"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 trust you, of course, Aneta." "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"---- "Mrs. Martin's address?" said Mrs. Ward. "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." "My dear girl! as you love Maggie Howland?" Aneta lowered her head for a minute. "It is true I did not love her," she said, "in the past, but I have changed my views. I have been narrow-minded, and small, and silly. She herself has opened my eyes. I cannot tell you more now. Maggie will come down, and will be able to go on with her lessons just as usual this afternoon; but I want a day off, and I want it at once." "But where are you going, dear?" "I am going to Aunt Lucia. You will let me have a cab, and I will drive to Aunt Lucia's house in Eaton Square at once?" Mrs. Ward looked doubtful. "You have a very grave reason for this?" she said. "Very, very grave; and I will tell you all presently." "I have never had reason to doubt you," said Mrs. Ward, "and I won't doubt you now. Does Maggie know of this?" "Yes--oh yes; but please don't question her until I return." "Very well, dear; you shall have your way. Oh, you want Mrs. Martin's address. It is Laburnum Villa, Clapham." Aneta entered the address in a little tablet bound in gold which she always wore at her waist. "Thank you ever so much," she said, and then left the room.