human
Betty, said Sylvia in a choking voice,
gpt
Except when I cry,
human
Oh, but, Betty, said Hetty,
gpt
I will try my best,
human
How long do you think, Betty, that you and Hetty and I will be able to endure that awful school?
gpt
It all depends, said Betty.
human
But we've got the money to get away with when we like. It was left for our use. Now, look, here, girls. I am going to tell you a tremendous secret.
gpt
Oh, yes! oh, yes! exclaimed the other two.
human
Betty, you're a perfect darling; you are the most heroic creature in the world!
gpt
Listen; and don't talk, girls. I told a lie to-night about that packet; but no one else will know about it. There was one day--now don't interrupt me, either of you, or I'll begin howling, and then I can't stop--there was one day when Auntie Frances was very ill. She sent for me, and I went to her; and she said, 'I am able to leave you so very little, my children; but there is a nest-egg in a little packet in the right-hand drawer of my bureau. You must always keep it--always until you really want it.' I felt so bursting all round my heart, and so choky in my throat, that I thought I'd scream there and then; but I kept all my feelings in, and went away, and pretended to dearest auntie that I didn't feel it a bit. Then, you know, she, she--died.
human
She was very cold, said Sylvia.
gpt
I saw her--I seem to see her still. Her face made me shiver.
human
Don't! said Betty in a fierce voice.
gpt
Do you want me to howl all night long?
human
I won't! I won't! said Sylvia.
gpt
Go on, Betty darling--heroine that you are!
human
Well, I went to her bureau straight away, and I took the packet. As a matter of fact, I already knew quite well that it was there; for I had often opened auntie's bureau and looked at her treasures, so I could lay my hands on it at once. I never mean to part with the packet. It's heavy, so it's sure to be full of gold--plenty of gold for us to live on if we don't like that beastly school. When Sir John--or Uncle John, as he wants us to call him----
gpt
He's no uncle of mine,
human
I like him, for my part,
gpt
Don't interrupt me, said Betty.
human
When Uncle John asked me about the packet I said 'No,' of course; and I mean to say 'No' again, and again, and again, and again, if ever I'm questioned about it. For didn't auntie say it was for us? And what right has he to interfere?
gpt
It does sound awfully interesting! exclaimed Sylvia.
human
I do hope you've put it in a very, very safe place, Betty?
gpt
Do you remember the little, old-fashioned pockets auntie always wore inside her dress--little, flat pockets made of very strong calico? Well, it's in one of those; and I mean to secure a safer hiding-place for it when I get to that abominable Court. Now perhaps we'd better go to sleep.
human
Yes; I am dead-sleepy,