"Church mice aren't poorer," said Maggie. "But never mind; I have got something which even your Aneta hasn't got. I have talent, and I have the power--the power of charming. I want most earnestly to be your special friend, Merry. I have a very affectionate heart, and I love you and Cicely and Molly and Isabel more than I can say; but of all you four girls I love you the best. You come first in my heart; and to see you at my school turning away from me and going altogether to Aneta's side would give me agony. There, I can't help it. Forgive me. I'll be all right in a minute." Maggie turned her face aside. She had taken out her handkerchief and was pressing it to her eyes. Real tears had filled them, for her emotions were genuine enough. "Don't you think," she said after a pause, "that you, who are so rich in this world's goods, might be kind and loving to a poor little plain girl who loves you but who has got very little?" "Indeed, indeed, I shall always love you, dear Maggie," said Merry. "Then you will do what I want?" "I don't like to make promises, and I am so much in the dark; but I can certainly say this--that, whatever happens, I shall be your friend at school. I shall look to you to help me in a hundred ways." "Will you indeed, darling Merry?" "Of course I shall. I always intended to, and I think Cicely will do just the same." "I don't want you to talk to Cicely about this. She doesn't care for me as much as you do." "Perhaps not quite," said honest Merry. "Oh, I am sure--certain of it. Then you will be my friend as I shall be yours, and when we meet at Aylmer House you will talk of me to others as your friend?" "Of course I shall." "That's what I require. The thought of your friendship when I love you so passionately makes sunshine in my heart. I sha'n't be miserable at all to-morrow after what you have said. I shall think of our pleasant talk under this great oak-tree; I shall recall this lovely, perfect day. Merry, you have made me very happy!" "But please understand," said Merry, "that, although I am your friend, I cannot give up Aneta." "Certainly not, dear; only, don't take what you call sides. It is quite reasonable to suppose that girls who have only just come to school would prefer to be there at first quite free and untrammeled; and to belong to a certain set immediately trammels you." "Well, I, for one, will promise--at any rate at first--that I won't belong to any set," said Merry. "Now, are you satisfied, Maggie?" "Oh, truly I am! Do let me kiss you, darling." The girls kissed very affectionately. Then Maggie said, "Now I am quite happy." After a pause, she continued as though it were an after-thought, "Of course you won't speak of this to any one?" "Unless, perhaps, to Cicely," said Merry. "No, not even to Cicely; for if you found it hard to understand, she would find it impossible." "But," said Merry, "I never had a secret from her in my life. She is my twin, you know."