If I ever did excel you, which is most unlikely, I know
you would be glad both for me and for yourself. No, it is not that; I
am unhappy because of no fancy."
"What worries you then?"
"Maggie, do you see this note?"
"Yes; it is from Miss Heath, is it not?"
"It is. I am to see her to-night."
"Well, Prissie, you must be quick with your revelation, for I have
some notes to look over."
"I won't keep you a moment. I am to see Miss Heath to tell her----
Prissie paused. Her face grew deadly white. "I am to see Miss Heath to
tell her-- to tell her-- that I-- oh, Maggie! I must give up my
classics. I must; it's all settled. Don't say anything. Don't tempt me
to reconsider the question. It can't be reconsidered, and my mind is
made up. That's it; it's a trouble, but I must go through with it.
Good night, Maggie."
Prissie held out her long, unformed hand; Miss Oliphant clasped it
between both her own.
"You are trembling," she said, standing up and drawing the girl toward
her. "I don't want to argue the point if you so firmly forbid me. I
think you quite mad, of course. It is absolutely impossible for me to
sympathize with such wild folly. Still, if your mind is made up, I
won't interfere. But, seeing that at one time we were very firm
friends, you might give me your reasons, Priscilla.
Pages:
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237