"Yes, didn't she?" said Babs, laughing. "I think earwigs are such sweet little animals, don't you, Judy?"
"Insects, you mean," said Judy. "Oh, yes, I love them special because most people hate the poor dears."
"What are you drawing, Judy? What a queer, queer picture!"
"I'm going to call it 'Where the nasty fairies live,'" said Judy, "but I haven't finished it. Babs, how long is it since Hilda went away?"
"Weeks, and weeks, and weeks," replied Babs. "I has almost forgotten how long."
"Years and years, you mean," said Judy.
The little pink flush of excitement faded out of her cheeks, her eyes looked hollow, the shadow under them grew darker than ever.
There came a rush along the passage, and Aunt Marjorie, puffing with the haste she had used, but trying to walk slowly and to speak calmly, entered the room.
"Judy, my darling," she said, "I have very good news for you."
"For me," said Judy, flushing and paling almost in the same moment.