The Girl Next Door

ve delighted their hearts. But, as matters stood, they only chafed with impatience to be back at their bedroom window, watching the house next door. The date for the tri

ecily Marlowe's friendly feeling toward them was undiminished. The charming backward smile had indicated that unmistakably. But how to make it f

, they looked out suddenly with a simultaneous gasp of astonishment and delight. There was a t

ow what shall we do?-show that we've seen it b

nything that might attract attention. Let's go right down t

east of the Benedict gate. This they discovered ajar, and two blue eyes peeping out of a narrow crack. As they came

tching out both hands to them. "I was afraid you-you would

Marcia, promptly. "I

hed Cecily, in relief. "I was sure y

to demand why she had acted so, but

ou. I-we are in great trouble

t?" cried both

d hurt her ankle the other day, and-it's been getting worse ever since. She's

?" interrupted Janet, hastily. "She ou

en I asked what I could do for her, she answered, 'I don't know, I'm sure!' So there she lies-just suffering. A

of both her listeners, and because of it they inwardly forgave her, once and for all, for any action of hers th

we must think what else there is to

her," said Marcia. "She hurt her ankle just like

ant that-does not want to see any one. Please-please do not even mention

d rather have it that way, we certainly won't speak of it. But I've just had another idea. I remember Aunt Minerva had a certain kind of salve that she use

ed Cecily, in immense re

id Marcia. "We won't be ten minutes

e started out, after Cecily had locked the gate, and proceeded to the nearest drug-store. Here Marcia made the purchase,

the shop. If you will-will tell me how much the salve cost-in shillings-I

able to think of something to do for Mi

cily. "I wish to tell h

moment wished she could recall a questi

hesitated Cecily, in an unusual burst of candor. And after that

the blank barrier to the mysteri

playing-just for me-these last few days, and I wanted to look out of my window and-and wave

hoped it would please you. I'll play more than

round for the first time, "you are very lonely there, i

ing very low, and glancing in

t run in and visit us once in a while, or go out for a wa

love to, but-but-it wouldn't do,-it wouldn't be allowe

you'll let us know if you need an

out the key, and unlocked the gate. Then s

to me! I love you-both! You

nd they heard her footste