“Thank you,” said Annie instantly. Her small teeth were beginning to chatter, and she was really glad of the girl’s offer.
A few minutes later she was wrapped up in the cloak, and feeling inexpressibly soothed and knowing that her disguise was now more effectual than ever, she dropped into an uneasy sleep. She slept for some time, and when she awoke again she found that the third-class compartment was full of people—a rough and motley crew—and that the two girls who had accompanied her into the carriage were both still present. One faced her; the other sat pressed up close to her side. It was the girl who had lent Annie the cloak who sat so near her.
“Are you a bit better, miss?” she said when Annie had opened her startled blue eyes and tried to collect her scattered senses.
“Oh yes,” said Annie; “but I am thirsty,” she added.
“Suck an orange, then; do,” said the girl. “They are a bit sour yet, but I bought some to-day for the journey.”
She immediately thrust her hand into a string bag and produced an unripe and very untempting-looking specimen of the orange tribe.
Annie took it and said, “Thank you.”
“Lor’ bless you,” said the girl, “but your ’ands is ’ot!”
“No, I am not hot at all,” said Annie; “I am more cold than hot. Thank you so much for the orange. How kind you are!”
The girl looked at Annie with great admiration and curiosity. Then she bent forward and whispered to her companion. They consulted together for a few minutes in low tones which could not possibly reach Annie’s ears owing to the swift-going motion of the train. Then the girl who was seated opposite to Annie bent towards her and said: