Part 50 (1/2)

said Aneta ”Then what you said about the sufferings of the poor--I reat pain Will you take off your things and lie down, and let ! Such words to coated She allowed her rival queen to undress her, and presently the two girls were lying side by side in the little bed

Maggie dropped off into heavy slu when Aneta touched her coht, and I a”

”You! What can you do? Oh, I re now Oh, the horror!

Oh, how can I endure it? Why didn't I run away?”

”Maggie, you must promise me faithfully that you will never run away

Say it now, this minute I believe in your word; I believe in your fine nature I will help you with all h school-life, and afterwards Give me your word now You will stay at Aylie

”I don't ask anyto-day, but leave matters in my hands You are not well; your head aches, your forehead is so hot”

”Yes, I have a headache,” owned Maggie

”I shall be away for the greater part of the day, but I will ask Miss Johnson to look after you Don't say anything until I return”

”But what are you going to do?”

”I a to see your mother and your stepfather”

”Aneta!”

”Yes”

”Oh Aneta, you must not see him!”

”It is probable that I shall seem him, dear; I am not easily alar downstairs now to ask Mrs

Ward's per aboutof your story When you feel well enough you can get up and go on with the preparations for to-morrow I believe we shall have our happy day”

CHAPTER XXIII

AT LABURNUM VILLA

Aneta went back to her room, where she dressed with her usual expedition and extreme neatness When she had finished her toilet she ran downstairs It was not yet eight o'clock; butfor prayers, which always took place before breakfast Mrs Ward was seen passing to the library, where prayers were held Aneta went up to her

”Prayers first, of course,” said Aneta, ”and afterwards may I talk to you?”

Mrs Ward looked at Aneta ”What is thevery important indeed I must see you”

”Well, breakfast follows prayers; come to me the minute breakfast is over”