“Those opposed?”
“No,” from Winnie and from me.
“A tie,” announced Adelaide. “Then the chair gives the casting vote. I am in favor of reporting to Madame, and I think we had better make the report in a body. There is just time to see her before breakfast.”
“I do not see the necessity of our going en masse,” Winnie objected. “Tib, of course, as the individual who has suffered most, and who discovered the loss; Cynthia, who seems to enjoy telling unpleasant things; and Adelaide, who is strictly just, and the oldest and most dignified member of the Amen Corner. But I do not see why you should drag Milly along; the child has had enough excitement already. Let her lie down and rest her little head until the breakfast bell rings. As for me, I’m not going until I’m sent for. Not even a burglary shall make me miss my morning constitutional,” and Winnie quickly equipped herself for a walk in the grounds.
“Milly shall do as she pleases,” Adelaide said; “there is really no necessity, as you say, for her to go with us.”
“I think I would rather go,” Milly said hesitatingly.
An expression of keen disappointment swept across Winnie’s face.
“Come, Winnie,” I said, “you had better be with us; it looks better.”
“What do you mean?” she asked hotly.
“Only that the Amen Corner always yields to the wish of the majority, and we are in the habit of standing by one another, even when we do not quite agree.”