"And five shillings we promised Emma, so that makes twenty-seven and six," agreed Netta briskly. "Of course it was you who broke the china, so it's your business to pay for it, but I'll go shares in squaring Emma."
"I can't—I can't ever pay it! Oh, I wish I was at the bottom of the sea!" wailed Gwen.
"Don't be an idiot! It must be managed somehow. How much have you got at home?"
"I've about fifteen shillings in my money-box."
"Well, look here, I'll lend you ten, and that will just do it. We'll each give Emma half a crown to make her hold her tongue, and we'll settle up Parker, and then the thing will be done with. You may pay me back as soon as you can."
"You're a white angel!"
"No, I'm not. I'm anything but a saintly person. I'm ready to help a chum out of a hole, though. I'll bring the money to school with me to-morrow morning. And now, for goodness sake, do wipe your eyes, and put your hat on straight, and try and make yourself look respectable enough to walk down the promenade. I want to go home."
"So do I," said Gwen. "What's the time? I mustn't miss the next bus."
"It's twenty past five."
"Oh, horrors! And the bus goes at half-past! Can I possibly catch it?"