"If it's true," she said, "Mr. Williams has it in his power to do us all a great favor. Do ask him, Dolly, to say to Antonia that he likes to see a little girl neatly dressed like other little girls."
"That would, indeed, be a miracle," said Dolly, not wanting anything Allen might accomplish to be underestimated.
"Certainly, if I can," said Allen, looking at the governess.
Pearl was standing turning over the papers on the table, ready for flight, although with Durland and Dolly both in the room she felt perfectly secure. She was delighted with her idea.
"It would be a great help in my life," she said, "if you would." And she looked straight at him and smiled as if she saw before her a combination of a god and a saint. It was a look that went straight to his rather stupid head, through which all sorts of ideas began to dance brightly.
"And what do I get out of it?" he asked.
Dolly laughed. "Oh, Allen," she said, "you must not be so mercenary."
And Pearl, avoiding his hard, demanding eyes, slipped quietly out of the room just as Antonia returned with the matches.
Pearl had not been in her room more than five minutes when a knock came at the door, instantly followed by the entrance of Antonia. The first impression was that the child was in physical pain. Her whole face was trembling, her hand was clasped over her mouth, and the instant the door was shut behind her she burst out crying.