"The unfortunate girl has fallen in love with you, there's no doubt
about that, Maggie," said Nancy.

"Well, my dear, she'll get over that little fever presently. When I'm
kind to them, they all have it. I believe I am gracious to them just
because I like to see that grateful, affectionate expression in their
eyes. The fact is, Nance, I have a perfectly crazy desire to excite
love."

"But do you give love, Maggie? Do you ever give it back in return?"

"Sometimes. I don't know, I believe I am rather fond of you, for
instance."

"Maggie, was Geoffrey Hammond at St. Hilda's this afternoon?"

"I can't possibly say," replied Maggie in a cold voice. Then she added
excitedly, "I don't believe the door is shut! You are so careless,
Nannie, so indifferent to the fact that there may be eavesdroppers
about."

Priscilla crept back to her room. She had forgotten all about her
purse; every other feeling was completely swallowed up in a burning,
choking sense of anger.

CHAPTER V

WHY PRISCILLA PEEL WENT TO ST. BENET'S

PRISCILLA had received a shock, and hers was not the sort of nature to