While they were talking, Clematis was finding a cosy corner in the playroom, and smoothing out every hair on Deborah’s smooth back.
Deborah seemed very happy, and purred all the time.
“I don’t care if they do say mean things, and make noses at me. You won’t ever, will you, Debby?”
“Purr, purr, purr,” said Deborah. No indeed, she never would.
Time went fast, and it was three o’clock before Clematis had got Deborah settled down for sleep in a little bed she made for her beneath the window.
“Take her downstairs now, Clematis,” said Miss Rose, coming in. “Then come up to Mrs. Snow’s room. We want to ask you some questions.”
Again Clematis turned red. She went slowly downstairs, with Deborah under one arm. The other hand deep in her apron pocket.
“She surely looks as if something were wrong,” thought Miss Rose, as Clematis disappeared.
Clematis looked very unhappy when she went to Mrs. Snow’s room.
“Come in, little girl,” said Mrs. Snow, kindly. “There are some things I want to ask you about.”