"I want you to tell me just what you think about the Singletons," she said. "Let us walk about under the trees. Isn't it nice and home-like here? Don't you think so, Rosamund?"
"Perhaps," said Rosamund in a dubious voice. Then she added impulsively, "You see, Laura, it is somewhat difficult for me to talk to you, for Lucy is your friend and she is not mine."
"I know you do not like her--I mean I know she is in every way your opposite; but if you only would take no notice of her little peculiarities, and accept her as she really is, you would soon find good points in her. She is devoted to her parents, and is very true. I know, of course, she is a little matter-of-fact."
"Yes, that is it," said Rosamund. "For goodness' sake, Laura, don't waste time talking about her. We can say as much as ever we like about the Singletons. I must say I am rather charmed with them."
"And so am I," said Laura, "particularly with Maud. She is so bright and unselfish."
"The person I like best of the entire group is Miss Carter," said Rosamund stoutly.
"What!" exclaimed Laura, with a laugh. "That poor, thin, frightened-looking governess--'Cartery love,' as they call her?"
"Yes, 'Cartery love,' or anything else you like to name her. I took a fancy to her, and thought her awfully nice. I may see more of her; there's no saying."
"You are so odd, Rosamund--so different from the other girls!"
"Mother told me that before, but somehow I never believed it. Of course, I have never been at school before."
"You can scarcely call this homely, pleasant house, school."
"I should enjoy it but for Lucy. But there, we are treading on dangerous ground."
"So we are," said Laura. Then she added stoutly, "I like it in spite of Lucy; or, rather, I like Lucy as much as anything else belonging to the school. I hope," she continued as they paced slowly under the fir-trees, "that you are not really anxious about Jane. I know that you and she are friends."
"We have been friends almost since we were babies," said Rosamund. "Not that we are a bit alike in character."
"Indeed you are not. Jane hasn't a quarter of your spirit."
"Perhaps it is because we are such opposites that we are such great friends," continued Rosamund.
"Perhaps; but do say you are not anxious about her."