“Pennies from all of you, quick.”
Josephine put on a supercilious face; Lucy sniffed; Helen and Adelaide went on with their breakfast as though nothing had happened.
Penelope came a little nearer.
“Must I speak up?” she said. “Must I ask again? Is you all deaf? I am going to Easterhaze to Aunt Sophy. Darling aunty can’t do without me. She has sent for me as she wants me so badly. I’m going by the first train. I am much the most ’portant person in the house, and I’s won my bet. I like betting. A penny from you all if you please.”
The girls were excited and amazed at Pen’s news.
“You are clever,” said Briar. “How in the world did you get her to do it?”
“Tum-tum and sore froat,” said Penelope bluntly. “Oh! and vinegar and paling down.”
“You are really such an incomprehensible child that I am glad Aunt Sophy is going to manage you,” was Patty’s remark. “Here are your pence. Shall we help you to pack your things?”
“They are a’most packed. I did some myself last night. I took your new little trunk, Briar. I don’t ’uppose you’ll mind.”
Briar did mind, but she knew it was useless to expostulate.