"What is it, my dear?" she said, somewhat stiffly; "can I tell you anything?"
Sylvia flushed scarlet. The critical moment had arrived.
"Oh, please," she said, "I thought you hadn't found her yet, and I believe I know where she is!"
"Not my Tottie?" exclaimed the lady.
"I don't know her real name, but we call her Mercy," said Sylvia. "I heard you say on the promenade that you'd lost her."
"So I have. I have done everything in my power to recover her. I even put it into the hands of the police. Where did you find her?"
"She's been at school for ever so long," said Sylvia, "at Heathercliffe House," she added, in explanation.
"I never dreamt of asking there," said the lady. "I should have thought Miss Kaye wouldn't have kept her. But no doubt she has been a great favourite amongst the girls."
"She is. We all love her," declared Sylvia, delighted with the success of her boldness.
"But where is she? Have you got her safe at Heathercliffe House?" enquired the lady.