know that4 ,but have you much faith8 ,do you keep to what you believe8 ,this is a most extraordinary girl6 murmured ,hammond4 ,then he said aloud1 ,i fail to understand you4 ,they had now nearly reached the ,marshalls' door4 ,the other two were waiting for them4 ,it's this1 said ,prissie1 clasping her hands hard1 and speaking in her most emphatic and distressful way4 ,there are unkind things being said of ,maggie1 and there's one girl who is horrid to her--horrid6 ,i want you not to believe a word that girl says4 ,what girl do you mean8 ,you were walking with her just now4 ,really1 ,miss ,peel1 you are the most extraordinary-- ,but ,maggie ,oliphant's clear1 sweet voice interrupted them4 ,had we not better come into the house8 she said4 ,the door has been open for quite half a minute4 ,poor ,prissie rushed in first1 covered with shame2 ,miss ,field hastened after1 to bear her company2 and ,hammond and ,maggie brought up the rear4 ,,chapter ,,twenty4 ,a ,,painter4 ,the ,marshalls were always at home to their friends on ,friday afternoons1 and there were already several guests in the beautiful1 quaint old drawing-room when the quartette entered4 ,mrs ,marshall1 her white hair looking lovely under her soft lace cap1 came forward to meet her visitors4 ,her kind eyes looked with appreciation and welcome at one and all4 ,blushing and shamefaced ,prissie received a pleasant word of greeting1 which seemed in some wonderful way to steady her nerves4 ,hammond and ,maggie were received as special and very dear friends1 and ,helen ,marshall1 the old lady's pretty grand-daughter1 rushed forward to embrace her particular friend1 ,constance ,field4 ,maggie felt sore2 she scarcely knew why4 ,her voice was bright1 her eyes shining1 her cheeks radiant in their rich and lovely bloom4 ,but there was a quality in her voice which ,hammond recognised--a certain ring which meant defiance1 and which prophesied to those who knew her well that one of her bad half-hours was not very far off4 ,maggie seated herself near a girl who was a comparative stranger and began to talk4 ,hammond drew near1 and made a third in the conversation4 ,maggie talked in the brilliant1 somewhat reckless fashion which she occasionally adopted4 ,hammond listened1 now and then uttered a short sentence1 now and then was silent1 with disapproval in his eyes4 ,maggie read their expression like a book4 ,he shall be angry with me1 she said to herself4 ,her words became a little wilder4 ,the sentiments she uttered were the reverse of those ,hammond held4 ,soon a few old friends came up4 ,they were jolly1 merry1 good-humoured girls1 who were all prepared to look up to ,maggie ,oliphant1 and to worship her beauty and cleverness if she would allow them4 ,maggie welcomed the girls with effusion1 let them metaphorically sit at her feet1 and proceeded to disenchant them as hard as she could4 ,some garbled accounts of the auction at ,st ,benet's had reached them1 and they were anxious to get a full report from ,miss ,oliphant4 ,did she not think it a scandalous sort of thing to have occurred8 ,not at all1 answered ,maggie in her sweetest tones2 it was capital fun1 ,i assure you4 ,were you really there8 asked ,miss ,duncan1 the eldest of the girls4 ,we heard it1 of course1 but could scarcely believe it possible4 ,of course ,i was there1 replied ,maggie4 ,whenever there is anything really amusing going on1 ,i am always in the thick of it4 ,well6 ,emily ,duncan looked at her sister ,susan4 ,susan raised her brows4 ,hammond took a photograph from a table which stood near1 and pretended to examine it4 ,shall ,i tell you about the auction8 asked ,maggie4 ,oh1 please1 if you would be so kind4 ,i suppose1 as you were present1 such a thing could not really lower the standard of the college8 ,these words came from ,susan ,duncan1 who looked at ,hammond as she spoke4 ,she was his cousin1 and very fond of him4 ,please tell us about the auction1 he said1 looking full at ,maggie4 ,i will1 she replied1 answering his gaze with a flash of repressed irritation4 ,the auction was splendid fun6 ,one of our girls was in debt1 and she had to sell her things4 ,oh1 it was capital6 ,i wish you could have seen her acting as her own auctioneer4 ,some of us were greedy1 and wanted her best things4 ,i was one of those4 ,she sold a sealskin jacket1 an expensive one1 quite new4 ,there is a legend in the college that eighty guineas were expended on it4 ,well1 ,i bid for the sealskin1 and it was knocked down to me for ten4 ,it is a little too big for me1 of course1 but when it is cut to my figure1 it will make a superb winter garment4 ,maggie was clothed now in velvet and sable2 nothing could be richer than her attire2 nothing more mocking than her words4 ,you were fortunate1 said ,susan ,duncan4 ,you got your sealskin a great bargain4 ,didn't she1 ,geoffrey8 ,i don't think so1 replied ,hammond4 ,why not8 ,oh1 do tell us why not1 cried the sisters1 eagerly4 ,he bowed to them1 laughed as lightly as ,maggie would have done1 and said1 in a careless tone3 ,my reasons are complex1 and too many to mention4 ,i will only say now that what is objectionable to possess can never be a bargain to obtain4 ,in my opinion1 sealskin jackets are detestable4 ,with these words he strode across the room1 and seated himself with a sigh of relief by ,priscilla's side4 ,what are you doing all by yourself8 he said1 cheerfully4 ,is no one attending to you8 ,are you always to be left like a poor little forsaken mouse in the background8 ,i am not at all lonely1 said ,prissie4 ,i thought you hated to be alone4 ,i did1 the other day1 in that drawing-room2 but not in this4 ,people are all kind in this4 ,you are right4 ,our hostess is most genial and sympathetic4 ,and the guests are nice1 too1 said ,prissie2 at least1 they look nice4 ,ay1 but you must not be taken in by appearances4 ,some of them only look nice4 ,do you mean8 began ,prissie in her abrupt1 anxious voice4 ,hammond took alarm4 ,he remembered her peculiar outspokenness4 ,i don't mean anything1 he said1 hastily4 ,by the way1 are you fond of pictures8 ,i have scarcely ever seen any4 ,that does not matter4 ,i know by your face that you can appreciate some pictures4 ,but1 really1 ,i know nothing of art4 ,never mind4 ,if the painter who paints knows you-- ,the painter knows me8 ,i have never seen an artist in my life4 ,nevertheless1 there are some artists in the world who have conceived of characters like yours4 ,there are some good pictures in this house-- shall ,i show you one or two8 ,prissie sprang to her feet4 ,you are most kind1 she said1 effusively4 ,i really don't know how to thank you4 ,you need not thank me at all2 or1 at any rate1 not in such a loud voice1 nor so impressively4 ,our neighbours will think ,i have bestowed half a kingdom upon you4 ,prissie blushed1 and looked down4 ,don't be shocked with me1 said ,hammond2 ,i can read your grateful heart4 ,come this way4 ,they passed ,maggie ,oliphant and her two or three remaining satellites4 ,prissie looked at her with longing1 and tripped awkwardly against her chair4 ,hammond walked past ,maggie as if she did not exist to him4 ,maggie nodded affectionately to ,priscilla1 and followed the back of ,hammond's head and shoulders with a supercilious1 amused smile4 ,hammond opened the outer drawing-room door4 ,where are we going8 asked ,priscilla4 ,are not the pictures here8 ,some are here1 but the best are in the picture gallery--here to the left1 and down these steps4 ,now1 ,i'm going to introduce to you a new world4 ,he pushed aside a heavy curtain1 and ,prissie found herself in a rather small room1 lighted from the roof4 ,it contained in all about six or eight pictures1 each the work of a master4 ,hammond walked straight across the gallery to a picture which occupied a wall by itself at the further end4 ,it represented a summer scene of deep repose4 ,there was water in the foreground2 in the back1 tall forest trees in the fresh1 rich foliage of ,june4 ,overhead was a sunset sky1 its saffron and rosy tints reflected in the water below4 ,the master who painted the picture was ,corot4 ,hammond motioned ,priscilla to sit down opposite to it4 ,there is summer1 he said2 peace1 absolute repose4 ,you have not to go to it2 it comes to you4 ,he did not say any more1 but walked away to look at another picture in a different part of the gallery4 ,prissie clasped her hands2 all the agitation and eagerness went out of her face4 ,she leant back in her chair4 ,her attitude partook of the quality of the picture1 and became restful4 ,hammond did not disturb her for several moments4 ,i am going to show you something different now1 he said1 coming up to her almost with reluctance4 ,there is one sort of rest2 ,i will now show you a higher4 ,here1 stand so4 ,the light falls well from this angle4 ,now1 what do you see8 ,i don't understand it1 said ,prissie1 after a long1 deep gaze4 ,never mind1 you see something4 ,tell me what you see4 ,priscilla looked again at the picture4 ,i see a woman1 she said at last1 in a slow1 pained kind of voice4 ,i can't see her face very well1 but ,i know by the way she lies back in that chair1 that she is old1 and dreadfully tired4 ,oh1 yes1 ,i know well that she is tired--see her hand stretched out there--her hand and her arm--how thin they are--how worn--and-- ,hard worked1 interrupted ,hammond4 ,anyone can see by the attitude of that hand1 by the starting veins and the wrinkles1 that the woman has gone through a life of labour4 ,well1 she does not occupy the whole of the picture4 ,you see before you a tired-out worker4 ,don't be so unhappy about her4 ,look up a little higher in the picture4 ,observe for yourself that her toils are ended4 ,who is that other figure8 said ,priscilla4 ,a woman too1 but young and strong4 ,how glad she looks1 and how kind4 ,she is carrying a little child in her arms4 ,who is she8 ,what does she mean8 ,that woman1 so grand and strong1 represents ,death1 but not under the old metaphor4 ,she comes with renewed life--the child is the type of that--she comes as a deliverer4 ,see1 she is touching that poor worn-out creature1 who is so tired that she can scarcely hold her head up again4 ,death1 with a new aspect1 and a new grand strength in her face1 is saying to this woman1 ,come with me now to your rest4 ,it is all over1' ,death says3 all the trouble and perplexity and strife4 ,come away with me and rest4' ,the name of that picture is ,the ,deliverer4' ,it is the work of a painter who can preach a sermon1 write a book1 deliver an oration1 and sing a song1 all through the medium of his brush4 ,i won't trouble you with his name just now4 ,you will hear plenty of him and his wonderful1 great pictures by-and-by1 if you love art as ,i do4 ,thank you1 said ,prissie1 simply4 ,some tears stole down her cheeks4 ,she did not know she was crying2 she did not attempt to wipe them away4 ,,chapter ,,twenty ,,one4 ,i ,,detest ,,it4 ,shortly after the girls got home that evening1 they received letters in their rooms to inform them that ,miss ,heath and ,miss ,eccleston had come to the resolution not to report the affair of the auction to the college authorities4 ,they would trust to the honour of the students at ,st ,benet's not to allow such a proceeding to occur again1 and would say nothing further on the matter4 ,prissie's eyes filled again with tears as she read the carefully worded note4 ,holding it open in her hand she rushed to ,maggie's room and knocked4 ,to her surprise1 instead of the usual cheerful ,come in1 with which ,miss ,oliphant always assured her young friend of a welcome1 ,maggie said from the other side of the locked door-- ,i am very busy just now--,i cannot see anyone4 ,priscilla felt a curious sense of being chilled2 her whole afternoon had been one of elation1 and ,maggie's words came as a kind of cold douche4 ,she went back to her room1 tried not to mind1 and occupied herself looking over her beloved ,greek until the dinner-gong sounded4 ,after dinner ,priscilla again looked with anxious1 loving eyes at ,maggie4 ,maggie did not stop1 as was her custom1 to say a kind word or two as she passed4 ,she was talking to another girl1 and laughing gaily4 ,her dress was as picturesque as her face and figure were beautiful4 ,but was ,priscilla mistaken1 or was her anxious observation too close8 ,she felt sure as ,miss ,oliphant brushed past her that her eyelids were slightly reddened1 as if she had been weeping4 ,prissie put out a timid hand and touched ,maggie on the arm4 ,she turned abruptly4 ,i forgot1 she said to her companion4 ,please wait for me outside1 ,hester2 ,i'll join you in a moment1 ,i have just a word to say to ,miss ,peel4 ,what is it1 ,prissie8 said ,maggie1 then1 when the other girl had walked out of hearing4 ,why did you touch me8 ,oh1 for nothing much1 replied ,prissie1 half frightened at her manner1 which was sweet enough1 but had an intangible hardness about it1 which ,priscilla felt1 but could not fathom4 ,i thought you'd be so glad about the decision ,miss ,heath and ,miss ,eccleston have come to4 ,no1 ,i am not particularly glad4 ,i can't stay now to talk it over1 however2 ,hester ,stuart wants1 me to practise a duet with her4 ,may ,i come to your room later on1 ,maggie8 ,not to-night1 ,i think2 ,i shall be very busy4 ,miss ,oliphant nodded brightly1 and disappeared out of the dining-hall4 ,two girls were standing not far off4 ,they had watched this little scene1 and they now observed that ,prissie clasped her hands1 and that a woe-begone expression crossed her face4 ,the spell is beginning to work1 whispered one to the other4 ,when the knight proves unfaithful the most gracious lady must suffer resentment4 ,priscilla did not hear these words4 ,she went slowly upstairs and back to her own room1 where she wrote letters home1 and made copious notes from her last lectures1 and tried not to think of the little cloud which seemed to have come between her and ,maggie4 ,late1 on that same evening1 ,polly ,singleton1 who had just been entertaining a chosen bevy of friends in her own room1 after the last had bidden her an affectionate ,good-night1 was startled at hearing a low knock at her door4 ,she opened it at once4 ,miss ,oliphant stood without4 ,may ,i come in8 she asked4 ,why1 of course4 ,i'm delighted to see you4 ,how kind of you to come4 ,where will you sit8 ,i'm afraid you won't find things very comfortable1 for most of my furniture is gone4 ,but there's the bed2 do you mind sitting on the bed8 ,if ,i want to sit at all the bed is as snug a place as any1 replied ,maggie4 ,but ,i'm not going to stay a moment1 for it is very late4 ,see1 ,i have brought you this back4 ,polly looked1 and for the first time observed that her own sealskin jacket hung on ,maggie's arm4 ,what do you mean8 she said4 ,my sealskin jacket6 ,oh1 my beauty6 ,but it isn't mine1 it's yours now4 ,why do you worry me--showing it to me again8 ,i don't want to worry you1 ,miss ,singleton4 ,i mean what ,i say4 ,i have brought your jacket back4 ,but it is yours--you bought it4 ,i gave a nominal price for it1 but that doesn't make it mine4 ,anyhow1 ,i have no use for it4 ,please take it back again4 ,poor ,polly blushed very red all over her face4 ,i wish ,i could1 she said4 ,if there has been anything ,i regretted in the auction1 besides getting all you girls into a mess1 it has been my sealskin jacket4 ,dad is almost certain to ask me about it1 for he never made me such a handsome present before4 ,poor dad6 he was so proud the night he brought it home4 ,he said1 ,look here1 ,poll1 ,i paid a whole sheaf of fivers for this1 and although it cost me a good round eighty guineas1 ,i'm told it's cheap at the price4 ,put it on1 and let me see how you look in it1' he said4 ,and when ,i had it on he twisted me round1 and chucked me under the chin1 and said ,i was a bouncer4' ,poor old dad6 ,he was as proud as ,punch of me in that jacket ,i never saw anything like it4 ,well1 he can be as proud as ,punch of you again4 ,here is the jacket for your very own once more4 ,good-night4 ,she walked to the door1 but ,miss ,singleton ran after her4 ,i can't take it back1 she said4 ,i'm not as mean as all that comes to4 ,it's yours now2 you got it as fair as possible4 ,listen1 ,miss ,singleton1 said ,maggie4 ,if ,i keep that jacket ,i shall never wear it4 ,i detest sealskin jackets4 ,it won't be the least scrap of use to me4 ,you detest sealskin jackets8 ,how can you8 ,oh1 the lovely things they are4 ,let me stroke the beauty down4 ,stroke your beauty1 and pet it as much as you like1 only let me say ,good-night1' now4 ,but1 please1 ,miss ,oliphant1 please1 ,i'd do anything in the world to get the jacket back1 of course4 ,but ,i've ten guineas of yours1 and honestly1 ,i can't pay them back4 ,allow me to lend them to you until next term4 ,you can return me the money then1 can you not8 ,polly's face became on the instant a show of shining eyes1 gleaming white teeth1 and glowing cheeks4 ,of course ,i could pay you back1 you--darling1 she said with enthusiasm4 ,oh1 what a relief this is to me2 ,i'd have done anything in all the world to have my jacket back again4 ,it's a bargain1 then4 ,good-night1 ,miss ,singleton4 ,maggie tossed the jacket on ,polly's bed1 touched her hand lightly with one of her own1 and left the room4 ,she went quickly back to her own pretty sitting-room1 locked her door1 threw herself on her knees by her bureau1 and sobbed long and passionately4 ,during the few days which now remained before the end of the term no one quite knew what was wrong with ,miss ,oliphant4 ,she worked hard in preparation for her lectures1 and when seen in public was always very merry4 ,but there was a certain hardness about her mirth which her best friends detected1 and which caused ,nancy ,banister a good deal of puzzled pain4 ,priscilla was treated very kindly by ,maggie2 she still helped her willingly with her ,greek1 and even invited her into her room once or twice4 ,but all the little half-beginnings of confidence which1 now and then1 used to burst from ,maggie's lips1 the allusions to old times1 the sentences which revealed deep thoughts and high aspirations1 all these1 which made the essence of true friendship1 vanished out of her conversation4 ,priscilla said to herself over and over that there was really no difference--that ,miss ,oliphant was still as kind to her1 as valued a friend as ever--but in her heart she knew that this was not the case4 ,maggie startled all her friends by making one request4 ,might they postpone the acting of ,the ,princess until the middle of the following term8 ,i cannot do it justice now1 she said4 ,i cannot throw my heart and soul into my part4 ,if you act the play now you must allow me to withdraw4 ,the other girls1 ,constance ,field in particular1 were astonished4 ,they even felt resentful4 ,all arrangements had been made for this especial play4 ,maggie was to be the ,princess herself2 no one could possibly take her place4 ,it was most unreasonable of her to withdraw now4 ,but it was one of the facts well-known at ,st ,benet's that1 fascinating as ,miss ,oliphant was1 she was also unreasonable4 ,on certain occasions she could even be disobliging4 ,in short1 when ,maggie took the bit between her teeth1 to employ an old metaphor1 she could neither be led nor driven4 ,after a great deal of heated discussion and indignant words1 she had her will4 ,the play was deferred till the following term1 and one or two slight comedies1 which had been acted before1 were revived in a hurry to take its place4 ,,chapter ,,twenty ,,two4 ,a ,,black ,,satin ,,jacket4 ,very active preparations were being made in a certain rather humble little cottage in the country for the heroine's return4 ,three small girls were making themselves busy with holly and ivy1 with badly-cut paper flowers1 with enormous texts coarsely illustrated1 to render the home gay and festive in its greeting4 ,a little worn old woman lay on a sofa1 and superintended these active measures4 ,how soon will she be here now8 said ,hattie the vigorous4 ,do stay still1 ,hattie1 and don't fidget4 ,don't you see how tired ,aunt ,raby looks8 exclaimed ,rose4 ,prissie can't be here yet1 and you are such a worry when you jump up and down like that1 ,hattie4 ,rose's words were quite severe1 and ,hattie planted herself on the edge of a chair1 folded her plump hands1 managed to get a demure look into her laughing eyes and dimpled mouth1 and sat motionless for about half a minute4 ,at the end of that time she tumbled on the floor with a loud crash1 and ,aunt ,raby sprang to her feet with some alarm4 ,good gracious1 child6 are you hurt8 ,what's the matter8 ,hattie was sitting on the floor in convulsions of mirth4 ,i'm not hurt1 she exclaimed4 ,i slipped off the chair4 ,i didn't mean to2 ,i couldn't help it1 really4 ,i'm sorry ,i woke you1 ,aunt ,raby4 ,i wasn't asleep1 child4 ,miss ,peel walked across the room1 and vanished into the kitchen1 from which very savoury smells issued4 ,hattie and ,rose began to quarrel and argue1 and ,katie1 who was more or less of a little peacemaker1 suggested that they should draw up the blind1 and all three get into the window to watch for ,prissie4 ,i wonder how she will look8 said ,rose1 when they were all comfortably established4 ,i hope she won't talk in ,latin1 exclaimed ,hattie4 ,oh1 it is nice to think of seeing ,prissie so soon1 murmured ,katie in an ecstasy4 ,i wonder1 began ,rose in her practical voice1 how soon ,prissie will begin to earn money4 ,we want money even more than when she went away4 ,aunt ,raby isn't as well as she was then1 and since the cows were sold-- ,hush6 said ,hattie4 ,you know we promised we wouldn't tell ,prissie about the cows4 ,just then a distant sound of wheels was heard4 ,the little girls began to jump and shout2 a moment later and ,priscilla stood in the midst of her family4 ,a great excitement followed her arrival4 ,there were kisses and hugs1 and wild1 rapturous words from the affectionate little sisters4 ,aunt ,raby put her arms round ,priscilla1 and gave her a solemn sort of kiss1 and then the whole party adjourned into the supper-room4 ,the feast which was spread was so dainty and abundant that ,katie asked in a puzzled sort of way if ,aunt ,raby considered ,prissie like the ,prodigal ,son4 ,what fancies you have1 child6 said ,aunt ,raby4 ,the ,prodigal ,son1 indeed6 ,thank ,heaven1 ,i've never had to do with that sort6 ,as to ,priscilla here1 she's as steady as ,old ,time4 ,well1 child1 and are you getting up your learning very fast8 ,pretty well1 ,aunt ,raby4 ,and you like your grand college1 and all those fine young-lady friends of yours8 ,i haven't any fine young-lady friends4 ,h'm6 ,i daresay they are like other girls2 a little bit of learning1 and a great deal of dress1 eh8 ,priscilla coloured4 ,there are all sorts of girls at ,st ,benet's1 she said after a pause4 ,some are real students1 earnest1 devoted to their work4 ,have you earned any money yet1 ,prissie8 exclaimed ,hattie4 ,for if you have1 ,i do want--look-- ,she thrust a small foot1 encased in a broken shoe1 prominently into view4 ,hattie1 go to bed this minute6 exclaimed ,aunt ,raby4 ,go up to your room all three of you little girls4 ,no more words--off at once1 all of you4 ,prissie1 you and ,i will go into the drawing-room1 and ,i'll lie on the sofa1 while you tell me a little bit about your college life4 ,aunt ,raby always lies oh the sofa in the evenings now1 burst from ,hattie the irrepressible4 ,miss ,peel rushed after the plump little girl1 and pushed her out of the room4 ,to bed1 all of you6 she exclaimed4 ,to bed1 and to sleep6 ,now1 ,prissie1 you are not to mind a word that child says4 ,come into the drawing-room1 and let us have a few words quietly4 ,oh1 yes1 ,i'll lie on the sofa1 my dear1 if you wish it4 ,but ,hattie is wrong2 ,i don't do it every night4 ,i suffer no pain either1 ,prissie4 ,many a woman of my age is racked with rheumatics4 ,the last words were said with a little gasp4 ,the elder woman lay back on the sofa1 with a sigh of relief4 ,she turned her face so that the light from the lamp should not reveal the deathly tired lines round it4 ,aunt ,raby was dressed in a rough homespun garment4 ,her feet were clad in unbleached cotton stockings1 also made at home2 her little1 iron-grey curls lay flat at each side of her hollow cheeks4 ,she wore list slippers1 very coarse and common in texture4 ,her whole appearance was the essence of the homely1 the old-fashioned1 even the ungainly4 ,priscilla had seen elegance and beauty since she went away2 she had entered into the life of the cultivated1 the intellectually great4 ,in spite of her deep affection for ,aunt ,raby1 she came back to the ugliness and the sordid surroundings of home with a pang which she hated herself for feeling4 ,she forgot ,aunt ,raby's sufferings for a moment in her uncouthness4 ,she longed to shower riches1 refinement1 beauty upon her4 ,how has your dress worn1 ,prissie8 said the elder woman1 after a pause4 ,my sakes1 child1 you have got your best brown cashmere on6 ,a beautiful fine bit of cashmere it was1 too4 ,i bought it out of the money ,i got for the lambs' wool4 ,aunt ,raby stretched out her hand1 and1 taking up a fold of the cashmere1 she rubbed it softly between her finger and thumb4 ,it's as fine as velvet1 she said1 and ,i put strong work into it1 too4 ,it isn't a bit worn1 is it1 ,prissie8 ,no1 ,aunt ,raby1 except just round the tail4 ,i got it very wet one day1 and the colour went a trifle2 but nothing to signify4 ,a vivid picture rose up before ,priscilla's eyes as she spoke of ,mrs ,elliot-,smith's drawing-room1 and the dainty1 disdainful ladies in their gay attire1 and her own poor1 little1 forlorn figure in her muddy cashmere dress--the same dress ,aunt ,raby considered soft and beautiful as velvet4 ,oh1 ,aunt ,raby1 she said with sudden impulse1 a great many things have happened to me since ,i went away4 ,on the whole ,i have had a very good time4 ,aunt ,raby opened her mouth to emit a prodigious yawn4 ,i don't know how it is1 she said1 but ,i'm a bit drowsy to-night4 ,i suppose it's the weather4 ,the day was quite a muggy one4 ,i'll hear your news another time1 ,priscilla2 but don't you be turned with the vanities of the world1 ,priscilla4 ,life's but a passing day3 you mind that when you're young1 and it won't come on you as a shock when you are old4 ,i'm glad the cashmere has worn well--ay1 that ,i am1 ,prissie4 ,but don't put it on in the morning1 my love1 for it's a sin to wear through beautiful fine stuff like that4 ,and1 even if the colour is gone a bit round the hem1 the stuff itself isn't worn1 and looks don't signify4 ,you'll have to make up your mind to wear the cashmere for best again next term1 ,prissie1 for1 though ,i'm not pinched in any way1 ,i'm not overflush either1 my love4 ,priscilla1 who had been sitting in a low chair near her aunt1 now rose to her feet4 ,ought we not to come to bed8 she said4 ,if you don't feel tired1 you look it1 ,aunt ,raby4 ,come upstairs1 do1 and let me help you to take your things off1 and put you into bed4 ,come1 ,aunt ,raby1 it will be like old times to help you1 you know4 ,the girl knelt by the old woman1 took one of her withered hands1 raised it suddenly to her lips1 and kissed it4 ,aunt ,raby's face was still turned from the light4 ,don't you keep kneeling on your cashmere1 she said4 ,you'll crease it awfully1 and ,i don't see my way to another best dress this term4 ,you needn't1 ,aunt ,raby1 said ,priscilla1 in a steady voice4 ,the cashmere is quite neat still4 ,i can manage well with it4 ,aunt ,raby rose slowly and feebly from the sofa4 ,you may help me to get into bed if you like1 she said4 ,the muggy day has made me wonderfully drowsy1 and ,i'll be glad to lie down4 ,it's only that3 ,i'll be as pert as a cricket in the morning4 ,the old woman leant on the girl's strong1 young arm1 and stumbled a bit as she went up the narrow stairs4 ,when they entered the tiny bedroom ,aunt ,raby spoke again-- ,your dress will do1 but ,i have been fretting about your winter jacket1 ,prissie4 ,there's my best one1 though--you know1 the quilted satin which my mother left me2 its loose and full1 and you shall have it4 ,but you want it to go to church in yourself1 ,aunt ,raby4 ,i don't often go to church lately1 child4 ,i take a power of comfort lying on the sofa1 reading my ,bible1 and ,mr ,hayes doesn't see anything contrary to ,scripture in it1 for ,i asked him4 ,yes1 you shall have my quilted satin jacket to take back to college with you1 ,prissie1 and then you'll be set up fine4 ,priscilla bent forward and kissed ,aunt ,raby4 ,she made no other response1 but that night before she went to sleep she saw distinctly a vision of herself4 ,prissie was as little vain as a girl could be1 but the vision of her own figure in ,aunt ,raby's black satin quilted jacket was not a particularly inspiriting one4 ,that jacket1 full in the skirts1 long in the shoulders1 wide in the sleeves1 and enormous round the neck1 would scarcely bear comparison with the neat1 tight-fitting garments which the other girl graduates of ,st ,benet's were wont to patronise4 ,prissie felt glad she was not attired in it that unfortunate day when she sat in ,mrs ,elliot-,smith's drawing-room2 and yet--and yet-- she knew that the poor1 quaint1 old-world jacket meant love and self-renunciation4 ,dear ,aunt ,raby6 whispered the girl4 ,tears lay heavily on her eyelashes as she dropped asleep1 with one arm thrown protectingly round her little sister ,katie4 ,,chapter ,,twenty ,,three4 ,,the ,,fashion ,,of ,,the ,,day4 ,a thick mist lay over everything4 ,christmas had come and gone1 and ,priscilla's trunk was packed once more--,aunt ,raby's old-world jacket between folds of tissue-paper1 lying on the top of other homely garments4 ,the little sisters were in bed and asleep1 and ,aunt ,raby lay on the sofa4 ,prissie was accustomed to her face now1 so she did not turn it away from the light4 ,the white lips1 the chalky grey tint under the eyes1 the deep furrows round the sunken temples1 were all familiar to the younger ,miss ,peel4 ,she had fitted once more into the old sordid life4 ,she saw ,hattie in her slipshod feet1 and ,katie and ,rose in their thin winter jackets1 which did not half keep out the cold4 ,she saw and partook of the scanty meals1 and tried to keep warm by the wretched fires4 ,once more she was part and parcel of the household4 ,the children were so accustomed to her that they forgot she was going away again4 ,to-night1 however1 the fact was brought back to her4 ,katie cried when she saw the packed trunk1 ,hattie pouted1 and flopped herself about and became unmanageable4 ,rose put on her most discontented manner and voice1 and finding that ,prissie had earned no money during the past term1 gave utterance to sceptical thoughts4 ,prissie just went away to have a good time1 and she never meant to earn money1 and she forgot all about them1 grumbled the naughty little girl4 ,hattie came up and pummelled ,rose for her bad words4 ,katie cried afresh1 and altogether the scene was most dismal4 ,now1 however1 it was over4 ,the children were in the land of happy dreams4 ,they were eating their ,christmas dinner over again1 and looking with ecstasy at their tiny1 tiny ,christmas gifts1 and listening once more to ,prissie1 who had a low1 sweet voice1 and who was singing to them the old and beloved words-- ,peace and goodwill to men4 ,the children were happy in their dreams1 and ,prissie was standing by ,aunt ,raby's side4 ,why don't you sit down1 child8 ,you have done nothing but fidget1 fidget1 for the last half-hour4 ,i want to go out1 ,aunt ,raby4 ,to go out8 ,sakes6 what for8 ,and on such a night1 too6 ,i want to see ,mr ,hayes4 ,prissie1 ,i think you have got a bee in your bonnet4 ,you'll be lost in this mist4 ,no1 ,i won't4 ,i missed ,mr ,hayes to-day when he called1 and ,i must see him before ,i go back to ,st ,benet's4 ,i have a question or two to ask him1 and ,i know every step of the way4 ,let me go1 auntie1 please1 do6 ,you always were a wilful girl1 ,priscilla1 and ,i think that college has made you more obstinate than ever4 ,i suppose the half-mannish ways of all those girls tell upon you4 ,there1 if you must go--do4 ,i'm in no mood for arguing4 ,i'll have a bit of a sleep while you are out3 the muggy weather always makes me so drowsy4 ,aunt ,raby uttered a very weary yawn1 and turned her face from the light4 ,priscilla stepped into the hall1 put on her waterproof and oldest hat1 and went out4 ,she knew her way well to the little vicarage1 built of grey stone1 and lying something like a small1 daring fly against the brow of the hill4 ,the little house looked as if any storm must detach it from its resting-place2 but to-night there was no wind1 only clinging mist1 and damp and thick fog4 ,priscilla mounted the rough road which led to the vicarage1 opened the white gate1 walked up the gravel path1 and entered the little porch4 ,her knock was answered by the vicar himself4 ,he drew her into the house with an affectionate word of welcome1 and soon she was sitting by his study fire1 with hat and jacket removed4 ,in the vicar's eyes ,priscilla was not at all a plain girl4 ,he liked the rugged power which her face displayed2 he admired the sensible lines of her mouth1 and he prophesied great things from that brow1 so calm1 so broad1 so full4 ,mr ,hayes had but a small respect for the roses and lilies of mere beauty4 ,mind was always more to him than matter4 ,some of the girls at ,st ,benet's1 who thought very little of poor ,priscilla1 would have felt no small surprise had they known the high regard and even admiration this good man felt for her4 ,i am glad you have called1 ,prissie1 he said4 ,i was disappointed in not seeing you to-day4 ,well1 my dear1 do as well in the coming term as you did in the past4 ,you have my best wishes4 ,thank you1 said ,prissie4 ,you are happy in your new life1 are you not1 my dear child8 ,i am interested1 said ,priscilla1 in a low voice4 ,her eyes rested on her shabby dress as she spoke4 ,she laid one hand over the other4 ,she seemed to be weighing her words4 ,i am interested2 sometimes ,i am absorbed4 ,my new life fills my heart2 it crowds into all my thoughts4 ,i have no room for ,aunt ,raby--no room for my little sisters4 ,everything is new to me--everything fresh and broad4 ,there are some trials1 of course1 and some unpleasantness2 but1 oh1 the difference between here and there6 ,here it is so narrow2 there1 one cannot help getting enlightenment1 daily and hourly4 ,yes1 said ,mr ,hayes1 when ,priscilla paused1 ,i expected you to say something of this kind4 ,i knew you could not but feel the immense1 the immeasurable change4 ,but why do you speak in that complaining voice1 ,priscilla8 ,prissie's eyes were raised to his4 ,because ,aunt ,raby is ill1 and it is wicked of me to forget her4 ,it is mean and cowardly4 ,i hate myself for it6 ,mr ,hayes looked puzzled for a moment2 then his face cleared4 ,my dear ,prissie1 he said1 ,i always knew there were depths of morbidness in you1 but ,i did not suppose that you would sound them so quickly4 ,if you are to grow up to be a wise and useful and helpful woman by-and-by1 you must check this intense self-examination4 ,your feelings are the natural feelings of a girl who has entered upon a very charming life4 ,you are meant to lead that life for the present2 you are meant to do your duty in it4 ,don't worry1 my dear4 ,go back to ,st ,benet's1 and study well1 and learn much1 and gather plenty of experience for the future4 ,if you fret about what cannot be helped1 you will weaken your intellect and tire your heart4 ,after all1 ,prissie1 though you give much thought to ,st ,benet's1 and though its ways are delightful to you1 your love is still with the old friends1 is it not8 ,even there ,i have failed1 said ,priscilla1 sadly4 ,there is a girl at ,st ,benet's who has a strange power over me4 ,i love her--,i have a very great love for her4 ,she is not a happy girl1 she is not a perfect girl1 but ,i would do anything--anything in the wide world for her4 ,and you would do anything for us1 too8 ,oh1 yes1 yes4 ,and1 though you don't think it1 your love for us is stronger than your love for her4 ,there is a freshness about the new love which fascinates you1 but the old is the stronger4 ,keep both loves1 my dear3 both are of value4 ,now ,i must go out to visit poor ,peters1 who is ill1 so ,i can see you home4 ,is there anything more you want to say to me8 ,oh1 yes1 ,mr ,hayes1 ,aunt ,raby is very ill4 ,she is1 ,prissie4 ,does she know it8 ,yes4 ,ought ,i to be away from her now8--is it right8 ,my dear1 do you want to break her heart8 ,she worked so hard to get this time at college for you4 ,no1 ,prissie1 don't get that idea into your head4 ,aunt ,raby is most anxious that you should have every advantage4 ,she knows--she and ,i both know--that she cannot live more than a year or two longer1 and her greatest hope is that you may be able to support your little sisters when she is gone4 ,no1 ,prissie1 whatever happens1 you must on no account give up your life at ,st ,benet's4 ,then please let me say something else4 ,i must not go on with my classics4 ,my dear child1 you are managing to crush me with all kinds of queer1 disappointing sayings to-night4 ,am ,i8 ,but ,i mean what ,i say now4 ,i love ,greek better than anything almost in the world4 ,but ,i know enough of it already for the mere purposes of rudimentary teaching4 ,my ,german is faulty--my ,french not what it might be4 ,come1 come1 my dear1 ,peters is waiting to settle for the night4 ,can we not talk on our way down to the cottage8 ,aunt ,raby was fast asleep when ,priscilla reentered the little sitting-room4 ,the girl knelt down by the slight1 old figure1 and1 stooping1 pressed a light kiss on the forehead4 ,light as it was it awoke the sleeper4 ,you are there still1 child8 said ,aunt ,raby4 ,i dreamt you were away4 ,would you like me to stay with you1 auntie8 ,no1 my dear2 you help me upstairs1 and ,i'll get into bed4 ,you ought to be in your own bed1 too1 ,prissie4 ,young creatures ought never to sit up late1 and you have a journey before you to-morrow4 ,yes2 but would you like me not to take the journey8 ,i am strong1 and could do all the work1 and you might rest not only at night1 but in the day4 ,you might rest always1 if ,i stayed here4 ,aunt ,raby was wide-awake now1 and her eyes were very bright4 ,do you mean what you say1 ,priscilla8 she asked4 ,yes1 ,i do4 ,you have the first right to me4 ,if you want me1 ,i'll stay4 ,you'll give up that outlandish ,greek1 and all that babel of foreign tongues1 and your fine friends1 and your grand college1 and your hopes of being a famous woman by-and-by8 ,do you mean this1 ,prissie1 seriously8 ,yes1 if you want me4 ,and you say ,i have the first claim on you8 ,i do4 ,then you're wrong2 ,i haven't the first claim on you4 ,aunt ,raby tumbled off the sofa1 and managed to stand on her trembling old legs4 ,give me your arm1 child1 she said2 and--and give me a kiss1 ,prissie4 ,you're a good girl1 and worthy of your poor father4 ,he was a bookworm1 and you are another4 ,but he was an excellent man1 and you resemble him4 ,i'm glad ,i took you home1 and did my best for you4 ,i'll tell him about you when ,i get to heaven4 ,he'll be right pleased1 ,i know4 ,my sakes1 child6 ,i don't want the little bit of earth's rest4 ,i'm going to have a better sort than that4 ,and you think ,i've the first claim on you8 ,a poor old body like me4 ,there1 help me up to bed1 my dear4 ,aunt ,raby did not say any more as the two scrambled up the narrow stairs in silence4 ,when they got into the little bedroom1 however1 she put her arms round ,priscilla's neck1 and gave her quite a hug4 ,thank you for offering yourself to me1 my love1 she said1 but ,i wouldn't have you on any terms whatever4 ,go and learn all you can at your fine college1 ,prissie4 ,it's the fashion of the day for the young folk to learn a lot1 and there's no going against the times4 ,in my young life sewing was the great thing4 ,now it's ,latin and ,greek4 ,don't you forget that ,i taught you to sew1 ,prissie1 and always put a back stitch when you're running a seam2 it keeps the stuff together wonderfully4 ,now go to bed4 ,,chapter ,,twenty ,,four4 ,,two ,,extremes4 ,have you heard the news8 said ,rosalind ,merton4 ,she skipped into ,miss ,day's room as she spoke4 ,no2 what8 asked that untidy person1 turning round and dropping a lot of ribbon which she was converting into bows4 ,what's your news1 ,rose8 ,out with it4 ,i expect it's a case of great cry and little wool4' ,however1 if you want a plain opinion from me-- ,i don't ask for your opinion1 ,annie4 ,i'm quite accustomed to the scornful way in which you have received all my words lately4 ,i need not tell you what ,i have heard at all1 unless you wish to hear it4 ,but1 of course1 ,i wish to hear it1 ,rosie2 you know that as well as ,i do4 ,now sit down and make yourself at home1 there's a dear4 ,rose allowed herself to be mollified4 ,well1 she said1 sinking back into ,miss ,day's most comfortable chair1 the feud between a certain small person and a certain great person grows apace4 ,miss ,day's small eyes began to dance4 ,you know ,i am interested in that subject1 she said4 ,she flopped down on the floor by ,rosalind ,merton's side4 ,go on1 my love1 she murmured2 describe the development of the enmity4 ,little things show the way the wind is blowing1 pursued ,rose4 ,i was coming along the corridor just now1 and ,i met the angelic and unworldly ,priscilla4 ,her eyelids were red as if she had been crying4 ,she passed me without a word4 ,well8 ,that's all4 ,rose1 you really are too provoking4 ,i thought you had something very fine to tell4 ,the feud grows1 pursued ,rose4 ,i know it by many signs4 ,prissie is not half so often with ,maggie as she used to be4 ,maggie means to get out of this friendship1 but she is too proud not to do it gradually4 ,there is not a more jealous girl in this college than ,maggie1 but neither is there a prouder4 ,do you suppose that anything under the sun would allow her to show her feelings because that little upstart dared to raise her eyes to ,maggie's adorable beau1 ,mr ,hammond8 ,but oh1 she feels it2 she feels it down in her secret soul4 ,she hates ,prissie2 she hates this beautiful handsome lover of hers for being civil to so commonplace a person4 ,she is only waiting for a decent pretext to drop ,prissie altogether4 ,i wish with all my heart ,i could give her one4 ,as she spoke1 ,rosalind shaded her eyes with her hand2 her face looked full of sweet and thoughtful contemplation4 ,get your charming ,prissie to flirt a little bit more1 said ,miss ,day1 with her harsh laugh4 ,i don't know that ,i can4 ,i must not carry that brilliant idea to extremities1 or ,i shall be found out4 ,well1 what are you going to do8 ,i don't know4 ,bide my time4 ,miss ,day gave a listless sort of yawn4 ,let's talk of something else1 she said1 impatiently4 ,what are you going to wear at the ,elliot-,smiths' party next week1 ,rose8 ,i have got a new white dress1 said ,rose1 in that voice of strong animation and interest which the mere mention of dress always arouses in certain people4 ,have you8 ,what a lot of dresses you get6 ,indeed1 you are mistaken1 ,annie4 ,i have the greatest difficulty in managing my wardrobe at all4 ,why is that8 ,i thought your people not only belonged to the county1 but were as rich as ,jews4 ,we are county people1 of course1 said ,rose1 in her most affected manner1 but county people need not invariably be rich4 ,the fact is my father has had some losses lately1 and mother says she must be careful4 ,i wanted a great many things1 and she said she simply could not give them4 ,oh1 if only that spiteful ,miss ,oliphant had not prevented my getting the sealskin jacket1 and if she had not raised the price of ,polly's pink coral6 ,don't begin that old story again1 ,rose4 ,when all is said and done1 you have got the lovely coral4 ,by the way1 it will come in beautifully for the ,elliot-,smiths' party4 ,you'll wear it1 of course8 ,oh1 ,i don't know4 ,what do you mean8 ,of course you'll wear it4 ,i don't know4 ,the fact is ,i have not paid the whole price for it yet4 ,haven't you1 really8 ,you said you'd bring the money when you returned this term4 ,of course ,i thought ,i could1 but ,i was absolutely afraid to tell mother what a lot the coral cost2 and as she was so woefully short of funds1 ,i had just to come away without the money4 ,i never for a moment supposed ,i should have such ill luck4 ,it is awkward4 ,what are you going to say to ,polly ,singleton8 ,i don't know4 ,i suppose you could not help me1 ,annie8 ,i certainly couldn't4 ,i never have a penny to bless myself with4 ,i don't know how ,i scrape along4 ,rosalind sighed4 ,her pretty face looked absolutely careworn4 ,don't fret1 ,rose1 said ,miss ,day1 after a pause2 whether you have paid for the coral or not1 you can wear it at the ,elliot-,smiths'4 ,no1 alas6 that's just what ,i can't do4 ,the fact is ,polly is turning out awfully mean4 ,she has come back this time with apparently an unlimited supply of pocket-money1 and she has been doing her best to induce me to sell her the coral back again4 ,well1 why don't you8 ,i'm sure ,i would1 rather than be worried about it4 ,miss ,merton's face flushed angrily4 ,nothing will induce me to give up the coral1 she said4 ,i bought my new white dress to wear with it4 ,i have looked forward all during the holidays to showing it to ,meta ,elliot-,smith4 ,it's the sort of thing to subdue ,meta1 and ,i want to subdue her2 no1 nothing will induce me to part with my lovely coral now4 ,well1 my dear1 keep it1 of course1 and pay for it how you can4 ,it's your own affair4 ,you have not yet explained to me1 however1 why1 when it is in your possession1 you can't wear it with your new dress at the ,elliot-,smiths' next week8 ,because that wretched ,polly has been invited also2 and she is quite mean enough and underbred enough to walk up to me before everyone and ask me to give her back her property4 ,what fun if she did8 laughed ,miss ,day4 ,annie1 you are unkind6 ,my dear1 of course ,i don't mean what ,i say1 but ,i can't help seeing the whole picture3 you1 so fine and so self-conscious1 and so--so perfect in all your appointments--and looking--for all you are a little thing1 ,rose--a good inch above everyone else--and then our poor1 good-natured1 downright ,polly catching sight of her unpaid-for ornaments round your sweet baby throat--all the ,john ,bull in her instantly coming to the fore1 and she demanding her rights in no measured terms4 ,oh1 your face1 ,rosie6 your face6 and ,meta ,elliot-,smith's enjoyment--oh1 how delicious the picture is6 ,dear ,rosalind1 do wear the coral1 and please--please get me an invitation to the ,elliot-,smiths'4 ,i'll love you all my life if you give me leave to witness so lovely a spectacle6 ,miss ,merton's face changed colour several times while ,annie ,day was speaking4 ,she clenched her small hands1 and tried hard to keep back such a torrent of angry words as would have severed this so-called friendship once and for all2 but ,rose's sense of prudence was greater even now than her angry passions4 ,miss ,day was a useful ally--a dangerous foe4 ,with a forced laugh1 which concealed none of her real feelings1 she stood up and prepared to leave the room4 ,you are very witty at my expense1 ,annie1 she said4 ,her lips trembled4 ,she found herself the next moment alone in the brightly lighted corridor4 ,it was over a week now since the beginning of the term2 lectures were once more in full swing1 and all the inmates of ,st ,benet's were trying1 each after her kind1 for the several prizes which the life they were leading held out to them4 ,girls of all kinds were living under these roofs--the idle as well as the busy4 ,both the clever and the stupid were here1 both the good and the bad4 ,rosalind ,merton was a fairly clever girl4 ,she had that smart sort of cleverness which often passes for wide knowledge4 ,she was liked by many of her girl-friends2 she had the character of being rather good-natured2 her pretty face and innocent manner1 too1 helped to win her golden opinions among the lecturers and dons4 ,those who knew her well soon detected her want of sincerity2 but then it was ,rose's endeavour to prevent many people becoming intimately acquainted with her4 ,she had all the caution which accompanies a deceitful character1 and had little doubt that she could pursue those pettinesses in which her soul delighted1 and yet retain a position as a good1 innocent1 and fairly clever girl before the heads of the college4 ,rose generally kept her angry passions in check1 but1 although she had managed not to betray herself while in ,miss ,day's room1 now as she stood alone in the brilliantly lighted corridor1 she simply danced with rage4 ,her small hands were clenched until the nails pierced the flesh1 and her delicately coloured face became livid with passion4 ,at that moment she hated ,annie ,day--she hated ,polly ,singleton--she hated1 perhaps1 most of all ,maggie ,oliphant4 ,she walked down the corridor1 her heart beating fast4 ,her own room was on another floor2 to reach it she had to pass ,miss ,peel's and ,miss ,oliphant's rooms4 ,as ,rose was walking slowly down the corridor1 she saw a girl come out of ,miss ,oliphant's room1 turn quickly in the opposite direction to the one from which she was coming1 and1 quickening her pace to a run1 disappear from view4 ,rose recognised this girl3 she was ,priscilla ,peel4 ,rose hastened her own steps1 and peeped into ,maggie's room4 ,to her surprise1 it was empty2 the door had swung wide open1 and the excited1 perturbed girl could see into every corner4 ,scarcely knowing why she did it1 she entered the room4 ,maggie's room was acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful in the college1 and ,rose said to herself that she was glad to have an opportunity to examine it unobserved4 ,she went and stood on the hearthrug and gazed around her2 then she walked over to the bureau4 ,some ,greek books were lying open here--also a pile of manuscript1 several note-books1 a few envelopes1 and sheets of letter-paper4 ,still scarcely knowing why1 ,rose lifted the note-paper1 and looked under it4 ,the heap of paper concealed a purse4 ,a sealskin purse with gold clasps4 ,rose snatched her hands away1 flung down the note-paper as if she had been stung1 and walked back again to the hearthrug4 ,once more the colour rushed into her cheeks2 once more it retreated1 leaving her small1 young1 pretty face white as marble4 ,she was assailed by a frightful temptation1 and she was scarcely the girl to resist it long4 ,in cold blood she might have shrunk from the siren voice1 which bade her release herself from all her present troubles by theft1 but at this moment she was excited1 worried1 scarcely capable of calm thought4 ,here was her unexpected opportunity4 ,it lay in her power now to revenge herself on ,miss ,oliphant1 on ,prissie1 on ,polly ,singleton1 and also to get out of her own difficulties4 ,how tempting was ,maggie's purse6 how rich its contents were likely to prove6 ,maggie was so rich and so careless1 that1 it was quite possible she might never miss the small sum which ,rose meant to take4 ,if she did1 it would be absolutely impossible for her to trace the theft to innocent baby ,rose ,merton4 ,no2 if ,maggie missed her money and suspected anyone1 she would be almost forced to lay the crime to the door of the girl she no longer1 in her heart1 eared about--,priscilla ,peel4 ,a very rich flood of crimson covered ,rose's cheeks as this consequence of her sin flashed before her vision4 ,less even than before was she capable of seeing right from wrong4 ,the opportunity was far too good to lose2 by one small act she would not only free herself1 but accomplish the object on which she had set her mean little heart3 she would effectually destroy the friendship of ,maggie and ,priscilla4 ,stealthily1 with her cheeks burning and her eyes bright with agitation1 she once more approached the bureau1 took from under the pile of papers the little sealskin purse1 opened it1 removed a five-pound note1 clasped the purse again1 and restored it to its hiding-place1 then flew on the wings of the wind from the room4 ,a moment or two later ,priscilla came back1 sat calmly down in one of ,maggie's comfortable chairs1 and1 taking up her ,greek edition of ,euripides1 began to read and translate with eagerness4 ,as ,prissie read she made notes with a pencil in a small book which lay in her lap4 ,the splendid thoughts appealed to her powerfully2 her face glowed with pleasure4 ,she lived in the noble past2 she was a ,greek with the old ,greeks2 she forgot the nineteenth century1 with its smallness1 its money worries--above all1 she forgot her own cares4 ,at last in her reading she came to a difficult sentence1 which1 try as she would1 she could not render into ,english to her own satisfaction4 ,she was a very careful student1 and always disliked shirking difficulties2 the pleasure of her reading would be lost if she did not do full justice to the lines which puzzled her4 ,she resolved to read no further until ,maggie appeared3 ,maggie ,oliphant1 with her superior information1 would soon cut the knot for her4 ,she closed the copy of ,euripides with reluctance1 and1 putting her hand into her pocket1 took out a note she had just received1 to mark the place4 ,a moment or two later ,maggie came in4 ,still here1 ,prissie6 she exclaimed1 in her somewhat indifferent but good-natured voice4 ,what a bookworm you are turning into6 ,i have been waiting for you to help me1 if you will1 ,maggie1 said ,priscilla4 ,i have lost the right clue to the full sense of this passage--see6 ,can you give it to me8 ,maggie sat down at once1 took up the book1 glanced her eyes over the difficult words1 and translated them with ease4 ,how lovely6 said ,prissie1 clasping her hands1 and giving herself up to a feeling of enjoyment4 ,don't stop1 ,maggie1 please2 do read some more6 ,miss ,oliphant smiled4 ,enthusiast6 she murmured4 ,she translated with brilliancy to the end of the page2 then1 throwing the book on her knee1 repeated the whole passage aloud in ,greek4 ,the note that ,prissie put in as a mark fell on the floor4 ,she was so lost in delighted listening that she did not notice it1 but1 when ,maggie at last stopped for want of breath1 ,priscilla saw the little note1 stooped forward to pick it up1 glanced at the handwriting1 and a shadow swept over her expressive face4 ,oh6 thank you1 ,maggie1 thank you1 she exclaimed2 it is beautiful1 entrancing6 ,it made me forget everything for a short time1 but ,i must not listen to any more2 it is1 indeed1 most beautiful2 but not for me4 ,what do you mean1 you little goose8 ,you will soon read ,euripides as well as ,i do4 ,what is more1 you will surpass me1 ,priscilla2 your talent is greater than mine4 ,don't say that1 ,maggie2 ,i can scarcely bear it when you do4 ,why do you say you can scarcely bear it8 ,do you love me so well that you hate to excel me8 ,silly child1 as if ,i cared6 ,maggie1 ,i know you are really too great to be possessed by petty weaknesses4 ,if ,i ever did excel you1 which is most unlikely1 ,i know you would be glad both for me and yourself4 ,no1 it is not that2 ,i am unhappy because of no fancy4 ,what worries you then8 ,maggie1 do you see this note8 ,yes2 it is from ,miss ,heath1 is it not8 ,it is4 ,i am to see her to-night4 ,well1 ,prissie1 you must be quick with your revelation1 for ,i have some notes to look over4 ,i won't keep you a moment4 ,i am to see ,miss ,heath to tell her-- ,prissie paused4 ,her face grew deadly white4 ,i am to see ,miss ,heath to tell her--to tell her--that ,i4--,oh1 ,maggie6 ,i must give up my classics4 ,i must2 it's all settled4 ,don't say anything4 ,don't tempt me to reconsider the question4 ,it can't be reconsidered1 and my mind is made up4 ,that's it2 it's a trouble1 but ,i must go through with it4 ,good-night1 ,maggie4 ,prissie held out her long1 unformed hand2 ,miss ,oliphant clasped it between both her own4 ,you are trembling1 she said1 standing up and drawing the girl towards her4 ,i don't want to argue the point if you so firmly forbid me4 ,i think you quite mad1 of course4 ,it is absolutely impossible for me to sympathise with such wild folly4 ,still1 if your mind is made up1 ,i won't interfere4 ,but1 seeing that at one time we were very firm friends1 you might give me your reasons1 ,priscilla4 ,priscilla slowly and stiffly withdrew her hands2 her lips moved4 ,she was repeating ,miss ,oliphant's words under her breath-- ,at one time we were friends4 ,won't you speak8 said ,maggie1 impatiently4 ,oh1 yes1 ,i'll speak2 ,i'll tell you the reason4 ,you won't understand1 but you had better know-- ,prissie paused again2 she seemed to swallow something2 her next words came out slowly with great difficulty3 ,when ,i went home for the ,christmas recess ,i found ,aunt ,raby worse4 ,you don't know what my home is like1 ,miss ,oliphant2 it is small and poor4 ,at home we are often cold1 and often hungry4 ,i have three little sisters1 and they want clothes and education2 they want training1 they want love1 they want care4 ,aunt ,raby is too weak to do much for them now2 she is very1 very ill4 ,you have not an idea--not an idea--,miss ,oliphant1 in your wealth and your luxury what the poverty of ,penywern ,cottage is like4 ,what does such poverty mean8 ,how shall ,i describe it to you8 we are sometimes glad of a piece of bread2 butter is a luxury2 meat we scarcely taste4 ,prissie again broke off to think and consider her next words4 ,maggie1 whose sympathies were always keenly aroused by any real emotion1 tried once again to take her hands2 ,prissie put them behind her4 ,aunt ,raby is a good woman1 continued ,priscilla2 she is brave1 she is a heroine4 ,although she is just a commonplace old woman1 no one has ever led a grander life in its way4 ,she wears poor clothes--oh1 the poorest2 she has an uncouth appearance1 worse even than ,i have1 but ,i am quite sure that ,god--,god respects her--,god thinks her worthy4 ,when my father and mother died 7,i was fourteen when my dear mother died7 ,aunt ,raby came and took me home and my three little sisters4 ,she gave us bread to eat4 ,oh1 yes1 we never quite wanted food1 but before we came ,aunt ,raby had enough money to feed herself1 and no more4 ,she took us all in and supported us1 because she worked so very1 very hard4 ,ever since ,i was fourteen--,i am eighteen now--,aunt ,raby has done this4 ,well1 continued ,priscilla1 slow tears coming to her eyes and making themselves felt in her voice1 this hard work is killing her2 ,aunt ,raby is dying because she has worked so hard for us4 ,before my three years have come to an end here1 she will be far1 far away3 she will be at rest for ever--,god will be making up to her for all she has done here4 ,her hard life which ,god will have thought beautiful will be having its reward4 ,afterwards ,i have to support and educate the three little girls4 ,i spoke to ,mr ,hayes--my dear clergyman1 about whom ,i have told you1 and who taught me all ,i know--and he agrees with me that ,i know enough of ,greek and ,latin now for rudimentary teaching1 and that ,i shall be better qualified to take a good paying situation if ,i devote the whole of my time while at ,st ,benet's to learning and perfecting myself in modern languages4 ,it's the end of a lovely dream1 of course1 but there is no doubt--no doubt whatever--what is right for me to do4 ,prissie stopped speaking2 ,maggie went up again and tried to take her hand2 she drew back a step or two1 pretending not to see4 ,it has been very kind of you to listed1 she said2 ,i am very grateful to you1 for now1 whatever we may be to each other in future1 you will understand that ,i don't give up what ,i love lightly4 ,thank you1 you have helped me much4 ,now ,i must go and tell ,miss ,heath what ,i have said to you4 ,i have had a happy reading of ,euripides and have enjoyed listening to you4 ,i meant to give myself that one last treat--now it is over4 ,good-night4 ,priscilla left the room--she did not even kiss ,maggie as she generally did at parting for the night4 ,,chapter ,,twenty ,,five4 ,a ,,mysterious ,,episode4 ,when she was alone1 ,maggie ,oliphant sat down in her favourite chair1 and covered her face with her hands4 ,it is horrible to listen to stories like that1 she murmured under her breath4 ,such stories get on the nerves4 ,i shall not sleep to-night4 ,fancy any people calling themselves ladies wanting meat1 wanting clothes1 wanting warmth4 ,oh1 my ,god6 this is horrible4 ,poor ,prissie6 ,poor brave ,prissie6 ,maggie started from her chair and paced the length of her room once or twice4 ,i must help these people1 she said2 ,i must help this ,aunt ,raby1 and those three little sisters4 ,penywern ,cottage shall no longer be without coal1 and food1 and warmth4 ,how shall ,i do this8 ,one thing is quite evident--,prissie must not know4 ,prissie is as proud as ,i am4 ,how shall ,i manage this8 ,she clasped her hands1 her brow was contracted with the fulness of her thought4 ,after a long while she left her room1 and1 going to the other end of the long corridor1 knocked at ,nancy ,banister's door4 ,nancy was within4 ,it did not take ,maggie long to tell the tale which she had just heard from ,priscilla's lips4 ,prissie had told her simple story with force1 but it lost nothing in ,maggie's hands4 ,she had a fine command of language1 and she drew a picture of such pathos that ,nancy's honest blue eyes filled with tears4 ,that dear little ,prissie6 she exclaimed4 ,i don't know that she is dear1 said ,maggie4 ,i don't profess quite to understand her2 however1 that is not the point4 ,the poverty at ,penywern ,cottage is an undoubted fact4 ,it is also a fact that ,prissie is forced to give up her classical education4 ,she shall not6 she has a genius for the old tongues4 ,now1 ,nancy1 help me2 use your common sense on my behalf4 ,how am ,i to send money to ,penywern ,cottage8 ,nancy thought for several minutes4 ,i have an idea1 she exclaimed at last4 ,what is that8 ,i believe ,mr ,hammond could help us4 ,maggie coloured4 ,how8 she asked4 ,why should ,geoffrey ,hammond be dragged into ,priscilla's affairs8 ,what can he possibly know about ,penywern ,cottage and the people who live in it8 ,only this1 said ,nancy3 ,i remember his once talking about that part of ,devonshire where ,prissie's home is1 and saying that his uncle has a parish there4 ,mr ,hammond's uncle is the man to help us4 ,miss ,oliphant was silent for a moment4 ,very well1 she said2 will you write to ,mr ,hammond and ask him for his uncle's address8 ,why should ,i do this1 ,maggie8 ,geoffrey ,hammond is your friend2 he would think it strange for me to write4 ,maggie's tone grew as cold as her expressive face had suddenly become4 ,i can write if you think it best1 she said2 but you are mistaken in supposing that ,mr ,hammond is any longer a person of special interest to me4 ,oh1 ,maggie1 ,maggie1 if you only would-- ,good-night1 ,nancy1 interrupted ,maggie4 ,she kissed her friend1 and went back to her room4 ,there she sat down before her bureau and prepared to write a letter4 ,i must not lose any time1 she said to herself2 ,i must help these people substantially2 ,i must do something to rescue poor ,prissie from a life of drudgery4 ,fancy ,prissie1 with her genius1 living the life of an ordinary underpaid teacher3 it is not to be thought of for a moment6 ,something must be done to put the whole family on a different footing1 but that1 of course1 is for the future4 ,from ,priscilla's account they want immediate aid4 ,i have two five-pound notes in my purse3 ,geoffrey shall have them and enclose them to the clergyman who is his relation1 and who lives near ,priscilla's home4 ,maggie wrote her letter rapidly4 ,she thought it cold2 she meant it to be a purely business note2 she did not intend ,hammond to see even the glimpse of her warm heart under the carefully studied words4 ,i am sick of money1 she said to him1 but to some people it is as the bread of life4 ,ask your friend to provide food and warmth without a moment's delay for these poor people out of the trifle ,i enclose4 ,ask him also to write directly to me1 for the ten pounds ,i now send is only the beginning of what ,i mean really to do to help them4 ,when her letter was finished1 ,maggie put her hand in her pocket to take out her purse4 ,it was not there4 ,she searched on the table1 looked under piles of books and papers1 and presently found it4 ,she unclasped the purse1 and opened an inner pocket for the purpose of taking out two five-pound notes which she had placed there this morning4 ,to her astonishment and perplexity1 this portion of the purse now contained only one of the notes4 ,maggie felt her face turning crimson4 ,quick as a flash of lightning a horrible thought assailed her--,priscilla had been alone in her room for nearly an hour--,priscilla's people were starving3 had ,priscilla taken the note8 ,oh1 hateful6 said ,maggie to herself2 what am ,i coming to1 to suspect the brave1 the noble--,i won't1 ,i can't4 ,oh1 how shall ,i look her in the face and feel that ,i ever1 even for a second1 thought of her so dreadfully4 ,maggie searched through her purse again4 ,perhaps ,i dreamt that ,i put two notes here this morning1 she said to herself4 ,but no1 it is no dream2 ,i put two notes into this division of my purse1 ,i put four sovereigns here2 the sovereigns are safe--one of the notes is gone4 ,she thought deeply for a few moments longer1 then added a postscript to her letter3-- ,i am very sorry1 but ,i can only send you one note for five pounds to-night4 ,even this1 however1 is better than nothing4 ,i will give further help as soon as ,i hear from your friend4 ,maggie then folded her letter1 addressed1 stamped it1 and took it downstairs4 ,miss ,oliphant was an heiress2 she was also an orphan2 her father and mother were mere memories to her2 she had neither brothers nor sisters2 she did not particularly like her guardian1 who was old and worldly-wise1 as different as possible from the bright1 enthusiastic1 impulsive girl4 ,mr ,oliphant thought money the aim and object of life3 when he spoke to ,maggie about it1 she professed to hate it4 ,in reality she was indifferent to it2 money was valueless to her because she had never felt its want4 ,she lay awake for a long time that night1 thinking of ,penywern ,cottage1 of tired ,aunt ,raby1 of the little girls who wanted food1 and education1 and care1 and love4 ,after a time she fell asleep4 ,in her sleep she ceased to think of ,priscilla's relations3 all her thoughts were with ,priscilla herself4 ,she dreamt that she saw ,priscilla move stealthily in her room1 take up her purse with wary fingers1 open it1 remove a note for five pounds1 and hide the purse once more under books and papers4 ,when ,maggie awoke1 she professed not to believe in her dream2 but1 nevertheless1 she had a headache1 and her heart was heavy within her4 ,at breakfast that morning ,miss ,oliphant made a rather startling announcement4 ,i wish to say something1 she remarked1 in her full1 rich voice4 ,a strange thing happened to me last night4 ,i am not accounting for it2 ,i am casting no aspersions on anyone2 ,i don't even intend to investigate the matter2 still1 ,i wish publicly to state a fact--a five-pound note has been taken out of my purse6 ,there were no dons or lecturers present when ,miss ,oliphant made this startling announcement1 but ,nancy ,banister1 ,rosalind ,merton1 ,priscilla ,peel1 ,miss ,day1 ,miss ,marsh1 and several other girls were all in the room2 they1 each of them1 looked at the speaker with startled and anxious inquiry4 ,maggie herself did not return the glances2 she was lazily helping herself to some marmalade4 ,how perfectly shameful6 burst at last from the lips of ,miss ,day4 ,you have lost five pounds1 ,miss ,oliphant2 you are positively certain that five pounds have been taken out of your purse4 ,where was your purse8 ,maggie was spreading the marmalade on her bread-and-butter2 her eyes were still fixed on her plate4 ,i don't wish a fuss made1 she said4 ,oh1 that's all very fine6 continued ,miss ,day2 but if five pounds are lost out of your purse1 someone has taken them6 ,someone1 therefore1 whether servant or student1 is a thief4 ,i am not narrow-minded or prudish2 but ,i confess ,i draw the line at thieves4 ,so do ,i1 said ,maggie1 in an icy tone2 still1 ,i don't mean to make a fuss4 ,but where was your purse1 ,maggie dear8 asked ,nancy ,banister2 was it in your pocket8 ,no4 ,i found it last night in my bureau1 under some books and papers4 ,maggie rose from the table as she spoke4 ,with a swift flash her brown eyes sought ,priscilla's face2 she had not meant to look at her1 she did not want to2 but a fascination she could not control obliged her to dart this one glance of inquiry4 ,prissie's eyes met hers4 ,their expression was anxious1 puzzled1 but there was not a trace of guilt or confusion in them4 ,i don't know how that money could have been taken1 ,maggie1 she said1 for ,i was in your room studying my ,greek4 ,prissie sighed when she mentioned her ,greek4 ,i was in your room studying ,greek all the evening2 no one could have come to take the money4 ,it is gone1 however1 said ,maggie4 ,she spoke with new cheerfulness4 ,the look on ,prissie's face1 the tone in her voice1 made ,maggie blush at ever having suspected her4 ,it is gone1 she said1 in quite a light and cheerful way1 but ,i am really sorry ,i mentioned it4 ,as ,i said just now1 ,i don't intend to investigate the matter4 ,i may have fallen asleep and taken the five-pound note out in a dream and torn it up1 or put it on the fire4 ,anyhow1 it has vanished1 and that is all ,i have to say4 ,come1 ,prissie1 ,i want to hear what ,miss ,heath said to you last night4 ,no1 suddenly exclaimed ,annie ,day1 ,miss ,peel1 you must not leave the room just now4 ,you have made a statement1 ,miss ,oliphant1 which ,i for one do not intend to pass over without at least asking a few questions4 ,you did not tear up that note in a dream4 ,if it is lost1 someone took it4 ,we are ,st ,benet's girls1 and we don't choose to have this kind of thing said to us4 ,the thief must confess1 and the note must be returned4 ,all right1 said ,maggie1 ,i sha'n't object to recovering my property4 ,priscilla1 ,i shall be walking in the grounds2 you can come to me when your council of war is over4 ,the moment ,maggie left the room1 ,rosalind ,merton made a remark4 ,miss ,peel is the only person who can explain the mystery1 she said4 ,what do you mean8 asked ,priscilla4 ,why1 you confess yourself that you were in ,miss ,oliphant's room the greater part of the evening4 ,i confess it8 remarked ,priscilla2 that is a curious phrase to apply to a statement4 ,i confess nothing4 ,i was in ,maggie's room1 but what of that8 ,when people confess things1 she added1 with a naivete which touched one or two of the girls1 they generally have done something wrong4 ,now1 what was there wrong in my sitting in my friend's room8 ,oh1 ,miss ,oliphant is your friend'8 said ,rosalind4 ,of course1 of course4 ,but here a memory came over ,priscilla2 she remembered ,maggie's words the night before--,you were my friend4 ,for the first time her voice faltered1 and the crimson flush of distress covered her face4 ,rosalind's cruel eyes were fixed on her4 ,let me speak now1 interrupted ,miss ,day4 ,she gave ,rosalind a piercing glance which caused her1 in her turn1 to colour violently4 ,it is just this1 ,miss ,peel1 said ,annie ,day3 you will excuse my speaking bluntly1 but you are placed in a very unpleasant position4 ,i8 ,how8 asked ,prissie4 ,oh1 you great baby6 burst from ,rosalind again4 ,please don't speak to me in that tone1 ,miss ,merton1 said ,priscilla1 with a new dignity1 which became her well4 ,now1 ,miss ,day1 what have you to say8 ,to ,prissie's surprise1 at this juncture1 ,nancy ,banister suddenly left her seat1 and came and stood at the back of her chair4 ,i am on your side whatever happens1 she remarked4 ,thank you1 said ,prissie4 ,now1 please1 ,miss ,day4 ,you must know who took the note1 said ,annie ,day4 ,i assure you ,i don't2 ,i can't imagine how it has disappeared4 ,not a soul came into the room while ,i was there4 ,i did go away once for about three minutes to fetch my ,lexicon2 but ,i don't suppose anyone came into ,miss ,oliphant's room during those few minutes--there was no one about to come4 ,oh1 you left the room for about three minutes8 ,perhaps three--perhaps not so many4 ,i had left my ,lexicon in the library2 ,i went to fetch it4 ,oh1 said ,rosalind1 suddenly taking the words out of ,miss ,day's mouth1 when did you invent this little fiction8 ,prissie's eyes seemed suddenly to blaze fire2 for the first time she perceived the drift of the cruel suspicion1 which her fellow-students were seeking to cast upon her4 ,how wicked you are6 she said to ,rosalind4 ,why do you look at me like that8 ,miss ,day1 why do you smile8 ,why do you all smile8 ,oh1 ,nancy1 added poor ,prissie1 springing to her feet1 and looking full into ,nancy's troubled eyes1 what is the matter8--am ,i in a dream8 ,it is all very fine to be theatrical1 said ,miss ,day1 but the fact is1 ,miss ,peel1 you are not at all popular enough at ,st ,benet's to induce any of us to consent to live under a ban for your sake4 ,miss ,oliphant has lost her money4 ,you say that you spent some time in her room2 the purse was on her bureau4 ,miss ,oliphant is rich1 she is also generous1 she says openly that she does not intend to investigate the matter4 ,no doubt1 if you confess your weakness and return the money1 she will forgive you1 and not report this disgraceful proceeding to the college authorities4 ,while ,miss ,day was speaking1 some heavy panting breaths came two or three times from ,priscilla's lips4 ,her face had turned cold and white2 but her eyes blazed like living coals4 ,now ,i understand1 she said1 slowly2 you think--you think that ,i--,i stole a five-pound note from my friend2 you think that ,i went into her room and opened her purse1 and took away her money2 you think that of me--you6 ,i scorn you all1 ,i defy you1 ,i dare you to prove your dreadful words6 ,i am going to ,miss ,heath this moment2 she shall protect me from this dishonour4 ,,chapter ,,twenty ,,six4 ,,in ,,the ,,ante-,,chapel ,,of ,,st ,,hilda',s4 ,priscilla ran blindly down the corridor which opened into the wide entrance-hall4 ,groups of girls were standing about2 they stared as the wild-looking apparition rushed past them3 ,prissie was blind to their puzzled and curious glances4 ,she wanted to see ,miss ,heath2 she had a queer kind of instinct1 rather than any distinct impression1 that in ,miss ,heath's presence she would be protected1 that ,miss ,heath would know what to say1 would know how to dispel the cloud of disgrace which had suddenly been cast over her like a cloak4 ,is there anything wrong1 ,miss ,peel8 said gentle little ,ada ,hardy1 coming up and speaking to her affectionately4 ,miss ,hardy stood right in ,prissie's path1 barring her way for a moment1 and causing her1 in spite of herself1 to stop her headlong rush to the ,vice-,principal's room4 ,priscilla put up her hand to her brow2 she looked in a dazed sort of way at the kind-hearted girl4 ,what is the matter--can ,i help you8 repeated ,ada ,hardy4 ,you can't help me1 said ,prissie4 ,i want to see ,miss ,heath2 let me pass4 ,she ran forward again1 and some other girls1 coming out of the dining-hall1 now came up to ,ada and distracted her attention4 ,miss ,heath's private sitting-room was on the ground floor4 ,this lovely room has been described before4 ,it was open now1 and ,prissie went in without knocking2 she thought she would see ,miss ,heath sitting as she usually was at this hour1 either reading or answering letters2 she was not in the room4 ,priscilla felt too wild and impetuous to consider any action carefully1 just then2 she ran up at once to the electric-bell1 and pressed the button for quite a quarter of a minute4 ,a maidservant came quickly to answer the summons4 ,she thought ,miss ,heath had sent for her1 and stared at the excited girl4 ,i want to see ,miss ,heath1 said ,priscilla2 please ask her to come to me here2 say ,miss ,peel wants to see her--,priscilla ,peel wants to see her1 very1 very badly1 in her own sitting-room at once4 ,ask her to come to me at once4 ,the presence of real tragedy always inspires respect2 there was no question with regard to the genuineness of ,prissie's sorrow just then4 ,i will try and find ,miss ,heath1 ,miss1 and ask her to come to you without delay1 answered the maid4 ,she softly withdrew1 closing the door after her4 ,priscilla went and stood on the hearthrug4 ,raising her eyes for a moment1 they rested on a large and beautiful platinotype of ,g4,f4 ,watts's picture of ,hope4 ,the last time she had visited ,miss ,heath in that room1 ,prissie had been taken by the kind ,vice-,principal to look at the picture1 and some of its symbolism was explained to her4 ,that globe on which the figure of ,hope sits1 ,miss ,heath had said1 is meant to represent the world4 ,hope is blindfolded in order more effectually to shut out the sights which might distract her4 ,see the harp in her hand1 observe her rapt attitude--she is listening to melody--she hears1 she rejoices1 and yet the harp out of which she makes music only possesses one string--all the rest are broken4 ,miss ,heath said nothing further1 and ,prissie scarcely took in the full meaning of the picture that evening4 ,now she looked again1 and a passionate agony swept over her4 ,hope has one string still left to her harp with which she can play music1 murmured the young girl2 but oh6 there are times when all the strings of the harp are broken2 then1 ,hope dies4 ,the room door was opened1 and the servant reappeared4 ,i am very sorry1 ,miss1 she said1 but ,miss ,heath has gone out for the morning4 ,would you like to see anyone else8 ,priscilla gazed at the messenger in a dull sort of way4 ,i can't see ,miss ,heath8 she murmured4 ,no1 ,miss1 she is out4 ,very well4 ,can ,i do anything for you1 ,miss8 ,no1 thank you4 ,the servant went away with a puzzled expression on her face4 ,that plain young lady1 who is so awful poor--,miss ,peel1 ,i mean--seems in a sad taking1 she said by-and-by to her fellow-servants4 ,priscilla1 left alone in ,miss ,heath's sitting-room1 stood still for a moment1 then1 running upstairs to her room1 she put on her hat and jacket1 and went out4 ,she was expected to attend two lectures that morning1 and the hour for the first had almost arrived4 ,maggie ,oliphant was coming into the house when ,prissie ran past her4 ,my dear6 she exclaimed1 shocked at the look on ,priscilla's face4 ,come here2 ,i want to speak to you4 ,i can't--don't stop me4 ,but where are you going8 ,mr ,kenyon has just arrived4 ,i am on my way to the lecture-hall now4 ,it doesn't matter4 ,aren't you coming8 ,no4 ,this last word reached ,miss ,oliphant from a distance2 ,prissie had already almost reached the gates4 ,maggie stood still for a moment1 half inclined to follow the excited1 frantic-looking girl1 but that queer inertia1 which was part of her complex character1 came over her4 ,she shrugged her shoulders1 the interest died out of her face2 she walked slowly through the entrance-hall and down one of the side corridors to the lecture-room4 ,when the ,greek lecture had come to an end1 ,nancy ,banister came up and slipped her hand through ,maggie's arm4 ,what is the matter1 ,maggie8 she asked1 you look very white and tired4 ,i have a headache1 answered ,maggie4 ,if it does not get better1 ,i shall send for a carriage and take a drive4 ,may ,i come with you8 ,no1 dear ,nancy1 when ,i have these bad headaches it is almost necessary to me to be alone4 ,would it not be better for you to go and lie down in your room8 ,i1 to lie down in my room with a headache like this8--no1 thank you4 ,maggie shuddered as she spoke4 ,nancy felt her friend's arm shiver as she leant on it4 ,you are really ill1 darling6 she said1 in a tone of sympathy and fondness4 ,i have not felt right for a week1 and am worse to-day1 but ,i daresay a drive in this nice frosty air will set me up4 ,i am going to ,kingsdene4 ,shall ,i order a carriage for you8 ,i wish you would4 ,maggie1 did you notice that ,priscilla was not at her lecture8 ,she was not4 ,i met her rushing away1 ,i think1 to ,kingsdene2 she seemed put out about something4 ,poor little thing2 no wonder--those horrid girls6 ,oh1 ,nancy1 if there's anything unpleasant1 don't tell me just now2 my head aches so dreadfully1 ,i could scarcely hear bad news4 ,you are working too hard1 ,maggie4 ,i am not2 it is the only thing left to me4 ,do you know that we are to have a rehearsal of ,the ,princess to-night8 ,if you are as ill as you look now1 you can't be present4 ,i will be present4 ,do you think ,i can't force myself to do what is necessary8 ,oh1 ,i am well acquainted with the power of your will1 answered ,nancy1 with a laugh4 ,well1 good-bye dear1 ,i am off2 you may expect the carriage to arrive in half an hour4 ,meanwhile1 ,priscilla1 still blind1 deaf1 and dumb with misery1 ran1 rather than walked1 along the road which leads to ,kingsdene4 ,the day was lovely1 with little faint wafts of spring in the air2 the sky was pale blue and cloudless2 there was a slight hoar frost on the grass4 ,priscilla chose to walk on it1 rather than on the dusty road2 it felt crisp under her tread4 ,she had not the least idea why she was going to ,kingsdene2 her wish was to walk1 and walk1 and walk until sheer fatigue1 caused by long-continued motion1 brought to her temporary ease and forgetfulness4 ,prissie was a very strong girl1 and she knew she must walk for a long time2 her feet must traverse many miles before she effected her object4 ,just as she was passing ,st ,hilda's ,college she came face to face with ,hammond4 ,he was in his college cap and gown1 and was on his way to morning prayers in the chapel4 ,hammond had received ,maggie's letter that morning1 and this fact caused him to look at ,priscilla with new interest4 ,on another occasion1 he would have passed her with a hurried bow4 ,now he stopped to speak4 ,the moment he caught sight of her face1 he forgot everything else in his distress at the expression of misery which it wore4 ,where are you going1 ,miss ,peel8 he asked2 you appear to be flying from something1 or1 perhaps1 it is to something4 ,must you run8 ,see1 you have almost knocked me down4 ,he chose light words on purpose1 hoping to make ,prissie smile4 ,i am going for a walk1 she said2 please let me pass4 ,i am afraid you are in trouble1 he replied then1 seeing that ,priscilla's mood must be taken seriously4 ,his sympathy gave the poor girl a momentary thrill of comfort2 she raised her eyes to his face1 and spoke huskily4 ,a dreadful thing has happened to me1 she said4 ,the chapel bell stopped as she spoke2 groups of men1 all in their caps and gowns1 hurried by2 several of them looked from ,hammond to ,priscilla1 and smiled4 ,i must go to chapel now1 he said2 but ,i should like to speak to you4 ,can ,i not see you after morning prayers8 ,would you not come to the service8 ,you might sit in the ante-chapel1 if you did not want to come into the chapel itself4 ,you had much better do that4 ,whatever your trouble is1 the service at ,st ,hilda's ought to sustain you4 ,please wait for me in the ante-chapel4 ,i shall look for you there after prayers4 ,he ran off just in time to take his own place in the chapel1 before the doors were shut1 and curtains drawn4 ,without a moment's hesitation1 ,priscilla followed him4 ,she entered the ante-chapel1 sat down on a bench not far from the entrance door1 and when the service began1 she dropped on her knees1 and covered her face with her hands4 ,the music came to her in soft waves of far-off harmony4 ,the doors which divided the inner chapel from the outer gave it a faint sound1 as if it were miles away2 each note1 however1 was distinct2 no sound was lost4 ,the boys' voices rose high in the air2 they were angelic in their sweetness4 ,prissie was incapable1 at that moment1 of taking in the meaning of the words she heard1 but the lovely sounds comforted her2 the dreadful weight was lifted1 or1 at least1 partially lifted1 from her brain2 she felt as if a hand had been laid on her hot1 angry heart2 as if a gentle1 a very gentle1 touch was soothing the sorrow there4 ,i am ready now1 said ,hammond1 when the service was over2 will you come8 ,she rose without a word1 and went out with him into the quadrangle2 they walked down the ,high ,street4 ,are you going back to ,st ,benet's8 he asked4 ,oh1 no--oh1 no6 ,yes1' you mean2 ,i will walk with you as far as the gates4 ,i am not going back4 ,pardon me1 said ,hammond1 you must go back2 so young a girl cannot take long walks alone4 ,if one of your fellow-students were with you1 it would be different4 ,i would not walk with one of them now for the world4 ,not with ,miss ,oliphant8 ,with her1 least of all4 ,that is a pity1 said ,hammond1 gravely1 for no one can feel more kindly towards you4 ,prissie made no response4 ,they walked to the end of the ,high ,street4 ,this is your way1 said ,hammond1 down this quiet lane2 we shall get to ,st ,benet's in ten minutes4 ,i am not going there4 ,good-bye1 ,mr ,hammond4 ,miss ,peel1 you must forgive my appearing to interfere with you1 but it is absolutely wrong for a young girl1 such as you are1 to wander about alone in the vicinity of a large university town4 ,let me treat you as my sister for once1 and insist on accompanying you to the gates of the college4 ,prissie looked up at him4 ,it is very good of you to take any notice of me1 she said1 after a pause4 ,you won't ever again after--after you know what ,i have been accused of4 ,if you wish me to go back to ,st ,benet's1 ,i will2 after all1 it does not matter1 for ,i can go out by-and-by somewhere else4 ,hammond smiled to himself at ,prissie's very qualified submission4 ,just then a carriage came up and drove slowly past them4 ,miss ,oliphant1 in her velvet and sables1 was seated in it4 ,hammond sprang forward with heightened colour1 and an eager exclamation on his lips4 ,she did not motion to the coachman to stop1 however1 but gave the young man a careless1 cold bow4 ,she did not notice ,priscilla at all4 ,the carriage quickly drove out of sight1 and ,hammond1 after a pause1 said gravely-- ,you must tell me your trouble1 ,miss ,peel4 ,i will1 said ,prissie4 ,someone has stolen a five-pound note out of ,maggie ,oliphant's purse2 she missed it late at night1 and spoke about it at breakfast this morning4 ,i said that ,i did not know how it could have been taken1 for ,i had been studying my ,greek in her room during the whole afternoon4 ,maggie spoke about her loss in the dining-hall1 and after she left the room ,miss ,day and ,miss ,merton accused me of having stolen the money4 ,priscilla stopped speaking abruptly2 she turned her head away2 a dull red suffused her face and neck4 ,well8 said ,hammond4 ,that is all4 ,the girls at ,st ,benet's think ,i am a thief4 ,they think ,i took my kindest friend's money4 ,i have nothing more to say3 nothing possibly could be more dreadful to me4 ,i shall speak to ,miss ,heath1 and ask leave to go away from the college at once4 ,you certainly ought not to do that4 ,what do you mean8 ,if you went from ,st ,benet's now1 people might be induced to think that you really were guilty4 ,but they think that now4 ,i am quite certain that those students whose friendship is worth retaining think nothing of the sort4 ,why are you certain8 asked ,prissie1 turning swiftly round1 and a sudden ray of sunshine illuminating her whole face4 ,do you think that ,i am not a thief8 ,i am as certain of that fact as ,i am of my own identity4 ,oh6 said the girl1 with a gasp4 ,she made a sudden dart forward1 and seizing ,hammond's hand1 squeezed it passionately between both her own4 ,and ,miss ,oliphant does not think of you as a thief1 continued ,hammond4 ,i don't know--,i can't say4 ,you have no right to be so unjust to her1 he replied1 with fervour4 ,i don't care so much for the opinions of the others now1 said ,prissie2 you believe in me4 ,she walked erect again2 her footsteps were light as if she trod on air4 ,you are a very good man1 she said2 ,i would do anything for you--anything4 ,hammond smiled4 ,her innocence1 her enthusiasm1 her childishness were too apparent for him to take her words for more than they were worth4 ,do you know1 he said1 after a pause1 that ,i am in a certain measure entitled to help you8 ,in the first place1 ,miss ,oliphant takes a great interest in you4 ,you are mistaken1 she does not--not now4 ,i am not mistaken2 she takes a great interest in you4 ,priscilla1 you must have guessed--you have guessed--what ,maggie ,oliphant is to me2 ,i should like1 therefore1 to help her friend4 ,that is one tie between us2 but there is another--,mr ,hayes1 your parish clergyman-- ,oh6 said ,prissie1 do you know ,mr ,hayes8 ,i not only know him1 replied ,hammond1 smiling1 but he is my uncle4 ,i am going to see him this evening4 ,oh6 ,of course1 ,i shall tell him nothing of this1 but ,i shall probably talk of you4 ,have you a message for him8 ,i can send him no message to-day4 ,they had now reached the college gates4 ,hammond took ,priscilla's hand4 ,good-bye1 he said2 ,i believe in you1 and so does ,miss ,oliphant4 ,if her money was stolen1 the thief was certainly not the most upright1 the most sincere girl in the college4 ,my advice to you1 ,miss ,peel1 is to hold your head up bravely1 to confront this charge by that sense of absolute innocence which you possess4 ,in the meanwhile1 ,i have not the least doubt that the real thief will be found4 ,don't make a fuss2 don't go about in wild despair--have faith in ,god4 ,he pressed her hand1 and turned away4 ,priscilla took her usual place that day at the luncheon table4 ,the girls who had witnessed her wild behaviour in the morning watched her in perplexity and astonishment4 ,she ate her food with appetite2 her face looked serene--all the passion and agony had left it4 ,rosalind ,merton ventured on a sly allusion to the scene of the morning4 ,priscilla did not make the smallest comment2 her face remained pale1 her eyes untroubled4 ,there was a new dignity about her4 ,what's up now8 said ,rosalind1 to her friend ,miss ,day4 ,is the little ,puritan going to defy us all8 ,oh1 don't worry any more about her1 said ,annie1 who1 for some reason1 was in a particularly bad humour4 ,i only wish1 for my part1 ,miss ,peel had never come to ,st ,benet's2 ,i don't like anything about her4 ,her heroics are as unpleasant to me as her stoicisms4 ,but ,i may as well say frankly1 ,rosalind1 before ,i drop this detestable subject1 that ,i am quite sure she never stole that five-pound note3 she was as little likely to do it as you1 so there6 ,there came a knock at the door4 ,rosalind flew to open it2 by so doing she hoped that ,miss ,day would not notice the sudden colour which filled her cheeks4 ,,chapter ,,twenty ,,seven4 ,,beautiful ,,annabel ,,lee4 ,circumstances seem to combine to spoil some people4 ,maggie ,oliphant was one of the victims of fortune1 which1 while appearing to favour her1 gave her in reality the worst training which was possible for a nature such as hers4 ,she was impulsive1 generous1 affectionate1 but she was also perverse1 and1 so to speak1 uncertain4 ,she was a creature of moods1 and she was almost absolutely without self-control2 and yet nature had been kind to ,maggie1 giving her great beauty of form and face1 and a character which a right training would have rendered noble4 ,up to the present1 however1 this training had scarcely come to ,miss ,oliphant4 ,she was almost without relations1 and she was possessed of more money than she knew what to do with4 ,she had great abilities1 and loved learning for the sake of learning1 but1 till she came to ,st ,benet's1 her education had been as desultory as her life4 ,she had never been to school2 her governesses only taught her what she chose to learn4 ,as a child she was very fickle in this respect1 working hard from morning till night one day1 but idling the whole of the next4 ,when she was fifteen her guardian took her to ,rome2 the next two years were spent in travelling1 and ,maggie1 who knew nothing properly1 picked up that kind of superficial miscellaneous knowledge which made her conversation brilliant and added to her many charms4 ,you shall be brought out early1 her guardian had said to her4 ,you are not educated in the stereotyped fashion1 but you know enough4 ,after you are seventeen ,i will get you a suitable chaperon1 and you shall live in ,london4 ,this scheme1 however1 was not carried out4 ,for1 shortly after her seventeenth birthday1 ,maggie ,oliphant met a girl whose beauty and brilliance were equal to her own1 whose nature was stronger1 and who had been carefully trained in heart and mind while ,maggie had been neglected4 ,miss ,lee was going through a course of training at ,st ,benet's ,college for ,women at ,kingsdene4 ,she was an uncommon girl in every sense of the word4 ,the expression of her lovely face was as piquant as its features were beautiful2 her eyes were dark as night2 they also possessed the depth of the tenderest1 sweetest summer night1 subjugating all those who came in contact with her4 ,annabel ,lee won ,maggie's warmest affections at once2 she determined to join her friend at ,st ,benet's4 ,she spoke with ineffable scorn of her ,london season1 and resolved1 with that enthusiasm which was the strongest part of her nature1 to become a student in reality4 ,under ,annabel's guidance she took up the course of study which was necessary to enable her to pass her entrance examination4 ,she acquitted herself well1 for her abilities were of the highest order1 and entered the college with eclat4 ,miss ,lee was a student in ,heath ,hall1 and ,maggie thought herself supremely happy when she was given a room next to her friend4 ,those were brilliant days at the ,hall4 ,some girls resided there at this time whose names were destined to be known in the world by-and-by4 ,the workers were earnest2 the tone which pervaded the life at ,heath ,hall was distinctly high4 ,shallow girls there must always be where any number are to be found together1 but1 during ,maggie ,oliphant's first year1 these girls had little chance of coming to the front4 ,maggie1 who was as easily influenced as a wave is tossed by the wind1 rose quickly to the heights with her companions4 ,her splendid intellect developed each day2 she was merry with the merry1 glad with the glad1 studious with the studious4 ,she was also generous1 kind1 and unselfish in company with those girls who observed the precepts of the higher life4 ,next to ,miss ,lee1 ,maggie was one of the most popular girls in the college4 ,annabel ,lee had the kindest of hearts1 as well as the most fascinating of ways4 ,she was an extraordinary girl2 there was a great deal of the exotic about her2 in many ways she was old for her years4 ,no one ever thought or spoke of her as a prig1 but all her influence was brought to bear in the right direction4 ,the girl who could do or think meanly avoided the expression in ,annabel's beautiful eyes4 ,it was impossible for her to think badly of her fellow-creatures1 but meanness and sin made her sorrowful4 ,there was not a girl in ,heath ,hall who would willingly give ,annabel ,lee sorrow4 ,in the days that followed people knew that she was one of those rare and brilliant creatures who1 like a lovely but too ethereal flower1 must quickly bloom into perfection and then pass away4 ,annabel was destined to a short life1 and after her death the high tone of ,heath ,hall deteriorated considerably4 ,this girl was a born leader4 ,when she died no other girl in the college could take her place1 and for many a long day those who had loved her were conscious of a sense which meant a loss of headship4 ,in short1 they were without their leader4 ,if ,annabel in her gaiety and brightness could influence girls who were scarcely more than acquaintances1 the effect of her strong personality on ,maggie was supreme4 ,maggie often said that she never knew what love meant until she met ,annabel4 ,the two girls were inseparable2 their love for each other was compared to that of ,jonathan and ,david of ,bible story1 and of ,orestes and ,pylades of ,greek legend4 ,the society of each gave the other the warmest pleasure4 ,annabel and ,maggie were both so beautiful in appearance1 so far above the average girl in their pose1 their walk1 their manner1 that people noticed these friends wherever they went4 ,a young and rising artist1 who saw them once at ,st ,hilda's1 begged permission to make a picture of the pair4 ,it was done during the summer recess before ,annabel died1 and made a sensation in the next year's ,academy4 ,many of the visitors who went there stopped and looked at the two faces1 both in the perfection of their youthful bloom and beauty2 few guessed that one even now had gone to the ,home best fitted for so ardent and high a spirit4 ,annabel ,lee died a year before ,priscilla came to the college4 ,whatever ,maggie inwardly felt1 she had got over her first grief2 her smile was again as brilliant as when ,annabel was by her side1 her laugh was as merry2 but the very few who could look a little way into ,maggie's perverse and passionate heart1 knew well that something had died in her which could never live again1 that her laugh was often hollow1 and her brilliant smile had only a foundation in bitterness4 ,maggie did not only grieve for her friend when she mourned for ,annabel4 ,she had loved her most deeply1 and love alone would have caused her agony in such a loss2 but ,maggie's keenest and most terrible feelings were caused by an unavailing regret4 ,this regret was connected with ,geoffrey ,hammond4 ,he had known ,annabel from her childhood4 ,he was an old friend of some of her friends1 and during those last1 long summer holidays1 which the two girls spent together under the roof of ,maggie's guardian1 ,hammond1 who was staying with relations not far away1 came to see them almost daily4 ,he was the kind of man who could win both respect and admiration2 he was grave in his nature2 and his aspirations1 aims1 and ambitions were high4 ,in their conversations during this lovely summer weather these young people dreamt happy dreams together1 and planned a future which meant good to all mankind4 ,maggie1 to all appearance1 was heart and soul with ,annabel and ,geoffrey in what they thought and said4 ,nothing could have been simpler or more unconventional than the intercourse between these young people4 ,miss ,lee had known ,hammond all her life2 ,maggie always spoke and thought of herself as second to ,annabel in ,geoffrey ,hammond's regard4 ,one brilliant autumn day1 however1 he surprised ,maggie by asking her to take a long walk alone with him4 ,no words were said during this ramble to open ,maggie ,oliphant's eyes to the true state of ,hammond's feelings for her1 but1 when she returned from her walk1 she could not help noticing ,annabel ,lee's unaccountable depression4 ,it was not until later1 however1 that ,maggie attributed a certain pathetic1 almost heart-broken1 look in her friend's lovely eyes to its true cause4 ,hammond was a graduate of ,st ,hilda's ,college at ,kingsdene1 and the three friends often talked of the happy meetings they would have during the coming winter4 ,he was a man of large property1 and the favourite amusement of these young people was in talking over the brilliant life which lay before ,hammond when he took possession of his estates4 ,he would be the ideal landlord of his age2 the people who lived on his property would1 when he attained his majority1 enter into a millennium of bliss4 ,maggie returned to ,st ,benet's1 imagining herself quite heart-whole2 but happiness shone out of her eyes1 and there was a new tender ring in her voice for which she could not account to herself1 and which added a new fascination to her beauty4 ,shortly after the commencement of the term1 ,hammond met ,miss ,oliphant by accident just outside ,kingsdene4 ,i was going to post a letter to you1 he said4 ,his face was unusually pale1 his eyes full of joy and yet of solicitude4 ,you can tell me what you have written1 replied ,maggie1 in her gayest voice4 ,no1 ,i would rather you read my letter4 ,he thrust it into her hand and immediately1 to her astonishment1 left her4 ,as she walked home through the frosty air she opened ,hammond's letter1 and read its contents4 ,it contained an earnest appeal for her love1 and an assurance that all the happiness of the writer's future life depended on her consenting to marry him4 ,would she be his wife when her three years' term at ,st ,benet's came to an end8 ,no letter could be more manly1 more simple4 ,its contents went straight to the depths of a heart easily swayed and full of strong affection4 ,yes1 ,i love him1 whispered the girl2 ,i did not know it until ,i read this letter1 but ,i am sure of myself now4 ,yes1 ,i love him better than anyone else in the world4 ,a joyous light filled ,maggie's brown eyes2 her heart was gay4 ,she rushed to ,annabel's room to tell her news1 and to claim the sympathy which had never hitherto been denied her1 and which was essential to the completion of her happiness4 ,when ,maggie entered her friend's room1 she saw1 to her surprise1 that ,annabel was lying on her bed with flushed cheeks4 ,two hours before she had been1 to all appearance1 in brilliant health2 now her face burned with fever1 and her beautiful dark eyes were glazed with pain4 ,maggie rushed up and kissed her4 ,what is it1 darling1 she asked2 what is wrong8 ,you look ill2 your eyes have a strange expression4 ,annabel's reply was scarcely audible4 ,the pain and torpor of her last short illness were already overmastering her4 ,maggie was alarmed at the burning touch of her hand2 but she had no experience to guide her1 and her own great joy helped to make her selfish4 ,annabel1 look at me for a moment2 ,i have wonderful news to give you4 ,annabel's eyes were closed4 ,she opened them wide at this appeal for sympathy1 stretched out her hand1 and pushed back a tangle of bright hair from ,maggie's brow4 ,i love you1 ,maggie1 she said1 in that voice which had always power to thrill its listeners4 ,maggie kissed her friend's hand1 and pressed it to her own beating heart4 ,i met ,geoffrey ,hammond to-day1 she said4 ,he gave me a letter2 ,i have read it4 ,oh1 ,annabel1 ,annabel6 ,i can be good now4 ,no more bad half-hours1 no more struggles with myself4 ,i can be very good now4 ,with some slight difficulty ,annabel ,lee drew her hot hand away from ,maggie's fervent clasp2 her eyes1 slightly distended1 were fixed on her friend's face2 the flush of fever left her cheeks2 a hot flood of emotion seemed to press against her beating heart2 she looked at ,maggie with passionate longing4 ,what is it8 she asked1 in a husky whisper4 ,why are you so glad1 ,maggie8 ,why can you be good now8 ,because ,i love ,geoffrey ,hammond1 answered ,maggie3 ,i love him with all my heart1 all my life1 all my strength1 and he loves me2 he has asked me to be his wife4 ,maggie paused4 ,she expected to feel ,annabel's arms round her neck2 she waited impatiently for this last crowning moment of bliss4 ,her own happiness caused her to lower her eyes2 her joy was so dazzling that for a moment she felt she must shade their brilliance even from ,annabel's gaze4 ,instead of the pressure of loving arms1 however1 and the warm kiss of sympathy1 there came a low cry from the lips of the sick girl4 ,she made an effort to say something1 but words failed her3 the next moment she was unconscious4 ,maggie rushed to the bell1 and gave an alarm1 which brought ,miss ,heath and one or two servants to the room4 ,a doctor was speedily sent for1 and ,maggie ,oliphant was banished from the room4 ,she never saw ,annabel ,lee again4 ,that night the sick girl was removed to the hospital1 which was in a building apart from the ,halls1 and two days afterwards she was dead4 ,typhus fever was raging at ,kingsdene at this time1 and ,annabel ,lee had taken it in its most virulent form4 ,the doctors 7and two or three were summoned7 gave up all hope of saving her life from the first4 ,maggie also gave up hope4 ,she accused herself of having caused her friend's death2 she believed that the shock of her tidings had killed ,annabel1 who1 already suffering from fever1 had not strength to bear the agony of knowing that ,hammond's love was given to ,maggie4 ,on the night of ,annabel's death1 ,maggie wrote to ,hammond refusing his offer of marriage1 but giving no reason for doing so4 ,after posting her letter1 she lay down on her own sick bed1 and nearly died of the fever which had taken ,annabel away4 ,all these things happened a year ago4 ,the agitation caused by the death of one so young1 beautiful1 and beloved had subsided4 ,people could talk calmly of ,annabel1 and although for a long time her room had remained vacant1 it was now occupied by a girl in all respects her opposite4 ,nothing would induce ,maggie to enter this room1 and no words would persuade her to speak of ,annabel4 ,she was merry and bright once more1 and few gave her credit for secret hours of misery1 which were seriously undermining her health1 and ruining what was best of her character4 ,on this particular day1 as she lay back in her carriage1 wrapped in costly furs1 a great wave of misery and bitterness was sweeping over her heart4 ,in the first agony caused by ,annabel's death1 ,maggie had vowed a vow to her own heart never1 under any circumstances1 to consent to be ,hammond's wife4 ,in the first misery of regret and compunction it had been easy to ,maggie ,oliphant to make such a vow2 but she knew well1 as the days and months went by1 that its weight was crushing her life1 was destroying her chance of ever becoming a really strong and good woman4 ,if she had loved ,hammond a year ago her sufferings made her love him fifty times better now4 ,with all her outward coldness and apparent indifference1 his presence gave her the keenest pain4 ,her heart beat fast when she caught sight of his face2 if he spoke to another1 she was conscious of being overcome by a spirit of jealousy4 ,the thought of him mingled with her waking and sleeping hours2 but the sacrifice she owed to the memory of her dead friend must be made at all hazards4 ,maggie consulted no one on this subject4 ,annabel's unhappy story lay buried with her in her early grave2 ,maggie would have died rather than reveal it4 ,now1 as she lay back in her carriage1 the tears filled her eyes4 ,i am too weak for this to go on any longer1 she said to herself4 ,i shall leave ,st ,benet's at the end of the present term4 ,what is the winning of a tripos to me8 what do ,i want with honours and distinctions8 ,everything is barren to me4 ,my life has no flavour in it4 ,i loved ,annabel1 and she is gone4 ,without meaning it1 ,i broke ,annabel's heart4 ,without meaning it1 ,i caused my darling's death1 and now my own heart is broken1 for ,i love ,geoffrey--,i love him1 and ,i can never1 under any circumstances1 be his wife4 ,he misunderstands me--he thinks me cold1 wicked1 heartless--and ,i can never1 never set myself right with him4 ,soon he will grow tired of me1 and give his heart to someone else1 and perhaps marry someone else4 ,when he does1 ,i too shall die4 ,yes1 whatever happens1 ,i must go away from ,st ,benet's4 ,maggie's tears always came slowly2 she put up her handkerchief to wipe them away4 ,it was little wonder that when she returned from her drive her head was no better4 ,we must put off the rehearsal1 said ,nancy ,banister4 ,she came into ,maggie's room1 and spoke vehemently4 ,i saw you at lunch1 ,maggie3 you ate nothing--you spoke with an effort4 ,i know your head is worse4 ,you must lie down1 and1 unless you are better soon1 ,i will ask ,miss ,heath to send for a doctor4 ,no doctor will cure me1 said ,maggie4 ,give me a kiss1 ,nance2 let me rest my head against yours for a moment4 ,oh1 how earnestly ,i wish ,i was like you4 ,why so8 ,what have ,i got8 ,i have no beauty2 ,i am not clever2 ,i am neither romantically poor1 like ,prissie1 nor romantically rich1 like you4 ,in short1 the fairies were not invited to my christening4 ,one or two fairies came1 however1 replied ,maggie1 and they gave you an honest soul1 and a warm heart1 and--and happiness1 ,nancy4 ,my dear1 ,i need only look into your eyes to know that you are happy4 ,nancy's blue eyes glowed with pleasure4 ,yes1 she said1 ,i don't know anything about dumps and low spirits4 ,and you are unselfish1 ,nancy2 you are never seeking your own pleasure4 ,i am not obliged to3 ,i have all ,i want4 ,and now to turn to a more important subject4 ,i will see the members of our ,dramatic ,society1 and put off the rehearsal4 ,you must not2 the excitement will do me good4 ,for the time1 perhaps1 replied ,nancy1 shaking her wise head1 but you will be worse afterwards4 ,no4 ,now1 ,nancy1 don't let us argue the point4 ,if you are truly my friend1 you will sit by me for an hour1 and read aloud the dullest book you can find1 then perhaps ,i shall go to sleep4 ,,chapter ,,twenty ,,eight4 ,,come ,,and ,,kill ,,the ,,bogie4 ,notwithstanding ,nancy's dismal prognostications1 ,maggie ,oliphant played her part brilliantly that night4 ,her low spirits were succeeded by gay ones2 the ,princess had never looked more truly regal1 nor had the ,prince ever more passionately wooed her4 ,girls who did not belong to the society always flocked into the theatre to see the rehearsals4 ,maggie's mood scarcely puzzled them4 ,she was so erratic that no one expected anything from her but the unexpected3 if she looked like a drooping flower one moment1 her head was erect the next1 her eyes sparkling1 her voice gay4 ,the flower no longer drooped1 but blossomed with renewed vigour4 ,after reading for an hour ,nancy had left her friend asleep4 ,she went downstairs1 and1 in reply to several anxious inquiries1 pronounced it as her opinion that ,maggie1 with all the good will in the world1 could scarcely take part in the rehearsals that night4 ,i know ,maggie is going to be ill1 said ,nancy1 with tears in her eyes4 ,miss ,banister was so sensible and so little given to undue alarms1 that her words had effect1 and a little rumour spread in the college that ,miss ,oliphant could not take her part in the important rehearsals which were to take place that evening4 ,her appearance1 therefore1 in more than her usual beauty1 with more vigour in her voice1 more energy and brightness in her eyes1 gave at once a pleasing sense of satisfaction4 ,she was cheered when she entered the little theatre1 but1 if there was a brief surprise1 it was quickly succeeded by the comment which generally followed all her doings--,this is just like ,maggie2 no one can depend on how she will act for a moment4 ,at that rehearsal1 however1 people were taken by surprise4 ,if the ,princess did well1 the young ,prince did better4 ,priscilla had completely dropped her role of the awkward and gauche girl4 ,from the first there had been vigour and promise in her acting4 ,to-night there was not only vigour1 but tenderness--there was a passion in her voice which arose now and then to power4 ,she was so completely in sympathy with her part that she ceased to be ,priscilla3 she was the ,prince who must win this wayward ,princess or die4 ,maggie came up to her when the rehearsals were over4 ,i congratulate you1 she said4 ,prissie1 you might do well on the stage4 ,priscilla smiled4 ,no1 she said1 for ,i need inspiration to forget myself4 ,well1 genius would supply that4 ,no1 ,maggie1 no4 ,the motive that seems to turn me into the ,prince himself cannot come again4 ,oh1 ,maggie1 if ,i succeed6 ,if ,i succeed6 ,what do you mean1 you strange child8 ,i cannot tell you with my voice3 don't you guess8 ,i cannot say4 ,you move me strangely2 you remind me of--,i quite forget that you are ,priscilla ,peel4 ,priscilla laughed joyously4 ,how gay you look to-night1 ,prissie1 and yet ,i am told you were miserable this morning4 ,have you forgotten your woes8 ,completely4 ,why is this8 ,i suppose because ,i am happy and hopeful4 ,nancy tells me that you were quite in despair to-day4 ,she said that some of those cruel girls insulted you4 ,yes1 ,i was very silly2 ,i got a shock4 ,and you have got over it8 ,yes2 ,i know you don't believe badly of me4 ,you know that ,i am honest and--and true4 ,yes1 my dear1 said ,maggie1 with fervour1 ,i believe in you as ,i believe in myself4 ,now1 have you quite disrobed8 ,shall we go into the library for a little8 ,the moment they entered this cheerful room1 which was bright with two blazing fires and numerous electric lights1 ,miss ,day and ,miss ,marsh came up eagerly to ,maggie4 ,well1 they said1 have you made up your mind8 ,about what8 she asked1 raising her eyes in a puzzled way4 ,you will come with us to the ,elliot-,smiths'8 ,you know how anxious ,meta is to have you4 ,thank you2 but am ,i anxious to go to ,meta8 ,oh6 you are1 you must be2 you cannot be so cruel as to refuse4 ,after the emotion she had gone through in the morning1 ,maggie's heart was in that softened1 half-tired state when it could be most easily influenced2 she was in no mood for arguing--or for defiance of any sort4 ,peace at all hazards was her motto just now4 ,she was also in so reckless a mood as to be indifferent to what anyone thought of her4 ,the ,elliot-,smiths were not in her set2 she disliked them and their ways1 but she had met ,meta at a friend's house a week ago4 ,meta had been introduced to ,miss ,oliphant1 and had pressed her invitation vigorously4 ,it would be a triumph of triumphs to ,meta ,elliot-,smith to introduce the beautiful heiress to her own set4 ,maggie's refusal was not listened to4 ,she was begged to reconsider the question2 implored to be merciful1 to be kind2 assured of undying gratitude if she would consent to come even for one short hour4 ,miss ,day and ,miss ,marsh were commissioned by ,meta to secure ,maggie at all costs4 ,you will come8 said ,miss ,day2 you must come4 ,then coming up close to ,maggie1 she whispered in an eager voice--,would not you like to find out who has taken your five-pound note8 ,miss ,peel is your friend2 would it not gratify you to clear her8 ,why should ,i clear one who can never possibly be suspected8 replied ,miss ,oliphant1 in a voice of anger4 ,her words were spoken aloud1 and so vehemently that ,annie ,day drew back a step or two in alarm4 ,well1 but you would like to know who really took your money8 she reiterated1 again speaking in a whisper4 ,maggie was standing by one of the bookcases2 she stretched up her hand to take down a volume4 ,as she did so1 her eyes rested for a moment on ,priscilla4 ,i would as soon suspect myself as her1 she thought1 and yet last night1 for a moment1 even ,i was guilty of an unworthy thought of you1 ,prissie1 and if ,i could doubt1 why should ,i blame others8 ,if going to the ,elliot-,smiths' will establish your innocence1 ,i will go4 ,well1 said ,miss ,day1 who was watching her face1 ,i am to see ,meta to-morrow morning2 am ,i to tell her to expect you8 ,yes1 replied ,maggie1 but ,i wish to say at once1 with regard to that five-pound note1 that ,i am not interested in it4 ,i am so careless about my money matters1 that it is quite possible ,i may have been mistaken when ,i thought ,i put it into my purse4 ,oh6 oh6 but you spoke so confidently this morning4 ,one of my impulses4 ,i wish ,i had not done it4 ,having done it1 however1 retorted ,miss ,day1 it is your duty to take any steps which may be necessary to clear the college of so unpleasant and disgraceful a charge4 ,you think ,i can do this by going to the ,elliot-,smiths'8 ,hush6 you will spoil all by speaking so loud4 ,yes1 ,i fully believe we shall make a discovery on ,friday night4 ,you don't suppose ,i would go to act the spy8 ,no1 no1 nothing of the sort2 only come--only come6 ,maggie opened her book1 and glanced at some of its contents before replying4 ,only come1 repeated ,annie1 in an imploring voice4 ,i said ,i would come1 answered ,maggie4 ,must ,i reiterate my assurance8 ,tell ,miss ,elliot-,smith to expect me4 ,maggie read for a little in the library2 then1 feeling tired1 she rose from her seat and crossed the large room1 intending to go up at once to her own chamber4 ,in the hall1 however1 she was attracted by seeing ,miss ,heath's door slightly open4 ,her heart was full of compunction for having1 even for a moment1 suspected ,priscilla of theft4 ,she thought she would go and speak to ,miss ,heath about her4 ,she knocked at the ,vice-,principal's door4 ,come in1 answered the kind voice1 and ,maggie found herself a moment later seated by the fire3 the door of ,miss ,heath's room shut1 and ,miss ,heath herself standing over her1 using words of commiseration4 ,my dear1 she said1 you look very ill4 ,maggie raised her eyes4 ,miss ,heath had seen many moods on that charming face2 now the expression in the wide-open1 brown eyes caused her own to fill with sudden tears4 ,i would do anything to help you1 my love1 she said1 tenderly1 and1 stooping down1 she kissed ,maggie on her forehead4 ,perhaps1 another time1 answered ,miss ,oliphant4 ,you are all that is good1 ,miss ,heath1 and ,i may as well own frankly that ,i am neither well nor happy1 but ,i have not come to speak of myself just now4 ,i want to say something about ,priscilla ,peel4 ,yes1 what about her8 ,she came to you last night4 ,i know what she came about4 ,she told me she had confided in you1 answered the ,vice-,principal1 gravely4 ,yes4 ,well1 ,i have come to say that she must not be allowed to give up her ,greek and ,latin4 ,why not8 ,miss ,heath1 how can you say1 why not'8 ,prissie is a genius2 her inclination lies in that direction4 ,it is in her power to become one of the most brilliant classical scholars of her day4 ,miss ,heath smiled4 ,well1 ,maggie1 she said1 slowly1 even suppose that is the case--and you must own that1 clever as ,priscilla is1 you make an extreme statement when you say such words--she may do well1 very well1 and yet turn her attention to other subjects for the present4 ,it is cruel6 said ,maggie1 rising and stamping her foot1 impatiently4 ,priscilla has it in her to shed honour on our college2 she will take a first-class when she goes in for her tripos1 if her present studies are not interfered with4 ,miss ,heath smiled at ,maggie in a pitying sort of way4 ,i admit1 she said1 that first-class honours would be a very graceful crown of bay to encircle that young head2 and yet1 ,maggie1 yet--surely ,priscilla can do better8 ,what do you mean8 ,how can she possibly do better8 ,she can wear a nobler crown4 ,you know1 ,maggie1 there are crowns to be won which cannot fade4 ,oh6 ,maggie's lips trembled2 she looked down4 ,after a pause1 she said1 ,priscilla told me something of her home and her family4 ,i suppose she has also confided in you1 ,miss ,heath8 ,yes1 my dear4 ,well1 ,i have come to-night to say that it is in my power to use some of that money which ,i detest in helping ,prissie--in helping her family4 ,i mean to help them2 ,i mean to put them all in such a position that ,priscilla shall not need to spend her youth in uncongenial drudgery4 ,i have come to say this to you1 ,miss ,heath1 and ,i beg of you--yes1 ,i beg of you--to induce my dear ,prissie to go on with her classical studies4 ,it will now be in your power to assure her that the necessity which made her obliged to give them up no longer exists4 ,in short1 said ,miss ,heath1 you will give ,miss ,peel of your charity1 and take her independence away8 ,what do you mean8 ,put yourself in her place1 ,maggie4 ,would you take money for yourself and those dear to you from a comparative stranger8 ,maggie's face grew very red4 ,i think ,i would oblige my friend1 my dear friend1 she said4 ,is ,prissie really your dear friend8 ,why do you doubt me8 ,i love her very much4 ,since--since ,annabel died1 no one has come so close to me4 ,i am glad of that1 replied ,miss ,heath4 ,she went up to ,maggie and kissed her4 ,you will do what ,i wish8 asked the girl1 eagerly4 ,no1 my dear3 that matter lies in your hands alone4 ,it is a case in which it is absolutely impossible for me to interfere4 ,if you can induce ,priscilla to accept money from you1 ,i shall not say a word2 and1 for the sake of our college1 ,i shall1 perhaps1 be glad1 for there is not the least doubt that ,prissie has it in her to win distinction for ,st ,benet's4 ,but1 on the other hand1 if she comes to me for advice1 it will be impossible for me not to say to her--,my dear1 character ranks higher than intellect4 ,you may win the greatest prizes and yet keep a poor and servile soul4 ,you may never get this great earthly distinction1 and yet you may be crowned with honour--the honour which comes of uprightness1 of independence1 of integrity4' ,prissie may never consult me1 of course1 ,maggie2 but1 if she does1 ,i must say words something like these4 ,to tell the truth1 my dear1 ,i never admired ,priscilla more than ,i did last night ,i encouraged her to give up her classics for the present1 and to devote herself to modern languages1 and to those accomplishments which are considered more essentially feminine4 ,as ,i did so ,i had a picture before me1 in which ,i saw ,priscilla crowned with love1 the support and blessing of her three little sisters4 ,the picture was a very bright one1 ,maggie1 and your crown of bay looks quite tawdry beside the other crown which ,i hope to see on ,prissie's brow4 ,maggie rose from her chair4 ,good-night1 she said4 ,i am sorry to disappoint you1 my love4 ,i have no doubt you are right1 said ,maggie1 but1 she added1 ,i have not made up my mind1 and ,i still long for ,priscilla to wear the crown of bay4 ,you will win that crown yourself1 my dear4 ,oh1 no1 it is not for me4 ,i am very anxious about you1 ,maggie4 ,why do you speak in that reckless tone8 ,your position and ,prissie's are not the least alike3 it is your duty to do your very utmost with those talents which have been bestowed upon you4 ,perhaps1 answered ,maggie1 shrugging her shoulders1 but ,i am tired of stretching out my hand like a baby to catch soap-bubbles4 ,i cannot speak of myself at all to-night1 ,miss ,heath4 ,thank you for what you have said1 and again good-night4 ,maggie had scarcely left the room before ,priscilla appeared4 ,are you too tired to see me to-night1 ,miss ,heath8 ,no1 my love2 come in and sit down4 ,i was sorry to miss you this morning4 ,but ,i am glad as it turned out1 replied ,priscilla4 ,you were in great trouble1 ,prissie4 ,the servant told me how terribly upset you were4 ,i was4 ,i felt nearly mad4 ,but you look very happy now4 ,i am2 my trouble has all vanished away4 ,it was a great bogie4 ,as soon as ,i came boldly up to it1 it vanished into smoke4 ,am ,i to hear the name of the bogie8 ,i think ,i would rather not tell you--at least not now4 ,if ,maggie thinks it right1 she will speak to you about it2 but1 as far as ,i am concerned1 it cannot touch me again4 ,why have you come to see me then to-night1 ,priscilla8 ,i want to speak about ,maggie4 ,what about her8 ,she has just been here to speak of you4 ,has she8 ,it is possible that she may make you a proposition which will affect your whole future1 but ,i am not at liberty to say any more4 ,have you a proposition to make about her8 ,i have1 and it will affect all ,maggie's life4 ,it will make her so good--so very1 very happy4 ,oh1 ,miss ,heath6 you ought to do it3 you ought to make her marry ,mr ,hammond at once4 ,my dear ,priscilla6 ,miss ,heath's face turned crimson4 ,are you alluding to ,geoffrey ,hammond8 ,i know great friends of his2 he is one of the cleverest men at ,st ,hilda's4 ,yes1 and one of the best1 pursued ,prissie1 clasping her hands and speaking in that excited way which she always did when quite carried out of herself4 ,you don't know how good he is1 ,miss ,heath4 ,i think he is one of the best of men4 ,i would do anything in the world for him-- anything4 ,where have you met him1 ,priscilla8 ,at the ,marshalls'1 and once at the ,elliot-,smiths'1 and to-day1 when ,i was so miserable1 when the bogie ran after me1 you know1 at ,st ,hilda's1 just outside the chapel4 ,mr ,hammond asked me to come to the service1 and ,i went1 and afterwards he chased the bogie away4 ,oh1 he is good1 he is kind1 and he loves ,maggie with all his heart4 ,he has loved her for a long time1 ,i am sure1 but she is never nice to him4 ,then1 of course1 said ,miss ,heath1 if ,miss ,oliphant does not care for ,mr ,hammond1 there is an end of the matter4 ,you are a very innocent and very young girl1 ,priscilla2 but this is a subject in which you have no right to interfere4 ,far from me to say that ,i disapprove of marriage for our students1 but1 while at ,st ,benet's1 it is certainly best for them to give their attention to other matters4 ,for most of us1 replied ,prissie1 but not for ,maggie4 ,no one in the college thinks ,maggie happy4 ,that is true1 replied ,miss ,heath1 thoughtfully4 ,and everyone knows1 pursued ,prissie1 that ,mr ,hammond loves her4 ,do they8 ,i was not aware that such reports had got abroad4 ,oh1 yes3 all ,maggie's friends know that1 but they are so dreadfully stupid they cannot guess the other thing4 ,what other thing8 ,that dear ,maggie is breaking her heart on account of ,mr ,hammond4 ,then you think she loves him8 ,i do--,i know it4 ,oh1 won't you do something to get them to marry each other8 ,my dear child1 these are subjects in which neither you nor ,i can interfere4 ,oh6 ,prissie's eyes filled with sudden tears4 ,if you won't do anything1 ,i must4 ,i don't see what you can do1 ,priscilla2 ,i don't know what you have a right to do4 ,we do not care that our students should think of love and courtship while here1 but we have never limited their freedom in the matter4 ,if ,miss ,oliphant cares for ,mr ,hammond1 and he cares for her1 they know perfectly that they can become engaged4 ,miss ,oliphant will be leaving ,st ,benet's at the end of the summer term1 she is completely1 in every sense of the word1 her own mistress4 ,oh1 no1 she is not her own mistress1 she is oppressed by a bogie4 ,i don't know the name of the bogie1 or anything about it2 but it is shadowing all ,maggie's life2 it is taking the sunshine away from her1 and it is making it impossible for her to marry ,mr ,hammond4 ,they are both so fond of each other2 they have both noble hearts1 but the dreadful bogie spoils everything--it keeps them apart4 ,dear ,miss ,heath1 ,i want you to come and kill the bogie4 ,i must find out its name first1 said ,miss ,heath4 ,,chapter ,,twenty ,,nine4 ,,at ,,the ,,elliot-,,smiths' ,,party4 ,rosalind ,merton had been in the wildest spirits all day2 she had laughed with the gayest1 joined in all the games1 thrown herself heart and soul into every project which promised fun1 which gave a possibility for enjoyment4 ,rosalind's mood might have been described as reckless4 ,this was not her invariable condition2 she was a girl who1 with all her gay spirits1 took life with coolness4 ,she was not given to over-excitement2 her nerves were too well balanced for anything of this kind4 ,to-day1 however1 something seemed wrong with these equable nerves of hers3 she could not keep still2 her voice was never quiet2 her laugh was constant4 ,once or twice she saw ,annie ,day's eyes fixed upon her2 she turned from their glance2 a more brilliant red than usual dyed her cheeks2 her laugh grew louder and more insolent4 ,on this evening the ,elliot-,smiths would give their long-promised party4 ,the wish of ,annie ,day's heart was gratified2 she had angled for an invitation to this merry-making and obtained it4 ,lucy ,marsh was also going1 and several other ,st ,benet's girls would be present4 ,early in the evening ,rosalind retired to her own room1 locked her door1 and1 taking out her new white dress1 laid it across her bed4 ,it was a very pretty dress1 made of soft silk1 which did not rustle1 but lay in graceful puffs and folds on body and skirt4 ,it was just the dress to make this young1 slight figure of ,rosalind's look absolutely charming4 ,she stood over it now and regarded it lovingly4 ,the dress had been obtained1 like most of ,rosalind's possessions1 by manoeuvres4 ,she had made up a piteous story1 and her adoring mother had listened and contrived to deny herself and some of ,rosalind's younger sisters to purchase the white robe on which the young girl's heart was set4 ,deliberately and slowly ,rosalind made her toilet1 her golden1 curling hair was brushed out1 and then carefully coiled round her head4 ,rosalind had no trouble with her hair3 a touch or two1 a pin stuck here1 a curl arranged there1 and the arrangement became perfect--the glistening mass lay in natural waves over the small1 graceful head4 ,rosalind's hair arranged to her satisfaction1 she put on her lovely white dress4 ,she stood before her long glass1 a white-robed little figure1 smiles round her lips1 a sweet1 bright colour in her cheeks1 a dewy look in her baby-blue eyes4 ,rosalind's toilet was all but finished2 she stood before her glass now and hesitated4 ,should she go to the ,elliot-,smiths' as she was1 or should she give the last finishing touch to render herself perfect8 ,should she wear her beautiful coral ornaments8 ,the coral was now her own1 paid for to the uttermost farthing2 ,polly ,singleton could not come up to ,rosalind now1 and disgrace her in public by demanding her coral back again4 ,the coral was no longer ,polly's2 it was ,rosalind's4 ,the debt was cleared off2 the exquisite ornaments were her own4 ,unlocking a drawer in her bureau she took out a case1 which contained her treasures2 she touched the spring of the case1 opened it1 and looked at them lovingly4 ,the necklace1 the bracelets1 the earrings1 and pins for the hair looked beautiful on their velvet pillow4 ,for the sake of the pink coral1 ,rosalind had manoeuvred for her white dress2 for its sake she had knowingly stinted her mother and sisters2 for its sake she had also stolen a five-pound note from ,maggie ,oliphant4 ,she dreamt many times of the triumphs which would be hers when she appeared at the ,elliot-,smiths' in her white silk dress1 just tipped with the slight colour which the pink coral ornaments would bestow4 ,rosalind had likened herself to all kinds of lovely things in this beautiful yet simple toilet--to a daisy in the field1 to a briar-rose3 in short1 to every flower which denoted the perfection of baby innocence4 ,yet1 as she held the coral necklace in her hand to-night1 she hesitated deeply whether it would be wise to appear at the ,elliot-,smiths' in her treasured ornaments4 ,rose had not felt comfortable all day4 ,she had banished thought with the usual device of extra hilarity2 she had crushed the little voice in her heart which would persistently cry1 ,shame6 shame6 which would go on telling her1 ,you are the meanest1 the most wicked girl in ,st ,benet's2 you have done something for which you could be put in prison4 ,the voice had little opportunity of making itself heard that day1 and1 as ,maggie ,oliphant evidently did not intend to investigate the matter1 ,rosalind had every hope that her sin would never be found out4 ,nevertheless1 she could not help feeling uneasy2 for why did ,annie ,day1 her own chosen and particular friend1 so persistently avoid her8 ,why had ,lucy ,marsh refused to walk with her yesterday8 and why did ,annie so often look at her with meaning and inquiry in her eyes8 ,these glances of ,annie's caused ,rosalind's heart to beat too quickly2 they gave her an undefined sense of uneasiness4 ,she felt as she stood now before her glass that1 after all1 she was doing a rash thing in wearing her coral4 ,annie ,day knew of her money difficulties2 ,annie knew how badly ,rosalind had wanted four guineas to pay the debt she still owed for the ornaments4 ,if ,rosalind wore them to-night1 ,annie would ask numerous questions4 ,oh1 yes1 there was a risk--there was a decided risk--but ,rosalind's vanity was greater than her fears4 ,there came a knock at her room door4 ,to ,rosalind's surprise1 ,annie ,day's voice1 with an extremely friendly tone in it1 was heard outside4 ,are you ready1 ,rosie8 she cried2 for1 if you are1 there is just room for you in the fly with ,lucy ,marsh and ,miss ,singleton and myself4 ,oh1 thank you6 cried ,rosalind from the other side of the door2 just wait one moment1 ,annie1 and ,i will be with you4 ,both fear and hesitation vanished at the friendly tones of ,annie's voice4 ,she hastily fastened on her necklace and earrings1 slipped on her bracelets1 and stuck the coral pins in her hair4 ,she saw a dazzling little image in the glass1 and turned away with a glad1 proud smile4 ,we can't be kept waiting2 are you ready8 called ,miss ,day's voice in the passage4 ,yes1 yes2 in one moment1 ,annie1 dear1 replied ,rosalind4 ,she wrapped herself from head to foot in a long white opera cloak1 pulled the hood over her head1 seized her gloves and fan1 and opened the door4 ,the coral could not be seen now1 and ,annie1 who was also in white1 took her hand and ran with her down the corridor4 ,a few moments later the four girls arrived at the ,elliot-,smiths' and were shown into a dressing-room on the ground floor to divest themselves of their wraps4 ,they were amongst the earliest of the arrivals1 and ,annie ,day had both space and opportunity to rush up to ,rosalind and exclaim at the perfect combination of white silk and pink coral4 ,lucy1 ,lucy6 she said1 do come and look at ,rosalind's coral6 ,oh1 poor ,polly6 you must miss your ornaments2 but ,i am obliged frankly to confess1 my dear1 that they are more becoming to this little cherub than they ever were to you4 ,polly was loudly dressed in blue silk4 ,she came up1 and turned ,rosalind round1 and1 putting her hand on her neck1 lifted the necklace1 and looked at it affectionately4 ,i did love those ornaments1 she said2 but1 of course1 ,i can't grudge them to you1 ,rose4 ,you paid a good sum for them--didn't you1 dear8-- although nothing like what they were worth1 so1 of course1 they are yours by every right4 ,you have paid off the debt8 ,i congratulate you1 ,rose1 said ,annie ,day4 ,yes1 said ,rosalind1 blushing4 ,i am glad you were able to get the money1 my dear4 ,and ,i wish she hadn't got it1 retorted ,polly4 ,money is of no moment to me now4 ,dad is just rolling in wealth1 and ,i have1 in consequence1 more money than ,i know what to do with4 ,i confess ,i never felt crosser in my life than when you brought me that five-pound note last ,monday night1 ,miss ,merton4 ,rosalind coloured1 then grew very pale2 she saw ,annie ,day's eyes blaze and darken4 ,she felt that her friend was putting two and two together1 and drawing a conclusion in her own mind4 ,annie turned abruptly from ,rosalind1 and1 touching ,lucy ,marsh on the arm1 walked with her out of the dressing-room4 ,the unsuspecting ,polly brought up the rear with ,rosalind4 ,the four girls entered the drawing-room1 and ,rosalind tried to forget the sick fear which was creeping round her heart in the excitement of the moment4 ,nearly an hour later ,maggie ,oliphant arrived4 ,she was also in white1 but without any ornament1 except a solitary diamond star which blazed in the rich coils of her hair4 ,the beautiful ,miss ,oliphant was received with enthusiasm4 ,until her arrival ,rose had been the undoubted belle of the evening1 but beside ,maggie the petite charms which ,rose possessed sank out of sight4 ,maggie herself never felt less conscious of beauty2 the heaviness at her heart made her cheeks look pale1 and gave her brown eyes a languid expression2 she was indifferent to the admiration which greeted her4 ,the admiration which greeted her gave her a momentary feeling of surprise--almost of displeasure4 ,meta ,elliot-,smith and her mother buzzed round ,maggie1 and expressed their gratitude to her for coming4 ,we expect a friend of yours to arrive presently1 said ,meta--,mr ,hammond4 ,you know ,mr ,hammond1 don't you8 ,i have had a note from him4 ,he says he will look in as soon after ten as possible4 ,i am so glad2 ,i was dreadfully afraid he couldn't come1 for he had to go suddenly into the country at the beginning of this week4 ,you know ,mr ,hammond very well1 don't you1 ,miss ,oliphant8 ,yes1 replied ,maggie1 in her careless voice2 he is quite an old friend of mine4 ,you will be glad to see him8 ,very glad4 ,meta looked at her in a puzzled way4 ,reports of ,hammond's love affair had reached her ears4 ,she had expected to see emotion and confusion on ,maggie's face2 it looked bright and pleased4 ,her very glad had a genuine ring about it4 ,i am so delighted he is coming6 repeated ,meta4 ,i do trust he will be here in good time4 ,she led ,miss ,oliphant to a prominent seat at the top of the room as she spoke4 ,i shall have to leave soon after ten1 replied ,maggie1 so1 if ,mr ,hammond cannot arrive until after that hour1 ,i shall not have the pleasure of seeing him4 ,oh1 but you must really stay later than that2 it would be too cruel to leave us so early4 ,i am afraid ,i cannot4 ,the gates are closed at ,st ,benet's at eleven o'clock1 and ,i do not care to remain out until the last moment4 ,meta was obliged1 with great reluctance1 to leave her guest1 and a moment later ,annie ,day came up eagerly to ,maggie's side4 ,it's all right1 she said1 drawing ,miss ,oliphant into the shelter of a window2 ,i have found out all ,i want to know4 ,what is that8 asked ,maggie4 ,rosalind ,merton is the thief4 ,miss ,day1 how can you say such dreadful things8 ,how can ,rosalind do them8 ,i am awfully sorry--indeed1 ,i am disgusted-- but the facts are too plain4 ,miss ,day then in a few eager whispers1 which ,maggie in vain endeavoured to suppress1 gave her chain of evidence4 ,rosalind's distress2 her passionate desire to keep the coral2 her entreaties that ,miss ,day would lend her four guineas2 her assurances that she had not a penny in the world to pay her debt2 her fears that it was utterly useless for her to expect the money from her mother4 ,then the curious fact that1 on that very same evening1 ,polly ,singleton should have been given a five-pound note by her4 ,there is not the least doubt1 concluded ,miss ,day1 that ,rosalind must have gone into your room1 ,miss ,oliphant1 and stolen the note while ,priscilla was absent4 ,you know ,miss ,peel said that she did leave your room for a moment or two to fetch her ,lexicon4 ,rosalind must have seized the opportunity2 there cannot be a doubt of it4 ,maggie's face turned white2 her eyes were full of indignation and horror4 ,something must be done1 continued ,annie4 ,i am no prude1 but ,i draw the line at thieves4 ,miss ,merton ought to be expelled2 she is not fit to speak to one of us4 ,the affair is mine1 said ,maggie1 after a pause4 ,you must let me deal with it4 ,will you8 ,i certainly will4 ,to-night8 ,i cannot say2 ,i must think4 ,the whole thing is terrible1 it upsets me4 ,i thought you would feel it4 ,i am a good bit upset myself1 and so is ,lucy ,marsh4 ,does ,miss ,marsh know1 too8 ,in that case1 ,miss ,day1 it will1 ,i fear1 be my duty to consult ,miss ,heath4 ,oh1 ,i must think2 ,i can do nothing hastily4 ,please1 ,miss ,day1 keep your own counsel for the present1 and ask ,miss ,marsh to do the same4 ,annie ,day ran off1 and ,maggie stood by the open window looking out at the starry night4 ,her head ached2 her pulses beat2 she felt sick and tired4 ,the noise and laughter which filled the gaily thronged rooms were all discordant to her--she wished she had not come4 ,a voice close by made her start--a hand not only clasped hers1 but held it firmly for a moment4 ,she looked up1 and said with a sudden impulse1 ,oh1 ,geoffrey6 ,i am glad you are here4 ,then1 with a burning blush1 she withdrew her hand from ,hammond's4 ,can ,i help you8 he asked4 ,his heart was beating fast2 her words were tingling in his ears1 but his tone was quiet4 ,can ,i help you8 he repeated4 ,here is a seat4 ,he pulled a chair from behind a curtain1 and ,maggie dropped into it4 ,something is wrong1 she said2 something dreadful has happened4 ,may ,i know what it is8 ,i don't think ,i have any right to tell you4 ,it is connected with the college2 but it has given me a blow1 and ,i was tired beforehand4 ,i came here against my will1 and now ,i don't want to talk to anyone4 ,that can be easily managed4 ,i will stand here1 and keep off all intruders4 ,thank you4 ,maggie put her hand to her forehead4 ,the headache1 which had scarcely left her for a fortnight1 was now so acute that all her thoughts were confused2 she felt as if she were walking in a dream4 ,it seemed perfectly right and natural that ,hammond should stand by her side and protect her from the crowd2 it seemed natural to her at that moment1 natural1 and even right1 to appeal to him4 ,after a long pause1 he said-- ,i am afraid ,i also have bad news6 ,how8 ,i went to see my uncle1 ,mr ,hayes4 ,yes2 it was good of you--,i remember4 ,i failed in my mission4 ,mr ,hayes says that ,miss ,peel1 our ,prissie's aunt1 would rather die than accept help from anyone4 ,oh1 how obstinate some people are6 replied ,maggie1 wearily4 ,happiness1 help1 and succour come to their very door1 and they turn these good things away4 ,that is true1 replied ,hammond4 ,i am firmly convinced1 he added1 that the good angel of happiness is within the reach of most of us once at least in our lives2 but for a whim--often for a mere whim--we tell him to go4 ,maggie's face grew very white4 ,i must say ,good-bye'3 ,i am going home1 she said1 rising2 then she added1 looking full at ,hammond1 ,sometimes it is necessary to reject happiness2 and necessity ought not to be spoken of as a whim4 ,,chapter ,,thirty4 ,,if ,i ,,had ,,known ,,you ,,sooner4 ,as ,maggie was leaving the crowded drawing-room1 she came face to face with ,rosalind4 ,one of those impulses which always guided her1 more or less1 made her stop suddenly and put her hand on the young girl's shoulder4 ,will you come home with me8 she asked4 ,rosalind was talking gaily at the moment to a very young undergraduate4 ,i am obliged to you1 she began2 you are kind1 but ,i have arranged to return to ,st ,benet's with ,miss ,day and ,miss ,marsh4 ,i should like you to come now with me1 persisted ,maggie in a grave voice4 ,something in her tone caused ,rosalind to turn pale4 ,the sick fear1 which had never been absent from her heart during the evening1 became on the instant intolerable4 ,she turned to the young lad with whom she had been flirting1 bade him a hasty and indifferent ,good-night1 and followed ,maggie out of the room4 ,hammond accompanied the two girls downstairs1 got their cab for them1 and helped them in4 ,after ,rosalind consented to come home1 ,miss ,oliphant did not address another word to her4 ,rosalind sat huddled up in a corner of the cab2 ,maggie kept the window open1 and looked out4 ,the clear moonlight shone on her white face and glistened on her dress4 ,rosalind kept glancing at her2 the guilty girl's terror of the silent figure by her side grew greater each moment4 ,the girls reached ,heath ,hall1 and ,maggie again touched ,rosalind on her arm4 ,come to my room1 she said2 ,i want to say something to you4 ,without waiting for a reply she went on herself in front4 ,rosalind followed abjectly2 she was shaking in every limb4 ,the moment ,maggie closed her room door1 ,rosalind flung her cloak off her shoulders1 and1 falling on her knees1 caught the hem of ,maggie's dress and covered her face with it4 ,don't1 ,rosalind2 get up1 said ,miss ,oliphant1 in a tone of disgust4 ,oh1 ,maggie1 ,maggie1 do be merciful6 ,do forgive me6 ,don't send me to prison1 ,maggie--don't6 ,get off your knees at once1 or ,i don't know what ,i shall do1 replied ,maggie4 ,rosalind sprang to her feet2 she crouched up against the door2 her eyes were wide open4 ,maggie came and faced her4 ,oh1 don't6 said ,miss ,merton1 with a little shriek1 don't look at me like that6 ,she put up her hand to her neck and began to unfasten her coral necklace4 ,she took it off1 slipped her bracelets from her arms1 took her earrings out1 and removed her pins4 ,you can have them all1 she said1 holding out the coral2 they are worth a great deal more--a great deal more than the money ,i--took6 ,lay them down1 said ,maggie4 ,do you think ,i could touch that coral8 ,oh1 ,rosalind1 she added1 a sudden rush of intense feeling coming into her voice1 ,i pity you6 ,i pity any girl who has so base a soul4 ,rosalind began to sob freely4 ,you don't know how ,i was tempted1 she said4 ,i went through a dreadful time1 and you were the cause--you know you were1 ,maggie4 ,you raised the price of that coral so wickedly1 you excited my feelings4 ,i felt as if there was a fiend in me4 ,you did not want the sealskin jacket1 but you bid against me1 and won it4 ,then ,i felt mad1 and1 whatever you had offered for the coral1 ,i should have bidden higher4 ,it was all your fault2 it was you who got me into debt4 ,i would not be in the awful1 awful plight ,i am in to-night but for you1 ,maggie4 ,hush6 said ,maggie4 ,the pupils of her eyes dilated curiously2 she put her hand before them4 ,the fruits of my bad half-hours1 she murmured under her breath4 ,after a long pause1 she said-- ,there is some truth in your words1 ,rosalind2 ,i did help you to get into this false position4 ,i am sorry2 and when ,i tell ,miss ,heath the whole circumstance--as ,i must to-morrow--you may be sure ,i shall not exonerate myself4 ,oh1 ,maggie1 ,maggie1 you won't tell ,miss ,heath6 ,if you do1 ,i am certain to be expelled1 and my mother--my mother will die2 she is not over strong just now1 and this will kill her4 ,you cannot be so cruel as to kill my mother1 ,maggie ,oliphant1 particularly when you yourself got me into this4 ,i did not get you into this1 retorted ,maggie4 ,i know ,i am not blameless in the matter2 but could ,i imagine for a moment that any girl1 any girl who belonged to this college1 could debase herself to steal1 and then throw the blame on another4 ,nancy ,banister has told me1 ,rose1 how cruelly you spoke to ,priscilla--what agony your cruel words cost her4 ,i did wrong ,i own1 but no act of mine would have tempted another girl to do what you have done4 ,now1 stop crying2 ,i have not brought you here to discuss your wickedness with you4 ,i shall tell the whole circumstance to ,miss ,heath in the morning4 ,it is my plain duty to do so1 and no words of yours can prevent me4 ,with a stifled cry1 ,rosalind ,merton again fell on her knees4 ,get up1 said ,maggie1 get up at once1 or ,i shall bring ,miss ,heath here now4 ,your crime1 ,rosalind1 is known to ,miss ,day and to ,miss ,marsh4 ,even without consulting ,miss ,heath1 ,i think ,i can take it upon me to say that you had better leave ,st ,benet's by the first train in the morning4 ,oh1 yes--yes6 that would be much the best thing to do4 ,you are to go home1 remember4 ,yes1 ,i will certainly go home4 ,but1 ,maggie1 ,i have no money--,i have literally no money4 ,i will ask ,priscilla ,peel to go with you to the railway-station1 and ,i will give her sufficient money to pay your fare to ,london--you live in ,london1 don't you8 ,yes1 at ,bayswater4 ,what is your address8 #ai1 ,queen ,street1 ,bayswater4 ,priscilla shall telegraph to your mother1 when you start1 and ask her to meet you at4 ,king's ,cross4 ,rosalind's face grew paler and paler4 ,what excuse am ,i to give to mother8 she asked4 ,that is your own affair2 ,i have no doubt you will find something to say4 ,i should advise you1 ,rosalind1 to tell your poor mother the truth1 for she is certain to hear all about it from ,miss ,heath the following morning4 ,oh1 what a miserable1 miserable girl ,i am1 ,maggie6 ,you are a very miserable and sinful girl4 ,it was a wretched day for ,st ,benet's when a girl such as you are came to live here4 ,but ,i don't want to speak of that now1 ,rosalind2 there is something you must do before you leave4 ,what is that8 ,you must go to ,priscilla ,peel1 and humbly beg her pardon4 ,oh1 ,i cannot1 ,i cannot6 ,you have no idea how ,i hate ,priscilla4 ,i am not surprised2 the children of darkness generally hate those who walk in the light4 ,maggie1 ,i can't beg her pardon4 ,you can please yourself about that3 ,i certainly shall not force you2 but1 unless you beg ,priscilla's pardon1 and confess to her the wicked deed you have done1 ,i shall lend you no money to go home4 ,you can go to your room now1 ,rosalind2 ,i am tired1 and wish to go to bed4 ,you will be able to let me know your decision in the morning4 ,rosalind turned slowly away4 ,she reached her room before the other girls had arrived home1 and tossing the coral ornaments on her dressing-table1 she flung herself across her bed1 and gave way to the most passionate1 heart-broken sobs that had ever rent her baby frame4 ,she was still sobbing1 but more quietly1 for the force of her passion had exhausted her1 when a very light touch on her shoulder caused her to raise herself1 and look up wildly4 ,prissie was bending over her4 ,i knocked several times1 she said1 but you did not hear me1 so ,i came in4 ,you will be sick if you cry like this1 ,rose4 ,let me help you to go to bed4 ,no1 no2 please don't touch me4 ,i don't want you1 of all people1 to do anything for me4 ,i wish you would let me undress you4 ,i have often helped ,aunt ,raby to go to bed when she was very tired4 ,come1 ,rose1 don't turn away from me4 ,why should you8 ,priscilla1 you are the last person in the world who ought to be kind to me just now2 you don't know1 you can never1 never guess1 what ,i did to you4 ,yes1 ,i can partly guess1 but ,i don't want to think of it4 ,listen1 ,prissie3 when ,i stole that money1 ,i hoped people would accuse you of the theft4 ,prissie's eyes filled with tears4 ,it was a dreadful thing to do1 she said1 faintly4 ,oh1 ,i knew you could never forgive me4 ,i do forgive you4 ,what6 aren't you angry8 ,aren't you frantic with rage and passion8 ,i don't wish to think of myself at all3 ,i want to think of you4 ,you are the one to be pitied4 ,i8 ,who could pity me8 ,well1 ,rosalind1 ,i do1 answered ,priscilla in a slow voice2 you have sunk so low1 you have done such a dreadful thing1 the kind of thing that the angels in heaven would grieve over4 ,oh1 please don't talk to me of them4 ,and then1 ,rosalind1 continued ,prissie1 you look so unlike a girl who would do this sort of thing4 ,i have a little sister at home--a dear1 little innocent sister1 and her eyes are blue like yours1 and she is fair1 too1 as you are fair4 ,i love her1 and ,i think all good things of her4 ,rosalind1 ,i fancy that your mother thinks good things of you4 ,i imagine that she is proud of you1 and that she loves to look at your pretty face4 ,oh1 don't--don't8 sobbed ,rosalind4 ,oh1 poor mother1 poor mother6 she burst into softened and sorrowful weeping4 ,the hardness of her heart had melted for the time under the influence of ,priscilla's tender words4 ,i wish ,i had known you sooner1 whispered ,rose when ,prissie bent down and kissed her before leaving her for the night4 ,perhaps ,i might have been a good girl if ,i had really known you sooner1 ,priscilla ,peel4 ,,chapter ,,thirty ,,one4 ,a ,,message4 ,early the next morning ,rosalind ,merton left ,st ,benet's ,college never to come back4 ,she took all her possessions with her1 even the pink coral1 which1 to their credit be it spoken1 not a girl in the college would have accepted at her hands4 ,annie ,day and ,lucy ,marsh were not the sort of people to keep their secret long1 and before the day of her departure had expired nearly everyone at ,heath ,hall knew of ,rosalind's crime4 ,miss ,heath was made acquainted with the whole story at an early hour that morning4 ,i may have done very wrong to let her go without obtaining your permission1 ,miss ,heath1 said ,maggie1 when the story was finished4 ,if so1 please forgive me1 and also allow me to say that1 were the same thing to occur again1 ,i fear ,i should act in the same way4 ,i think my primary object in giving ,rosalind money to go home this morning was to save the college from any open slur being cast upon it4 ,miss ,heath's face had grown very pale while ,maggie was speaking4 ,she was quite silent for a moment or two after the story was finished2 then1 going up to ,miss ,oliphant1 she took her hand and kissed her4 ,on the whole1 my dear1 she said1 ,i am obliged to you4 ,had this story been told me while ,miss ,merton was in the house1 ,i should have been obliged to detain her until all the facts of this disgraceful case were laid before the college authorities1 and then1 of course1 there would have been no course open but to publicly expel her4 ,this1 at least1 you have spared ,st ,benet's1 and ,i am relieved from the terrible responsibility4 ,i'll say nothing now about the rule you have broken1 for1 of course1 you had no right to assist ,rosalind to go home without permission4 ,it lies within my discretion to forgive you1 ,maggie1 however1 so take my kiss1 dear4 ,the ,vice-,principal and ,miss ,oliphant talked for some little time longer over ,rosalind's terrible fall1 and1 as ,miss ,heath felt confident that the story would get abroad in the college1 she said she would be forced to mention the circumstances to their ,principal1 ,miss ,vincent1 and also to say something in public to the girls of ,heath ,hall on the subject4 ,and now we will turn to something else1 she said4 ,i am concerned at those pale cheeks1 ,maggie4 ,my dear1 as the young girl coloured brightly1 your low spirits weigh on my heart4 ,oh1 don't mind me1 said ,maggie1 hastily4 ,it is scarcely kind to say this to one who loves you4 ,i have been many years ,vice-,principal of this ,hall1 and no girl1 except ,annabel ,lee1 has come so close to my heart as you have1 ,maggie4 ,some girls come here1 spend the required three years1 and go away again without making much impression on anyone4 ,in your case this will not be so4 ,i have not the least doubt that you will pass your tripos examination with credit in the summer2 you will then leave us1 but not to be forgotten4 ,i1 for one1 ,maggie1 can never forget you4 ,how good you are6 said ,maggie4 ,tears trembled in the eyes1 which were far too proud to weep except in private4 ,miss ,heath looked attentively at the young student1 for whom she felt so strong an interest4 ,priscilla's words had scarcely been absent from her night or day since they were spoken4 ,maggie ought to marry ,mr ,hammond4 ,maggie loves him1 and he loves her1 but a bogie stands in the way4 ,night and day ,miss ,heath had pondered these words4 ,now1 looking at the fair face1 whose roundness of outline was slightly worn1 at the eyes which had looked at her for a moment through a veil of sudden tears1 she resolved to take the initiative in a matter which she considered quite outside her province4 ,sit down1 ,maggie1 she said4 ,i think the time has come for me to tell you something which has lain as a secret on my heart for over a year4 ,maggie looked up in surprise1 then dropped into a chair1 and folded her hands in her lap4 ,she was slightly surprised at ,miss ,heath's tone1 but not as yet intensely interested4 ,you know1 my dear1 she said1 that ,i never interfere with the life a student lives outside this ,hall4 ,provided she obeys the rules and mentions the names of the friends she visits1 she is at liberty1 practically1 to do as she pleases in those hours which are not devoted to lectures4 ,a girl at ,st ,benet's may have a great1 a very great1 friend at ,kingsdene or elsewhere1 of whom the ,principals of the college know nothing4 ,i think ,i may add with truth that were the girl to confide in the ,principal of her college in case of any friendship developing into--into love1 she would receive the deepest sympathy and the tenderest counsels that the case would admit of4 ,the ,principal who was confided in would regard herself for the time being as the young girl's mother4 ,maggie's eyes were lowered now2 her lips trembled2 she played nervously with a flower which she held in her hand4 ,i must apologise1 continued ,miss ,heath1 for having alluded to a subject which may not in the least concern you1 my dear4 ,my excuse for doing so is that what ,i have to tell you directly bears on the question of marriage4 ,i would have spoken to you long ago1 but1 until lately1 until a few days ago1 ,i had not the faintest idea that such a subject had even distantly visited your mind4 ,who told you that it had8 questioned ,maggie2 she spoke with anger4 ,who has dared to interfere--to spread rumours8 ,i am not going to marry4 ,i shall never marry4 ,it is not in my power at present to tell you how the rumour has reached me1 continued ,miss ,heath1 but1 having reached me1 ,i want to say a few words about--about ,annabel ,lee4 ,oh1 don't6 said ,maggie1 rising to her feet1 her face pale as death4 ,she put her hand to her heart as she spoke2 a pang1 not so much mental as bodily1 had gone through it4 ,my dear1 ,i think you must listen to me while ,i give you a message from one whom you dearly loved1 whose death has changed you1 ,maggie1 whose death we have all deeply mourned4 ,a message8 said ,maggie2 a message from ,annabel6 ,what message8 ,i regarded it as the effects of delirium at the time1 continued ,miss ,heath1 and1 as you had fever immediately afterwards1 dreaded referring to the subject4 ,now ,i blame myself for not having told you sooner1 for ,i believe that ,annabel was conscious1 and that she had a distinct meaning in her words4 ,what did she say8 ,please don't keep me in suspense4 ,it was shortly before she died1 continued ,miss ,heath2 the fever had run very high1 and she was weak1 and ,i could scarcely catch her words4 ,she looked at me4 ,you know how ,annabel could look1 ,maggie2 you know how expressive those eyes could be1 how that voice could move one4 ,maggie had sunk back again in her chair2 her face was covered with her trembling hands4 ,annabel said1 continued ,miss ,heath1 tell ,maggie not to mistake me4 ,i am happy4 ,i am glad she will marry'--,i think she tried to say a name1 but ,i could not catch it--,i tell her to marry him1 and that ,i am very glad4 ,a sob broke from ,maggie ,oliphant's lips4 ,you might have told me before6 she said1 in a choked voice4 ,,chapter ,,thirty ,,two4 ,,the ,,princess4 ,the great event of the term was to take place that evening4 ,the ,princess was to be acted by the girls of ,st ,benet's1 and1 by the kind permission of ,miss ,vincent1 the ,principal of the entire college1 several visitors were invited to witness the entertainment4 ,the members of the ,dramatic ,society had taken immense pains2 the rehearsals had been many1 the dresses all carefully chosen1 the scenery appropriate--in short1 no pains had been spared to render this lovely poem of ,tennyson's a dramatic success4 ,the absence of ,rosalind ,merton had1 for a short time1 caused a little dismay among the actors4 ,she had been cast for the part of ,melissa-- ,a rosy blonde1 and in a college gown ,that clad her like an ,april daffodilly4 ,but now it must be taken by someone else4 ,little ,ada ,hardy1 who was about ,rosalind's height1 and had the real innocence which1 alas6 poor ,rosalind lacked1 was sent for in a hurry1 and1 carefully drilled by ,constance ,field and ,maggie ,oliphant1 by the time the night arrived she was sufficiently prepared to act the character1 slight in itself1 which was assigned to her4 ,the other actors were1 of course1 fully prepared to take their several parts1 and a number of girls were invested in the ,academic silks1 in hue ,the lilac1 with a silken hood to each1 ,and zoned with gold4 ,nothing could have been more picturesque1 and there was a buzz of hearty applause from the many spectators who crowded the galleries and front seats of the little theatre when the curtain rose on the well-known garden scene1 where the ,prince1 ,florian1 and ,cyril saw the maidens of that first college for women--that poet's vision1 so amply fulfilled in the happy life at ,st ,benet's4 ,there ,one walk'd1 reciting by herself1 and one ,in this hand held a volume as to read1 ,and smoothed a petted peacock down with that3 ,some to a low song oar'd a shallop by1 ,or under arches of the marble bridge ,hung1 shadow'd from the heat3 some hid and sought ,in the orange thickets3 others tost a ball ,above the fountain jets1 and back again ,with laughter3 others lay about the lawns1 ,of the older sort1 and murmur'd that their ,may ,was passing3 what was learning unto them8 ,they wish'd to marry3 they could rule a house2 ,men hated learned women444 ,the girls walked slowly about amongst the orange groves and by the fountain jets4 ,in the distance the chapel bells tolled faint and sweet4 ,more maidens appeared1 and ,tennyson's lovely lines were again represented with such skill1 the effect of multitude was so skilfully managed1 that the ,six hundred maidens1 clad in purest white1 appeared really to fill the gardens4 ,while the great organ almost burst his pipes1 ,groaning for power1 and rolling thro' the court ,a long melodious thunder to the sound ,of solemn psalms1 and silver litanies4 ,the curtain fell1 to rise in a few moments amid a burst of applause4 ,the ,princess herself now appeared for the first time on the little stage4 ,nothing could have been more admirable than the grouping of this tableau4 ,all the pride of mien1 of race1 of indomitable purpose was visible on the face of the young girl who acted the part of the ,princess ,ida4 ,she stood ,among her maidens1 higher by the head1 ,her back against a pillar4 ,it was impossible1 of course1 to represent the tame leopards1 but the maidens who gathered round the ,princess prevented this want being apparent1 and ,maggie ,oliphant's attitude1 and the expression which filled her bright eyes1 left nothing to be desired4 ,perfect6 exclaimed the spectators3 the interest of everyone present was more than aroused2 each individual in the little theatre felt1 though no one could exactly tell why1 that ,maggie was not merely acting her part1 she was living it4 ,suddenly she raised her head1 and looked steadily at the visitors in the gallery3 a wave of rosy red swept over the whiteness of her face4 ,it was evident that she had encountered a glance which disturbed her composure4 ,the play proceeded brilliantly1 and now the power and originality of ,priscilla's acting divided the attention of the house4 ,surely there never was a more impassioned ,prince4 ,priscilla could sing2 her voice was not powerful1 but it was low and rather deeply set4 ,the well-known and familiar song with which the ,prince tried to woo ,ida lost little at her hands4 ,o ,swallow1 ,swallow1 flying1 flying ,south1 ,fly to her1 and fall upon her gilded eaves1 ,and tell her1 tell her1 what ,i tell to thee4 ,o tell her1 ,swallow1 thou that knowest each1 ,that bright and fierce and fickle is the ,south1 ,and dark and true and tender is the ,north4 ,why lingereth she to clothe her heart with love1 ,delaying as the tender ash delays ,to clothe herself1 when all the woods are green8 ,o tell her1 brief is life but love is long1 ,and brief the sun of summer in the ,north1 ,and brief the moon of beauty in the ,south4 ,o ,swallow1 flying from the golden woods1 ,fly to her1 and pipe and woo her1 and make her mine1 ,and tell her1 tell her1 that ,i follow thee4 ,the wooing which followed made a curious impression2 this impression was not only produced upon the house1 but upon both ,prince and ,princess4 ,priscilla1 too1 had encountered ,hammond's earnest gaze4 ,that gaze fired her heart1 and she became once again not herself but he2 poor1 awkward1 and gauche little ,prissie sank out of sight2 she was ,hammond pleading his own cause1 she was wooing ,maggie for him in the words of ,tennyson's ,prince4 ,this fact was the secret of ,priscilla's power2 she had felt it more or less whenever she acted the part of the ,prince2 but1 on this occasion1 she communicated the sensations which animated her own breast to ,maggie4 ,maggie1 too1 felt that ,hammond was speaking to her through ,priscilla's voice4 ,i cannot cease to follow you1 as they say ,the seal does music2 who desire you more ,than growing boys their manhood2 dying lips1 ,with many thousand matters left to do1 ,the breath of life2 ,o more than poor men wealth1 ,than sick men health--yours1 yours1 not mine--but half ,without you2 with you1 whole2 and of those halves ,you worthiest1 and howe'er you block and bar ,your heart with system out from mine1 ,i hold ,that it becomes no man to nurse despair1 ,but in the teeth of clench'd antagonisms ,to follow up the worthiest till he die4 ,in the impassioned reply which followed this address it was noticed for the first time by the spectators that ,maggie scarcely did herself justice4 ,her exclamation-- ,i wed with thee6 ,i1 bound by precontract ,your bride1 your bond-slave6 was scarcely uttered with the scorn which such a girl would throw into the words if her heart went with them4 ,the rest of the play proceeded well2 the ,prince following up his advantage1 until his last words-- ,accomplish thou my manhood and thyself2 ,lay thy sweet hands in mine and trust to me1 brought down the house with ringing applause4 ,the curtain fell and rose again4 ,the ,prince and ,princess stood with hands clasped4 ,the eyes of the conquered ,princess looked again at the people in the gallery1 but the eyes she wanted to see did not meet hers4 ,an hour later ,maggie ,oliphant had occasion to go back to the forsaken green-room to fetch a bracelet she had left there4 ,priscilla was standing in the corridor when she passed4 ,quick as lightning ,prissie disappeared1 and1 making her way into the library1 which was thrown open for a general reception that evening1 sought out ,hammond1 and1 taking his hand1 said1 abruptly-- ,i want you2 come with me4 ,in surprise he followed her into the hall4 ,maggie is in the green-room2 go to her1 said ,priscilla4 ,he raised his brows2 his eyes seemed to lighten1 and then grow dark4 ,they asked ,priscilla a thousand questions2 his lips refused to ask one4 ,replying to the look in his eyes1 ,priscilla said again3 ,it is cruel of you to leave her alone4 ,go to her2 she is waiting for you--and oh1 ,i know that her heart has been waiting for you for a long1 long time4 ,if ,i thought that1 said ,hammond's eyes4 ,he turned without a word1 and went down the long corridor which led to the little theatre4 ,late that evening1 after all the bustle and excitement were over1 and most of the guests had left1 ,miss ,heath was standing in her own sitting-room talking to ,prissie4 ,and you have quite made up your mind1 ,prissie8 ,yes1 answered ,priscilla4 ,i heard from ,aunt ,raby to-day2 she told me all about ,mr ,hammond's visit1 for ,mr ,hayes went to see her1 and told her everything4 ,well1 ,prissie1 said ,miss ,heath1 what have you decided8 ,it is a great chance for you1 and there is nothing wrong in it2 indeed1 for aught we can tell1 this may be the direct guiding of ,providence4 ,but ,i don't think it is1 said ,priscilla1 in a slow voice4 ,i have thought it all over very carefully1 and ,i don't think the chance offered by dear ,maggie would be a good one for me4 ,why not1 my dear8 ,your reasons must be strong when you say this4 ,i don't know if they are strong1 answered ,priscilla1 but they are at least decided4 ,my father and mother were poor and independent4 ,aunt ,raby is very poor1 and also independent ,i fancy that were ,i rich in comparison1 ,i might cease to be independent4 ,the strong motive power might go4 ,something might be taken out of me which ,i could never get back1 so ,i-- ,her lips trembled4 ,pause a minute1 ,prissie2 remember what ,maggie offers1 a sufficient income to support your aunt1 to educate your sisters1 and to enable you to pursue those studies at ,st ,benet's for which you have the greatest talent4 ,think of the honours that lie before you2 think how brilliantly you may pass your tripos examination with your mind at rest4 ,that's not the point1 said ,priscilla4 ,there was a ring in her voice which she must have inherited from a long line of rugged1 proud1 but worthy ancestors4 ,in a question of this kind1 ,i ought never to content myself with looking at the brilliant and tempting side4 ,forgive me1 ,miss ,heath4 ,i may have done wrong after all2 but1 right or wrong1 ,i have made my resolve4 ,i will keep my independence4 ,have you considered your ,aunt ,raby in this8 ,she has put herself absolutely out of the question by declining all aid as far as she is concerned4 ,she says such assistance would kill her in a week4 ,if ,i can earn money to help her before she dies1 she will accept it from me with thankfulness1 but from no one else4 ,then you will give up your ,latin and ,greek8 ,for the present1 ,i must4 ,and you are quite happy8 ,if ,maggie and ,mr ,hammond will only marry one another1 ,i shall be one of the happiest girls in the world4 ,there came a knock at ,miss ,heath's door4 ,priscilla flew to open it4 ,prissie1 darling6 said ,maggie ,oliphant's voice4 ,she flung her arms round the young girl's neck1 and kissed her several times4 ,it's all right1 ,priscilla1 said ,hammond4 ,miss ,heath made a step or two forward4 ,come and tell ,miss ,heath1 said ,prissie4 ,miss ,heath1 here is ,maggie6 ,here is dear ,maggie and here is ,mr ,hammond1 and it is all right4 ,tears of gladness filled ,priscilla's eyes4 ,she went up to ,hammond1 took one of his hands in both her own1 and said1 in a voice of rapture1 ,i did help you to-night1 didn't ,i8 ,you know ,i said ,i would do anything in the world for you4 ,you have done everything for me1 ,priscilla1 replied ,hammond4 ,i shall bless you while ,i live4 ,maggie ,oliphant's arms were round ,miss ,heath's neck2 her head rested against her breast4 ,we have come straight to you1 she said2 you told me that if--if such an occasion came1 you would act as a mother to me4 ,so ,i can1 and so ,i will1 dear child4 ,god bless you4 ,you are happy now4 ,happy6 ,maggie's eyes were glistening through the softest rainbow of tears4 ,hammond came and took the hand which she had suddenly thrown at her side4 ,we both owe everything to ,priscilla1 he said4 ,,chapter ,,thirty ,,three4 ,,conclusion4 ,before ,maggie ,oliphant left ,st ,benet's she brought some of the honour which had long been expected from her to the dearly-loved ,halls3 she took a first-class in her tripos examination4 ,with her mind at rest1 a great deal of the morbidness of her character disappeared1 and her last term at ,st ,benet's reminded the students who had known her in ,annabel ,lee's time of the old1 brilliant1 and happy ,maggie4 ,miss ,oliphant's bad half-hours became rarer and rarer1 and ,hammond laughed when she spoke to him of them1 and said that she could not expect him to believe in their existence4 ,shortly after the conclusion of the summer term ,maggie and ,hammond were married1 and her little world at ,st ,benet's had to get on without the presence which had always exerted the influence of a strong personality1 and which had been potent both for good and evil4 ,by this time1 however1 a girl whose personal charms were few1 whose poverty was apparent1 and whose gaucherie was even now often extreme1 was more than filling the place left vacant by ,maggie4 ,extreme earnestness1 the sincerity of a noble purpose1 the truthfulness of a nature which could not stoop to deceit1 was spreading an influence on the side of all that was good and noble4 ,no girl did more honour to ,heath ,hall than she who1 at one time1 was held up to derision1 and laughed at as odd1 prudish1 and uninteresting4 ,everyone prophesied well for ,priscilla in the future which lay before her2 her feet were set in the right direction2 the aim of her life was to become--not learned1 but wise2 not to build up a reputation1 but to gain character2 to put blessedness before happiness--duty before inclination4 ,women like ,priscilla live at the root of the true life of a worthy nation4 ,maggie ,oliphant had brilliance1 beauty1 wealth2 she had also strong personal influence1 and the power of creating love wherever she went2 but1 when ,priscilla ,peel leaves ,st ,benet's1 she will be more missed than was ,maggie4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,the ,end4