"She is a dear!" Loyally Louise bit back her instant jealousy.
"Oh, she was enjoying herself," said Cynthia coolly. "You should have seen her face. Sort of smiling at her own thoughts. Have you ever seen a spider smile?"
"Nor have I! Have a candy? But I bet I know what it looks like."
"Well, what happened?" demanded Louise impatiently.
"Oh, it was annoying! Daffy came and sat down in my place, to correct. I couldn't see any more. Only when Miss Hartill came out (she didn't notice me, I was putting away the group), she said to Daffy, 'She's coming to tea on Friday.' And Daffy said, 'Clare, you're a wonder!' And Miss Hartill said, 'I didn't do it for her, Alwynne!' And Daffy got pink. Clarissa did look pleased with herself."
"Well, so she ought! Wouldn't you be--if you could make people happy?"
Cynthia threw up her hands. "Happy! Oh, Momma! Are you happy?"
"Is Daffy? Mademoiselle? Any of you fools? Oh, it's no use talking! You won't believe me when I tell you that she's a cat. Yes, a pussy-cat, Louise! A silky, purring pussy-cat, pawing you, pat--pat--so softly, like kisses. But if you wriggle--my! Look out for claws! Have a candy?"
Louise gathered herself together. She came close to the bed, and leaning over the older girl, spoke--
"I don't understand what you're driving at--but you're wrong. It's you that's a fool. You misjudge her, utterly. You don't understand her--you're not fit to."
"Are you?" Cynthia laughed at her openly.
"Of course not. No one--Daffy does, of course. But us?--girls? Just because she's been heavenly to you, you take advantage, to watch her, to judge, to twist all she says and does. Why do you hate her so?"
"I don't." Cynthia pulled herself upright. "My dear, you're wrong there. I like her immensely. She's a real treat. But I don't worship her like you do."
"I don't! I--I just love her." Louise glowed.
"Oh, well! You'll get over that. Wait till you get a best boy."
"If you think I'd look at any silly man, after knowing her----"
"My dear girl! Has it never occurred to you that you'll marry some day?"
"I've thought it all out. I never could love anybody as much as I do Miss Hartill. I know I couldn't."
"But it's not the same! Falling in love with a man----"
"Love's love," said Louise with finality. "Where's the difference?"