She will take a
first-class when she goes for her tripos, if her present studies are
not interfered with."
Miss Heath smiled at Maggie in a pitying sort of way. "I admit," she
said, "that first-class honors would be a very graceful crown of bay
to encircle that young head; and yet, Maggie, yet-- surely Priscilla
can do better?"
"What do you mean? How can she possibly do better?"
"She can wear a nobler crown. You know, Maggie, there are crowns to be
worn which cannot fade."
"Oh!" Maggie's lips trembled. She looked down.
After a pause, she said, "Priscilla told me something of her home and
her family. I suppose she has also confided in you, Miss Heath?"
"Yes, my dear."
"Well, 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
family. I mean to help them; I mean to put them all in such a position
that Priscilla shall not need to spend her youth in uncongenial
drudgery. I have come to say this to you, Miss Heath, and I beg of
you-- yes, I beg of you-- to induce my dear Prissie to go on with her
classical studies. It will now be in your power to assure her that the
necessity which made her obliged to give them up no longer exists."
"In short," said Miss Heath, "you will give Miss Peel of your charity
and take her independence away?"
"What do you mean?"
"Put yourself in her place, Maggie.
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