XIV. A Young Rajah

           Themoorwashiddeninmistwhenthemorningcame,andtherainhadnotstoppedpouringdown.Therecouldbenogoingoutofdoors.MarthawassobusythatMaryhadnoopportunityoftalkingtoher,butintheafternoonsheaskedhertocomeandsitwithherinthenursery.Shecamebringingthestockingshewasalwaysknittingwhenshewasdoingnothingelse.

           “What’sthematterwiththee?”sheaskedassoonastheysatdown.“Tha’looksasiftha’dsomethin’tosay.”

           “Ihave.Ihavefoundoutwhatthecryingwas,”saidMary.

           Marthaletherknittingdroponherkneeandgazedatherwithstartledeyes.

           “Tha’hasn’t!”sheexclaimed.“Never!”

           “Ihearditinthenight,”Marywenton.“AndIgotupandwenttoseewhereitcamefrom.ItwasColin.Ifoundhim.”

           Martha’sfacebecameredwithfright.

           “Eh!MissMary!”shesaidhalfcrying.“Tha’shouldn’thavedoneit—tha’shouldn’t!Tha’llgetmeintrouble.Inevertoldtheenothin’abouthim—buttha’llgetmeintrouble.Ishalllosemyplaceandwhat’llmotherdo!”

           “Youwon’tloseyourplace,”saidMary.“HewasgladIcame.WetalkedandtalkedandhesaidhewasgladIcame.”

           “Washe?”criedMartha.“Arttha’sure?Tha’doesn’tknowwhathe’slikewhenanythingvexeshim.He’sabigladtocrylikeababy,butwhenhe’sinapassionhe’llfairscreamjusttofrightenus.Heknowsusdaren’tcalloursoulsourown.”

           “Hewasn’tvexed,”saidMary.“IaskedhimifIshouldgoawayandhemademestay.