"Prayers first, of course," said Aneta, "and afterwards may I talk to you?"
Mrs. Ward looked at Aneta. "What is the matter, dear?"
"Something very important indeed. I must see you."
"Well, breakfast follows prayers; come to me the minute breakfast is over."
At breakfast Merry asked Aneta how Maggie was. Aneta said that Maggie had a headache, and would not be in school during the morning.
"Then what are we to do about our day?" said Molly Tristram, who overheard this remark. "We have absolutely more to get through than we can possibly manage."
"Oh, to-morrow will be quite all right," said Aneta; "and Maggie will join you presently."
Aneta was so respected in the school, so little given to exaggeration, so absolutely to be relied on, that these words of hers had a most calming effect. The girls continued their breakfast, those who were in the secret of to-morrow occasionally alluding to the subject in French, which was the only language allowed to be spoken. The others talked about their different occupations.
As soon as ever breakfast was over, Aneta went to Mrs. Ward's private room.
"Now, dear, what is it?" said the head-mistress. "I have to take the class for literature at half-past nine, and have very little time to spare."
"I won't keep you," said Aneta; "but what I wanted was to beg for a day's holiday."
"My dear girl! What do you mean? In the middle of term--a day's holiday! Can you not take it to-morrow?--oh, I forgot, to-morrow Maggie is having her grand carnival, as I call it. But what is the matter, Aneta? Have you any trouble?"
"Yes," said Aneta; "and I cannot tell you, dear Mrs. Ward."
"I know you do; and I want you to trust me more than ever. It has something to do with Maggie."
Mrs. Ward slightly frowned. "I am never sure"--she began.
But Aneta stopped her impulsively. "If you give me that holiday to-day," she said, "and if you trust me, and if you will also give me Mrs. Martin's address, which, of course, you must have on your books"----
"Yes. You know Maggie's mother has married again; she is Mrs. Martin."
"Of course, of course; I had forgotten for the moment. Yes, I have her address."
"Well, if you will do all that," continued Aneta, "I think that you will find a new Maggie in the future, one whom you--will trust, and--and love, as I love her."