"I want to go and visit one of my schoolmates, and stay with her for a time." "Of course you may go, Aneta. I give you permission; but don't remain too long, for we get up early to-morrow, as to-morrow school really begins." "I won't remain a minute longer than I can help. Thank you, Lucy," said Aneta. Miss Johnson kissed her pupil and left the room. A minute later Aneta Lysle was running down the corridor in the direction of the bedroom occupied by Maggie Howland. It was some distance from her own room. She knocked at the door. She guessed somehow that Maggie would be still up. Maggie said, "Come in," and Aneta entered. Maggie was in a white dressing-gown, with her thick, handsome hair falling below her waist. Her hair was her strongest point, and she looked for the time being almost pretty. "What do you want, Aneta?" she said. "To speak to you, Maggie." "But it's against the rules," said Maggie, drawling out her words a little, and giving Aneta a defiant glance. "No," said Aneta. "I asked for permission to come and see you, and I have obtained it." "Well, sit down, won't you?" said Maggie. Aneta availed herself of the invitation, and took a chair. Maggie remained standing. "Won't you sit too, Maggie?" said Aneta. "I don't particularly want to, but I will if you insist on it. To tell the truth, I am a little sleepy. You won't keep me long, will you?" "That depends on yourself." Maggie opened her narrow eyes. Then she contracted them and looked fixedly at her companion. "Have you come here to talk about Merry Cardew?" "Yes, about her, and other matters." "Don't you trust me at all, Aneta?" Aneta looked full up at the girl. "No, Maggie," she said. "Do you think when you say so that you speak kindly?" "I am afraid I don't, but I can't help myself," said Aneta. Maggie gave a faint yawn. She was, in reality, far too interested to be really sleepy. Suddenly she dropped into a sitting position on the floor. "You have me," she said, "in the hollow of your hand. Do you mean to crush me? What have I done that you should hate me so much?" "I never said I hated you," said Aneta. "I don't hate you, but I am exceedingly anxious that you should not have any influence over my two young cousins who came here to-day." "I thought we discussed that when you were staying at Meredith Manor," said Maggie. "You made me unhappy enough then, but I gave you my promise." "I was sorry to make you unhappy, Maggie; and you did give me your promise; but I have come here to-day to know why you have broken it." "Broken it!" said Maggie. "Broken it!" "Don't you understand me?" said Aneta. "You and Merry were together the greater part of the evening, and even Cicely wondered where her sister was. Why did you do it?" "Merry is my friend," said Maggie. "I don't wish her to be your friend."