"Why, I should be simply packed back again tomorrow--you know I
would, Meg. Shouldn't I now, Pip? And get into a fearful row at
school into the bargain. My plan is beautifully simple. After
I've had a week's fun here with you I shall just go back--you can
all lend me some money for the train. I shall just meet Marian at
Katoomba on the 25th; we shall both go back to school together, and
no one will be a bit the wiser. My cough's nothing; you know I
often do get coughs at home, and they never hurt me. As long as you
bring me plenty to eat, and stay with me, I'll be all right."
The rest and food and home faces had done much already for her; her
face looked less pinched, and a little more wholesome colour was
creeping slowly into her cheeks.
Meg had an uncomfortable sense of responsibility, and the feeling that
she ought to tell someone was strong upon her; but she was overruled
by the others in the end.
"You couldn't be so mean, Meg," Judy had said warmly, when she
had implored to be allowed to tell Esther.
"Such a blab!" Bunty had added. "Such an awful sneak!" Pip had
said.
So Meg held her tongue, but was exceedingly unhappy.
CHAPTER XII Swish, Swish!
On the fourth day of Judy's residence in the loft, Martha Tomlinson
remarked to her fellow-servant and sufferer, Bridget, that she
believed them blessed children were in a conspiracy to put her
"over the river.
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