"It wasn't awful," Felicia said quickly; "though, of course, we didn't like it; and it was bitterly cold in winter, and dreadfully hot in the summer—because it was close to the roof."
"It must have been a great change for you when you came to the Priory," observed Doris reflectively.
"Oh, it was! Sometimes, even now, I have to pinch myself to make sure I am myself, for it seems so unreal to have plenty of everything—food, and clothes, and—"
"Do you mean to say you hadn't always enough to eat?" questioned Molly, her face full of amazement and concern.
"We were never without bread, but it was difficult to earn the money for that sometimes, and when mother was ill, I don't know what we should have done but for Mrs. M'Cosh."
"Mrs. M'Cosh? Who is she?" inquired Doris.
"A kind, good woman—a mason's wife—who lived in the same house with us. You know I stayed with a friend after mother died? That was Mrs. M'Cosh."
"Oh, how funny!" said Doris. "Fancy having a mason's wife for your friend! I wonder what grandfather would say to that?"
"He knows," Felicia replied, colouring, for there was derision in Doris's voice; "and he sent her a present on Saturday—a hamperful of nice things."
"The idea of his doing that! I am surprised," declared Doris.