"I'll lend you a shilling if you like," said Edith King.
"Thanks, awfully," replied Kitty. "I'll pay you back when I get my pocket-money on Saturday."
There was a queer, troubled, dazed sort of look in her eyes. Edith handed her the shilling and she disappeared under the cherry trees.
Dolly proceeded to skim after her.
"No, do stay, Dolly," cried Florence Aylmer; "stay and sit on my lap and I'll tell you a story."
Dolly looked undecided for a moment, but presently she elected to go with Kitty.
"There is something bothering her," she said; "I wonder what it can be. I'll run and see; I'll bring word afterwards."
She disappeared with little shouts under the trees. Nothing could ever make Dolly sad long. The other girls turned and looked at one another.
"What in the world can it be?" said Florence. "Poor Kitty! how very white she turned as she read it."
Meanwhile Kitty had reached the house; the messenger was waiting in the hall. Mrs. Clavering came out just as the girl appeared.