William Jones grew very red, and shuffled his feet uneasily. "I don't now," he replied, "because—well, I'm sorry for her; so you'd be if you heard her grandmother beating her sometimes. I can't say that Melina and I are friends though," he admitted candidly.
At this point the conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Mr. Blackmore on the doorstep of the Jones' cottage. Mrs. Jones, who had opened the door for her visitor, retreated at the sight of a stranger, and Mr. Blackmore, immediately recognising Mrs. Brown, went and spoke to her, whilst William withdrew a little distance out of hearing.
Mrs. Brown explained to Mr. Blackmore that she had been waiting to see him and why, and after they had a long talk about Melina, the result of which was that when Mr. Blackmore moved on Mrs. Brown turned and knocked, rather timidly it must be admitted, upon Mrs. Berryman's door.
Several minutes passed, but no one appeared in response to the knock. Then Mrs. Brown knocked again, louder this time, and yet again. At length the door opened a few inches, and a harsh voice inquired who was there.
"My name is Brown," Mrs. Brown answered; "I wish to see Mrs. Berryman. May I speak to her for a minute?"
"I am Mrs. Berryman. Do you want me on business?"
"I want to ask you to allow your granddaughter to come to tea with my little girl on Saturday. My little girl is called Agnes Brown; she goes to Sunday school with your granddaughter."
The door opened wider, revealing Mrs. Berryman with Melina close behind her. The child's dark eyes were sparkling with expectation.
"Do let her come," Mrs. Brown went on persuasively; "you would like to, wouldn't you, my dear?" she questioned, smiling at Melina.
"Oh yes, yes!" the little girl cried. "Oh, Gran, let me go—do let me go!"