"And now we will turn to something else," she said. "I am concerned at
those pale cheeks, Maggie. My dear," as the young girl colored
brightly, "your low spirits weigh on my heart."
"Oh, don't mind me," said Maggie hastily.
"It is scarcely kind to say this to one who loves you. I have been
many years vice-principal of this hall, and no girl, except Annabel
Lee, has come so close to my heart as you have, Maggie. Some girls
come here, spend the required three years and go away again without
making much impression on any one. In your case this will not be so. I
have not the least doubt that you will pass your tripos examination
with credit in the summer; you will then leave us, but not to be
forgotten. I, for one, Maggie can never forget you."
"How good you are!" said Maggie.
Tears trembled in the eyes which were far too proud to weep except in
private.
Miss Heath looked attentively at the young student, for whom she felt
so strong an interest. Priscilla's words had scarcely been absent from
her night or day since they were spoken.
"Maggie ought to marry Mr. Hammond. Maggie loves him and he loves her,
but a bogie stands in the way." Night and day Miss Heath had pondered
these words. Now, looking at the fair face, whose roundness of outline
was slightly worn, at the eyes which had looked at her for a moment
through a veil of sudden tears, she resolved to take the initiative in
a matter which she considered quite outside her province.
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