“How cold you look, Sophy; why don’t you wear a warmer dress?”
“I haven’t got one. Mother wrote to say that I must do with what I have.”
Kitty turned and pulled Anne Dodd down to talk to her, and whispered in her ear. “It’s worth it,” she said finally; “it’s for Grace’s sake, remember.”
“Of course, of course,” said Anne.
“Listen, Sophy,” continued Kitty. “Would two big golden sovereigns buy you a frock? For, if they would, they are yours.”
“Oh wouldn’t they just?” said Sophia, her eyes sparkling.
“Well, come close to me and let me hug you.—Now, Anne.”
There was an instant silence, a quick movement on the part of Anne, and then Kitty pushed Sophia from her.
“Put your hand in your pocket,” Kitty said with a laugh. Sophia did so and produced two sovereigns. “There, didn’t I say there were fairies about? Now, Sophy, my dear, you’ve got to do what the rest of us do, whether you like it or not. If your conscience was so tender you should have thought about it many weeks ago. It’s quite settled that we all compete for the miniature, and do what’s necessary to enable us to compete for it.”
Sophia wiped some tears from her eyes. “I hope I’ll do it right,” she said. “Even two sovereigns don’t seem to make up to me for it. I don’t know how I’ll look father and mother in the face at Christmas; and, anyhow, even if I do what you wish, there’s Hannah. What about her?”