"Oh, shouldn't I! What larks we'd have."
"Yes, we'd have a jolly time together; but there's not the least use in thinking about it if you don't do what I tell you now. Put your hat on straight, Sophy, and don't let your hair look quite so wild and fluffy, and we will go across to Miss Simpkins's without delay. I have a very jolly plan to propose to you after you have made your peace with the old lady and the Persian cats, but not even a hint with regard to it shall drop from my lips until you have been a good girl."
"Oh, dear, oh, dear," said Sophy, "I don't know how I am ever to face the old tabby cat again."
"That's a very improper way to speak of your employer, and I'm not going to laugh. Come; are you ready?"
"I wish you weren't such a Solon, Janet."
"It is well I have got some brains; I don't know where you and I would be if I hadn't. Now, come along."
"But I am not to go back and live with her to-day?"
"No, no, I'll manage that; you shall have your bit of fun first, poor Sophy. Now come at once, we have not a moment of time to lose."
Sophy straightened her hat very unwillingly, brushed back her disordered locks with considerable rebellion in each movement, but finally followed Janet down into the street and across the narrow road into the fashionable locality where Miss Simpkins and the Persian cats resided.
Miss Simpkins lived in a small house, which was kept scrupulously clean and bright. There were flower boxes in all the windows, and the shining brass knocker and handles of the door reflected the faces of the two girls like mirrors.