She could n't tell the other Ida the truth about the cake . But the girls she had asked in to help eat it that very evening ! And Miss Monroe ! Oh , dear , it was too bad . But it could n't be helped . She would n't blot out that light on the other Ida 's face for anything ! Of course , she would find out the truth in time -- probably after she had written to thank Mrs. Henderson for the cake ; but meanwhile she would have enjoyed the cake , and the supposed kindness back of it would tide her over her New Year loneliness . `` It 's delicious , '' said Ida heartily , swallowing her own disappointment with the cake . `` I 'm -- I 'm glad I happened to drop in as I was passing . '' Ida hoped that speech did n't come under the head of a fib . `` So am I , '' said the other Ida brightly . `` Oh , I 've been so lonesome and downhearted this week . I 'm so alone , you see -- there is n't anybody to care . Father died three years ago , and I do n't remember my mother at all . There is nobody but myself , and it is dreadfully lonely at times . When the Academy is open and I have my lessons to study , I do n't mind so much . But the holidays take all the courage out of me . '' `` We should have fraternized more this week , '' smiled Ida , regretting that she had n't thought of it before . `` I could n't go home because of the measles , and I 've moped a lot . We might have spent the time together and had a real nice , jolly holiday . ''
The other Ida blushed XXXXX delight .
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