Part 26 (2/2)
”I don't want to hear it. I know you and your raptures. It will be a perfect comfort when you are at Glendower, and I can have a little peace!”
”That's just it! I'm not going to Glendower.”
”Oh! You have got into a sc.r.a.pe too? Well, I must say I think it's time your righteous pride should have a fall. I have no patience with little girls who are always in everyone's good books, and who are set up as patterns. But what's the matter? You seem uncommonly delighted at losing your fine treat.”
”I would be, if you'd speak ever so little kindly to me, Ermie, I really am not the horrid girl you think.”
”I don't think anything about you, child.”
”Well, you shouldn't say things about me. You shouldn't say what you don't think.”
”Oh, for goodness' sake, don't begin to moralize! Was that the breakfast gong?”
”Yes. And you'd better be quick eating up your breakfast, Ermie, for you won't have too much time.”
”What do you mean?”
”Well, you'll have to tell Hudson about your dresses and things. _You_ are going to Glendower!”
The dull look left Ermengarde's eyes. They began to sparkle. She stood quite still for a moment. Then she turned slowly round and faced her little sister. All Marjorie's soul was s.h.i.+ning out of her face at this moment.
”Do you mean this, Maggie?” asked Ermengarde.
”Of course I mean it. Aren't you glad? Aren't you delighted?”
”But how has it been managed? Father said he'd punish me for talking to Susan Collins, and he said you were to go in my stead.”
”Well, now, you are to go instead of me. It's just turned round.
Aren't you very glad?”
”Well, I did want to see Lilias. She's more the sort of friend for me than for you; isn't she, Maggie?”
”I suppose so,” said Marjorie, suppressing a quick sigh.
”And of course Lady Russell wanted me, not you.”
”Yes, I told father I was sure she'd like you best.”
”Oh, you spoke to father about it?”
”Why, of course, Ermie.”
”Then you haven't got into disgrace yourself?”
”No, it wasn't that--it wasn't because I was in----” Marjorie turned her head away, and tears welled up slowly into her big wide-open gray eyes.
<script>