“Only God knows the truth,” she said. “Let us pray to Him this very minute. Let’s get on our knees at once.”
They all did so, and all were silent.
“What are we to say, Polly?” asked Firefly at last. “I never did ’aloud prayers’ since mother died.”
“Hush! There’s the Lord’s Prayer,” said Polly. “Won’t somebody say it? My voice is choking.”
“I will,” said Flower.
Nobody had noticed her before; now she came forward, knelt down by Polly’s side, and repeated the prayer of prayers in a steady voice. When it was over, she put up her hands to her face, and remained silent.
“What are you saying now?” asked Firefly, pulling at her skirt.
“Something about myself.”
“What is that?” they all asked.
“I’ve been the wickedest girl in the whole of England. I have been asking God to forgive me.”