The carriage rolled out of sight. Martin stood bareheaded in the doorway of his shop. There was not a prouder man than he in the whole of Christendom. When he returned to the sacred precincts of the shop itself he said to Turtle, "Fresh customer, Turtle--West End, Turtle. That's a fine young lady--eh, Turtle?"
"The most beautiful young female I ever saw," returned Turtle.
"When I ask you what you think of her personal appearance you can tell me, Turtle. Now, go and attend to the shop."
Meanwhile Aneta, her heart full of thankfulness, accompanied her aunt to Eaton Square.
"I have got what I want," she said, "and dear Maggie is practically saved; and you have done it, auntie. You will feel happier for this to your dying day."
Lady Lysle said that at the present moment she did not feel specially elated at the thought of getting her tea and numerous groceries at a shop in Shepherd's Bush; but Aneta assured her that that was a very tiny sacrifice to make for so great an end as she had in view.
"It will help Mr. Martin," she said. "He is not a gentleman, and doesn't pretend to be, but he's a good, honest tradesman; and perhaps Mrs. Ward, too, will give him some of her custom."
"Well, my dear Aneta, if you're happy, I have nothing to say," responded her aunt. "But you must tackle Watson, for I really cannot attempt it."
Aneta did tackle the old housekeeper to some purpose. At first there were objections, protests, exclamations; but Aneta was sure of her ground. Did not Mrs. Watson idolize the girl, having known her from her earliest days?
About tea-time a tired and triumphant girl returned to Aylmer House. She had had her way. The great difficulty was overcome. Maggie, looking pale and tired, was having tea with the others. Aneta sat down by her side. Maggie turned anxious eyes towards the queen of the school whom she used to fear and almost hate. But there was no hatred now in Maggie's eyes. Far, far from that, she looked upon Aneta as a refuge in the storm. If Aneta could not get her out of her present trouble no one could.
"You will be very busy during the leisure hours this afternoon," said Aneta when the meal was coming to an end. "But, first of all, I want to speak to you just for a minute or two."