"Perhaps we had better go to bed now," said Aneta. "I may as well tell you, girls, that we have to get up at half-past six. Lucy comes to us and wakes us at that hour, and we are expected to be downstairs at seven. Lucy will tell you, too, girls, that it is expected of us all that we shall keep our rooms in perfect order. Now, shall we say good-night?" The Cardews kissed their cousin and went to their own pleasant room. As soon as they were there Merry said, "Cicely, I am glad about poor Maggie." "And so am I," said Cicely. "When we write home we must be sure to mention to mother about Mr. Martyn. I don't think dear Maggie knew anything about The Meadows; so perhaps, after all, he is a somewhat distant cousin; but it is such a comfort to know that he is rich and a gentleman." "Yes," said Cicely. Then she added, "I don't think Aneta wants you to make too great a friend of Maggie Howland." "Oh, nonsense!" said Merry, coloring slightly. "I am never going to give Maggie up, for I love her dearly." "Of course," said Cicely, "it would be very mean to give her up; but you and I, as Aneta's cousins, must be on her side in the school. What I am afraid of is that Maggie will try to induce you to join her set." "That shows how little you know her," said Merry, roused to the defensive. "She explained everything to me this afternoon, and said that I certainly must belong to Aneta." "Did she? Well, I call that splendid," said Cicely. CHAPTER XVI. BO-PEEP. When Aneta found herself alone that evening she stayed for a short time thinking very deeply. She felt a queer sense of responsibility with regard to the Cardews. If Maggie imagined that it was through her influence they had come to Aylmer House, Aneta was positive that they would never have entered the school but for her and her aunt, Lady Lysle. Besides, they were her very own cousins, and she loved them both dearly. She was not especially anxious about Cicely, who was a more ordinary and less enthusiastic girl than Merry; but about Merry she had some qualms. There was no doubt whatever that the girl was attracted by Maggie; and, in Aneta's opinion, Maggie Howland was in no sense of the word a proper companion for her.