Maggie was swept away amid fervent embraces
and handshakes to the other end of the room. Mrs. Marshall saw that
Priscilla looked frightened; she took her under her wing, sat down by
her on a sofa and began to talk.
Prissie answered in a sedate voice. Mrs. Marshall had a very gentle
manner. Prissie began to lose her shyness; she almost imagined that
she was back again with Aunt Raby.
"My dear, you will like us all very much," the old lady said. "No life
can be so absolutely delightful as that of a girl graduate at St.
Benet's. The freedom from care, the mixture of study with play, the
pleasant social life, all combine to make young women both healthy and
wise. Ah, my love, we leave out the middle of the old proverb. The
girls at St. Benet's are in that happy period of existence when they
need give no thought to money-making."
"Some are," said Prissie. She sighed and the color rushed into her
cheeks. Mrs. Marshall looked at her affectionately.
"Helen," she called to her granddaughter who was standing near, "bring
Miss Peel another cup of tea-- and some cake, Helen-- some of that
nice cake you made yesterday. Now, my love, I insist. You don't look
at all strong. You really must eat plenty."
Helen Marshall supplied Prissie's wants, was introduced to her, and,
standing near, joined in the talk.
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