“Let me hear about it at once, or Miss Phelps will arrive, and I shall burst with curiosity in the middle of lessons. What is it that you want to do?”
Elsie, Agatha, and Christabel immediately proceeded to explain the situation in characteristic Rendell fashion, all speaking together, and continuing to speak, without being in the least disconcerted by the babble evoked. Elsie whined, Agatha gurgled, and Chrissie drawled, while the listener rolled her eyes from one to another, catching a phrase here, a phrase there, until at length some dawning of the situation began to make itself known.
“A sale of work! We are to slave away making pin-cushions from now until July, and then sell them to some one else! I understand that; but what is the idea of doing it? Who is going to get the money when it is made?”
“The poor and needy!”
“Thank you so much! Most considerate, I’m sure!”
“Kittay, be quiet! The Mission, of course; the Mission at Sale. We thought we ought to help, as it is in debt, and we do no good with our money as it is. We could collect enough to buy materials if we give up sweets for the next few months.”
Kitty’s face fell gloomily. “I’ve only three and fourpence in the world, and it’s mother’s birthday next month, and Aunt May’s and granny’s the month after that, and Agatha’s next week.”
“Don’t count me! I’m as poor as Job myself, but my old yellow sash will wash and make into sachets, and I’ll cut the crushed parts out of hair ribbons, and use the ends for needlebooks. If they are a tiny bit stained, I will embroider flowers over the spots. We shall manage the work somehow, never fear; and think of the tea and refreshments, and sails in the punts! We shall simply coin money over them. Lilias is going to do the punting.”
“Naturally she is!” Kitty’s eyes twinkled with humorous enjoyment. “Easy and profitable! Just the sort of work Lilias likes. Oh yes, I agree. I’d like to work and feel that I was reforming the world, and it will be great jokes. I know what I’ll do. I’ll take snap-shots at the company with my new Kodak, and take orders for copies. There’s an idea for you! People are so vain that they always think they would like a photograph—until they see a proof! If they refuse, I shall try another plan. I will snap them unawares, and say, ‘I have taken several photographs of you this afternoon at moments which, perhaps, you would prefer not to have immortalised. The negative is yours for two and six.’ How do you think that would work as a source of income?”
“Better not let mother hear you talk like that, my child, or the Kodak will be forbidden once for all, and it is really a lovely idea! You could take the punt with the different people on board, and groups eating refreshments, and talking to each other on the lawn. My deah, you will amass fortunes! I’m jealous of you. I believe you will make far more than we shall with our tea.”