"Come here and tell me what you have been doing," said Mrs. Maclahan to her little stepdaughter.
Christina gave a very careful and truthful account of herself.
"Of course they ought to have looked after you better. But boys will be boys. I'm afraid your father will be very angry with Puggy!"
"May I go and see that old lady and gentleman again?" asked Christina timidly.
"You had better ask your father. I should think it would be a very odd proceeding. We do not know them, though I believe Mr. Bolland was an R.A. once. Ask Dawn's father if he knows him. And now go to Connie, and stay with her."
Christina left the room with relief. Though her stepmother was kind to her, she was not sympathetic; the little girl was never quite at ease when with her. She felt she was in the way, and that Mrs. Maclahan only tolerated her presence. And Mrs. Maclahan made no secret of her preference for the boys. She did not understand Christina, and she felt indifferent towards her. Beyond seeing that she was educated, fed and clothed, her stepmother had little to do with her, and it was to her father that Christina turned with the assurance of being welcome. Mr. Maclahan was taking an increasing interest in his little daughter, and her love of books was a great bond of union between them.
Half an hour afterwards the boys returned. They were indignant instead of relieved to find Christina safely at home.
"What did you run away from us for, you little stupid!" exclaimed Puggy. "A nice hunt we have had for you!"
"And all the policemen in London are looking for you," asserted Dawn. "We did the thing properly I can tell you! We offered £500 reward for whoever would find you."
"Oh!" gasped Christina. "Where could you get five hundred pounds?"