Holding tight to Tania’s hand, Madge walked among the group of strangers, explaining Tania’s actions as best she could without hurting the little girl’s feelings. It was one of the hardest things that the proud little captain had ever been called upon to do. But a part of the crowd had scattered. It was not possible to find them all and return their silver. Tania was too puzzled and heart-broken to continue her errand long. She did not understand why Madge had refused to take her gift, which she thought she had fairly earned. Finally she could hold back her sobs no longer. Dropping her few remaining nickels and dimes on the sand she broke away from Madge’s clasp and ran like a little wild creature away from everyone.
Madge stopped for just a second among her friends before following Tania.
“You see, Madge,” remarked Mrs. Curtis coldly, “Tania is quite impossible. I knew the child would get you into difficulties, and it is just as I feared. She must be sent away at once.”
But Madge shook her head with a decision that was unmistakable.
“No,” she answered quietly, “Tania shall not be sent away. None of you understand, and I can’t explain it to you now, but Tania thought she was doing something for Nellie and me. She was foolish, of course, and I will see that she never does it again.”
With her head held high, Madge hurried away in pursuit of her Fairy Godmother.