Sophie laughed. “Don’t blame y’,” she confided. “But I hope you said No to her.” She jerked her head toward the hall.
“I did.” Phœbe got up. Rebellion flamed in her cheeks. “But, Sophie, there’s one thing sure. Something’s got to happen: Public school or the movies!”
“Land sakes!” gasped Sophie. “Don’t you know your folks’ll never let you go to public school?”
“They won’t?” Phœbe went close to Sophie, and lowered her voice. “Then it’s the movies,” she declared. “I’m not going to stand things any more. I’m going to see some pictures and I’m going with you!”
“Phœbe Blair!”
“My mother took me. It isn’t wrong.”
“But the folks! If they ketch us——” Sophie threw up both hands.
“They won’t. They think I’m asleep at nine o’clock. We can go just before that, and see a picture when it’s on for the second time. We can steal down the back stairs—I’ll carry my shoes. Oh, Sophie, will you do it? Say Yes! I haven’t seen a picture for months!”
“We-e-ell,”—Sophie was visibly weakening—“I might. Because I think you’re kept in too close. And that ain’t good for any kid.”
“Oh, I want to see just one more five-reeler!” pleaded Phœbe.