Would you take money for yourself
and those dear to you from a comparative stranger?"
Maggie's face grew very red. "I think I would oblige my friend, my
dear friend," she said.
"Is Prissie really your dear friend?"
"Why do you doubt me? I love her very much. Since-- since Annabel
died, no one has come so close to me."
"I am glad of that," replied Miss Heath. She went up to Maggie and
kissed her.
"You will do what I wish?" asked the girl eagerly.
"No, my dear: that matter lies in your hands alone. It is a case in
which it is absolutely impossible for me to interfere. If you can
induce Priscilla to accept money from you, I shall not say a word;
and, for the sake of our college, I shall, perhaps, be glad, for there
is not the least doubt that Prissie has it in her to win distinction
for St. Benet's. But, on the other hand, if she comes to me for
advice, it will be impossible for me not to say to her: 'My dear,
character ranks higher than intellect. You may win the greatest prizes
and yet keep a poor and servile soul. You may never get this great
earthly distinction, and yet you may be crowned with honor-- the honor
which comes of uprightness, of independence, of integrity.' Prissie
may never consult me, of course, Maggie; but, if she does, I must say
words something like these.
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