1

CONTENTS
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Chapter 1 GOING BACK Chapter 2 MORE ARRIVALS Chapter 3 SUPPER-TIME Chapter 4 NIGHT AND MORNING Chapter MISS !AMES HAS GOOD NE"S Chapter # HAL$ AN HOUR IN THE SUN Chapter % G"ENDOLINE ARRIVES Chapter & MEETING AT HAL$-PAST $IVE Chapter ' THE BALLOON TRICK Chapter 1( IN THE COMMON-ROOM Chapter 11 THE "EEKS GO ON

Chapter 12 G"ENDOLINE MAR) AND MAUREEN Chapter 13 A PLOT * AND A +UARREL Chapter 14 THE PLOT IS SUCCESS$UL Chapter1 GRAND MEETING Chapter 1# $ELICIT),S $IRST MATCH Chapter 1% HAL$-TERM Chapter 1& THE DICTATOR Chapter 1' THE ANON)MOUS LETTERS Chapter 2( THINGS HAPPEN Chapter 21 MAM,-ELLE,S ,TREEK, Chapter 22 A GRAND SHO"

Chapter 1 GOING BACK

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'FELICITY! Look there's Malory Towers at last!' crie !arrell" 'I always look o#t $or it at this %e& " This is where we catch a 'li()se o$ it $irst"' Felicity 'a*e at the %i' s+#are,looki&' %#il i&' o$ 'rey sto&e sta& i&' hi'h #) o& a cli$$ %y the sea" -t each e& was a ro#& e tower" '.orth Tower/ East Tower/ 0o#th Tower/ 1est Tower/' sai Felicity" 'I'( 'la we're i& .orth Tower/ o2erlooki&' the sea" -re yo# 'la to %e 'oi&' %ack/ !arrell3' 'Yes/ aw$#lly" -re yo#3' aske her sister/ still with her eyes 'l#e to the 'racio#s %#il i&' i& the ista&ce" 'Yes/ I a( really" 4#t I o hate sayi&' 'oo ,%ye to Mother a& !a y/ a& Cook a& 5a&e a& the o's a& the cat/ a& """' 'The ro%i& i& the 'ar e& a& the si6 he&s a& the #cks a& the 'ol $ish a& the earwi's o& the 2era& a!' $i&ishe !arrell/ with a la#'h" '!o&'t %e s#ch a 'oose/ Felicity" Yo# k&ow +#ite well that as soo& as yo# set $oot i& the 'ro#& s o$ Malory Towers yo#'ll lo2e %ei&' there!' '7h yes/ I k&ow I shall/' sai Felicity" '4#t it's +#ite a i$$ere&t worl $ro( the worl o$ 8o(e" -& it's a %it i$$ic#lt s# e&ly 'oi&' $ro( o&e to the other"' '1ell/ all I ca& say is we're l#cky to ha2e two s#ch (ar2ello#s worl s to li2e i&!' sai !arrell" '8o(e a& Malory Towers! Look/ who's that i& that car3' Felicity lea&e o#t to see" 'It's 5#&e/' she sai " '5#&e a& -licia her co#si&"'

!arrell s&orte " 0he i &'t like the $irst,$or(er 5#&e" '!o&'t yo# 'o a& 'et $rie& ly with that sly/ %ra*e& little 5#&e a'ai&/' she war&e Felicity" 'Yo# k&ow what ha))e&e last ter(" Yo# stick to 0#sa&"' 'I'( 'oi&' to/' sai Felicity" 'Yo# &ee &'t tell (e thi&'s like that" I'( &ot a &ew 'irl &ow" I'( i& (y seco& ter("' '1ish I was!' sai !arrell" 'I hate to thi&k that e2ery ter( the ay I lea2e co(es &earer"' '1ell/ it's the sa(e $or (e/' sai Felicity" '7&ly I o&'t %other a%o#t it yet with so (a&y ter(s i& $ro&t o$ (e" I say $a&cy yo# %ei&' a $i$th,$or(er this ter(! I& the Fi$th at Malory Towers 'osh/ it oes so#& 'ra& " -& (e o&ly a $irst, $or(er"' 'Yes" Yo# $irst,$or(ers o see( %a%ies to (e &ow/' sai !arrell" '-%sol#te ki s! It's $#&&y to thi&k how I looke #) to the $i$th,$or(ers whe& I was i& the $irst/ a& har ly are to s)eak to o&e: a& i$ o&e s)oke to (e I al(ost $ell thro#'h the 'ro#& " I o&'t &otice a&ythi&' like that a%o#t yo#/ yo#&' Felicity!' '7h well I s#))ose it's %eca#se yo#'re (y sister/' sai Felicity" 'I'( &ot $alli&' thro#'h the 'ro#& ;#st %eca#se yo# a ress a $ew wor s to (e &o/ &ot e2e& i$ yo# are (a e hea ,'irl o$ the $i$th!' '1ell/ I sha&'t %e/' sai !arrell" 'I ha (y share o$ res)o&si%ility last ter( whe& I was hea o$ the <))er Fo#rth" -&yway/ I' like to sit %ack a& take a %it o$ a rest $ro( res)o&si%ility this ter(" Last ter( was )retty hectic/ what with %ei&' hea ,'irl/ a& ha2i&' to 'o i& $or 0chool Certi$icate/ too!' '4#t tha&k 'oo &ess yo# )asse !' sai Felicity/ )ro# ly" '-& with all those cre its/ too! !i e2eryo&e i& the <))er Fo#rth )ass/ o yo# k&ow3'

'.ot >we&" .or -licia/' sai !arrell" 'Yo# re(e(%er she 'ot (easles #ri&' the e6a(3 -& Co&&ie/ ?#th's twi&/ i &'t )ass either" 0he'll %e le$t ow& i& the $o#rth/ tha&k 'oo &ess" .ow ?#th will %e a%le to say a $ew wor s o& her ow&!' Co&&ie a& ?#th ha %oth %ee& i& the <))er Fo#rth the ter( %e$ore/ a& the 'irls ha o$te& $elt cross %eca#se Co&&ie &e2er 'a2e ?#th a cha&ce to s)eak $or hersel$/ %#t always a&swere $or her" 0he looke a$ter ?#th as i$ she were a %a%y sister/ &ot a 'irl o$ her ow& a'e/ &early si6tee&! .ow/ with Co&&ie i& a $or( %elow/ ?#th wo#l ha2e a cha&ce o$ %ei&' hersel$ i&stea o$ Co&&ie's sha ow" That sho#l %e i&teresti&'" '8ere we are swee)i&' i&to the ri2e!' sai Felicity" 'Mother o look at Malory Towers" Is&'t it s#)er3' 8er (other t#r&e ro#& $ro( the $ro&t seat o$ the car a& s(ile at the two e&th#siastic $aces %ehi& her" '@#ite s#)er/ as yo# call it/' she sai " 'I& $act/ s(ashi&'!' sai Mr" ?i2ers/ who was at the wheel" 'Is&'t that the ri'ht wor / too/ Felicity3 It's the wor I see( to ha2e hear yo# #se (ore tha& a&y other these holi ays"' The 'irls la#'he " 'The lower school call e2erythi&' s(ashi&' or s(ash/' sai !arrell/ i& rather a s#)erior 2oice" '-& the #))er school are too la, i, a $or wor s!' %e'a& Felicity/ ea'er to retaliate" 4#t &o%o y hear %eca#se Mr" ?i2ers ca(e to a sto) &ear the 'reat $li'ht o$ ste)s/ a& i((e iately they were all swa()e i& crow s o$ e6cite 'irls r#&&i&' here a& there $ro( cars a& coaches" The trai& 'irls ha ;#st arri2e i& the coaches that %ro#'ht the( $ro( the statio&/ a& there was s#ch a tre(e& o#s &oise o$ yelli&' a& sho#ti&' a& hooti&' o$ car hor&s that it was i()ossi%le to hear what a&yo&e sai "

'!-??ELL!' screa(e so(e%o y/ )#tti&' a& e6cite $ace i& at the wi& ow" '>oo ! I ho)e yo# wo#l &'t %e late" 0ally's here so(ewhere"' The $ace isa))eare / a& a&other o&e ca(e" 'FELICITY! I tho#'ht it was yo#" Co(e o& o#t!' '0#sa&! I'( ;#st co(i&'!' sho#te Felicity/ a& lea)t o#t so s# e&ly that she $ell o2er a )ile o$ lacrosse sticks a& al(ost k&ocke o2er a tall 'irl sta& i&' &ear%y sayi&' 'oo %ye to her )eo)le" 'Felicity ?i2ers! Look where yo#'re 'oi&'/' sai a wrath$#l/ 2oice/ a& Felicity %l#she a& al(ost $ell thro#'h the 'ro#& " It was Ire&e s)eaki&'/ Ire&e who was &ow a $i$th, $or(er/ !arrell 'ri&&e to hersel$" -ha! Felicity (i'ht cheek o&e $i$th,$or(er/ her ow& sister %#t she was still i& awe o$ the %i' 'irls a$ter all! '0orry/ Ire&e/' sai Felicity i& a (eek 2oice" 'Fri'ht$#lly sorry"' !arrell ;#()e o#t too a& was i((e iately s#rro#& e %y her $rie& s" '!arrell! I'll hel) yo# i& with yo#r thi&'s!' '8allo/ !arrell/ i yo# ha2e 'oo hols3 I say/ yo# )asse yo#r 0chool Cert" ;olly well" Co&'rat#latio&s!' '!arrell ?i2ers! Yo# &e2er a&swere (y letter last hols! -& I wrote yo# )a'es!' !arrell 'ri&&e ro#& at the la#'hi&' $aces" '8allo/ -licia! 8allo/ 0ally! Ire&e/ yo# &early (a e (y )eo)le $all o#t o$ the car whe& yo# screa(e i& at the wi& ow ;#st &ow" 8allo/ 4eli& a! !o&e a&y 'oo sketchi&' i& the hols3' Mrs" ?i2ers calle o#t $ro( the car/ '!arrell! 1e shall %e 'oi&' i& a $ew (i&#tes/ ear" Tell 0ally to co(e a& ha2e a wor with (e"' 0ally was !arrell's %est $rie& / a& her (other was a 'reat $rie& o$ Mrs" ?i2ers" 0he ca(e #) to the car a& Mrs"
1B

?i2ers looke at her with a))ro2al" 0ally ha o&ce %ee& s#ch a )ri(/ )lai& little $irst,$or(er &ow she ha %losso(e o#t i&to a )retty/ %o&&y 'irl/ st#r y a& e)e& a%le/ with 2ery &ice (a&&ers" Mrs" ?i2ers ha a $ew wor s with her a& the& looke ro#& $or !arrell/ who was still talki&' away to a crow o$ her $rie& s" Felicity was &owhere to %e see&" '1e (#st 'o &ow/' she sai to 0ally" '5#st tell !arrell a& Felicity/ will yo#3' '!arrell! Yo#'re wa&te !' sho#te 0ally/ a& !arrell t#r&e a& ra& to the car" 0he was alrea y hal$,lost i& the worl o$ Malory Towers" '7h/ Mother are yo# 'oi&'3 Tha&ks $or (ost lo2ely hols" 1here's Felicity3' Felicity was &ot to %e $o#& " 0o thrille was she at %ei&' %ack a& heari&' the e6cite 2oices o$ her $rie& s that she ha 'o&e o$$ with the( witho#t a&other tho#'ht! !arrell we&t to look $or her" '-&yo&e see& Felicity3' Cle&ty o$ )eo)le ha / %#t &o%o y k&ew where she was" '4low her! 0he's 'o&e #) to her or(y/ I s#))ose/ to see what %e she's 'ot this ter(/' tho#'ht !arrell a& s)e #) to $i& her" 4#t she was&'t there" !arrell we&t ow& a'ai& a& o#t to the car" 'I ca&'t $i& her a&ywhere/ Mother/' she sai " 'Ca& yo# wait a %it3' '.o/ we ca&'t/' sai Mr" ?i2ers/ i()atie&tly" 'I'2e 'ot to 'et %ack" Tell Felicity we waite to say 'oo ,%ye" 1e (#st 'o"' 8e 'a2e !arrell a h#' a& the& she h#''e her (other/ too" Mr" ?i2ers )#t i& the cl#tch a& the car (o2e slowly o$$"

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There was a shriek %ehi& hi(" '!a y! !o&'t 'o witho#t sayi&' 'oo ,%ye!' Felicity a))eare $ro( &owhere a& lea)t o& to the r#&&i&',%oar " 'Yo# were 'oi&' witho#t sayi&' 'oo ,%ye" Yo# were!' 'I was/' sai her $ather/ with a 'ri& e6actly like !arrell's" 'Ca&'t wait a%o#t $or 'irls who $or'et their (other a& $ather a +#arter o$ a (i&#te a$ter arri2i&'"' 'I i &'t $or'et yo#/ o$ co#rse I i &'t/' )roteste Felicity/ still ha&'i&' o& the r#&&i&',%oar " I ;#st wa&te to 'o a& see o#r $or(,roo(" It's all %ee& o&e #) i& the hols a& looks s#)er" >oo ,%ye/ !a y"' 0he 'a2e hi( a %ear,h#' that al(ost k&ocke o$$ his hat" 0he ra& ro#& to the other si e a& 'a2e her (other a h#'/ too" I'll write o& 0#& ay" >i2e (y lo2e to Cook a& 5a&e a& the 'ar e&er/ a& the o's/ a& " " "' The car was (o2i&'! '5#() o$$ #&less yo# wa&t to co(e %ack ho(e a'ai&!' calle her $ather" 'I$ yo# o/ 'et i& at the %ack!' 4#t she i &'t wa&t to! 0he ;#()e o$$/ la#'hi&'" 0he a& !arrell stoo wa2i&' as the car (a e its way slowly ow& the crow e ri2e" The& it (o2e o#t o$ the 'ate with other cars/ a& was 'o&e" Felicity t#r&e to !arrell with shi&i&' eyes" 'Is&'t it $#& to %e %ack a'ai&3 !i yo# $eel like that yo#r seco& ter(/ !arrell3 I'( &ot &er2o#s or shy a&y (ore as I was last ter(" I %elo&' &ow" I k&ow e2eryo&e" It's s(ashi&'!' 0he tore #) the ste)s at to) s)ee a& colli e with Ma('*elle !#)o&t" 'Tie&s! -&other (a 'irl! Felicity/ I will &ot ha2e yo# " " "' 4#t Felicity was 'o&e" Ma('*elle's $ace %roke i&to a s(ile as she 'a*e a$ter her" 'These 'irls! -&yo&e wo#l thi&k they were 'la to %e %ack"'
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Chapter 2 MORE ARRIVALS

T8E $irst ay o$ ter( a& the last ay were always e6citi&'" .o%o y %othere a%o#t r#les a& re'#latio&s/ e2eryo&e talke at the to)s o$ their 2oices/ a& as $or walki&' ow& the corri ors or #) the stairs/ well it ;#st was&'t o&e/ e6ce)t %y the stai si6th,$or(ers a& the (istresses" It was $#& to 'o a& see what %e yo# ha i& the or(y/ a& whose %e was &e6t to yo#rs" It was $#& to 'o a& )ee) i&to yo#r classroo( a& see i$ it looke a&y i$$ere&t" It was $#& to say how, o,yo#, o to all the (istresses/ a& es)ecially to tease Ma('*elle !#)o&t" .ot Ma('*elle ?o#'ier/ tho#'h/ the other Fre&ch (istress" 0he was as shar) as Ma('*elle !#)o&t was si()le/ a& as irrita%le as the other was 'oo , te()ere " .o%o y e2er tease Ma('*elle ?o#'ier" !arrell we&t to look $or the rest o$ her $rie& s i& the $i$th $or(" Fi$th $or(! 8ow 'ra& it so#& e ! 0he was act#ally i& the $i$th &ow/ with o&ly o&e (ore $or( to 'o i&to" 7h ear she was certai&ly 'etti&' 2ery 'row&,#)" -licia a& 0ally ca(e #)/ with Ire&e a& 4eli& a" 'Let's 'o a& see o#r &ew classroo(/' sai !arrell" 'The $i$th! My 'oo &ess!' They all we&t alo&' to'ether" The &ew classroo( was a& e6tre(ely &ice o&e/ hi'h #) a& o2erlooki&' the cli$$" !ow& %elow was the %l#e Cor&ish sea/ as %l#e as cor&$lowers to ay/ the wa2es ti))e with s&owy white" 'I say this is a wi*ar roo(/ is&'t it3' sai -licia/ looki&' ro#& " 'Lo2ely wi& ows a& 2iew &ice )ict#res a& all o&e #) i& crea( a& 'ree&"' '-&y &ew 'irls/ oes a&yo&e k&ow3' aske !arrell/ lea&i&' o#t o$ the wi& ow a& s&i$$i&' the salty sea air"

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'There's so(eo&e calle Ma#ree& co(i&'/' sai Ire&e" 'I hear a%o#t her" The school she was at sh#t ow& s# e&ly/ whe& the 8ea ie a& she's co(i&' here" I o&'t k&ow a&ythi&' a%o#t her/ tho#'h"' 'I s#))ose yo#'re co(i&' i&to the $i$th/ -licia3' sai 0ally" I (ea& I k&ow Co&&ie's %ee& le$t ow& i& the $o#rth %eca#se she i &'t )ass her 0chool Cert" a& yo# i &'t either/ %eca#se yo# ha the (easles" 4#t s#rely yo# wo&'t %e le$t ow&3' '7h &o" I'( #) all ri'ht!' sai -licia" '>osh/ I wo#l &'t ha2e co(e %ack i$ I ha &'t %ee& )#t #) with the rest o$ yo#" Miss >rayli&' wrote to Mother a& sai I co#l )ass 0chool Cert" o& (y hea a&y ti(e I like a& I co#l 'o #) i&to the $i$th with yo#/ a& work $or 0chool Cert" o& the si e/ so to s)eak"' '-&yo&e le$t ow& with #s $ro( the ol $i$th $or(3' aske !arrell" 'Yes Catheri&e >ray a& Moira Li&to&/' sai Ire&e/ )ro()tly" There were 'roa&s $ro( the others" '7h I say two o$ the worst o$ the(!' sai 0ally" 'I &e2er i like Moira har / o(i&eeri&' creat#re! 1hy has she %ee& le$t ow&3' '1ell/ act#ally she's a year yo#&' $or the si6th/' sai Ire&e/ 'so they sai she' %etter stay ow& a year %#t )erso&ally I thi&k she was so #&)o)#lar that they ;#st ro))e her tha&k$#lly a& we&t o& witho#t her!' '1hat a%o#t Catheri&e3' aske 0ally" '0he has&'t %ee& well/' sai Ire&e" '1orke hersel$ too har / or so(ethi&'" 0he's )retty )io#s/ is&'t she3 I o&'t really k&ow (#ch a%o#t her" 0he's o&e o$ those 'irls that o&'t (ake (#ch i()ressio& $ro( a ista&ce"'

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'1ell/ as $ar as we're co&cer&e that's like three &ew 'irls the&/' sai !arrell" 'Catheri&e/ Moira a& Ma#ree&" 1ho'll %e hea ,'irl3' 'Yo# or 0ally/' sai Ire&e/ )ro()tly" '.o" I o&'t thi&k so/' sai !arrell" 'I i(a'i&e it will ha2e to %e either Catheri&e or Moira a$ter all/ they'2e %ee& $i$th, $or(ers $or a'es" It wo#l &'t %e $air to )#t a& e6,$o#rth,$or(er o2er the( at o&ce"' '.o" Yo#'re ri'ht/' sai -licia" '>osh/ I ho)e it is&'t Moira the&" 0he oes lo2e to 'et her ow& way! !i yo# hear how she set all the seco& ,$or(ers a lo&' )oe( to lear& last ter(/ to 'o a& say at Mo&itors' Meeti&'/ ;#st %eca#se o&e o$ the( wrote a )oe( a%o#t her/ a& &o%o y wo#l ow& #) to it3 E2ery si&'le o&e o$ the( ha to lear& DE#%lai Eha&D" They i howl a%o#t it!' 'Yes" I re(e(%er &ow/' sai !arrell" '7h well/ I are say we shall (a&a'e Moira all ri'ht"' 'I$ yo# o&'t lose yo#r te()er with her too o$te&!' sai Ire&e/ with a sly 'ri&" !arrell's hot te()er was well k&ow&" 0he ha trie to co&+#er it $or ter(s a& ter(s/ a& ;#st whe& she )ri e hersel$ o& really ha2i&' 'ot the %etter o$ it at last/ o#t it ca(e a'ai&" !arrell looke r#e$#lly at the others" 'Yes" I'll ha2e to %e care$#l" I lost it really well last ter(/ i &'t I/ -licia/ with that %ra*e& yo#&' co#si& o$ yo#rs/ 5#&e" I ho)e she %eha2es %etter this ter(!' '0he ca(e to stay with #s i& the hols/' sai -licia" 'I'2e 'ot three %rothers/ yo# k&ow a& whe& 5#&e act#ally are to iso%ey 0a(/ he 'a2e her the choice o$ %ei&' s)a&ke twe&ty ti(es with her ow& hair,%r#sh or r#&&i&' ro#& o#r )a ock twe&ty ti(es each ay!' '-& which i she choose3' aske e2eryo&e"

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'7h/ r#&&i&' ro#& the )a ock/ o$ co#rse/' sai -licia" '-& Mother was aw$#lly s#r)rise to see her 'oi&' ro#& a& ro#& it each ay like that" 0he tho#'ht she was trai&i&' $or s)orts or so(ethi&'! 0a( stoo a& watche her/ 'ri&&i&' like a&ythi&'" 0o she (ay %e %etter this ter(!' '0he ca& o with a lot o$ i()ro2e(e&t!' sai !arrell" 'I say what i& the worl 's that3' It was the so#& o$ th#& ero#s hoo2es o#t i& the ri2e so(ewhere so th#& ero#s that the &oise e2e& ca(e ro#& to the %ack o$ Malory Towers a& was hear i& the classroo( where the $i2e 'irls stoo liste&i&'" 'I k&ow! It's ol 4ill %ack a& her %rothers ha2e %ro#'ht her as #s#al all o& horse%ack!' crie 4eli& a/ r#shi&' o#t o$ the roo(" 'Co(e alo&' let's 'o i&to the art, roo( a& look o#t o$ the wi& ow" 1e ca& see the ri2e $ro( there"' They were soo& lea&i&' o#t o$ the hi'h wi& ow" They saw a si'ht/ which they ha alrea y see& two or three ti(es %e$ore/ a& were &e2er tire o$! 1ilhel(i&a/ calle 4ill $or short/ ha arri2e o& her horse/ Th#& er a& acco()a&yi&' her were si6 o$ her se2e& %rothers/ all o& horse%ack/ too" 1hat a si'ht they were/ si6 well,'row& %oys/ ra&'i&' $ro( se2e&tee& ow& to te&/ with 4ill/ their sister/ i& the (i st" '1oa there! .ow the&/ +#iet/ +#iet!' 'Th#& er! 1e're here!' '4ill/ here's yo#r case"' Cli))ity,clo)/ cli))ity,clo) we&t the hoo2es o$ the se2e& 'ra& horses/ c#r2etti&' a%o#t the %roa ri2e" '8rrrrrrr#()h!' sai o&e o$ the(/ a& the& all se2e& &ei'he to'ether" '4ill/ where ca& we let the horses ri&k3' ca(e the ee) 2oice o$ the se2e&tee&,year,ol %rother"

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'Follow (e/' sai 4ill/ a& the si6 %rothers trotte #) the ri2e a& ro#& a cor&er/ $ollowi&' the 'irl sitti&' so strai'ht o& her (a'&i$ice&t horse/ Th#& er" '>osh!' sai -licia" '1hat a hor e o$ %rothers" 1here's the se2e&th3' '>o&e i&to the ar(y/' sai 0ally" 'My wor I wish I ha se2e& %rothers"' '1ell/ I'2e 'ot three a& that's (ore tha& e&o#'h/' sai -licia" '.o wo& er 4ill's (ore like a %oy tha& a 'irl"' '8ere they co(e a'ai&!' sai Ire&e" '4eli& a/ where's yo#r sketch,%ook o raw the( all!' 4eli& a ha alrea y 'ot o#t her sketch,%ook which was always so(ewhere a%o#t her )erso&" 8er swi$t )e&cil sketche i& horse a$ter horse/ a& the others watche i& a (iratio&" 7h/ to ha2e a 'i$t like 4eli& a's ! 0he co#l raw a&yo&e a& a&ythi&'" The se2e& horses see(e to k&ow that 4ill a& Th#& er were to %e le$t %ehi& " They li$te their hea s a& whi&&ie so$tly" 4ill lea&e o2er a& stroke the &oses o$ those &earest to her" '>oo ,%ye/ Moo&li'ht" >oo ,%ye/ 0tarli'ht" >oo ,%ye/ 0&orter" >oo ,%ye/ 0#lta& " " "' '0he's )ayi&' a lot (ore atte&tio& to the horses tha& to her %rothers!' sai -licia/ with a 'ri&" 'That's 4ill all o2er/ o$ co#rse horse,(a !' '1ell/ her %rothers are as %a !' sai 0ally" 'Look yelli&' 'oo ,%ye to Th#& er %#t &ot to 4ill!' '7$$ they 'o/' sai !arrell/ e&2yi&' 4ill her %rothers" 'Look at Th#& er/ tryi&' to $ollow the(" 8e oes&'t wa&t to %e le$t %ehi& !' 4ill was le$t alo&e i& the ri2e with the i()atie&t Th#& er/ who tho#'ht he sho#l 'o with his co(ra es: he

19

reare a& c#r2ette i& a&&oya&ce at %ei&' (a e to 'o the other way/ #) the ri2e i&stea o$ ow&" The si6 horses a& %rothers isa))eare i& a clatter o$ hoo2es a& a clo# o$ #st" 4ill/ looki&' rather sole(&/ (a e Th#& er take the )ath to the sta%les" 0he hate %ei&' )arte $ro( the (a&y horses that her $a(ily ow&e " 4#t &ow that she ha settle ow& well at Malory Towers/ a& was allowe to %ri&' her horse/ she wo#l &ot ha2e 'i2e& #) %oar i&',school $or a&ythi&'" -&other clatter o$ hoo2es/ this ti(e co(i&' #) the ri2e/ (a e 4ill rei& i& her horse/ a& look ro#& " The $i2e #) i& the art,roo( yelle to her" '4ill! 4ILL! 8ere co(es Clarissa a& she's o& her horse/ too!' 0#re e&o#'h/ #) the ri2e ca(e a %ea#ti$#l little horse with white socks/ tossi&' his )retty hea a& showi&' o$$" Clarissa Carter ro e hi(" 0he ha %ee& a &ew 'irl the ter( %e$ore/ a )lai&/ %es)ectacle little thi&' with a& #'ly wire ro#& her $ro&t teeth" 4#t &ow she ha &o wire a& &o s)ectacles/ a& she 'allo)e #)/ her a#%#r& hair $lyi&' i& the wi& / a& her 'ree& eyes shi&i&'" '4ill! 4ill! I'2e %ro#'ht Merryle's! Is&'t he sweet3 7h/ o let hi( see Th#& er" They'll lo2e o&e a&other"' 'Two horse,(a creat#res/' sai -licia/ with a la#'h" '1ell/ 4ill &e2er ha a $rie& till Clarissa ca(e so they'll ha2e a $i&e ti(e to'ether this ter(/ talki&' a%o#t horses a& ri i&' the(/ $ee i&' the( a& 'roo(i&' the( " " "' '0cr#%%i&' their hoo2es a& %r#shi&' their tails!' a e Ire&e" '>osh/ those 'allo)i&' hoo2es ha2e 'i2e& (e a& i ea $or a &ew t#&e a 'allo)i&' t#&e like this!' 0he h#((e a 'allo)i&'/ lilti&' (elo y 'tirretty,tir, retty,tirretty,too " " "'

1=

'!ear ol Ire&e she's &ot horse,(a / she's (#sic,(a /' sai 4eli& a/ )#tti&' away her sketch,%ook" '.ow we shall ha2e &othi&' %#t 'allo)i&' t#&es $or the &e6t $ew weeks! Co(e o&/ tirretty,too!' -& she 'allo)e her $rie& o#t o$ the roo( at to) s)ee " 'Tirretty,tirretty,tirretty,too" 7h so sorry/ Miss Cotts we &e2er saw yo# co(i&'!'

1A

Chapter 3 SUPPER-TIME
-LL %#t the &ew 'irls were well settle i& %y the e2e&i&'" Matro& ha recei2e health certi$icates a& )ocket, (o&ey $ro( the lower school/ a& health certi$icates %#t &o (o&ey $ro( the #))er school/ who were allowe to kee) their ow& witho#t ha2i&' to ask Matro& $or it" '!i Ire&e's health certi$icate arri2e all ri'ht3' aske !arrell/ re(e(%eri&' how al(ost e2ery ter( Ire&e's certi$icate was (islai " 0ally la#'he " '7h/ so(e%o y )#t a& e&2elo)e i& Ire&e's case/ (arke D8ealth Certi$icateD/ a& she tho#'ht her (other ha )#t it there i&stea o$ se& i&' it %y )ost so she took it to Matro&/ o$ co#rse/ a& sai / D8ere yo# are/ Matro& I'2e really re(e(%ere it at last!D' '-& what was i&si e it3' aske !arrell" '- reci)e $or 4a Me(ories/' ch#ckle 0ally" 'I $or'et how it we&t" Take a c#)$#l o$ ?e(i& ers/ a& a s)oo&$#l o$ 0col i&'s so(ethi&' like that" Yo# sho#l ha2e see& Matro&'s $ace whe& she saw it" Ire&e was #(%$o#& e / o$ co#rse" 0he wo#l %e! 8owe2er/ it i &'t (atter %eca#se Matro& ha 'ot her certi$icate %y )ost"' 'Ire&e's s#ch a scatter%rai&/ $or all her cle2er&ess/' sai -licia" '0o is 4eli& a" There (#st %e so(ethi&' a%o#t -rt a& M#sic that (akes )eo)le with those 'i$ts )er$ectly i iotic o2er or i&ary thi&'s" I$ Ire&e ca& lose so(ethi&'/ she oes" -& i$ 4eli& a ca& $or'et so(ethi&' she $or'ets it! !o yo# re(e(%er how she ca(e ow& to %reak$ast o&ce witho#t her %lo#se o&3' 'There's the 'o&' $or s#))er/' sai !arrell/ tha&k$#lly" 'I'( aw$#lly h#&'ry" 8o)e there's as s#)er a s#))er as #s#al we always ha2e s#ch a 'oo o&e o& the $irst &i'ht! I'( 'la I
2B

ha2e&'t 'ot to $#ss ro#& Felicity this ter( she's &ot a &ew 'irl a&y (ore" 0he ca& sta& o& her ow& $eet"' They we&t ow& i&to the %i' i&i&',roo( to s#))er" 0ally a%se&t,(i& e ly walke towar s the $o#rth,$or( ta%le/ a& !arrell )#lle her %ack" 'I iot! !o yo# wa&t to sit with those ki s3' she hisse " '8ere's the $i$th,$or( ta%le!' They took their )laces/ a& saw three 'irls alrea y there/ two ol $i$th,$or(ers/ a& o&e &ew 'irl" Catheri&e a& Moira &o e to the(/ a& Catheri&e 'a2e the( a %ea(i&' s(ile" Moira i &'t" 0he was ti'ht,li))e a& looke as i$ the cares o$ the whole school reste o& her sho#l ers! The &ew 'irl/ Ma#ree&/ s(ile at the( %ri'htly" 0he was a $l#$$y/ rather #&ti y,looki&' 'irl/ with a %i' (o#th/ a lar'e &ose a& rather #&e2e& teeth that st#ck o#t a little a& (a e her look ra%%ity" 'I'( Ma#ree& Little/' she sai / i& a li'ht/ $rie& ly 2oice" 'I ho)e yo# wo&'t (i& ha2i&' (e at Malory Towers!' 0he 'a2e a little 'i''le" '1hy sho#l we3'aske !arrell/ s#r)rise " '1e hear yo#r ol school ha close ow&" That was %a l#ck"' 'Yes/' sai Ma#ree&/ a& looke )e&si2e" 'It was s#ch a (ar2ello#s school/ too yo# sho#l ha2e see& the )layi&' $iel s! -& we ha two swi((i&',)ools/ a& we were allowe to kee) o#r ow& )ets"' '1ell/ I e6)ect yo#'ll $i& Malory Towers is&'t too %a /' sai -licia/ ;oi&i&' i&" '7h yes/' sai the 'irl/ s(ili&' a'ai&/ a& showi&' her ra%%it,teeth" 'I'( s#re it's wo& er$#l" That's why (y (other chose it" 0he 0ai that &e6t to Ma*eley Ma&or that was (y ol school/ yo# k&ow Malory Towers was the %est"' '!ear (e that was &ice o$ her/' sai -licia i& her s(ooth 2oice" 'I o&'t see( to ha2e hear o$ Ma*eley Ma&or"
21

7r was it the school whose 'irls always $aile i& the 0chool Cert"3' Ma#ree& $l#she " '7h &o/' she sai " 'It co#l &'t ha2e %ee&" 1hy/ +#ite hal$ o$ #s )asse " I )asse (ysel$"' 'Fery cle2er o$ yo#/' sai -licia/ a& !arrell &# 'e her" 1hat a )ity $or Ma#ree& to 'et o& -licia's wro&' si e so soo&! 0he was ;#st the ty)e that irritate the shar),to&'#e -licia" -licia wi&ke at !arrell %#t !arrell $row&e " It was&'t $air to tease a &ew 'irl so soo&" >i2e her a cha&ce! 4#t Ma#ree& i &'t 'i2e hersel$ a cha&ce! 'I (#st %e $rie& ly!' she sai to hersel$" 'I (#st kee) (y ow& e& #)/ I (#st i()ress these 'irls!' 0o she chattere away i& a li'ht/ airy 2oice/ a& i &'t see( to reali*e that &ew 'irls sho#l %e see& a& &ot hear ! It was o&ly whe& the others 2ery )oi&te ly %e'a& to talk to o&e a&other/ t#r&i&' away $ro( her #&til she $o#& that &o o&e at all was liste&i&' to her/ that she sto))e " I& the $irst $or( i$ a&y &ew 'irl %eha2e like that the $irst,$or(ers wo#l ha2e )oi&te o#t at o&ce that she' %etter kee) her (o#th sh#t %e$ore so(e%o y sat o& her" 4#t the $i$th, $or(ers were &ot +#ite so cr# e" They (erely i'&ore her/ ho)i&' she wo#l see that she was %eha2i&' st#)i ly a& (aki&' a %a start" '-re we all %ack3' sai !arrell/ looki&' ro#& the ta%le" '-h/ there's Ma2is" 8ow's the 2oice/ Ma2is3 I ho)e it's +#ite all ri'ht &ow!' Ma2is &o e " 0he ha a %ea#ti$#l 2oice/ which she ha lost $or a $ew ter(s/ %#t which was &ow %ack i& all its %ea#ty" 0he looke ha))y" '-& there's Mary,Lo# a& !a)h&e a& ?#th hallo/ ?#th! 8ow's yo#r twi&3' '-ll ri'ht" Yo# k&ow she's %ee& le$t ow& i& $o#rth $or(3' sai ?#th" 'It'll %e +#eer witho#t her" I'2e always ha her/ &o
22

(atter what school or $or( I'2e %ee& i&" I ho)e she wo&'t (iss (e too (#ch"' '7h/ she'll soo& $i& so(eo&e else to look a$ter a& s)eak #) $or/ ;#st as she #se to o to yo#!' sai -licia" 'Yo# were her little sha ow/ ?#th &ow this ter( we'll %e a%le to see what yo#'re really like yo#rsel$" 1e i &'t k&ow %e$ore!' '7h!' )#t i& Ma#ree&/ 'is ?#th a twi&3 There were twi&s at (y ol school/ a& they were so " " "' 1ell/ it si()ly was&'t o&e $or a &ew 'irl to s)eak o#t o$ t#r& like this/ a& to Ma#ree&'s s#r)rise e2eryo&e at the ta%le %e'a& talki&' at o&ce/ so that &o%o y co#l )ossi%ly hear what she sai " Ma('*elle !#)o&t/ who was at the hea o$ the ta%le/ was sorry $or her" 0he like the $l#$$y ty)e o$ 'irl/ a& she s)oke co($orti&'ly to Ma#ree&" 'They are e6cite / yo# see/ at %ei&' %ack a'ai&" Yo# will soo& %e their $rie& s/ &'est ce )as3 To(orrow they will what o yo# call it they will take yo# to their chests a& yo# will %e o&e o$ the(" 1hat a )ity ear >we& oli&e is&'t %ack yet" .ow yo# wo#l like her/ Ma#ree&" 0he has 'ol e& hair/ like yo#/ a& " " "' -licia ca#'ht )art o$ this a& wi&ke at 0ally" 'I %et >we& oli&e wo#l %e ;#st the )erso& $or Ma#ree&/' she sai " 0he raise her 2oice a& s)oke to Ma('*elle" '1hat's ha))e&e to ear >we& oli&e Mary/ Ma('*elle3 0he's the o&ly o&e &ot %ack"' '0he o&ly ca(e %ack $ro( Fra&ce to ay/' sai Ma('*elle" '0he co(es to #s to(orrow" The ear chil she will %e a%le to talk to (e a%o#t (y %elo2e co#&try" 1e shall 'o%%le to'ether a%o#t it"' '>a%%le/ Ma('*elle/ yo# (ea&/' sai 0ally/ with a 'i''le" '7h/ I'2e %ee& to Fra&ce/ too/' sai Ma#ree&/ eli'hte "

23

'The& yo# a& >we& oli&e a& Ma('*elle ca& all 'o%%le a%o#t it to'ether/' sai Ire&e" '.ice trio yo#'ll (ake/ 'o%%li&' away a%o#t la %elle Fra&ce!' '!o&'t %e a& ass/ Ire&e/' sai Moira's 2oice" '?e(e(%er yo#'re i& the $i$th $or( &ow/ &ot the $o#rth"' '7h tha&ks (ost aw$#lly $or re(i& i&' #s/ Moira/' sai -licia/ i& her s(oothest 2oice" 'I say it (#st %e $ri'ht$#l $or yo# to ha2e to li2e with #s aw$#l co(e, ow& to )i' it with ol $o#rth,$or(ers i&stea o$ +#ee&i&' it i& the si6th"' 'Moira a& I o&'t (i& a %it/' sai Catheri&e/ with s#ch a& air o$ )o#ri&' oil o& tro#%le waters that the ol $o#rth, $or(ers co#l &'t hel) &# 'i&' o&e a&other" '-$ter all/ so(e%o y has to %e le$t ow& so(eti(es a& it's always a hel)/ o&'t yo# thi&k/ whe& a& ol (e(%er o$ the $or( ca& hel) &ew o&es to carry o& the tra itio&"' '-h Ga c'est %ie& it!' sai Ma('*elle" 'Fery well sai / Catheri&e"' 4#t &o%o y else tho#'ht so" '8y)ocrite!' (#ttere -licia to Ire&e" '1ho wa&ts Catheri&e to hel) #s3 0he co#l &'t teach a cat to ri&k (ilk! >osh/ i$ she's 'oi&' to %e as )ie as that I shall resi'& $ro( the $i$th a& 'o #) i&to the si6th!' Ire&e i o&e o$ her e6)losi2e s&orts/ a& Catheri&e looke asto&ishe " '!o tell #s the ;oke/' she sai / with a %ea(i&' s(ile" '5oke o2er/' sai -licia/ also with a %ea(i&' s(ile" !arrell wi&ke at 0ally" It was easy to see that there was 'oi&' to %e so(e $#& that ter(" 0he 'la&ce at Moira who was $row&i&' 'l#(ly" '1a&t to collect a $ew (ore scowls $or yo#r &ote%ook/ 4eli& a3' sai !arrell so$tly" 4eli& a 'la&ce at Moira too a& &o e " 0he ha )#rs#e >we& oli&e o&ce $or a whole ter(/ collecti&' her scowls/ rawi&' the(

24

o&e a$ter a&other i& what the 'irls ca(e to call her '>we& oli&e Collectio&'" .ow here was a&other )erso& with a wo& er$#l selectio& o$ scowls $or 4eli& a! 4ill a& Clarissa were ha))ily talki&' horses to'ether/ #&,hee $#l o$ a&yo&e else at the ta%le" 'I wo& er they o&'t whi&&y to o&e a&other!' sai -licia/ e6as)erate " '4ill! Clarissa! !o yo# thi&k yo#'re i& the sta%les still3' '7h sorry/' sai Clarissa/ looki&' ro#& with shi&i&' 'ree& eyes" 'I $or'ot where I was $or a (i&#te" 4#t it's so &ice to %e %ack with 4ill a'ai& a& talk horses"' '-h/ this horse,talk! I o &ot #& ersta& it!' chi(e i& Ma('*elle" 'Me/ I wo#l &ot 'o &ear a horse 'reat/ sta()i&' creat#res"' 'Yo# really (#st co(e a& let Th#& er take a l#() o$ s#'ar $ro( the )al( o$ yo#r ha& o&e ay!' sai 4ill/ with a& i()ish 'ri&" '1ill yo#/ Ma('*elle3' Ma('*elle 'a2e a s(all s+#eal" '-lways yo# say that to (e/ 4ill! It is &ot ki& " I will &ot let yo#r 'reat horse trea o& (y $oot with its )aws"' '8oo2es/ Ma('*elle/ hoo2es/' sai 4ill/ +#ite shocke at Ma('*elle calli&' the( )aws" '0haki&' its hair all o2er (e/' we&t o& Ma('*elle/ co&;#ri&' #) a $earso(e )ict#re o$ a sta()i&'/ hea ,shaki&'/ reari&' creat#re! '0haki&' its (a&e/' correcte 4ill" '7h/ Ma('*elle/ yo#'re aw$#l a%o#t horses" I shall ra' yo# o#t to Th#& er a& 'i2e yo# a lesso& o& all his i$$ere&t )arts!' 'This horri%le 4ill!' sai Ma('*elle/ t#r&i&' her eyes #) to the ceili&'" '1hy (#st I teach her Fre&ch whe& all she wa&ts to lear& a%o#t is horses3 1hy o yo# la#'h/ 'irls3 I wo#l &ot (ake a ;oke a%o#t so serio#s a thi&'!' '7h it's 'oo to %e %ack a'ai&/ is&'t it3' sai !arrell to 0ally" 'I &e2er la#'h a&ywhere like I o at school/ &e2er!'
25

Chapter 4 NIGHT AND MORNING

!-??ELL $o#& ti(e that $irst e2e&i&' to (ake s#re that her yo#&' sister Felicity was &ot %ei&' whiske o$$ %y 5#&e/ -licia's thirtee&,year,ol co#si& i& the $irst $or(" To her relie$ she saw that Felicity was ar(,i&,ar( with 0#sa&/ her $rie& o$ the ter( %e$ore" 5#&e was sta& i&' alo&e/ o& the e 'e o$ the little crow o$ $irst,$or(ers" 0he ha a (ost eter(i&e look o& her $ace/ a& !arrell wo& ere what she was thi&ki&' o$" '0he is certai&ly )la&&i&' so(ethi&'/' tho#'ht !arrell" '1ell/ so lo&' as she lea2es Felicity o#t o$ her )la&s/ she ca& o what she likes! 8ow I o islike that chil !' The $i$th,$or(ers we&t to %e a +#arter o$ a& ho#r a$ter the $o#rth,$or(ers" It was 'ra& ha2i&' ;#st $i$tee& (i&#tes (ore" They chattere as they #& resse / a& s)ec#late o& all sorts o$ thi&'s i& the co(i&' ter(" 'I shall (iss ha2i&' Miss 1illia(s to teach #s/' sai 0ally/ who ha like the $o#rth,$or( (istress 2ery (#ch" 'I wo& er i$ " " "' The or(itory oor o)e&e a& a $ace looke i&" It was Co&&ie/ ?#th's twi&" '?#th! -re yo# all ri'ht3' she sai " 'It's +#eer &ot %ei&' with yo#" -re yo# (a&a'i&' all ri'ht3 !i yo# $i& yo#r " " "' 'Co&&ie!' e6)lo e -licia" '1hat o yo# (ea& %y co(i&' i&to the $i$th or(y whe& yo#'re ;olly well s#))ose to %e i& %e 3 Clear o#t"' Co&&ie stoo i& the oorway o%sti&ately" 0he was a 'reat o&e $or ar'#i&'" 'I o&ly ;#st ca(e to see i$ ?#th was all ri'ht/' she sai " '1e'2e &e2er %ee& )arte %e$ore/ a& " " "'

26

'Clear o#t!' yelle e2eryo&e/ a& Ire&e %ra& ishe her hair,%r#sh $iercely/ al(ost k&ocki&' 4eli& a's eye o#t" 4#t still Co&&ie hel her 'ro#& " 8er eyes searche ?#th's $ace/ which was also weari&' a& o%sti&ate look" '?#th/' %e'a& Co&&ie/ #r'e&tly" '!o say so(ethi&'" !o&'t sta& there like that" I o&ly ;#st ca(e to " " "' 'Clear o#t!' sai ?#th/ a& e2eryo&e stoo sile&t i& asto&ish(e&t" .o%o y ha e6)ecte that" ?#th ha %ee& s#ch a sha ow that/ e2e& whe& she ha %e'#& to assert hersel$ a little the ter( %e$ore/ &o o&e ha e2er tho#'ht she co#l )ossi%ly or er Co&&ie a%o#t" 'I k&ow yo#'re (y twi& a& we'2e always %ee& to'ether/' sai ?#th/ i& a& #&&ecessarily lo# 2oice" '4#t I'( i& the $i$th &ow a& yo#'re i& the $o#rth" Yo# ca&'t co(e ta''i&' a$ter a $i$th,$or(er/ yo# k&ow that" Lea2e (e alo&e a& clear o#t!' 7&ly ?#th co#l e$eat Co&&ie/ a& (ake her 'o" Co&&ie 'a)e / the& t#r&e a& we&t witho#t a wor " ?#th sat ow& s# e&ly o& her %e " '>oo $or yo#!' sai !arrell/ war(ly" 'Yo#'ll ha2e to sta& #) $or yo#rsel$ a %it/ ?#th/ or yo#'ll ha2e Co&&ie )esteri&' yo# a'ai& a& a'ai&"' 'I k&ow/' sai ?#th i& a s(all 2oice" '4#t I'( I'( aw$#lly $o& o$ her/ yo# k&ow I hate sayi&' that" 4#t she wo#l &e2er take a&y &otice o$ a&yo&e else" -& a$ter all I ca&'t let her ha&' o& to the $i$th/ ca& I3 Coor Co&&ie"' '.ot D)oorD at all/' sai !arrell" '-& o&'t yo# %elie2e it" 0he's 'ot the cheek o$ a o*e&! 0he wo&'t 'i2e #) easily either she'll kee) o& tryi&' to ta' o& to yo# a& to #s"' '@#ite ri'ht/' sai -licia/ i& a 2oice &ot lo# e&o#'h $or ?#th to hear" 'Co&&ie's so thick,ski&&e she wa&ts a whole lot o$ )#((elli&' a& sho#ti&' at %e$ore she $eels or #& ersta& s what we're 'etti&' at!'

29

'I'2e 'ot a sister like that i& the $o#rth/' sai Moira/ #&e6)ecte ly ;oi&i&' i&" 'a to#'h &#t i$ e2er there was o&e" 0he's like a r#%%er %all i$ yo# sit o& her a& s+#ash her $lat she %o#&ces %ack to sha)e a'ai& i((e iately" -w$#l ki "' '1hat's her &a(e3' sai !arrell" '7h/ wait a %it is it 4ri 'et3' 'Yes/' sai Moira" '0he a& Co&&ie wo#l (ake a )air!' '1ell/ let's ho)e Co&&ie a& she will 'et to'ether!' sai -licia" '.ice )air they' (ake r#% each other's cor&ers o$$ a %it!' 0oo& they were all i& %e " !arrell was &e6t to Ma#ree&" 0he sai 'oo &i'ht to the &ew 'irl/ a& to 0ally who was o& the other si e o$ her/ a& sh#t her eyes" 8er %e was har er tha& at ho(e/ %#t she k&ew she wo#l soo& 'et #se to that" 0he threw o$$ her ei er ow& a$ter a %it" It was s#ch a war( &i'ht" 0he hear a s&i$$ $ro( the &e6t %e " '>osh it ca&'t %e Ma#ree& s&i$$i&' like a&y &ew $irst, $or(er/' tho#'ht !arrell/ i& s#r)rise" 0he t#r&e o2er a& liste&e " '0&i$$/ s&i$$!' Yes/ there it was a'ai&" 'Ma#ree&! 1hat o& earth's the (atter3' whis)ere !arrell" '0#rely yo#'re &ot a $irst,&i'ht s&i$$er3 -t yo#r a'e3' Ma#ree&'s 2oice ca(e shakily to !arrell" 'I'( always like this at $irst" I thi&k o$ Mother a& !a y a& what they're oi&' at ho(e" I'( se&siti2e/ yo# k&ow"' '4etter 'et o2er %ei&' se&siti2e the&/' sai !arrell/ shortly" I& her e6)erie&ce )eo)le who we&t ro#& sayi&' that they were se&siti2e wa&te a 'oo shaki&' #)/ a& / i$ they were lower school/ &ee e to %e la#'he o#t o$ it" '4#t yo# ca&'t hel) %ei&' it/ i$ yo# are/' s&i$$e Ma#ree&" '7h/ I k&ow %#t yo# ca& hel) talki&' a%o#t it!' sai !arrell" '!o 'o to slee)" I ca&'t %ear to hear yo# s&i$$i&' as i$ yo# wa&te a ha&ky a& ha2e&'t 'ot o&e"'
2=

Ma#ree& $elt that !arrell was 2ery #&ki& " 0he wishe there was so(eo&e i& the %e the other si e o$ her so(eo&e (ore sy()athetic" 4#t the %e was e()ty" It was >we& oli&e's/ a& she ha &'t yet co(e %ack" !arrell 'ri&&e to hersel$ i& the ark&ess" I$ o&ly they co#l wish Ma#ree& o& to >we&! Ma#ree& was 2ery like >we& to look at/ a& ha the sa(e silly weak &at#re/ a))are&tly" 8ow (ar2ello#s i$ they co#l )#sh her o& to >we&/ a& see what ha))e&e ! 'Yo# wait till >we& oli&e Mary co(es %ack to(orrow/' sai !arrell wicke ly to Ma#ree&" '0he's ;#st yo#r sort" 0he's se&siti2e/ too" I'( s#re she'll #& ersta& all yo# $eel" 0he hates $irst &i'hts still" Yo# look o#t $or her to(orrow/ Ma#ree&/ she's ;#st yo#r sort/ I sho#l thi&k"' 0ally/ who was i& the &e6t %e / liste&i&'/ 'a2e a little s&ort o$ la#'hter" 8ow (a >we& wo#l %e to ha2e so(eo&e else like her i& the $or(/ so(eo&e who tho#'ht the(sel2es too wo& er$#l $or wor s/ a& who wa&te a (iratio& a& sy()athy all the ti(e! 8ow wicke o$ !arrell to %e )#shi&' Ma#ree& o& to >we& alrea y %#t how alto'ether s#ita%le! '.o (ore talki&'/' sai Moira's 2oice/ o#t o$ the ark&ess" 'Ti(e's #) &ow"' The ol $o#rth,$or(ers rese&te this s# e& co((a& " Moira was&'t hea ,'irl &ot yet/ a&yway! .othi&' o$$icial ha %ee& sai a%o#t it" .o%o y sai a&y (ore %#t there were 2ario#s 'Coohs' a& 'Cishes' $ro( se2eral %e s" 0till/ they were all tire / a& &o%o y e6ce)t Ma#ree& really wa&te to kee) awake" There were a $ew (ore s&i$$s $ro( Ma#ree&'s %e a& the& sile&ce" Ire&e %e'a& to s&ore a little" 0he always i whe& she lay o& her %ack" 4eli& a/ who was i& the &e6t %e / lea&e o2er a& 'a2e her a har )oke to (ake her t#r& o2er" Ire&e
2A

o%e ie&tly shi$te o& to her si e witho#t e2e& waki&' #)" 4eli& a ha 'ot her well,trai&e %y &ow! Co&&ie act#ally a))eare at the oor a'ai& i& the (or&i&'/ looki&' %elli'ere&t a& o%sti&ate" 'Yo# still there3' sai -licia" '4ee& sta& i&' there all &i'ht lo&'/ I s#))ose/ wo& eri&' i$ ?#th was ha2i&' a &ice %ea#ty slee) or &ot!' 'There's &o r#le a'ai&st (y co(i&' here i& the (or&i&' to ask a +#estio&/ is there3' sai Co&&ie" '!o&'t %e so %eastly/ -licia" I'2e o&ly co(e to 'i2e ?#th a )air o$ stocki&'s that 'ot i&to (y case"' 'Tha&ks/' sai ?#th/ a& took the(" Co&&ie strai'hte&e o&e or two thi&'s o& ?#th's ressi&',ta%le" ?#th i((e iately )#t the( crooke a'ai&" 'It's &o 'oo / Co&&ie/' she sai " 'Lea2e (e alo&e" I'( i& the $i$th &ow/ I tell yo#"' 'I &e2er tho#'ht yo#' crow o2er (e i$ I was le$t %ehi& /' sai Co&&ie/ looki&' s# e&ly %ewil ere " 'I'( &ot" !o 'o away/' sai ?#th/ i& a low 2oice/ k&owi&' that e2eryo&e i& the roo( was i&te&sely i&tereste i& this little %attle/ altho#'h (ost o$ the 'irls were )rete& i&' &ot to &otice" !arrell ha (a&a'e to sto) -licia $ro( i&ter$eri&'" Let ?#th (a&a'e the $i'ht hersel$! Moira s# e&ly s)oke" '1ill yo# take this %ook to (y sister 4ri 'et3' she sai / i& her a%r#)t 2oice" 0he hel o#t a s(all %ook" '0he's i& the $o#rth/ too ca(e #) $ro( the thir this ter(" I e6)ect yo#'2e s)oke& to her alrea y"' 'Yes/ I ha2e/' sai Co&&ie" I'll 'i2e her the %ook"' 0he took it/ a& we&t o#t o$ the roo( witho#t a&other look at ?#th" !arrell 'la&ce at ?#th" 0he was looki&' rather (isera%le" 1hat a sha(e it was that Co&&ie sho#l $orce her i&to s#ch a i$$ic#lt )ositio&! 8ow co#l a&yo&e %e as thick, ski&&e as that twi&!

3B

The %reak$ast,%ell we&t" Ma#ree& 'a2e a wail" '7h/ I say is that the %ell a'ai&3 I was thi&ki&' I was still at Ma*eley Ma&or the %ell i &'t 'o till (#ch later! I shall %e late!' '1e're 'oi&' to hear rather a lot a%o#t Ma*eley Ma&or/ I'( a$rai /' sai !arrell i& 0ally's ear/ as they we&t ow&stairs" 'Cerha)s >we& will hear it all i&stea /' sai 0ally" 'That's yo#r )la&/ is&'t it3 The thi&' is will >we& %e i& the $i$th3 0he $aile the 0chool Cert"/ too/ yo# k&ow" 0he (ay %e ke)t ow& i& the $o#rth with Co&&ie"' '7h &o s#rely &ot!' sai !arrell" '0he's too ol " 0he's a%o2e the a2era'e a'e e2e& o$ the $i$th/ %y a $ew (o&ths" -$ter all/ Co&&ie's well %elow it so it oes&'t (#ch (atter $or her"' They aske Ma('*elle at %reak$ast,ti(e a%o#t >we&" '1ill she %e i& the $i$th with #s3' sai !arrell" 'Yes/ yes/' sai Ma('*elle" '7$ co#rse! It is tr#e she $aile / the )oor chil / i& this terri%le e6a(i&atio& o$ yo#rs %#t she was ill" Yes/ she ha a %a heart/ )oor >we& oli&e"' The $i$th,$or(ers &# 'e o&e a&other" >we&'s %a heart! >we& ha )ro #ce a heart that $l#ttere a& )al)itate / i& or er to 'et o#t o$ oi&' the e6a( %#t &o%o y ha %elie2e i& it e6ce)t Ma('*elle" -& >we& ha ha to o the e6a( a$ter all/ a& ha $aile " '1ell/ heart or &o heart/ a))are&tly she's i& the $i$th with #s/' sai -licia" '!ear >we& oli&e Mary what a treat to ha2e her %ack with #s to ay!'

31

Chapter MISS !AMES HAS GOOD NE"S

T8E $i$th we&t to their classroo( ;#st %e$ore &i&e o'clock" They re;oice i& the 'lorio#s 2iew" !arrell $l#&' the wi& ows wi e a& let i& the 'ol e& 0e)te(%er air" '8ea2e&ly!' she sai " 'I ho)e we shall %e allowe to %athe still" I %et the )ool ow& i& the rocks is ;#st )er$ect &ow"' Ma#ree& looke alar(e " '0#rely yo#'re &ot allowe to %athe i& the wi&ter ter(!' she sai " '1hy/ at Ma*eley Ma&or we " " "' 'It (#st ha2e %ee& a wo& er$#l )lace/' sai -licia/ i& her s(ooth 2oice" '7h yes we #se to " " "' we&t o& Ma#ree&" '0o sa it ha to sh#t ow&/' i&terr#)te Ire&e" 'Yes/ 2ery sa /' a'ree Ma#ree&/ eli'hte at this s# e& i&terest a& sy()athy" 'Yo# see/ all o$ #s were 2ery " " "' 'Yo# (#st $i& Malory Towers 2ery seco& ,rate a$ter s#ch a (ar2ello#s )lace/' )#t i& 4eli& a/ also so#& i&' 2ery sy()athetic" '0till/ we'll o o#r %est/' 0ally ass#re her" Ma#ree& %e'a& to $eel o#%t$#l a%o#t all these i&terr#)tio&s/ ki& as they see(e " Cerha)s she ha %etter say &o (ore till she ha $o#& her $eet a little3 These 'irls see(e so i$$ere&t $ro( the o&es at ear Ma*eley Ma&or" '1hat's o#r &ew $or(,(istress/ Miss 5a(es/ like3' sai !arrell to Catheri&e a& Moira" 'Yo#'2e %ee& ta#'ht %y her $or so(e ter(s is she all ri'ht3' 'Easy,'oi&' to a )oi&t/' sai Moira" 'The& look o#t! 0he cha&'es $ro( sweet to so#r i& the twi&kli&' o$ a& eye a& it's %a $or yo# i$ yo# o&'t &otice the cha&'e,o2er i((e iately" 0till/ 5i((y's &ot a %a sort"'
32

'0he's 5a(es whe& she's so#r/ a& 5i((y whe& she's sweet/' e6)lai&e Catheri&e/ with her %ea(i&' s(ile" '-ct#ally she's rather a ear"' '7h/ Catheri&e thi&ks hea)s o$ )eo)le are Drather, earsD/ a& D ear,ol ,so#lsD a& e2e& D)et,la(%sD/' sai Moira" '0he &e2er s)eaks e2il o$ a&yo&e/ o yo#/ Catheri&e3 -& i$ e2er yo# wa&t a&ythi&' o&e/ Catheri&e will o it $or yo# she ;#st lo2es to r#& aro#& $or other )eo)le"' Catheri&e %l#she " '!o&'t %e silly/ Moira/' she sai / %#t a look o$ a&6iety ca(e i&to her eyes" 1as Moira )#lli&' her le' s&eeri&' at her ;#st a little3 The others i &'t wo& er a%o#t it they k&ew! Moira was &ot )raisi&' Catheri&e she was s&eeri&'" Moira wo#l )ro%a%ly &e2er )raise a&yo&e whole, hearte ly" The 'irls ha chose& their esks" The $a2o#re o&es at the %ack o$ the roo( we&t to the two ol $i$th,$or(ers/ o$ co#rse/ Moira a& Catheri&e/ a& to !arrell a& 0ally/ who ha each %ee& hea ,'irl $or a ti(e the ter( %e$ore" Ire&e a& 4eli& a also ha %ack esks" There were other 'irls i& the roo( &ow/ 'irls also i& the $i$th %#t $ro( other Towers Tessa a& 5a&et a& Ce&elo)e/ Eatie a& !ora a& >la ys 'irls the .orth Tower $i$th, $or(ers k&ew %y &a(e a& si'ht/ %#t &ot &early as well as they k&ew their ow& Tower 'irls/ o$ co#rse" The 'irls o$ all the Towers (i6e $or lesso&s a& 'a(es/ %#t were +#ite se)arate a$terwar s/ each 'oi&' to their ow& Tower $or (eals/ leis#re a& slee)i&'" '0ssssst!' sai so(eo&e" '5i((y's co(i&'!' -& i& ca(e 5i((y/ or Miss 5a(es a tall/ s)are wo(a& o$ a%o#t $i$ty/ whose c#rly 'rey hair $ra(e a scholarly $ace with ki& %#t shrew ha*el eyes"

33

'0it/' she sai / a& the class sat/ sh#$$li&' their $eet/ (o2i&' their chairs a little/ a& shi$ti&' %ooks a& )a)ers" Miss 5a(es waite #&til there was co()lete sile&ce" '1ell/ o&ce (ore I ha2e a &ew class/' she %e'a&/ her shrew eyes resti&' $irst o& o&e 'irl a& the& o& a&other" '7&ly three o$ yo#/ I thi&k/ were i& (y $or( last ter(/ a& they/ $or 2ario#s 'oo reaso&s/ ha2e &ot 'o&e #) i&to the si6th/ %#t are still with (e" They will/ o$ co#rse/ %e a 'reat hel) i& 'etti&' the $or( i&to (y ways"' The 'irls looke to see who the thir ol $i$th,$or(er was" 7h it was little 5a&et" 1ell/ she was (iles too yo#&' to 'o #) i&to the si6th/ o$ co#rse! 0he ha o&ly %ee& )#t i&to the $i$th a year a'o %eca#se she ha )asse her 0chool Certi$icate so a%s#r ly early" 0he still looke like a $o#rth, $or(er/ tho#'ht !arrell/ &ot e2e& like a $i$th,$or(er! 5a&et looke )lease to %e le$t ow&" 0he was scare o$ the si6th $or(" Moira scowle " 0he hate %ei&' le$t %ehi& " Catheri&e %ea(e " Yes yes/ she wo#l hel) all she co#l " Miss 5a(es co#l e)e& o& her/ o$ co#rse she co#l " 0he trie to catch the (istress's eye/ %#t $or so(e reaso& Miss 5a(es stea $astly looke i& the other irectio&" Catheri&e ke)t her %ea(i&' s(ile o& $or so(e ti(e/ ho)e$#lly 'a*i&' at Miss 5a(es" 4#t the (istress le$t the s#%;ect a& %e'a& o& so(ethi&' else" Catheri&e ha to switch o$$ the s(ile" 8er cheek (#scles were %e'i&&i&' to ache! '!arrell is to %e hea o$ $i$th,$or( 'a(es/' sai Miss 5a(es" '0ally is to hel) her" Yo# reali*e/ !arrell/ o&'t yo#/ that hea o$ $i$th,$or( 'a(es (ea&s taki&' o& the trai&i&' o$ so(e o$ the yo#&'er )layers $or the lower tea(s o$ the school3 That will take #) so(e ti(e/ %#t yo# will ha2e 0ally to hel) yo#"'

34

!arrell 'lowe " 8ow lo2ely to %e a%le to )ick o#t so(e o$ the yo#&' $irst a& seco& ,$or(ers a& lick the( i&to sha)e $or the Thir a& Fo#rth >a(es Tea(s o$ Malory Towers" 0#))ose she a& 0ally (a e the tea(s so 'oo that they wo& all their (atches/ ho(e a& away! 1hat a recor that wo#l %e! !arrell we&t o$$ i&to a ay, rea( i& which she saw so(e well,t#r&e o#t/ s(art lower,school tea(s wi&&i&' (atch a$ter (atch" I'll trai& Felicity/ o$ co#rse/' she tho#'ht" '0he's +#ite 'oo alrea y" I ca& (ake her $irst class" -& 0#sa&'s 'oo as well" -& I'll lick that yo#&' 5#&e i&to sha)e/ too" My wor / she'll ha2e to toe the li&e &ow" I sha&'t sta& a&y &o&se&se $ro( her" -& there's 8arriet i& the seco& $or( a& L#cy i& the seco& / too " " "' 0he (isse the &e6t $ew thi&'s that Miss 5a(es sai / she was so lost i& her rea( o$ $irst,class lacrosse tea(s" 'Yo# all worke 2ery har last ter(/' sai Miss 5a(es" 'Cractically all o$ yo# i& this $or( )asse / a& )asse well/ i& the 0chool Cert" e6a(" Those who i &'t/ $aile %eca#se o$ so(e #& ersta& a%le reaso&/ a& will ha2e a&other cha&ce later o&" They will %e s)ecially coache $or it/ a& will ha2e to lea2e the #s#al lesso&s o$ this class $or a ti(e #&til the e6a( is o2er"' -licia si'he " It wo#l &'t %e this ter( o$ co#rse %#t she hate the i ea o$ ha2i&' to lea2e the others a& ha2e s)ecial coachi&'" 4low! 1hy i she ha2e to ha2e (easles ri'ht i& e6a( week last ter(3 '.ow/ as yo# all ha a har ter( last ter(/ I o&'t i&te& to work yo# har this ter(/' sai Miss 5a(es/ a& a si'h o$ relie$ we&t all ro#& the roo( like a s(all %ree*e" 'I (ea& I shall &ot set yo# le&'thy )re)s to o/ &or )#sh yo# har %#t there will %e other thi&'s to take #) yo#r ti(e" I wa&t the $i$th to )ro #ce the Christ(as e&tertai&(e&t this year/ $or i&sta&ce"'
35

That (a e e2eryo&e sit #)" Cro #ce the Christ(as e&tertai&(e&t! My wor ! That wo#l %e $#&" 1hat a%o#t a )lay3 7r a )a&to(i(e3 7r a %allet3 -ll ki& s o$ tho#'hts ra& thro#'h the 'irls' (i& s/ a& they 'la&ce at o&e a&other i& eli'ht" 'Yo# will o it all o& yo#r ow&/ e6ce)t $or a&y a 2ice yo# (ay &ee $ro( Mr" Yo#&'/ the (#sic,(aster/ or Miss >ree&i&'/ the eloc#tio& coach/' we&t o& Miss 5a(es/ )lease at the )leas#re show& %y the 'irls" -h/ whe& they 'ot #) i&to the $i$th/ how they like to o thi&'s o& their ow&/ with &o i&ter$ere&ce $ro( a&yo&e! @#ite ri'ht/ too i$ they i &'t lear& to ha& le a$$airs a& sta& o& their ow& $eet &ow/ they &e2er wo#l ! 'Yo# will choose yo#r ow& )ro #cers/' sai Miss 5a(es" 'I sho#l ha2e at least two/ $or the work will %e too (#ch $or o&e" The (ore yo# o o& yo#r ow& the %etter I a& Miss >rayli&'/ the 8ea / will %e )lease %#t we shall/ o$ co#rse/ %e 'la to 'i2e yo# a&y a 2ice or hel) i$ yo# &ee to ask $or it"' E2ery 'irl i& the class at o&ce $iercely eter(i&e &ot to ask o&e si&'le )iece o$ a 2ice" The Christ(as 0how/ whate2er it was/ sho#l %e theirs a& &o%o y else's" 'It shall %e the %est o&e e2er o&e at Malory Towers!' 2owe !arrell" '1e'll 'et the )are&ts to co(e a& what a s#r)rise they'll ha2e!' tho#'ht 0ally" '1hat a cha&ce!' tho#'ht -licia/ a& her a'ile (i& %e'a& to r#& o2er all ki& s o$ i eas at o&ce" 0he lo&'e $or the $irst (eeti&'" I$ o&ly they wo#l (ake her o&e o$ the Cro #cers! 0he co#l or'a&i*e well" 0he co#l )la& a& she co#l %e (ore reso#rce$#l tha& a&yo&e" 0he k&ew she co#l ! They all lo&'e $or 4reak/ so that they co#l isc#ss the i eas )#t i&to their hea s %y Miss 5a(es" Ire&e was i& the
36

se2e&th hea2e& o$ eli'ht i$ they i a )a&to(i(e/ wo#l they let her write the (#sic3 The (#sic $or a whole )a&to(i(e why/ that wo#l 'i2e her (ore sco)e tha& she ha e2er ha %e$ore! Ma2is was also rea(i&' eli'ht$#lly" 1o#l she %e a%le to o so(e o$ the si&'i&'/ i$ they i a )lay or a )a&to(i(e3 0he was allowe to )ractise her si&'i&' )ro)erly this ter(/ a& ha a s)ecial si&'i&',(aster o$ her ow&/ who ca(e to the school to teach her" 7h/ i$ o&ly she co#l si&' the )ri&ci)al so&'s! 4reak ca(e at last" The $i$th,$or(ers r#she o$$ i& a crow / 'atheri&' i& a cor&er o$ the 'ro#& s/ all talki&' at o&ce" '1e'll ha2e to ha2e a )ro)er (eeti&'/' sai !arrell" '7h 'osh I o $eel thrille to %e tol we ca& o the Christ(as e&tertai&(e&t all o& o#r ow& a& to %e tol I'( >a(es Ca)tai& a& res)o&si%le $or the )icki&' a& trai&i&' o$ the lower,school ki s $or their tea(s! 1hy I sha&'t ha2e ti(e $or a&y work at all!' '1ell/ we'2e lear&t how to work %y &ow/' sai 0ally" 'I$ we ha2e&'t/ we &e2er will! 1e'2e 'ot other thi&'s to lear& &ow/ I s#))ose how to )la& thi&'s o& o#r ow&/ a& carry the( o#t a& how to work to'ether i& the( )ro)erly thi&'s like that"' '7h! !o yo# s#))ose 5i((y's )la&&e all this ;#st to (ake #s lear& a whole lot o$ other thi&'s the&3' sai !a)h&e" '@#ite likely/' sai -licia" '4#t what oes it (atter3 I$ we're lear&i&' so(ethi&' %y )ro #ci&' a )a&to(i(e/ well/ let's lear& it %y all (ea&s! I'( all $or it!' '1e ha2e to choose a co((ittee/' sai Moira/ taki&' char'e" 0ally/ !arrell a& -licia $elt a (o(e&tary a&&oya&ce" They ha %ee& so #se to lea i&' e2erythi&' i& the $o#rth $or( that they $o#& it i$$ic#lt to reco'&i*e Moira's a#thority"
39

0till/ she was hea ,'irl" 0he ha the ri'ht to take char'e/ a& she was )er$ectly ca)a%le o$ it there was &o o#%t a%o#t that at all" The 'irls co#l all $eel the i()act o$ a har a& o(i&ati&' )erso&ality i& Moira (#ch the sa(e as they $elt i& -licia/ who was also har a& stro&' i& character" 4#t -licia ha a se&se o$ h#(o#r/ which was +#ite lacki&' i& Moira that (a e all the i$$ere&ce i& the worl ! -licia co#l say so(ethi&' %iti&' a& yet it wo#l )ro #ce a la#'h %eca#se o$ the way she sai it" 0he was 'ay a& li2ely/ too/ which Moira was &ot" 1ell/ it took all sorts to (ake a worl / a& there was a )lace $or the Moiras a& >we&s a& Ma#ree&s/ tho#'ht !arrell/ a& $or the 0allies a& Ire&es a& 4eli& as as well" '7&ly they're so (#ch &icer to k&ow!' !arrell sai to hersel$" '1e' %etter choose a co((ittee o$ se2e& or ei'ht/' we&t o& Moira" '-& we'll choose it i& the #s#al way each o$ #s writes the &a(es o$ the 'irls they' like to ha2e o& the co((ittee a& we'll )#t the( all i&to a %o6" The& we take the( o#t/ o)e& the(/ co#&t the(/ a& see who's 'ot the (ost 2otes" 1e'll o that to&i'ht"' '7h/ I ho)e I'( o& the co((ittee!' tho#'ht !arrell" -& -licia ho)e the sa(e" -licia %a ly wa&te to ha2e a $i&'er i& this )ie" 0he $elt )er$ectly s#re she co#l r#& the whole show/ i$ o&ly she was allowe to!

3=

Chapter # HAL$ AN HOUR IN THE SUN

18E.'0 ear >we& oli&e Mary co(i&' %ack3' aske -licia/ as they all lay o#t i& the s#& a$ter their i&&er at a +#arter to two that ay" It was so war( a& s#&&y that it was like s#((er" -ll the 'irls ha $o#& war( )laces o#t o$ oors/ a& the 'ro#& s were $#ll o$ little co()a&ies o$ 'irls ha))ily s#&&i&' the(sel2es" '>we&3 7h/ she's arri2i&' at tea,ti(e/' sai !arrell" '!ear >we& oli&e Mary! 1o#l yo# thi&k she's what Catheri&e wo#l call a D)et,la(%D3' 'I co#l thi&k o$ (#ch (ore s#ita%le &a(es tha& that/' sai 4eli& a/ %#sy rawi&' Ma2is/ who ha 'o&e to slee) with her (o#th o)e&" 'Is >we& oli&e &ice3' aske Ma#ree&" '0he so#& s &ice/ to (e"' !arrell wi&ke at -licia" '.ice3 7h/ yo#'ll lo2e her!' she sai " '0o sy()athetic a& rea y to liste&! 0o i&teresti&' to talk to a& the tales she tells a%o#t her $a(ily a& her o's a& her cats well/ yo# co#l liste& $or ho#rs/ Ma#ree&"' 'Is she $o& o$ s)orts3' aske Ma#ree&/ who +#ite e$i&itely was&'t" '-t Ma*eley Towers we i &'t o 'a(es #&less we wa&te to" I (ea& they were&'t co()#lsory/ as they are here s#ch a (istake/ I thi&k"' '7h/ >we& hates 'a(es/' sai -licia" '4#t %eca#se she's $at she has to o the( as (#ch as )ossi%le a& walk (iles/ too"' 'Coor >we& oli&e!' sai Ma#ree&/ sy()athi*i&' ee)ly with the a%se&t $i$th,$or(er" '1e shall ha2e a lot i& co((o&/ I ca& see" 8as she has she a s)ecial $rie& / o yo# k&ow3 7$
3A

co#rse that's a silly +#estio& I k&ow a 'irl like that's %o#& to ha2e a s)ecial $rie& " 4#t I ;#st tho#'ht yo# k&ow/ I'( rather o&e o& (y ow& it wo#l %e so &ice to $i& so(eo&e here who was&'t alrea y $i6e #) with a co()a&io& $or walks a& talks"' 'Let (e see/' sai -licia/ %li&ki&' #) at the sky" '8as >we& oli&e Mary a $rie& 3' E2eryo&e a))eare to thi&k 2ery ee)ly" '1ell )erha)s &ot a s)ecial $rie& /' sai Ire&e/ with a s(all s&ort o$ la#'hter" 'Let #s say she's a little,$rie& ,o$,all, the,worl / shall we3' '-h yo#'2e ;#st hit the &ail o& the hea /' sai !arrell/ tryi&' &ot to 'i''le" 'I thi&k she' like Ma#ree&/ o&'t yo#3' '0he'll lo2e her/' sai 4eli& a/ with the #t(ost co&2ictio& '1ake #)/ Ma2is/ a& see how %ea#ti$#l yo# look whe& yo#'re aslee)"' '4east!' sai Ma2is/ taki&' a look at 4eli& a's co(ical sketch o$ her lyi&' aslee) with her (o#th o)e&" Ma#ree& took a look as well" 'That's +#ite a cle2er rawi&'/' she sai " 'I ca& raw/ too" I was o&e o$ the %est at Ma*eley Ma&or" I (#st show yo# (y sketches so(eti(e/ 4eli& a" They're 2ery (#ch the sa(e style as yo#rs"' 4eli& a was a%o#t to say so(ethi&' short a& r# e whe& Ire&e $row&e at her/ a& the& s)oke i& a sickly,sweet to&e to the #&s#s)ecti&' Ma#ree&" 'I s#))ose yo# ca& si&'/ too/ ca&'t yo# a& ca& yo# co()ose3' '7h/ I ca& si&'/' sai Ma#ree&/ )lease with all this atte&tio&" 'Yes/ I ha s)ecial lesso&s at Ma*eley Ma&or" The si&'i&',(aster sai I ha a (ost #&#s#al 2oice" -& I'2e co()ose +#ite a $ew so&'s" !ear/ ear yo# (#st&'t (ake (e talk a%o#t (ysel$ like this!'
4B

0he 'a2e her silly little la#'h" E2eryo&e else wa&te to la#'h/ too" 8ow co#l a&yo&e %e so i iotic3 '1ere there (a&y 'irls at yo#r last school3' aske 0ally/ wo& eri&' how i& the worl a&y school co#l t#r& o#t so(e%o y like Ma#ree&" '7h &o it was a 2ery 2ery select school/' sai Ma#ree&" 'They )icke a& chose their 'irls 2ery 2ery care$#lly"' 'Yo#'ll ha2e to tell >we& all these thi&'s/' sai -licia/ ear&estly" '1o&'t she/ 'irls3 >we& will %e so i&tereste " -& o&'t yo# thi&k it wo#l %e &ice $or ear >we& oli&e to ha2e so(eo&e like Ma#ree& $or a $rie& 3 I (ea& I $eel she's (a e o$/ er $i&er st#$$ tha& we are a& I'( s#re >we& oli&e Mary wo#l a))reciate that"' Ma#ree& co#l har ly %elie2e that all these wo& er$#l re(arks a))lie to her" 0he 'a*e ro#& hal$,s#s)icio#sly/ %#t the 'irls all looke at her with strai'ht $aces" Ire&e ha to look away" 0he $elt certai& o&e o$ her terri$ic s&orts was co(i&'" '>we&'s always lo&ely whe& she co(es %ack/' we&t o& -licia" The&'s the ti(e to talk to her/ Ma#ree&" 1e'll tell her a%o#t yo#/ a& yo# ca& (ake $rie& s"' 'Tha&k yo# 2ery (#ch/' sai Ma#ree&/ %aski&' i& what she tho#'ht was #&i2ersal a))reciatio& o$ hersel$" 'I really har ly thi&k the 'irls at Ma*eley Ma&or co#l %e &icer tha& yo#!' Ire&e s&orte lo# ly a& so(ehow t#r&e it i&to a co#'h a& a s&ee*e" Ma#ree& looke a little s#s)icio#s a'ai&/ %#t at that (o(e&t Ma('*elle !#)o&t esce& e o& the(/ s(ili&'" 0he sat ow& o& the 'rass/ $irst looki&' $or a&ts/ earwi's a& %eetles" 0he was terri$ie o$ the(" 0he %ea(e ro#& a(ica%ly" The 'irls s(ile %ack" They like the )l#()/ hot, te()ere / h#(oro#s Fre&ch (istress" 0he was &ot like

41

Ma('*elle ?o#'ier/ %a ,te()ere all the ti(e i$ she 'ot i&to a te()er/ she %lew #)/ certai&ly %#t it i &'t last lo&'" '-h yo# are all %asketi&' i& the s#&/' she sai / (#ch to the s#r)rise o$ e2eryo&e" '7h yo# (ea& %aski&'/ o&'t yo#/ Ma('*elle3' sai !arrell/ with a s+#eal o$ la#'hter" 'Yes/ yes this lo2ely s#&!' sai Ma('*elle/ a& she wri''le her )l#() sho#l ers i& e&;oy(e&t" I& a (o(e&t or two/ howe2er/ she wo#l $eel a$rai o$ 'etti&' a $reckle a& wo#l retire i&to the sha e! '-& yo#/ (a )etite Ma#ree& yo# are settli&' ow& here &icely/ are yo# &ot3' aske Ma('*elle/ ki& ly/ seei&' Ma#ree& &e6t to her" '7$ co#rse/ yo# will %e (issi&' yo#r ol school what &a(e is it/ &ow ah/ yes yo#r Measley Ma&or/ is it &ot3' - sho#t o$ la#'hter ea$e&e her" '7h/ Ma('*elle yo#'re )riceless!' al(ost we)t 4eli& a" 'Yo# always hit the &ail o& the hea !' 'The &ail3 1hat &ail3' aske Ma('*elle/ looki&' all ro#& as i$ she e6)ecte to see a &ail s#s)e& e i& the air so(ewhere" 'I ha2e hit &othi&'" !o &ot tease (e &ow" It is too hot!' 0he t#r&e to Ma#ree& a'ai&" 'They i&terr#)t their ki& ol Ma('*elle/' she sai / s(ili&' ow& at the $l#$$y,haire Ma#ree&" 'I was aski&' yo# a%o#t yo#r lo2ely Measley Ma&or"' This ti(e it was too (#ch" Ma#ree&'s look o$ o$$e& e is'#st with Ma('*elle a& with the la#'hi&' 'irls (a e the( roll o& the 'rass i& a& a'o&y o$ (irth" Ma('*elle was asto&ishe " 1hat ha she sai that was so $#&&y3 '-ll I ask is a%o#t this lo2ely " " "' she %e'a& a'ai&/ i& %ewil er(e&t" .o%o y sto))e la#'hi&'" Ma#ree& 'ot #) a& walke o$$ i& a h#$$" 8ow hate$#l to la#'h at s#ch a horri
42

&a(e $or her ol school a& i Ma('*elle really (ea& to call it that3 1as she )oki&' $#& at her/ too3 Ma#ree& serio#sly %e'a& to o#%t i$ all the &ice thi&'s sai to her were (ea&t" '7h ear/' sai !arrell/ sitti&' #) a& wi)i&' the tears $ro( her eyes" 'Yo#'re a )et/ Ma('*elle! >irls/ i& $#t#re/ we re$er to Measley Ma&or as soo& as Ma#ree& trots o#t her horri%le so))y school a'ai&" 1e'll soo& c#re her o$ that"' 'I wish >we& wo#l h#rry #) a& co(e/' sai 0ally" 'I'( lo&'i&' to see those two to'ether" Ma#ree&'s so like >we& i& her ways it'll %e like >we& looki&' i&to a (irror a& seei&' hersel$/ whe& she k&ows Ma#ree&!' '.ow/ &ow )lay &o treeks o& Ma#ree&/' sai Ma('*elle" 0he (ea&t tricks/ o$ co#rse" 'Coo$! It is hot" I shall 'row a $reckle o& (y &ose" I $eel it! I (#st sit i& the sha e" Coo$!' '1e're 'oi&' to ha2e a &ice ter(/ Ma('*elle/' sai !arrell" '>a(es/ )le&ty o$ the( a& we $i$th,$or(ers are oi&' the Christ(as e&tertai&(e&t! 1e sha&'t ha2e (#ch ti(e $or Fre&ch/ I'( a$rai "' 'MHcha&te $ille!' sai Ma('*elle at o&ce/ $a&&i&' 2iole&tly a& (aki&' hersel$ (#ch hotter" '4a 'irl/ !arrell" Yo# will ha2e )le&ty o$ ti(e $or Fre&ch" -& &o treeks" .o treeks this ter(" There will %e .7 TIME $or treeks"' '1hy o&'t yo# )lay a treek/ Ma('*elle3' aske -licia/ la*ily" '1e 'i2e yo# $#ll )er(issio& to work as har as yo# like at )layi&' a treek o& #s"' '7h yes as (a&y tricks as yo# like!' sai 0ally/ ;oy$#lly" '4#t we'll see thro#'h the( all/' sai Ma2is" '-h i$ I )laye yo# a treek it wo#l %e s#)er%e!' sai Ma('*elle/ )ro&o#&ci&' it the Fre&ch way/ '0#)er%e! Ma'&i$i+#e! Mer2eille#se! 0#ch a treek yo# wo#l &e2er ha2e see& %e$ore"' '1e are yo# to/ Ma('*elle/' sai -licia at o&ce"
43

'Me/ I a( &ot ari&'/' sai Ma('*elle" I thi&k o$ a treek )erha)s/ yes %#t I co#l &ot o it" 8elas! I ha2e &ot yo#r are"' The %ell ra&' $or a$ter&oo& school" E2eryo&e 'ot #)" -licia ha#le Ma('*elle to her $eet so stro&'ly that she al(ost $ell o2er a'ai&" 'Yo# ha2e too (#ch are/' she tol -licia/ crossly" '-lways yo# ha2e too (#ch are/ -licia!'

44

Chapter % G"ENDOLINE ARRIVES

>1E.!7LI.E ca(e %ack ;#st %e$ore tea/ %y car" The &ews $lew ro#& " '!ear >we& oli&e Mary's %ack! Co(e a& see the $o& $arewells!' >we&'s $arewells were a sta& i&' ;oke at Malory Towers" There were always tears a& $o& e(%raci&'s/ a& i&;#&ctio&s to write soo&/ that we&t o& $or a'es %etwee& her a& her (other a& her ol 'o2er&ess/ Miss 1i&ter/ who li2e with the(" Faces li&e the wi& ows o2erlooki&' the ri2e" >we& oli&e 'ot o#t o$ the car" 8er (other a& Miss 1i&ter 'ot o#t/ too" 8er $ather/ who was ri2i&'/ (a e &o (o2e" 8e ha 'ot 2ery tire o$ >we& oli&e i& the holi ays" '7#t co(e the ha&kies!' sai -licia/ a& o#t ca(e >we&'s a& her (other's a& Miss 1i&ter's" -& ear (e/ o#t ca(e the ha&kies o$ all the wicke watchers at the wi& ows a%o2e! '.ow we )at o#r eyes!' we&t o& -licia/ a& s#re e&o#'h the eye,)atti&' we&t o& ow& %elow a& a%o2e too/ as e2eryo&e s&i$$e a& wi)e their eyes" Ire&e/ o$ co#rse/ 'a2e the show away with o&e o$ her e6)losio&s" The $o#r %elow looke #) i& s#r)rise a& saw the watchi&' 'irls/ all with ha&kies to their eyes" Mr" Lacy roare " 8e hel o& to the wheel a& la#'he lo# ly" 'They're )#tti&' #) as 'oo a show $or yo#/ >we&/ as yo#'re )#tti&' #) $or the(!' he crie " The 'irls at the wi& ow isa))eare as soo& as they saw that they ha %ee& see&" They $elt a little #&co($orta%le" Mrs" Lacy (i'ht co()lai& o$ their %a (a&&ers &ow! It wo#l %e ;#st like her" 'Mother/ 'et %ack i&to the car/' sai >we& oli&e e6as)erate " 0he ha &'t k&ow& she was %ei&' watche at all"
45

0he i so lo2e these little $arewell sce&es a& &ow this o&e was s)oilt! 8er (other a& Miss 1i&ter were al(ost h#stle %ack/ witho#t a&other tear or h#'" 'I o&'t like that %eha2io#r/ >we& oli&e/' sai Mrs" Lacy/ o$$e& e at the co& #ct o$ the 'irls" 'I'2e a 'oo (i& to write to Miss >rayli&'"' '7h &o/ Mother!' sai >we& oli&e/ i& alar(" 0he &e2er like %ei&' %ro#'ht to Miss >rayli&''s &otice at all" Miss >rayli&' ha sai so(e 2ery horri thi&'s to her at ti(es! 'It's all ri'ht/ >we&" I sha&'t let her/' sai her $ather/ ryly" 'For 'oo &ess' sake/ say 'oo ,%ye &ow/ a& 'o i&" -& (i& i$ I hear a&y &o&se&se a%o#t yo# this ter( yo#'ll ha2e (e to recko& with/ &ot yo#r (other" Yo# were %a a& $oolish last ter(/ a& yo# s#$$ere $or it" Yo# will s#$$er $or it a'ai&/ i$ I hear %a re)orts o$ yo#" 7& the other ha& / &o o&e will %e (ore )lease tha& I shall to ha2e a 'oo re)ort o$ yo#" -& I'2e &o o#%t I shall"' 'Yes/ !a y/' sai >we& oli&e/ (eekly" '8ow #&ki& yo# are ;#st as we're lea2i&' >we&/' sai Mrs" Lacy/ a%%i&' her eyes a'ai&" '>oo ,%ye/ arli&'" I shall (iss yo# so!' >we& oli&e took a es)erate look #) at the wi& ows" >racio#s/ was Mother 'oi&' to %e'i& all o2er a'ai&3 '>oo ,%ye/' she sai / c#rtly/ a& sh#t the car oor" I((e iately her $ather )#t i& the cl#tch a& the car (o2e o$$" 1itho#t e2e& t#r&i&' to wa2e >we& (arche #) the ste)s with her lacrosse stick a& &i'ht,case" 8er tr#&k ha %ee& se&t o& i& a 2a&ce" Ma#ree& ha &ot see& the $o& $arewells" 0he i &ot see >we& till tea,ti(e" >we& took her case #) to the or(y a& was tha&k$#l to $i& it e()ty" 0he looke at hersel$ i& the 'lass" 0he was&'t $at a&y (ore well/ &ot 2ery/ she eci e " -ll those hate$#l walks ha take& away her wei'ht" -& &ow
46

she ha to $ace a ter( with hea)s o$ 'a(es a& walks %#t tha&k 'oo &ess/ &o swi((i&'! The tea,%ell we&t" >we& +#ickly %r#she her $l#$$y 'ol e& hair/ so like Ma#ree&'s/ washe her ha& s/ )#lle her tie strai'ht/ a& we&t ow&stairs" 0he walke i&to the i&i&',roo( with the last $ew 'irls" 0he ca#'ht si'ht o$ her $or( at the $i$th,$or( ta%le" They wa2e to her" '8allo! 8ere's ear >we& oli&e Mary a'ai&!' '8a 'oo hols3' 'Yo# we&t to Fra&ce/ i &'t yo#3 L#cky thi&'"' 'Yo#'re a ay late yo#'2e (isse a lot alrea y!' '0ai 'oo ,%ye to yo#r )eo)le3' >we& oli&e $elt )lease to %e %ack" 7$ co#rse/ it was &ice to %e at ho(e with her (other a& Miss 1i&ter a& %e waite o& ha& a& $oot/ a& %e $#sse o2er %#t it was $#& at school" 0he (a e #) her (i& to %e se&si%le a& ;oi& i& e2erythi&' this ter(" 0o she s(ile ro#& 2ery a(ia%ly" '8allo/ e2eryo&e! It's &ice to %e %ack" Yo#'ll ha2e to tell (e all the &ews" I o&ly 'ot %ack $ro( Fra&ce yester ay"' '-h la %elle Fra&ce!' )#t i& Ma('*elle" '1e (#st ha2e so(e chest,to,chest talks a%o#t la %elle Fra&ce"' >we& looke s#r)rise " '7h yo# (ea& heart,to,heart talks/ Ma('*elle" Yes/ that wo#l %e lo2ely"' '>we& oli&e/ there's a &ew 'irl/' sai -licia/ i& a s#s)icio#sly s(ooth 2oice" 'Let (e i&tro #ce her yo#'ll like her" This is Ma#ree&" -& this is >we& oli&e Mary" - %it alike to look at/ are&'t they/ Ma('*elle3' 'C'est 2rai!' a'ree Ma('*elle" 'Yes/ it is tr#e" 4oth so 'ol e& a& with %i' %l#e eyes" -h yes/ it is a tr#e E&'lish %ea#ty/ that!'

49

This 'rati$ie %oth >we& a& Ma#ree& i((e&sely/ a& (a e the( look with 'reat i&terest at each other" They shook ha& s a& s(ile " 'I'2e ke)t a )lace $or yo#/' sai Ma#ree&/ shyly/ (aki&' her eyes %i' as she looke at >we&" >we& sat ow& a& looke to see what there was $or tea" 0he was h#&'ry a$ter her lo&' car,ri e" '8a2e so(e o$ (y ho&ey/' sai Ma#ree&/ ea'erly" '1e kee) %ees/ yo# k&ow a& we always ha2e s#ch a lot o$ ho&ey" 1e ha2e he&s/ too" 0o we ha2e )le&ty o$ e''s" I %ro#'ht so(e %ack with (e" I ho)e yo#'ll share the( with (e"' >we& oli&e rather like all this" !ear (e/ she (#st ha2e (a e +#ite a& i()ressio& o& the &ew 'irl/ altho#'h she ha o&ly ;#st arri2e ! 'The others ha2e %ee& telli&' (e all a%o#t yo#/' '#she Ma#ree&" '8ow )o)#lar yo# see( to %e!' This i &'t ri&' +#ite tr#e/ so(ehow/ to >we& oli&e" 0he ha &'t k&ow& she was as )o)#lar as all that" I& $act/ tho#'h she i &'t a (it it $ra&kly to hersel$/ she k&ew +#ite well she was )ro%a%ly the least )o)#lar o$ all the 'irls i& the $or(! Ma#ree& chattere away (errily/ a& >we& liste&e / &ot so (#ch %eca#se she wa&te to/ as %eca#se she was so %#sy t#cki&' i&" -t this rate/ tho#'ht the a(#se -licia/ >we& oli&e wo#l )#t o& (ore $at tha& 'a(es a& 'y( a& walks wo#l take o$$! 'Yo#'ll %e )lease to hear we ha2e&'t 'ot to work +#ite so har this ter(/ >we&/' she tol her" 'More ti(e $or 'a(es a& 'y(" Yo#'ll like that"' >we& oli&e 'a2e -licia o&e o$ her Looks/ as she calle the(" -las/ they &e2er i()resse -licia" It was&'t sa$e to ar'#e with -licia/ or co&tra ict/ or try to say so(ethi&' c#tti&'" -licia was always te& ti(es as +#ick at a&sweri&' %ack a& a h#& re ti(es as c#tti&' as a&yo&e else"
4=

'1e'll ha2e the co((ittee (eeti&' at hal$,)ast $i2e/' a&&o#&ce Moira" 'That see(s to %e the %est ti(e" Yo#'ll %e co(i&'/ >we& oli&e/ wo&'t yo# ha2e yo# hear a%o#t the Christ(as E&tertai&(e&t Co((ittee yet3' >we& oli&e ha &'t/ so she was #ly e&li'hte&e " 0he was )lease " 0he saw hersel$ at o&ce i& o&e o$ the chie$ )arts o$ whate2er )lay or )a&to(i(e was chose&" 0he wo#l loose& her sheet o$ 'ol e& hair what a )ity it was&'t c#rly" 0he wo#l look lo2ely/ she k&ew she wo#l ! E6actly the sa(e tho#'hts were 'oi&' thro#'h Ma#ree&'s (i& " 0he too wo#l like o&e o$ the chie$ )arts a& she too wo#l )lay it with her 'ol e& hair loose" 0he $elt she wo#l like to co&$i e her tho#'hts to >we& oli&e" '1he& I was at Ma*eley Ma&or/' she %e'a&" 4eli& a i&terr#)te at o&ce" '7h yes ha2e yo# tol >we& a%o#t Measley Ma&or3' Ma#ree& $row&e " 'Yo# k&ow it's Ma*eley/' she sai / with i'&ity" 'Ma('*elle ;#st i &'t k&ow how to )ro&o#&ce it/ that's all/ whe& she sai it"' Ma('*elle ca#'ht her &a(e (e&tio&e " 0he t#r&e / with her wi e s(ile" '-h yo# wa&t to talk a%o#t Measley Ma&or a'ai&/ yo#r ear ol school/ &'est ce )as3 Yo# ha2e &ot yet tol >we& oli&e a%o#t Measley Ma&or3' Ma#ree& saw the 'irls 'ri&&i&' a& 'a2e it #)" 0he we&t o& talki&' to >we&/ who was asto&ishe at all this %y,)lay which she i &'t/ o$ co#rse/ #& ersta& " '-t (y ol school we i a )a&to(i(e/' sai Ma#ree&" 'It was the D0lee)i&' 4ea#tyD" I ha to ha2e (y hair loose/ o$ co#rse" Yo# ha2e to ha2e so(eo&e with 'ol e& hair $or those )arts/ o&'t yo#3' >we& a'ree heartily" 0he was 2ery )ro# o$ her 'ol e& hair/ a& o&ly wishe she was allowe to wear it loose ro#& her $ace at school/ as she i at ho(e"
4A

'The )ri&ce was 'ra& /' we&t o& Ma#ree&" 'I really (#st tell yo# all a%o#t the )lay" Yo#'re so i&tereste i& )lays/ are&'t yo#3 1ell " " "' -& till lo&' )ast tea,ti(e Ma#ree& we&t o& a& o& i&ter(i&a%ly with her lo&' a& %ori&' tale o$ what ha))e&e i& the )lay at her last school" >we& oli&e co#l &'t sto) her or 'et ri o$ her" Ma#ree& was ;#st as thick,ski&&e a& slow o$ taki&' a hi&t as she was! '>we&'s (et her (atch at last/' sai !arrell to 0ally" 'I say/ look at 4ill a& Clarissa/ too all resse #) i& ri i&' thi&'s" !o&'t they k&ow the co((ittee (eeti&''s i& a%o#t te& (i&#tes3' 0ally calle to the(" '8ey/ yo# two! 1here o yo# thi&k yo#'re 'oi&'3' 'To ha2e a look at Th#& er a& Merryle's/' sai 4ill" '4#t i &'t yo# k&ow there's a co((ittee (eeti&' o& al(ost at o&ce3' sai !arrell/ e6as)erate " '.o" .o%o y tol #s/' sai Clarissa/ looki&' startle " 'It was&'t #) o& the &otice,%oar "' '1ell/ we'2e %ee& talki&' a%o#t it e2er si&ce this (or&i&'/ a& e6ce)t $or Ma#ree& a& >we&/ who isc#sse 'ol e&,haire %ea#ties i& )lays/ we'2e talke a%o#t &othi&' else all tea,ti(e/' sai !arrell" '1here are yo#r ears3 !i &'t yo# hear a wor o$ it3' '.ot a wor /' sai 4ill/ serio#sly" 'I'( so sorry" 7$ co#rse we'll co(e" 8a2e we ti(e ;#st to 'o a& see Th#& er a& Merryle's $irst3 1e (#st ha2e %ee& talki&' a%o#t so(ethi&' else/ Clarissa a& I/ a& &ot hear the rest o$ yo#"' 'Yo# were whi&&yi&' away to each other/' sai 0ally" 'I s#))ose yo#'2e 'ot horses o& the %rai& a'ai&" .o/ o&'t 'o ow& to the sta%les &ow yo# certai&ly wo&'t %e %ack till the e& o$ the co((ittee i$ yo# o" I k&ow yo# two whe& yo# isa))ear i&to the sta%les" Yo#'re 'o&e $or e2er!'
5B

Clarissa a& 4ill walke o$$ to the $i$th,$or( co((o&, roo( with a 'oo 'race" Cerha)s there wo#l %e ti(e a$terwar s to 'o to the sta%les" 'Co(e o&/' sai 0ally to !arrell" 'Let's 'o a& ro#& #) all the others" I'( lo&'i&' $or this co((ittee"'

51

Chapter & MEETING AT HAL$-PAST $IVE

T8E whole o$ the $i$th $or( was soo& collecte i& the .orth Tower co((o&,roo(" The 'irls sat o& chairs/ lo#&'e o& the co#ches/ or lay o& the $loor,r#'s" They talke a& sho#te a& la#'he " Moira ca(e i& a& we&t strai'ht to the ta%le" - %i' chair ha %ee& )#t %ehi& it" Moira %a&'e o& the ta%le with a %ook" '@#iet!' she sai " 'The (eeti&' is a%o#t to %e'i&" Yo# all k&ow what it's a%o#t" It's to choose a co((ittee to ha& le the or'a&i*atio& o$ the Christ(as e&tertai&(e&t/ which we/ the $i$th $or(/ are to #& ertake"' '8ear hear/' sai so(e%o y's 2oice" Moira took &o &otice" 'I thi&k the whole $or( sho#l also %e aske to isc#ss a& choose what ki& o$ e&tertai&(e&t we shall o/' she sai " 'C#&ch a& 5# y 0how!' calle so(eo&e" '!o&'t %e $#&&y/' sai Moira" '.ow/ $irst o$ all we'll 'et ow& to the %#si&ess o$ choosi&' the co((ittee" I aske Catheri&e to c#t o#t the sli)s o$ )a)er to #se" 1here are they/ Catheri&e3' 0he t#r&e to where Catheri&e was sitti&' &e6t to her" Catheri&e ha& e her a shea$ o$ sli)s" '8ere they are" I i the( all as soo& as yo# tol (e yo# wa&te the(" -& here's a %o6" I 'ot it o#t o$ the c#)%oar i& the $i$th,$or( roo(" -& I'2e collecte e&o#'h )e&cils $or e2eryo&e to #se" -& look " " "' '-ll ri'ht/ all ri'ht/' sai Moira" That's all we shall wa&t" .ow who'll 'i2e o#t the )a)er sli)s3 Yo#/ Mary,Lo#3' Mary,Lo# was )erche #) o& the to) o$ a s(all c#)%oar / swi&'i&' her le's" 0he (a e )re)aratio&s to cli(% ow&"
52

'.o/ &o o&'t yo# %other/ Mary,Lo#/' sai Catheri&e/ at o&ce" 'I'll 'i2e the( o#t"' -& %e$ore a&yo&e co#l sto) her she was 'oi&' ro#& the roo(/ ha& i&' e2eryo&e a sli) o$ )a)er a& a )e&cil" 'E2eryo&e 'ot a sli)3' aske Moira" 'Look/ Ma2is has&'t 'ot o&e/ Catheri&e"' '0o sorry I (isse yo# o#t!' sai Catheri&e/ i& a& a)olo'etic 2oice" 0he always a)olo'i*e i$ she co#l " '8ere yo# are"' '.ow/' sai Moira/ 'I thi&k we'll ha2e ei'ht )eo)le o& this co((ittee %eca#se there will %e a lot o$ work to %e o&e" 1e shall wa&t so(eo&e to re)rese&t the art si e/ $or i&sta&ce so(eo&e $or the (#sic si e a& so o&" I (#st %e o&e o$ the co((ittee/ as I a( hea ,'irl/ so yo# &ee &ot 2ote $or (e/ o$ co#rse" That (ea&s yo# &ee o&ly )#t ow& se2e& &a(es"' '1ell/ I o&'t k&ow that I sho#l ha2e 2ote $or Moira/' sai -licia to Ire&e/ i& a low 2oice" 'Too %ossy $or (y taste" 1e shall all ha2e to sal#te her whe& we (eet her soo&!' E2eryo&e was soo& %#sy scri%%li&' ow& &a(es" Ma#ree& was at a loss %eca#se she k&ew so $ew" >we& oli&e )ro()te her/ a& Moira soo& &otice it" '>we& oli&e! !o&'t tell Ma#ree& &a(es to )#t ow&" That si()ly (ea&s yo# ha2e two 2otes i&stea o$ o&e" I $or'ot that Ma#ree& is &ew" 1e shall ha2e to lea2e her o#t o$ this $or the (o(e&t"' The )a)ers were $ol e o2er a& )#t i&to the %o6 that Catheri&e took ro#& " The&/ whilst the rest o$ the 'irls chattere / Moira a& Catheri&e took o#t the sli)s/ ;otte ticks %esi e the &a(es o$ the 'irls chose&/ a& co#&te the( #)" Moira ra))e o& the ta%le" '0ile&ce/ )lease! 1e'2e 'ot the res#lts &ow" These are the &a(es o$ the 'irls with (ost 2otesI -licia/ Ma2is/ Ire&e/ 4eli& a/ !arrell/ 5a&et a& 0ally a& 4etty tie"'
53

5a&et a& 4etty were 'irls $ro( other ho#ses who were i& the $i$th $or(" 4etty was -licia's %est $rie& / as cle2er a& witty as she was/ a& 2ery )o)#lar" '1ell/ there yo# are/' sai Moira" '-s 0ally a& 4etty ha2e tie / we' %etter ha2e the( %oth i&/ (aki&' a co((ittee o$ &i&e/ i&stea o$ ei'ht"' 'I'll take o& the (#sic si e/' sai Ire&e" '-& I' like to take the art si e a&y ecoratio&s a& so o&/' sai 4eli& a" 'I raw 2ery well/' whis)ere Ma#ree& to >we&" 'I co#l hel) with that" 0hall I say so3' '.o/' sai >we&/ who co#l &'t raw a&ythi&'/ a& i &'t )artic#larly wa&t this &ew 'irl to shi&e" 'I'll take o& the cost#(es/' sai 5a&et/ who was e6tre(ely cle2er with her &ee le/ a& (a e all her ow& resses" 'I' lo2e to hel) with those"' '>oo /' sai Moira/ a))ro2i&'ly" 'Co#l I o yo# thi&k I co#l hel) with the si&'i&' )art o$ it3' sai Ma2is/ hesitati&'ly" 'I o&'t wa&t to )#sh (ysel$ $orwar %#t i$ there's to %e a&y si&'i&' yo# k&ow/ chor#ses a& all that I co#l trai& the(" I'2e ha s#ch a lot o$ trai&i&' (ysel$ I thi&k I' k&ow how to set a%o#t it"' '?i'ht" That's a 'oo i ea/' sai Moira" '-& i$ there's a&y solo,work/ yo# ca& si&' it yo#rsel$!' calle !arrell" 'Yo#r 2oice is lo2ely &ow"' Ma2is $l#she with )leas#re" '7h well I'll see" There (i'ht &ot %e a&y/' she sai " 'It e)e& s what we o/ oes&'t it3' 'That lea2es -licia/ !arrell/ 0ally a& (ysel$ $or 'e&eral thi&'s the or'a&i*atio&/' sai Moira/ who was certai&ly a%le to ha& le a (eeti&' well/ a& (ake it 'et o& with thi&'s" '1e'll ha2e to work to'ether s(oothly/ e$$icie&tly a& a(ica%ly"'
54

0he 'la&ce at -licia/ as she s)oke/ a +#ick/ rather hostile 'la&ce/ a (ere $lick o$ the eyes" 4#t -licia ca#'ht it a& &ote it" That wor 'a(ica%ly' was (ea&t $or her" -ll ri'ht she wo#l %e a(ica%le ;#st as lo&' as Moira was a& &ot a (o(e&t lo&'er! '1ell/ &ow that we'2e 'ot the (e(%ers o$ the co((ittee settle / we'll 'et o& with the &e6t thi&'/' sai Moira" '1hat ki& o$ e&tertai&(e&t shall we 'i2e3' 'Ca&to(i(e!' '.o a )lay a h#(oro#s )lay! Let's o D- @#iet 1eek,E& !D' '- 2ariety show!' '- %allet! 7h/ o let's o a %allet!' The last s#''estio& was $ro( a 'irl who was a %ea#ti$#l %allet a&cer" 0he was crie ow&" '.o/ &o that's too o&e,si e " 1e ca&'t all a&ce!' '1ell/ let's ha2e so(ethi&' that e2eryo&e ca& %e i&/ a& o so(ethi&' i&"' '1ell/ it ha %etter %e a )a&to(i(e the&/' sai Moira" '1e ca& ha2e so&'s/ a&ces/ acti&' a& all ki& s o$ si eshows i& that" - )a&to(i(e &e2er sticks to its story it ;#st oes what it likes"' -$ter so(e (ore sho#ti&' a& isc#ssio& a )a&to(i(e was eci e o&/ a& $or so(e reaso& or other 'Ci& erella' $o#& (ore $a2o#r tha& a&y other )a&to(i(e i ea" >we& a& Ma#ree& i((e iately ha 2isio&s o$ the(sel2es as )er$ect Ci& erellas/ loose hair a& all" Ma#ree& t#r&e to >we&" '8ow I' lo2e to act Ci& erella/' she (#r(#re " '-t (y last school I " " "' 'Let's see &ow what was yo#r last school3' aske 4eli& a at o&ce"
55

Coor Ma#ree& i &'t are to say the &a(e" 0he t#r&e her %ack o& 4eli& a" '-t (y last school I was o&ce Ci& erella/' she sai " 'I was a 'reat s#ccess" I " " "' >we& i &'t like this ki& o$ thi&' at all" 0he %e'a& to thi&k Ma#ree& 2ery %ori&' a& co&ceite " 1hy/ she ha %ee& a%o#t to say what a 'oo Ci& erella she wo#l (ake! 0he i &'t co&si er that Ma#ree&/ with her weak/ silly/ ra%%it, (o#the $ace wo#l (ake a 'oo lea i&' la y at all" '1e'll choose Ci& erella $or o#r )a&to(i(e story the&/' sai Moira" '1e will write the whole thi&' o#rsel2es" !arrell/ yo#'re 'oo at essays yo# ca& ra$t it o#t"' !arrell looke e&or(o#sly s#r)rise " '!ra$t it o#t ra$t o#t a whole )a&to(i(e she e6clai(e " '7h/ I co#l &'t" I wo#l &'t k&ow how to %e'i&"' 'Yo#'2e o&ly 'ot to 'et the scri)t o$ o&e or two other )a&to(i(es to see how to set a%o#t it/' sai Moira" 'Ca& yo# write 2erse a& wor s $or so&'s3 1e'll ha2e to ha2e those/ too"' !arrell wishe $er2e&tly she was&'t o& the Co((ittee at all" 1hy/ this was 'oi&' to %e ?eal 8ar 1ork ;#st as she tho#'ht she was 'oi&' to ha2e a &ice slack ter(/ too" 0he o)e&e her (o#th to )rotest/ %#t Moira ha alrea y $i&ishe with her" 0he was &ow s)eaki&' to Ire&e" 'Ca& yo# 'et o& with the (#sic as soo& as we'2e 'ot the wor s3' she aske " '7r )erha)s yo# )re$er to write the (#sic %e$ore yo# 'et the wor s a& ha2e the( $itte a$terwar s3' 'I'll work i& (y ow& way/ tha&k yo#/' sai Ire&e/ )er$ectly )olitely/ %#t with a stea y ri&' i& her 2oice that sai / 'Eee) o$$! 1here (#sic is co&cer&e I'( 'oi&' to o as I like"' 0he looke strai'ht at Moira" 'Yo# ca& sa$ely lea2e it to (e" M#sic's (y ;o%/ it always has %ee& a& it always will %e"'

56

'Yes/ %#t I (#st k&ow how yo#'re 'oi&' to set a%o#t it what ki& o$ t#&es yo#'ll write/ a& so o&/' sai Moira/ i()atie&tly" '1e ca&'t lea2e thi&'s like that i& the air"' 'Yo#'ll ha2e to as $ar as I'( co&cer&e /' sai Ire&e" 'I o&'t k&ow what t#&es I'( 'oi&' to write till I hear the( i& (y hea " The& I'll catch the( a& write the( ow&" -& I o&'t k&ow whe& I'll hear the( either/ so o&'t tell (e to sit ow& at te& each (or&i&' a& liste& $or the(!' Catheri&e trie to )o#r oil o& tro#%le waters o&ce (ore" 0he lo2e oi&' that" '1ell/ a$ter all whe& yo#'re eali&' with a 'e&i#s' she %e'a&" 'Yo# ca&'t ha2e r#les $or 'e&i#ses/ ca& yo#3 Moira oes&'t +#ite #& ersta& / Ire&e"' '!o&'t a)olo'i*e $or a&ythi&' I say/' sai Moira/ scowli&' at Catheri&e" '1hat o yo# (ea& I o&'t +#ite #& ersta& ! I'2e o&e this ki& o$ thi&' o$te& e&o#'h" !i &'t I r#& the show last year/ a& hel) to r#& it the year %e$ore that3' Catheri&e )#t o& a sai&tly e6)ressio&" 'Yes/ o$ co#rse/ Moira" !o&'t )#t yo#rsel$ o#t" I sho#l &'t ha2e sai a wor I'( s#re Ire&e #& ersta& s3' 0he 'a2e Ire&e s#ch a sweet s(ile that e2eryo&e $elt +#ite sick" !i Catheri&e ha2e to (ake hersel$ +#ite so h#(%le3 The (eeti&' ha to co(e to a& a%r#)t e& %eca#se the s#))er,%ell we&t" '>oo 'racio#s how the ti(e $lew!' sai Ma#ree&" '-& &ow we sha&'t ha2e ti(e to 'o to the sta%les/' (o#r&e 4ill/ is(ally" '1e'll call a short co((ittee (eeti&' 'to(orrow/ sa(e ti(e/' sai Moira/ 'atheri&' #) her thi&'s" '1e'll tie #) a&y loose e& s the&"' 0he swe)t e$$icie&tly o#t o$ the roo(/ al(ost as i$ she were a (istress!

59

'>osh! 1e'll ha2e to (i& o#r Cs a& @s &ow/' sai !a)h&e/ with a co(ical look" '1hat ha2e we o&e to ha2e Moira wishe o& #s this ter(!'

5=

Chapter ' THE BALLOON TRICK

T8E $irst week o$ ter( always we&t 2ery slowly i& ee " The &e6t week sli))e away $aster/ a& the& the weeks %e'a& to $ly" 4#t &ow it was still o&ly the $irst week/ with a lot o$ )la&&i&' a& ti(e,ta%les to (ake/ a& settli&',i& to %e o&e" !arrell $o#& hersel$ 2ery %#sy i& ee " 0he ha to atte& co((ittee (eeti&'s $or the Christ(as e&tertai&(e&t" 0he ha to rea thro#'h two or three )a&to(i(e scri)ts/ a& eci e how to ra$t o#t her ow& 2ersio& o$ 'Ci& erella'" 0he $o#& 0ally a& e&or(o#s hel) here/ a& isco2ere that two hea s are eci e ly %etter tha& o&e" 0he was also i& char'e o$ the 'a(es/ a& ha to raw #) )ractice ti(es $or the lower school/ a& to o a little coachi&' to hel) the 'a(es (istresses" They co&s#lte with her as to the %est )layers to )ick o#t $or (atches i& the lower school/ a& !arrell e&;oye $eeli&' i()orta&t e&o#'h to ar'#e with the( a%o#t the 2ario#s 'irls" '4#t yo# ca&'t ha2e ?ita/' she wo#l say" 'I k&ow she's 'oo %#t she si()ly wo&'t t#r& o#t $or )ractice" 0he'll 'o to )ieces i& a (atch"' '1ell/ what o yo# thi&k o$ Christi&e the&3' the 'a(es (istress wo#l say" '0he's so s(all/ I o&'t like to )ick her"' '4#t she r#&s like the wi& !' !arrell wo#l re)ly" '-& she's so kee&" 0he's ;#st waiti&' $or a cha&ce!' Yes/ !arrell ha a lot to o/ a& she was always %#sy a& always i&tereste i& her ;o%s" The lower school a ore her/ a& 2ie to wi& a& a))ro2i&' wor $ro( her" Felicity was 2ery )ro# o$ her $i$th,$or( sister" 'E2eryo&e thi&ks yo#'re s#)er/' she tol !arrell" 'Yo# sho#l see the way they t#r& o#t $or )ractice &ow o& e2e&
5A

the (ost is'#sti&' ays! I say ha2e I 'ot a cha&ce to 'et i&to o&e o$ the (atch,tea(s so(e ay/ !arrell3 Yo# (i'ht tell (e"' 'I ca& o&ly say that i$ yo# 'o o& as yo# are oi&' yo# wo&'t %e a%le to hel) 'etti&' i&/' sai !arrell/ a& Felicity 'a2e a whoo) o$ ;oy" 5#&e was )assi&' a& 'a2e her a so#r look" 0he s)oke to >wy&eth/ the 'irl with her" 'Talk a%o#t $a2o#ritis(! Yo#'ll see !arrell choosi&' her yo#&' sister %e$ore a&yo&e else a& )#tti&' her i&to the tea("' !arrell hear a& was o2er %esi e 5#&e at o&ce" '5#&e! 8ow are yo# say a thi&' like that a%o#t a $i$th,$or(er! 5#st yo# wait a (i&#te!' 0he $ishe o#t the C#&ish(e&t 4ook that all the $i$th, $or(ers were allowe to ha2e a& wrote ow& 5#&e's &a(e i& it" 0he wrote so(ethi&' %esi e it/ tore it o#t a& 'a2e it to 5#&e" 'There yo# are a little har work will kee) yo# +#iet/ a& teach yo# to '#ar that &asty to&'#e o$ yo#rs!' 5#&e took the )a)er s#lkily" 0he 'la&ce at it" !arrell ha writte&I 'Lear& three so&&ets o$ 0hakes)eare's/ a& say the( to (e or o&e o$ the other $i$th,$or(ers %e$ore T#es ay"' 5#&e scowle " 'I ca&'t o this/' she sai " I'2e 'ot so(ethi&' to lear& $or -licia this week" I ca&'t o %oth"' 'I'( a$rai yo#'ll ha2e to/' sai !arrell" 'I s#))ose yo# cheeke -licia a'ai&" 1ell/ we wo&'t ha2e it" I$ yo# o&'t lear& (a&&ers &ow/ a& res)ect $or yo#r el ers/ yo# &e2er will" Yo# say those so&&ets to (e %e$ore T#es ay!' 0he we&t o$$ with Felicity" '5#&e's aw$#l/' re(arke Felicity" 'I$ o&ly she was&'t so $ri'ht$#lly $#&&y so(eti(es/ I ho&estly wo#l &e2er s)eak to her" .or wo#l 0#sa&" 4#t she

6B

)lays s#ch i iotic tricks" 0he's )layi&' o&e to(orrow o& Ma('*elle !#)o&t"' '1hat is it3' aske !arrell/ with i&terest" 'I sho#l &'t ha2e tho#'ht there were a&y tricks le$t to )lay o& )oor ol Ma('*elle"' '1ell/ there are a& 5#&e )lays the(/' sai Felicity" '-& whe& I see Ma('*elle's $ace I la#'h till I cry"' 'Yes/ I k&ow I'2e la#'he till I'2e ache too/ so(eti(es/' sai !arrell/ re(e(%eri&' so(e o$ the ;okes she a& her $or( ha )laye at ti(es" '1hat's 5#&e )layi&' at to(orrow3' '7h/ !arrell/' sai Felicity/ %e'i&&i&' to 'i''le as she tho#'ht o$ it" '0he's 'ot a ki& o$ $lat %alloo& arra&'e(e&t well/ she's 'ot $o#r/ i& $act" -& yo# )#t o&e #& er yo#r %lo#se at the %ack a& a&other i& yo#r $ro&t/ a& a&other #& er yo#r skirt at the %ack/ a& the last o&e i& $ro&t"' !arrell ch#ckle " '>o o&" I ca& '#ess what ha))e&s"' '1ell/ 5#&e showe #s/' sai Felicity/ %e'i&&i&' to la#'h hel)lessly" '-ll the %alloo&s are ;oi&e to'ether %y little t#%es a& there's a& i&$lator yo# )ress to $ill the( a& a e$lator yo# )#ll o#t to e()ty the(" 1he& she )resse the i&$lator she swelle #)/ yo# see/ a& she looke si()ly $ri'ht$#l" 7h/ ear I la#'he so (#ch I co#l &'t sit i& (y chair"' !arrell la#'he / too" '1ell/ that's a &ew trick/ certai&ly! I wish we' ha it whe& we were i& the $irst $or(" 1here oes 5#&e 'et these tricks $ro(3 -licia always 'ot the( $ro( her %rothers"' '7h/ 5#&e 'ets a 2ertise(e&t %ooklets se&t her $ro( the $ir(s that (ake co&;#ri&' tricks a& $#&&y tricks/' sai Felicity" 'I thi&k she (#st s)e& all her )ocket (o&ey o& the("' 'It wo#l &'t %e a %a i ea to ha2e a s)ot o$ co&;#ri&' i& o#r )a&to(i(e/' sai !arrell/ tho#'ht$#lly" '-licia is aw$#lly
61

'oo at co&;#ri&'" Yes I'll )#t a co&;#rer i&to the )a&to(i(e it shall %e -licia! I$ yo# ca& %orrow that %ook or howe2er (a&y she's 'ot $ro( 5#&e/ I' like to look thro#'h the("' '?i'ht" 4#t I wo&'t tell her yo# wa&t it/' sai Felicity" 'Yo#'ll %e (# to her &ow/ a$ter 'i2i&' her those so&&ets to lear&" 5#&e's oi&' the trick to(orrow (or&i&' at twel2e i& Fre&ch !ictee/ !arrell" Yo#'re &ot $ree %y a&y cha&ce/ are yo#3 I$ so/ co#l &'t yo# co(e alo&' with so(e (essa'e $or Ma('*elle/ or so(ethi&'/ a& see 5#&e swell #)3 Yo#'ll k&ow whe& it's ha))e&i&' %eca#se I e6)ect we'll shriek with la#'hter"' !arrell )o& ere " 0he ha )#t that )erio asi e to 'et o& with the ra$t o$ the )a&to(i(e" <&til she ha worke o#t the characters they co#l &ot %e chose&/ so it was i()orta&t to 'et o& with it" 4#t how co#l she resist the cha&ce o$ sli))i&' ow& to see Ma('*elle's $ace3 '1ell/ I'll co(e i$ I ca&/' she )ro(ise " 4#t whe& twel2e o'clock ca(e &e6t (or&i&' !arrell was calle to talk to Matro& a%o#t so(e (issi&' socks" Matro& always we&t i&to (atters o$ this sort 2ery thoro#'hly i& ee / a& it was twe&ty (i&#tes %e$ore !arrell was $ree" 'I wo& er what's ha))e&e ow& i& the $irst $or(3' she tho#'ht/ $eeli&' rather '#ilty at her i&terest i& so(ethi&' s#ch %a%ies i " 'I wo& er i$ the trick's %ee& )laye 3' It ha " 5#&e/ who always ha to sit i& o&e o$ the $ro&t esks/ so as to %e #& er e2ery (istress's eye/ ha i&$late hersel$ 2ery s#ccess$#lly i& ee " 0he i it 'ra #ally/ so that whe& Ma('*elle ke)t looki&' at her to see that she was 'etti&' o& with the ictatio&/ she i &ot at $irst &otice a&ythi&'" 8owe2er/ she certai&ly %e'a& to see( a little o& the )l#() si e a$ter a %it" Ma('*elle )o& ere o2er it" 'That chil /
62

5#&e she 'ets $at" May%e a little $at will o her 'oo " 0he is too restless a tr#ly i$$ic#lt 'irl" .ow/ $at 'irls are &ot #s#ally i$$ic#lt a& i&teresti&' )oi&t"' 0he 'la&ce at 5#&e a'ai& a& 'ot rather a shock" 1hy/ the chil was )ositi2ely %loate ! 0he stare at 5#&e $i6e ly" 7&e or two o$ the 'irls $elt s#ch a esire to la#'h that it was a'o&y to kee) their $aces strai'ht" 5#&e wrote stea ily o&" '5#&e!' sai Ma('*elle/ shar)ly" '-re yo# hol i&' yo#r %reath3' 5#&e looke i&&oce&tly at Ma('*elle" '8ol i&' (y %reath3' she sai / with wi e eyes" '.o" 1hy sho#l I3 4#t I will i$ yo# wa&t (e to/ Ma('*elle" I ca& hol it $or a lo&' ti(e"' 0he %lew o#t her cheeks a& hel her %reath" The i&$lator worke (ar2ello#sly" 0he swelle 2isi%ly/ a& Ma('*elle stare i& alar(" '.o/ &o let o#t yo#r %reath/ 5#&e" Yo# will %#rst" 1hat is ha))e&i&' to yo#3' 5#&e let o#t her %reath with a lo# hissi&' &oise/ a& at the sa(e ti(e )#lle the e$lator" 0he e$late at o&ce a& it looke e6actly as i$ it was %eca#se she ha let o#t her %reath" Ma('*elle was (ost relie2e to see her %eco(e her ri'ht si*e a'ai&" 'It was rather &ice/ hol i&' (y %reath like that/' sai 5#&e/ $oreseei&' a 2ery &ice little 'a(e o$ hol i&' her %reath a& i&$lati&' hersel$/ a& letti&' it o#t a& e$lati&' at the sa(e ti(e" To Ma('*elle's horror she %reathe i& a'ai&/ %lew o#t her cheeks a& hel her %reath a& 2isi%ly/ %e$ore Ma('*elle's alar(e 'a*e/ she i&$late till she looke really (o&stro#s" Ma('*elle starte #) $ro( her seat"

63

'.e2er ha2e I see& s#ch a thi&'!' she sai / wil ly" '5#&e/ ;e 2o#s )rie I %e' yo#/ o &ot hol yo#r %reath i& this (a&&er" Yo# will %#rst"' The whole class %#rst at that (o(e&t" It was i()ossi%le to hol their la#'hter i& a&y lo&'er" 5#&e let o#t her %reath a& e$late ra)i ly" '!o&'t/ o&'t/ 5#&e!' 'as)e Felicity/ rolli&' a%o#t i& her chair" '7h o&'t o it a'ai&"' 4#t 5#&e i / a& Ma('*elle watche wil ly whilst she swelle #) o&ce (ore" 'Mo&stro#s!' she crie " '5#&e/ I %e' o$ yo# o&ce (ore" !o &ot hol yo#r %reath a'ai&" 0ee how it swells yo# #)/ )oor chil "' -& the& so(ethi&' we&t wro&' with the e$lator! It wo#l &'t work" 5#&e )#lle it $ra&tically/ %#t it wo#l &'t e$late the $at %alloo&s #& er her clothes" 0he sat there/ )#lli&' wil ly at the stri&' $aste&e to the e$lator" It ca(e o$$! Ma('*elle was al(ost i& tears" 'This )oor 5#&e! Chil re&/ chil re&/ how ca& yo# la#'h3 It is &o la#'hi&' (atter" I 'o/ to 'et hel)" Matro& (#st co(e" 4e still/ 5#&e" !o &ot %#rst"' 0he h#rrie o#t/ wri&'i&' her ha& s" 5#&e looke eci e ly alar(e " 'I say! The %eastly thi&''s 'o&e wro&'" I ca&'t let Matro& see (e like this" I' 'et a& aw$#l wi''i&'" 1hat ca& I o3' !arrell ha ;#st arri2e at the oor at the (o(e&t that Ma('*elle r#she o#t/ looki&' $ra&tic" 0he ha )#she %y !arrell witho#t e2e& seei&' her" !arrell looke i& at the o)e& oor" 0he saw the (o&stro#s 5#&e" Felicity saw !arrell as a& a&'el i& is'#ise" '!arrell! The e$lator's 'o&e wro&'! Ma('*elle's 'o&e to 'et Matro&" @#ick/ what ca& we o3' '>et a )i&/ i iot/' sai !arrell" '0tick it i&to 5#&e a& she'll 'o )o) a& s#%si e" The& yo#' %etter 'et her o#t o$ that
64

arra&'e(e&t +#ickly/ %eca#se Matro& will certai&ly o so(e e6)lori&'"' - )i& was )ro #ce " Felicity #' it i&to the $o#r swelli&'s a& they each we&t o$$ with a lo# Co)! 5#&e %eca(e her ow& si*e a& sha)e at o&ce" 0he %e'a& to )#ll e2erythi&' o#t/ $ra&tically a& wil ly" 0he was $ri'hte&e &ow" 0he 'ot the r#%%er %alloo&s o#t at last a& )#t the( i&to her esk/ ;#st as $ootste)s were hear ow& the corri or" !arrell sli))e o#t/ $i& i&' it i$$ic#lt &ot to issol2e i&to la#'hter" 8ow she wo#l ha2e lo2e to see Ma('*elle's $ace whe& she $irst saw 5#&e swelli&' #)! Ma('*elle was alo&e/ looki&' rather s#% #e " 0he h#rrie %y !arrell a& ca(e to the $irst $or(" 0he we&t i& a& 'a*e at 5#&e" '-h so yo# are $lat &ow! I tol Matro& a%o#t yo# a& she la#'he at (e" 0he sai it was a treek" - T?EEE! 1hat is this aw$#l/ horri%le/ a%o(i&a%le treek3 I will $i& it" I will seek it" I will h#&t $or it i& e2ery esk i& the roo(" -hhhhhhhh!' Ma('*elle looke so $ierce as she stoo there that &o%o y are to say a wor " 5#&e %e'a& to wish she ha le$t the %alloo&s i& her clothes" I$ Ma('*elle i look i& her esk she wo#l certai&ly $i& the(" Ma('*elle $o#& the(" 0he li$te #) the li a& saw the r#%%er %alloo&s at o&ce/ $lat a& tor&" 0he )icke the( o#t a& shook the( i& 5#&e's $ace" '-h/ &ow yo# ca& hol yo#r %reath a'ai&/ yo# %a / wicke 5#&e! 8ol yo#r %reath a& liste& to what I ha2e to say! Yo# will lear& $or (e o&e h#& re li&es o$ Fre&ch )oetry %e$ore T#es ay" Yes/ o&e h#& re li&es! !oes that (ake yo# hol yo#r %reath/ yo# %a 'irl3'

65

It certai&ly i " 5#&e alrea y ha two lots o$ E&'lish li&es to lear& &ow she ha a h#& re Fre&ch o&es to a to the lot" 0he 'roa&e " Ma('*elle r#((a'e $#rther i& the esk" 0he took o#t so(e %ooklets a& looke at the(" '.ew treeks" 7l treeks" Treeks to )lay o& yo#r $rie& s" Treeks to )lay o& yo#r e&e(ies/' she rea " '-ha! These I will take $ro( yo#/ 5#&e" Yo# shall o &o (ore treeks this ter(" These I will co&$iscate/ a& I o &ot thi&k yo# shall ha2e the( %ack" .o!' 0he )#t the %ooklets with her %ooks o& the esk/ a& / 2ery 'ri( a& eter(i&e / we&t o& with the Fre&ch !ictee" The class soo& reco2ere a& lo&'e $or the last %ell to 'o/ so that they (i'ht la#'h o&ce a'ai& to their heart's co&te&t" Ma('*elle sai a shar) 'oo (or&i&' whe& the %ell we&t/ a& we&t o$$ with the r#%%er %alloo&s/ the %ooklets a%o#t tricks/ a& her ow& %ooks" 0he sat ow& i& the roo( she share with Miss Cotts/ the ho#se,(istress o$ .orth Tower" 'Yo# look hot a& %othere / Ma('*elle/' sai Miss Cotts/ sy()athetically" '-h this 5#&e she swells #) like a $ro' #& er (y eyes!' %e'a& Ma('*elle/ $iercely/ swelli&' #) too" The& she saw Miss Cotts' asto&ishe look/ a& she s(ile s# e&ly" 0he o)e&e her (o#th a& la#'he " 0he rolle i& her seat a& roare " '7h/ these treeks! 7&e o$ these ays I too will )lay a treek" It shall %e s#)er%e/ (a'&i$i+#e/ (er2eille#se" 8a/ o&e ay I too will )lay a treek!'

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Chapter 1( IN THE COMMON-ROOM

!-??ELL tol -licia a%o#t 5#&e's i iotic trick" -licia la#'he " 'It's i& the $a(ily/ is&'t it! I a& (y %rothers are trick, (a / a& &ow 5#&e/ (y co#si&/ is 'oi&' the sa(e way" It's a )ity we're i& the $i$th" I $eel it wo#l &'t %e 2ery i'&i$ie to )lay a&y o$ o#r tricks &ow"' !arrell si'he " 'Yes/ I s#))ose yo#'re ri'ht" >rowi&',#) has its raw%acks/ a& that's o&e o$ the(" 1e ha2e to %e i'&i$ie a& 'i2e #) so(e o$ o#r silly i eas %#t oh/ -licia/ I wish yo# co#l ha2e see& 5#&e all %low& #) ho&estly it was as 'oo as a&y o$ yo#r tricks!' 'It's a )ity that co#si& o$ (i&e is s#ch a har a& %ra*e& little wretch/' sai -licia" 'I o&'t act#ally $eel she's a$rai o$ a&ythi&' e6ce)t )erha)s (y %rother 0a(" The o thi&' is she si()ly a ores hi(/ tho#'h he's 'i2e& her so(e $irst,class s)a&ki&'s/ a& wo&'t sta& a scra) o$ &o&se&se $ro( her whe& she co(es to stay"' 'Yo# ca&'t see( to 'et at her/ so(ehow/' sai !arrell" 'I (ea& she oes&'t see( to care" 1ell she's a %it like yo#/ yo# k&ow/ -licia tho#'h yo#'re a lot %etter &ow!' -licia we&t rather )i&k" '-ll ri'ht" !o&'t r#% it i&" I k&ow I'( har / %#t yo# wo&'t (ake (e a&y %etter %y telli&' (e! Yo#'2e )ro%a%ly &ot &otice it %#t I ha2e trie to %e (ore sy()athetic with $ools a& o&keys! 7$ co#rse/ &ot %ei&' either yo#rsel$ yo#'2e ha &o cha&ce o$ seei&' it"' !arrell la#'he " 0he sli))e her ar( thro#'h -licia's" 'Yo#'re a %it o$ a o&key yo#rsel$/' she sai " '4#t there's o&e thi&' a%o#t yo# that sticks o#t a (ile a& that is yo#r a%sol#te strai'ht&ess a& I o&'t $eel that a%o#t 5#&e" !o
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yo#3 I $eel it a%o#t (y sister Felicity yo# co#l tr#st her a&ywhere at a&y ti(e %#t &ot 5#&e" There's so(ethi&' sly a%o#t her as well as har "' '1ell/ we'll ha2e to lick her i&to sha)e whilst we're still at Malory Towers/' sai -licia" '1e'2e 'ot two (ore years to o it i& a& the& o$$ we 'o to colle'e lea2i&' ki s like 5#&e a& Felicity %ehi& to carry o&!' 5#&e arri2e i& the $i$th,$or( co((o&,roo( o& T#es ay e2e&i&' to say her li&es to -licia a& !arrell" 0he looke 2ery s#lky" The 'irls/ who were (ost o$ the( %#sy with o ;o%s s#ch as ar&i&'/ (aki&' o#t lists/ rewriti&' work/ writi&' letters ho(e a& so o&/ looke #) as 5#&e stro e i&to the roo(" '!o&'t yo# k&ow that a lower school ki k&ocks %e$ore she co(es i&3' sai Moira" 5#&e sai &othi&'/ %#t 'lowere " '>o o#t/ k&ock a& wait till yo#'re tol to co(e i&/' or ere Moira/ i& her ictatorial 2oice" 5#&e hesitate " 0he eteste %ei&' or ere a%o#t" Moira $elt i& her )ocket $or her little C#&ish(e&t 4ook/ a& 5#&e $le " 0he i &'t wa&t a&y (ore li&es! 'I &e2er k&ew a&yo&e who so %a ly &ee e licki&' i&to sha)e/' sai Moira/ 'ri(ly" 'Little toa ! I k&ow she's yo#r co#si&/ -licia/ %#t she's &o cre it to yo#!' 'I ca&'t say yo#r sister 4ri 'et is (#ch cre it to yo# either/' retorte -licia" 0he i &'t )artic#larly wa&t to e$e& 5#&e/ %#t she rese&te Moira's hi'h a& (i'hty (a&&er" Let her look a$ter her ow& %a ,(a&&ere sister! '5#&e's k&ocke twice alrea y/' sai Catheri&e" '7#'ht&'t we to say Dco(e i&D3' '1he& I say so/' sai Moira" '!o her 'oo to wait"'

6=

5#&e k&ocke a'ai&" 'Co(e i&/' sai Moira/ a& 5#&e ca(e i&/ re a& $#rio#s" 0he we&t to !arrell a& sile&tly 'a2e her the %ook o#t o$ which she ha lear&t her li&es" '?e)eat the( to (e/' sai !arrell" 5#&e 'a%%le the( o$$ witho#t a si&'le (istake" !arrell looke at her" 0he really was 2ery like -licia a& she ha -licia's (ar2ello#s (e(ory/ too" .o o#%t it ha take& 5#&e o&ly a%o#t $i2e (i&#tes to (e(ori*e that lo&' )oe(" 0he we&t to -licia/ a& 'a%%le o$$ what she ha lear&t $or her/ a'ai& with &o (istake" '?i'ht/' sai -licia" 'Yo# ca& 'o a& i$ yo# o&'t wa&t to s)e& the whole o$ this ter( lear&i&' li&es/ try to %e (ore ci2il to yo#r el ers"' 5#&e scowle " 4eli& a whi))e o#t her )e&cil" '8ol it!' she sai to the s#r)rise 5#&e" 'Yes ;#st like that (o#th ow&/ %rows $row&i&'/ s#rly e6)ressio&" 8ol it/ hol it! I wa&t it $or (y 0cowl 4ook" It's calle D8ow to 0cowlD/ a& it's really i&teresti&'" Yo# sho#l see so(e o$ the scowls I'2e 'ot!' Moira a& >we& oli&e/ who k&ew they ha co&tri%#te to this #&i+#e %ook/ i((e iately scowle with a&&oya&ce/ a& the& strai'hte&e their $aces at o&ce i& case 4eli& a saw the(" 4low 4eli& a! 7&e co#l &'t e2e& scowl i& )eace with her aro#& " 5#&e stoo still/ scowli&' e2e& (ore $iercely" '!o&e3' she sai at last" '1ell/ I wish yo# ;oy o$ all yo#r scowls I'll %e willi&' to co(e alo&' a& o$$er yo# a 'oo selectio& a&y ti(e yo# like" It's a& easy thi&' to o whe& a&y $i$th $or(er is aro#& "' 0he stalke o$$/ $eeli&' i& her )ocket $or the li&es she ha lear&t $or Ma('*elle" They ha &'t really take& her 2ery lo&'" Tha&k 'oo &ess $or a )arrot (e(ory! 5#&e ha o&ly to rea li&es thro#'h o&ce/ sayi&' the( o#t lo# / to k&ow the(" 7thers with less 'oo (e(ories e&2ie her tre(e& o#sly" It
6A

i &'t see( $air that 5#&e/ who trie so little/ co#l o s#ch 'oo work/ a& that they/ who trie so har / 2ery o$te& o&ly )ro #ce %a or or i&ary work! '4low!' sai Ire&e/ s# e&ly/ )#tti&' ow& her )e&cil" 0he ha %ee& co()osi&' a little 'allo)i&' t#&e/ the o&e that ha %ee& i& her hea $or so(e ti(e a$ter she ha hear the 'allo)i&' hoo2es o$ the horses i& the ri2e" 'I'( ;#st &icely i& the (i le o$ this tirretty,too t#&e a& I'2e ;#st re(e(%ere it's (y t#r& to o the $lowers i& the classroo(" I o#'ht to 'o a& )ick the( %e$ore it's +#ite ark"' 'Let (e 'o/' sai Catheri&e/ )#tti&' ow& her ar&i&'" 'I'll %e )lease to o it $or yo#" Yo#'re s#ch a 'e&i#s/ Ire&e yo# ;#st 'o o& with yo#r t#&e" I'( o&ly a& or i&ary (ortal &o 'i$ts at all a& it's a )leas#re to o what little I ca&"' 0he s(ile her %ea(i&' s(ile/ a& Ire&e $elt sli'htly sick" E2eryo&e was 'etti&' tire o$ Catheri&e a& her (artyr, like ways" 0he was always )#tti&' hersel$ o#t $or so(eo&e/ o$$eri&' to o the ;o%s &o%o y else wa&te to o/ %elittli&' hersel$/ a& )raisi&' others e6tra2a'a&tly" '.o tha&ks/' sai Ire&e/ shortly" 'It's (y ;o% a& I (#st o it"' '8ow like yo# to $eel like that!' '#she Catheri&e" '1ell I'( +#ite %#sy ar&i&' >we& oli&e's stocki&'/ so i$ yo# really wo#l &'t like (e to o the $lowers $or yo#/ I'll " " "' 4#t Ire&e was 'o&e" 0he sla((e the oor a& &o%o y e6ce)t Catheri&e (i& e " They all $elt like sla((i&' the oor the(sel2es" 'I o thi&k Ire&e (i'ht ha2e sai tha&k yo#/' sai Catheri&e/ i& rather a h#rt 2oice" '!o&'t yo#/ Ma#ree&3' Ma#ree& $elt that e2eryo&e was waiti&' to )o#&ce o& her i$ she are to say 'yes'" Ire&e was so 2ery )o)#lar" 0he was hesitati&' how to a&swer whe& the oor o)e&e a& Ire&e ca(e %ack"
9B

'0o(eo&e's o&e the $lowers!' she sai " 'Yes &ow I co(e to thi&k o$ it/ I saw Clarissa oi&' the(/' sai Ma2is" '1hat o& earth $or3' e(a& e Ire&e" '>osh I ho)e )eo)le are&'t 'oi&' to r#& ro#& a$ter (e oi&' (y ;o%s! I'( still )er$ectly ca)a%le o$ oi&' the("' '1ell/' sai !arrell/ s# e&ly re(e(%eri&'/ 'it's Clarissa's week/ i iot" Yo#r week is &e6t week" Yo# looke it #) this (or&i&'"' '>osh!' sai Ire&e a'ai&/ with a co(ical air o$ is(ay" 'I'( &#ts! I 'o a& i&terr#)t (y ow& %it o$ co()osi&'/ a& r#sh o$$ to o a ;o% I'( &ot s#))ose to o till &e6t week" -&yway it 'a2e ear Catheri&e a cha&ce to (ake o&e o$ her 'e&ero#s o$$ers!' 'That's &ot ki& o$ yo#/ Ire&e/' sai Catheri&e/ $l#shi&'" '4#t &e2er (i& I o #& ersta& " I$ I co#l co()ose like yo# I' say &asty thi&'s so(eti(es/ I e6)ect! I o #& ersta& "' 'Co#l yo# sto) %ei&' $or'i2i&' a& #& ersta& i&' lo&' e&o#'h $or (e to $i&ish (y t#&e3' sai Ire&e/ i& a a&'ero#s 2oice" 'I o&'t care i$ yo# D#& ersta& D or &ot all I care a%o#t at the (o(e&t is to $i&ish this"' Catheri&e )#t o& a sai&tly $ace/ )resse her li)s to'ether as i$ sto))i&' hersel$ $ro( retorti&'/ a& we&t o& ar&i&'" There was a k&ock at the oor" Ire&e 'roa&e " '>o away! !o&'t co(e i&!' The oor o)e&e a& Co&&ie's $ace )eere ro#& " 'Is ?#th here3 ?#th/ ca& yo# co(e $or a (i&#te3 4ri 'et is o#t here" 1e'2e 'ot rather a 'oo i ea"' 'I o&'t like 4ri 'et/' sai ?#th/ i& a low 2oice" '-& a&yway I'( %#sy" 0o's e2eryo&e else here"' '4#t/ ?#th I'2e har ly see& yo# this week/' )roteste Co&&ie" 'Co(e o& o#t $or a (i&#te" 4y the way/ I'2e (e& e yo#r roller,skates $or yo#" They're rea y $or yo# to #se a'ai&"'
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Ire&e 'roa&e " !arrell 'roa&e / too" 0he was tryi&' to ra$t o#t the thir act o$ the )a&to(i(e" 'Either tell Co&&ie to 'o/ or 'o yo#rsel$/' sai Ire&e" 'I$ &ot/ I'll 'o! I'll 'o a& sit i& the %athroo( a& take this with (e" Cerha)s I'll 'et a $ew (i&#tes )eace the&" Tirretty,tirretty, too" Yes/ I thi&k I'll 'o"' 0he 'ot #)" Co&&ie $le / thi&ki&' Ire&e was 'oi&' to row her" ?#th looke ro#& a)olo'etically/ %#t sai &othi&'" 'It's all ri'ht/' sai !arrell/ so$tly" 'Eee) Co&&ie at ar('s le&'th till she lea2es yo# i& )eace/ ?#th a& o&'t worry a%o#t it!' 4#t Catheri&e ha to %e silly a%o#t it/ o$ co#rse" 'Coor Co&&ie/' she sai " 'I really ca&'t hel) $eeli&' sorry $or her" 1e o#'ht&'t to %e too har o& her/ o#'ht we3'

92

Chapter 11 THE "EEKS GO ON

.71 the ays %e'a& to sli) %y (ore +#ickly" Two weeks we&t three weeks a& the& the $o#rth week t#r&e #) a& %e'a& to sli) away/ too" E2erythi&' was 'oi&' well" There was &o ill&ess i& the school" The weather was $i&e/ so that the )layi&',$iel s were i& #se e2ery ay/ a& there was )le&ty o$ )ractice $or e2eryo&e" 1ork was 'oi&' well/ a& e6ce)t $or the real # s/ &o%o y was oi&' %a ly" Fi2e lacrosse (atches ha alrea y %ee& wo& %y the school/ a& !arrell/ as 'a(es ca)tai& $or the $i$th/ was i& the se2e&th hea2e& o$ eli'ht" 0he ha )laye i& two o$ the (atches/ a& ha shot %oth the wi&&i&' 'oals" Felicity ha 'o&e &early (a with ;oy" 0he ha %ee& a%le to watch !arrell i& %oth %eca#se they were ho(e (atches" Felicity re o#%le her )ractices a& %e''e !arrell $or all the coachi&' ti(e she co#l s)are" 0he was reser2e $or the $o#rth school,tea(/ a& was eter(i&e to %e i& it %e$ore the e& o$ the ter(" The )la&s $or the Christ(as e&tertai&(e&t were 'oi&' well/ too" 0o $ar &o hel) ha %ee& aske $ro( either Mr" Yo#&'/ the (#sic,(aster/ or Miss >ree&i&'/ the eloc#tio& (istress" The 'irls ha )la&&e e2erythi&' the(sel2es" !arrell ha %ee& a(a*e at the way she a& 0ally ha %ee& a%le to 'ras) the )la&&i&' o$ a %i' )a&to(i(e" -t $irst it ha see(e a ho)eless task/ a& !arrell ha &'t ha the $ai&test i ea how to set a%o#t it" 4#t &ow/ ha2i&' 'ot ow& to it with 0ally/ ha2i&' rea #) a $ew other )lays a& )a&to(i(es/ a& 'ot the 'e&eral i ea/ she was $i& i&' that she see(e to ha2e +#ite a 'i$t $or worki&' o#t a &ew o&e!

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'It's wo& er$#l!' she sai to 0ally" 'I i &'t k&ow I co#l " I'( lo2i&' it" I say/ 0ally o yo# thi&k/ o yo# )ossi%ly thi&k I (i'ht ha2e a sort o$ 'i$t that way3 I &e2er tho#'ht I ha a&y 'i$t at all"' 'Yes/' sai 0ally/ loyally" 'I thi&k yo# ha2e 'ot a 'i$t $or this ki& o$ thi&'" That's the %est o$ a school like this/ that has so (a&y (a&y i&terests there's so(ethi&' $or e2ery%o y a& i$ yo# ha2e 'ot a hi e& or slee)i&' 'i$t yo#'re likely to $i& it/ a& %e a%le to #se it" There's yo#r way o$ scri%%li&' ow& 2erse/ too I &e2er k&ew yo# co#l o that %e$ore!' '.or i I/ really/' sai !arrell" 0he $ishe a(o&' her )a)ers a& )#lle o#t a scri%%le sheet" 'Ca& I rea yo# this/ 0ally3 It's the so&' Ci& erella is s#))ose to si&' as she sits %y the $ire/ alo&e" 8er sisters ha2e 'o&e to the %all" Liste&I '4y the $ire I sit a& rea( -& i& the $la(es I see/ Cict#res o$ the lo2ely thi&'s That &e2er co(e to (e/ That &e2er co(e to (e/ -h (e! Carria'es/ a lo2ely 'ow&/ - $lowi&' sil2er cloak The e(%ers (o2e/ the )ict#re's 'o&e/ My rea(s 'o #) i& s(oke/ My rea(s 'o #) i& s(oke/ I& s(oke!' 0he sto))e " 'That's as $ar as I'2e 'ot with that so&'" 7$ co#rse/ I k&ow it's &ot aw$#lly 'oo / a& certai&ly &ot )oetry/ o&ly ;#st 2erse %#t I &e2er i& (y li$e k&ew I co#l e2e& )#t thi&'s i& rhy(e! -& / o$ co#rse/ Ire&e ;#st 'o%%les the( #)/ a& sets the( to elicio#s t#&es i& &o ti(e"'
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'Yes" It's 2ery 'oo /' sai 0ally" 'Yo# o e&;oy it all/ too/ o&'t yo#3 I say what will yo#r )are&ts thi&k whe& they co(e to the )a&to(i(e a& see o& the )ro'ra((e that !arrell ?i2ers has writte& the wor s a& the so&'s/ too!' 'I o&'t k&ow" I o&'t thi&k they'll %elie2e it/' sai !arrell" !arrell was &ot the o&ly (e(%er o$ the $i$th $or( e&;oyi&' hersel$ o2er the )ro #ctio& o$ the )a&to(i(e" Ire&e was too she was setti&' !arrel's so&'s to e6actly the ri'ht t#&es/ a& scri%%li&' ow& the har(o&ies as i$ she ha %ee& co()osi&' all her li$e lo&' as she 2ery &early ha / $or Ire&e was h#((i&' (elo ies %e$ore she was o&e year ol ! The class were #se to seei&' Ire&e co(i&' alo&' the corri or or #) the stairs/ %#()i&' #&seei&'ly i&to the(/ h#((i&' a &ew t#&e" 'T#(ty,ta/ ti,ta/ ti,ta/ t#(ty,too" 7h/ sorry/ Ma2is" I ho&estly i &'t see yo#" T#(ty,ta/ ti,ta,'osh/ i I h#rt yo#/ Catheri&e" I &e2er saw yo# co(i&'"' '7h/ that's +#ite all ri'ht/' sai Catheri&e/ 'e&tly/ )atti&' Ire&e o& the ar(/ a& (aki&' her shy away at o&ce" '1e o&'t ha2e 'e&i#ses like yo# e2ery " " "' 4#t Ire&e was 'o&e" 8ow she eteste Catheri&e with her h#(%le ways/ a& her co&ti&#al air o$ sacri$ici&' hersel$ $or others! 'T#(ty,ta/ ti,ta/' she h#((e s# e&ly i& class/ a& %a&'e her ha& ow& o& the esk" '>ot it! 7$ co#rse/ that's it! 7h/ sorry/ Miss 5i((y er/ 5a(es/ I (ea&/ Miss 5a(es" I ;#st 'ot carrie away $or a (o(e&t" I'2e %ee& ha#&te %y " " "' 'Yo# &ee &'t e6)lai&/' sai Miss 5a(es/ with a twi&kle i& her eye" '!o yo# thi&k yo#'2e 'ot that )artic#lar t#&e o#t o$ yo#r syste( &ow/ a& co#l co&ce&trate/ say/ $or hal$ a& ho#r/ o& what the rest o$ the class are oi&'3' '7h yes yes/ o$ co#rse/' sai Ire&e/ still rather %e(#se " 0he %e&t o2er her (aths %ook/ )e&cil i& ha& " Miss 5a(es was a(#se to see o&e )a'e o$ $i'#res a& o&e )a'e o$
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scri%%le (#sic/ whe& the %ook was 'i2e& i& %oth e6celle&t/ $or Ire&e was al(ost as (#ch a 'e&i#s at (aths as at (#sic" 0he i&siste that the two thi&'s we&t to'ether/ tho#'h this see(e #&%elie2a%le to the rest o$ the class" Maths were so #ll a& (#sic so lo2ely! The wor s o$ the )a&to(i(e )ro'resse $ast/ a& so i the (#sic" It was esse&tial that they sho#l %eca#se there co#l %e &o rehearsi&' #&til there was so(ethi&' to rehearse! 4eli& a was %#sy with esi'&s $or sce&ery a& cost#(es" 0he/ too/ was e6tre(ely ha))y" 8er )e&cil $lew o2er the )a)er each e2e&i&' a& e2ery (o(e&t o$ $ree ti(e she rew e2erythi&'/ e2e& the )atter& o& Ci& erella's a)ro&! Little 5a&et waite ea'erly as the esi'&s 'rew a& were )asse o& to her" 0he too was ea'er a& e&th#siastic" 0he t#r&e o#t the e&or(o#s tr#&ks o$ resses a& t#&ics a& cost#(es o$ all )erio s/ #se %y other 'irls at Malory Towers i& ter(s 'o&e %y" 8ow co#l she alter this3 8ow co#l she #se that3 7h/ what a wo& er$#l )iece o$ %l#e 2el2et! 5#st ri'ht $or the Cri&ce! Little 5a&et ha always %ee& i&'e&io#s/ %#t &ow she s#r)asse hersel$" 0he chose o#t all the (aterial a& st#$$s she &ee e / with #&erri&' taste she sorte o#t resses a& cost#(es that co#l %e altere " 0he ra& ro#& the school )ressi&' all the 'oo &ee le,workers i&to her ser2ice" 0he %e''e Miss Li&&ie/ the +#iet little sewi&',(istress/ to hel) her %y allowi&' so(e o$ the classes to work o& the clothes a& ecoratio&s" 'I wo#l &e2er ha2e tho#'ht that little (o#se o$ a 5a&et ha it i& her to %losso( o#t like this!' sai Miss Cotts to Ma('*elle" '1hat these chil re& ca& o i$ they're ;#st 'i2e& a cha&ce to o thi&'s o& their ow&!' -&other )erso& who was worki&' har / tho#'h i& +#ite a i$$ere&t irectio&/ was -licia! -licia/ who &e2er worke
96

really har at a&ythi&'/ %eca#se she ha 'oo %rai&s a& i &'t &ee to" 4#t &ow she ha so(ethi&' to o that/ %rai&s or &o %rai&s/ &ee e co&sta&t har work a& )ractice" -licia was to %e the !e(o& Ei&' i& the )a&to(i(e a& he was to %e a& e&cha&ter/ a co&;#rer who co#l o (a'ic thi&'s! -licia was to show her skill at co&;#ri&'/ a& she (ea&t to %e as 'oo a co&;#rer o& the school sta'e as a&y co&;#rer i& a Lo& o& )a&to(i(e" '1ell I i &'t rea( that -licia's a%ility $or )layi&' silly tricks a& oi&' %its o$ a(ate#r co&;#ri&' to a(#se her $rie& s wo#l (ake her work as har as this' sai Miss Ceters/ the thir ,$or( (istress/ sh#tti&' the oor o$ o&e o$ the (#sic, roo(s so$tly" 0he ha hear )ec#liar so#& s i& there so#& s o$ )a&ti&'s/ so#& s o$ so(ethi&' $alli&'/ so#& s o$ sheer e6as)eratio&/ a& she ha )ee)e i& to see what i& the worl was 'oi&' o&" -licia was there/ with her %ack to her/ )ractisi&' a s)ot o$ ;#''li&'! Yes/ she was 'oi&' to ;#''le/ as well as co&;#re a& she ha a& array o$ colo#re ri&'s which she was throwi&' ra)i ly #) i&to the air/ o&e a$ter a&other/ catchi&' the( (irac#lo#sly" The& she wo#l (iss o&e/ a& click i& e6as)eratio&" 0he wo#l ha2e to %e'i& all o2er a'ai&" -h -licia ha $o#& so(ethi&' that i &'t &ee o&ly %rai&work it &ee e )atie&ce/ )ractice/ e$t&ess/ a& the& )atie&ce all o2er a'ai&" '1hy i I e2er say I' %e the !e(o& Ei&'!' 'roa&e -licia/ )icki&' #) the ri&'s $or the twe&ty,seco& ti(e a& %e'i&&i&' a'ai&" '1hy i I e2er a'ree to o co&;#ri&' a& ;#''li&'3 I (#st ha2e %ee& (a "' 4#t her )ri e (a e her 'o o& a& o&" I$ -licia i a thi&' it ha to %e o&e %etter tha& a&y%o y else co#l )ossi%ly o it" The $i$th $or( were (ost i&tri'#e %y this &ew i&terest o$
99

-licia's" It was s#ch $#& to see her s# e&ly )ick #) a )e&cil/ r#%%er/ r#ler a& )e&/ a& ;#''le the( ra)i ly i& the air/ catchi&' the( e$tly i& o&e ha& at the $i&ish! It was a(#si&' to see her 'et #) to $i& Ma('*elle's $o#&tai&,)e&/ a& )ick it a))are&tly o#t o$ the e()ty air/ a& e2e& (ore a(#si&' to see her 'ra2ely a%stract a& e'' $ro( Ma('*elle's ear" '-licia! I will &ot ha2e s#ch a thi&'!' stor(e Ma('*elle" '7h/ la la! .ow yo# ha2e $o#& a ci'arette i& (y other ear" It is &ot &ice! It (akes (e 'o what o yo# call it #ck, $lesh"' '>oose,$lesh/ Ma('*elle/' sai -licia/ with o&e o$ her wicke 'ri&s" '!ear (e has yo#r $o#&tai&,)e& 'o&e a'ai&3 It's #) i& the air as #s#al!' -& she reache o#t her ha& a& )icke it o&ce (ore $ro( the air" .o wo& er the class like -licia's &ew i&terest" It certai&ly a e a lot (ore e&;oy(e&t to lesso&s!

9=

Chapter 12 G"ENDOLINE MAR) AND MAUREEN

T17 'irls were a&6io#sly waiti&' $or !arrell to $i&ish the )a&to(i(e" They were >we& oli&e a& Ma#ree&" Each o$ the( saw hersel$ i& the )art o$ Ci& erella" Each o$ the( cre)t away to the or(y o& occasio&/ let her 'ol e& hair loose/ a& )ose i& $ro&t o$ the ressi&',ta%le (irrors" 'I look e6actly ri'ht $or Ci& erella/' tho#'ht >we& oli&e Mary" 'I'( the ty)e/ so(ehow" I co#l sit )e&si2ely %y the $iresi e a& look really lo2ely" -& as the )ri&cess at the %all I' %e wo& er$#l"' 0he wrote a& tol her (other a%o#t the co(i&' )a&to(i(e" '7$ co#rse/ we o&'t k&ow yet a%o#t the characters/' she sai " 'Most o$ the 'irls wo#l like (e to %e Ci& erella they say I look the )art" I o&'t k&ow what yo# thi&k/ Mother3 I'( &ot co&ceite / as yo# k&ow/ %#t I ca&'t hel) thi&ki&' I' o it rather well" 1hat oes Miss 1i&ter thi&k3' 4ack ca(e two '#shi&' letters at o&ce/ o&e $ro( her eli'hte (other/ o&e $ro( her ol 'o2er&ess/ worshi))i&' as e2er" !-?LI.> >1E./ Yes/ o$ co#rse yo# (#st %e Ci& erella" Yo# wo#l %e a%sol#tely ri'ht" Yo#r hair wo#l look so lo2ely i& the $ireli'ht" 7h/ how )ro# I shall %e to see yo# sitti&' there )e&si2e a& sa / looki&' i&to " " " -& so o& a& so o&" Miss 1i&ter's letter was (#ch the sa(e" 4oth o$ the( ha a))are&tly take& it co()letely $or 'ra&te that >we& oli&e wo#l ha2e the chie$ )art" Moira ca(e %ar'i&' i&to the or(y o&e ay a& isco2ere a startle >we& oli&e sta& i&' i& $ro&t o$ her

9A

(irror/ her hair all ro#& her $ace/ a& a towel throw& o2er her sho#l ers $or a& e2e&i&' cloak" '>osh what o yo# thi&k yo#'re oi&'3' she sai / i& a(a*e(e&t" '1ashi&' yo#r hair or so(ethi&'3 -re yo# (a / >we&3 Yo# ca&'t wash yo#r hair at this ti(e o$ ay" Yo#'re #e $or Fre&ch i& $i2e (i&#tes"' >we& oli&e (#ttere so(ethi&' a& $l#&' the towel %ack o& its rack" 0he we&t %ri'ht re " Moira was )#**le " Two ays later Moira a'ai& ca(e r#shi&' i&to the or(y to see i$ the wi& ows were o)e&" This ti(e she $o#& Ma#ree& sta& i&' i& $ro&t o$ her (irror/ her hair loose ow& her %ack i& a 'ol e& sheet/ a& o&e o$ the c#%icle c#rtai&s )i&&e ro#& her waist to (ake a trai&" Moira 'a)e " Ma#ree& we&t )i&k a& %e'a& to %r#sh her hair as i$ it was a )er$ectly or i&ary thi&' to %e $o#& with it loose/ a& a c#rtai& )i&&e to her waist" Moira $o#& her 2oice" '1hat o yo# a& >we& thi&k yo#'re oi&'/ )ara i&' a%o#t here with yo#r hair loose a& towels a& c#rtai&s ra)e ro#& yo#3' she e(a& e " '8a2e yo# %oth 'o&e crackers3 E2ery ti(e I co(e i&to this or(y I see yo# or >we& with yo#r hair loose a& thi&'s ra)e ro#& yo#" 1hat are yo# #) to3' Ma#ree& co#l &'t )ossi%ly tell the scor&$#l )ractical Moira what she was oi&' (erely )rete& i&' to %e a %ea#ti$#l Ci& erella with a clo# o$ 'lorio#s hair/ a& a lo&' 'ol e& trai& to her ress" 4#t Moira s# e&ly '#esse " 0he la#'he her lo# a& scor&$#l la#'h" '7h! I %elie2e I k&ow! Yo#'re )layi&' Ci& erella! 4oth o$ yo# )rete& i&' to %e Ci& erella" 1hat a ho)e yo#'2e 'ot! 1e' &e2er choose ra%%it,teeth to )lay Ci& erella"' -& with this 2ery c#tti&' re(ark Moira we&t o#t o$ the roo(/ la#'hi&' lo# ly" Ma#ree& 'a*e at hersel$ i& the (irror a& tears ca(e to her eyes" ?a%%it,teeth! 8ow horri%le o$
=B

Moira" 8ow $ri'ht$#lly cr#el" 0he co#l &'t hel) her teeth %ei&' like that" 7r co#l she3 Fery '#iltily Ma#ree& re(e(%ere how she ha %ee& tol to wear a wire ro#& her $ro&t teeth to $orce the( %ack a& she ha &'t %ee& a%le to 'et #se to it/ a& ha t#cke it away i& her rawer at Ma*eley Ma&or" .o%o y there ha sai a&ythi&' a%o#t it" .o%o y ha %othere " Ma*eley Ma&or was a $ree,a& ,easy school/ as Ma#ree& was so $o& o$ sayi&'/ co()ari&' it #&$a2o#ra%ly with Malory Towers/ a& its co()#lsory 'a(es/ its i&+#isiti2e Matro& a& eter(i&e / res)o&si%le ho#se,(istresses" 'I$ I' %ee& here whe& the e&tist tol (e to wear that wire ro#& (y teeth/ Matro& a& Miss Cotts wo#l %oth ha2e (a e (e o it/ e2e& i$ I i &'t wa&t to/' she tho#'ht" '-& %y &ow I' ha2e &ice teeth &ot sticki&',o#t a& #'ly"' -& $or the $irst ti(e a o#%t a%o#t that wo& er$#l school/ Ma*eley Ma&or/ cre)t i&to Ma#ree&'s (i& " 1as it so 'oo a$ter all to %e allowe to o ;#st as yo# like 3 To )lay 'a(es or &ot as yo# like 3 To 'o $or walks or &ot at yo#r ow& choice3 Cerha)s yes )erha)s it was %etter to ha2e to o thi&'s that were 'oo $or yo#/ whether yo# like the( or &ot/ till yo# were ol e&o#'h a& res)o&si%le e&o#'h to choose" Ma#ree& ha chose& &ot to wear the wire whe& she sho#l ha2e o&e a& &ow she ha %ee& calle ?a%%it, Teeth/ a& she was s#re she wo#l &'t %e chose& as Ci& erella" 0he i #) her hair rather so%erly/ %li&ki&' away a $ew (ore tears/ a& tryi&' to sh#t her li)s o2er the )rotr# i&' $ro&t teeth" 0he $or'ot to #&)i& the c#rtai&/ a& we&t o#t o$ the roo(/ thi&ki&' so ee)ly that she i &'t e2e& $eel it ra''i&' %ehi& her" 0he (et Ma('*elle at the to) o$ the stairs" 'Tie&s!' sai Ma('*elle/ sto))i&' i& s#r)rise" '@#e $aites 2o#s/ Ma#ree&3 1hat are yo# oi&' with that c#rtai&3'

=1

Ma#ree& cast a horri$ie look at her 'trai&' a& r#she %ack to the or(y" 0he #&)i&&e it a& )#t the c#rtai& %ack i&to its )lace" Feeli&' rather s#% #e she we&t ow&stairs to $i& >we&" >we& was 'etti&' 2ery 2ery tire o$ Ma#ree&" The &ew 'irl ha $aste&e o& to her like a leech" 0he relate lo&' a& %ori&' stories o$ her )eo)le/ her $rie& s/ her ol school a& es)ecially o$ hersel$" 0he &e2er see(e to thi&k that >we& wo#l like to talk too" >we& so(eti(es %roke i&to the (i le o$ Ma#ree&'s %ori&' s)eeches" 'Ma#ree&/ i I e2er tell yo# a%o#t the ti(e I we&t to .orway3 My wor / it was s#)er" I staye #) to i&&er each &i'ht/ a& I was o&ly thirtee&/ a& " " "' 'I'2e &e2er %ee& to .orway/' Ma#ree& wo#l i&terr#)t" '4#t (y a#&t we&t there last s#((er" 0he se&t (e a whole lot o$ )ost,car s" I'll $i& the( to show yo#" Yo#'ll %e i&tereste to see the(/ I'( s#re"' >we& was&'t i&tereste " 0he was &e2er i&tereste i& a&ythi&' a&yo&e else e2er showe her" I& $act/ like Ma#ree&/ she was&'t i&tereste i& a&ythi&' e6ce)t hersel$" The o&ly ti(e that Ma#ree& e2er really liste&e to her was whe& she tol #&ki& tales o$ the others i& the $or(" The& Ma#ree& wo#l liste& with 'reat i&terest" 'I wo#l &'t ha2e tho#'ht it o$ !arrell/' she wo#l say" '>oo 'racio#s/ i !a)h&e really o that3 7h/ I say $a&cy 4ill %ei&' so eceit$#l!' >we& was $orce to )lay 'a(es a& &ot o&ly that %#t to take )art i& a lot o$ )ractices" 0he was (a e to o 'y( )ro)erly/ a& &e2er allowe to 'et o#t o$ it %y a&&o#&ci&' she i &'t $eel too well" 0he ha to 'o $or e2ery walk that was )la&&e / $#(i&' a& $#rio#s"

=2

It was 5#&e that e&li'hte&e Ma#ree& a%o#t all this assi #o#s atte& a&ce at 'a(es/ 'y( a& walks" 0he tol her 'lee$#lly the history o$ >we&'s weak heart the ter( %e$ore" '>we& wa&te to 'et o#t o$ the 0chool Cert/ e6a(/ so she $o6e a& sai she' a weak heart that $l#ttere like a %ir !' 'ri&&e 5#&e" '8er (other took her ho(e" -& the& it was isco2ere >we& was )rete& i&' a& %ack she ca(e ;#st i& ti(e $or the e6a( a& e2er si&ce she's %ee& (a e to 'o i& $or 'a(es a& 'y( like a&ythi&'" 0he's a h#(%#'!' 5#&e ha &o ri'ht to say all this to a se&ior/ a& Ma#ree& ha &o ri'ht to liste& to her" 4#t/ like >we&/ she lo2e a %it o$ s)ite$#l 'ossi)/ a& she store the i&$or(atio& #) i& her (i& / tho#'h she sai &othi&' to >we& a%o#t it" The two 'irls were $orce to %e to'ether a 'reat eal" -l(ost e2eryo&e else i& the $or( ha their ow& $rie& " Moira ha &o )artic#lar $rie& / %#t we&t with Catheri&e/ who was always at a&yo&e's is)osal" 0o >we& a& Ma#ree&/ %ei&' o o&es o#t/ ha to walk to'ether/ a& were le$t to'ether 2ery o$te& whe& e2eryo&e else was oi&' so(ethi&'" >we& 'rew to etest Ma#ree&" 8orri / co&ceite / sel$ish creat#re! 0he hate the so#& o$ her 2oice" 0he trie to a2oi her whe& she co#l " 0he (a e e6c#ses &ot to %e with her" 4#t Ma#ree& wo#l &'t let her 'o" >we& was the o&ly o&e a2aila%le to %e talke to/ a& %oaste to/ a& o& occasio&/ whe& she ha $alle& $o#l o$ Miss 5a(es/ to %e waile to" Ma#ree& tho#'ht she co#l raw as well as 4eli& a or al(ost as well" 0he tho#'ht she co#l si&' %ea#ti$#lly a& / i& ee / she ha a& asto&ishi&'ly )ower$#l 2oice which/ alas/ co&ti&#ally we&t o$$ the tr#e &ote/ a& was $lat" 0he was certai& she co#l co()ose t#&es as well as Ire&e" -& she e2e& ro2e !arrell to istractio& %y o$$eri&' to write a $ew 2erses $or her"
=3

'1hat are we to o with this )est o$ a Ma#ree&3' co()lai&e 5a&et/ o&e e2e&i&'" '0he co(es a& asks i$ she ca& hel) (e a& the& i$ I 'i2e her the si()lest thi&' to sew/ she 'oes a& %otches it #) so that I ha2e to #& o it"' '-& she ha the sa#ce to co(e a& tell (e she i &'t like so(e o$ (y chor s i& the o)e&i&' chor#s o$ DCi& erellaD/' s&orte Ire&e" 'I ticke her o$$" 4#t she wo&'t lear& she's &ot wa&te " 0he wo&'t lear& she's &o 'oo ! 0he's so thick,ski&&e that I'( s#re a %#llet wo#l %o#&ce o$$ her i$ she was shot!' '0he wa&ts a lesso&/' sai -licia" 'My wor i$ she co(es a& o$$ers to show (e how to ;#''le/ I'll ;#''le her! I'll ;#''le her all ow& the corri or a& %ack a'ai&/ a& ow& i&to the 'ar e& a& o& to the rocks a& i&to the )ool!' '>we&'s looki&' )retty sick these ays/' sai 4eli& a" '0he oes&'t like ha2i&' a o#%le that cli&'s to her like Ma#ree& oes" I wo& er i$ she k&ows how like her Ma#ree& is" I& silli&ess a& %ori&'&ess a& co&ceite &ess a& %oast$#l&ess a& " " "' '7h/ I say/' sai the sai&tly Catheri&e/ )rotesti&'" '-re&'t yo# %ei&' rather #&ki& / 4eli& a3' 4eli& a looke at Catheri&e" 'There are ti(es to %e ki& a& ti(es to %e #&ki& / ear sweet Catheri&e/' she sai " '4#t yo# o&'t see( to k&ow the(" Yo# thi&k yo#'re %ei&' ki& to (e whe& yo# shar)e& all (y )e&cils to a )i&,)oi&t %#t yo#'re &ot" Yo#'re ;#st %ei&' i&ter$eri&'" I o&'t wa&t all (y )e&cils like that" I kee) so(e o$ the( %l#&t o& )#r)ose" -& a%o#t this %ei&' #&ki& to Ma#ree&" 0o(eti(es #&ki& &ess is a short,c#t to )#tti&' so(ethi&' ri'ht" I '#ess that's what Ma#ree& wa&ts a ose o$ 'oo har co((o&,se&se a (i&istere shar)ly" -& that's what she'll 'et i$ she oes&'t sto) this silly &o&se&se o$ hers"' Catheri&e )#t o& her (artyr,like air" 'Yo# k&ow %est/ o$ co#rse/ 4eli& a" I wo#l &'t rea( o$ isa'reei&' with yo#" I'(
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sorry a%o#t the )e&cils" I ;#st 'o ro#& seei&' what I ca& o to hel)/ that's all"' '0hall I show yo# how yo# look i& yo#r ow& tho#'hts/ Catheri&e3' sai 4eli& a/ s# e&ly" E2eryo&e liste&e / (ost a(#se at 4eli& a's s# e& o#t%#rst" 0he was #s#ally so 2ery 'oo ,&at#re %#t )eo)le like Ma#ree&/ >we& a& Catheri&e co#l %e 2ery 2ery tryi&'" 4eli& a's )e&cil $lew o2er a %i' sheet o$ )a)er" 0he worke at it $or $i2e (i&#tes/ the& took #) a )i&" 'I'll )i& it to the wall/ 'irls/' she sai " 'Catheri&e will si()ly lo2e it" It's the li2i&' i(a'e o$ her as she i(a'i&es hersel$"' 0he took the sheet to the wall a& )i&&e it #)" The 'irls crow e ro#& " Catheri&e/ co&s#(e with c#riosity/ we&t too" It was a )ict#re o$ her sta& i&' i& a stai&e ,'lass wi& ow/ a 'lea(i&' halo ro#& her hea " <& er&eath/ i& %i' %ol letters 4eli& a ha writte& $i2e wor sI 7<? 4LE00E! M-?TY?/ 0T" C-T8E?I.E" Catheri&e $le away $ro( the shrieks o$ eli'hte la#'hter" '0he's 'ot what she wa&te !' sai !arrell" 'Catheri&e/ co(e %ack! 8ow o yo# like %ei&' a sai&t i& a stai&e ,'lass wi& ow3'

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Chapter 13 A PLOT * AND A +UARREL

4EF7?E that week ha e& e !arrell was rea y with the whole )a&to(i(e/ wor s a& all" Most o$ the (#sic ha %ee& writte&/ %eca#se Ire&e al(ost s&atche the wor s $ro( !arrell as she $i&ishe the(" '@#ite a >il%ert a& 0#lli2a&/' sai Moira/ rather s&eeri&'ly/ s)eaki&' o$ the $a(o#s co(ic o)era )air o$ the last ce&t#ry" 0he was $eeli&' rather o#t o$ thi&'s" <&til the )a&to(i(e was writte&/ she co#l &ot )ro #ce it/ so she ha &othi&' to o at the (o(e&t" -& Moira islike ha2i&' &othi&' to o" 0he like r#&&i&' thi&'s/ or'a&i*i&' thi&'s a& )eo)le/ o(i&ati&' e2eryo&e/ layi&' ow& the law" 0he was &ot a )o)#lar hea ,'irl" The $i$th,$or(ers rese&te her ictatorial (a&&er" They islike her lack o$ h#(o#r/ a& they took as little &otice o$ her as they co#l " Moira cha$e #& er all this" '!o %#ck #) with this )a&to(i(e/ !arrell a& 0ally/' she sai " 'I wish I' #& ertake& to write it (ysel$ &ow/ yo#'re so slow"' 'Yo# co#l &'t write it/' sai !arrell" 'Yo# k&ow yo# co#l &'t" Yo# har ly e2er 'et 'oo (arks $or co()ositio&"' Moira $l#she " '!o&'t %e cheeky/' she sai " Catheri&e s)oke #) $or her/ #si&' a sweet a& 'e&tle 2oice" 'I'( s#re Moira o&ly let yo# a& 0ally o it to 'i2e yo# a cha&ce/' she sai " 'I'( s#re she co#l ha2e o&e it 2ery well hersel$"' 'There s)eaks o#r %lesse (artyr/ 0ai&t Catheri&e/' )#t i& -licia/ (alicio#sly" '!ear 0ai&t Catheri&e" 0he eser2es the halo 4eli& a 'a2e her/ oes&'t she/ 'irls3'

=6

Catheri&e $row&e " 4eli& a calle o#t at o&ce" '8ol it/ Catheri&e/ hol it! .o/ o&'t s(ile i& that sickly sweet (a&&er/ let (e ha2e that $row& a'ai&!' Catheri&e t#r&e away" It was too %a that she sho#l %e la#'he at whe& all the ti(e she was tryi&' to %e ki& a& sel$,sacri$ici&' a& really 'oo / )oor Catheri&e tho#'ht to hersel$" 0he 'la&ce at the wall" 4low! There was yet a&other )ict#re o$ her #) there/ with a %i''er halo tha& e2er! Catheri&e re'#larly s&eake i&to the co((o&,roo( whe& it was e()ty/ a& took ow& the )ict#res that 4eli& a as re'#larly rew o$ her" 4#t always there was a $resh o&e" It was a%sol#tely (a e&i&'" This o&e showe her shar)e&i&' tho#sa& s o$ )e&cils/ a& i$ a&yo&e looke care$#lly at the %i' halo they co#l see that it/ too/ was (a e o$ shar)e&e )e&cils set closely to'ether" 'It's e&o#'h to (ake a&yo&e $#rio#sly a&'ry/' tho#'ht Catheri&e" 'I wo& er I o&'t lose (y te()er a& %reak o#t/ a& call )eo)le &a(es" 1ell I try to like the( all/ %#t it's 2ery 2ery i$$ic#lt"' The $i$th $or( eci e they (#st eal with Ma#ree& as well as with Catheri&e" '4etter show the( %oth e6actly where they sta& %e$ore we %e'i& rehearsi&'/' sai -licia" '1e ca&'t %e %othere %y i&ter$erers a& whi&ers a& sai&ts whe& o&ce we're o& the ;o%" .ow how shall we eal with Ma#ree&3' 'The tro#%le with her is that she's so $#ll o$ hersel$ thi&ks she ca& o e2erythi&' %etter tha& a&yo&e else/ a& is s#re she co#l r#& the whole show/' sai !arrell" '0he's so ;olly thick,ski&&e there's &o oi&' a&ythi&' with her" 0he's too 2ai& $or wor s!' '?i'ht/' sai -licia" '1e'll 'i2e her a real cha&ce" 1e'll tell her to raw so(e esi'&s to hel) 4eli& a we'll tell her to si&' o&e or two so&'s to hel) Ma2is" 1e'll tell her to co()ose o&e or two t#&es to hel) Ire&e a& write o&e or
=9

two )oe(s to hel) 0ally" The& we'll t#r& the whole lot ow& scor&$#lly/ a& she'll k&ow where she sta& s"' '1ell it so#& s rather rastic' sai Mary,Lo#" 'It oes/ rather/' sai 0ally" 'Ca&'t we tell her to o the thi&'s a& let her ow& &ot too scor&$#lly3' 'Yes" 1e co#l )rete& she was&'t %ei&' serio#s she was ;#st )#lli&' o#r le's whe& she %ri&'s the t#&es a& 2erses a& thi&'s/' sai !arrell" '-& we co#l )at her o& the %ack a& cla) a& la#'h %#t &ot take the( serio#sly at all" I$ she's 'ot a&y co((o&,se&se she'll sh#t #) a$ter that" I$ she has&'t/ we'll ha2e to %e a %it (ore well rastic/ as Mary,Lo# calls it"' E2eryo&e was i& this )lot e6ce)t >we& a& Catheri&e" The 'irls were a$rai o&e o$ the two (i'ht tell tales to Ma#ree& i$ they k&ew o$ the )la&" Moira a))ro2e o$ it/ tho#'h she tho#'ht it &ot whole,hearte e&o#'h" 0he wo#l ha2e like the $irst i ea/ the ' rastic' o&e" Ma#ree& was tol to s#%(it 2erses/ t#&es a& esi'&s" -lso to lear& two o$ the so&'s i& case she co#l i()ro2e o& Ma2is's i&ter)retatio& o$ the(" 0he was so 'rati$ie a& eli'hte that she co#l har ly sta((er her tha&ks" -t last/ at last she was co(i&' i&to her ow&" 8er 'i$ts were %ei&' reco'&i*e ! 8ow wo& er$#l! 0he r#she strai'ht o$$ to tell >we&" >we& co#l har ly %elie2e her ears" 0he liste&e / 'ree& with ;ealo#sy" To ask Ma#ree& to o these thi&'s! It was #&%elie2a%le" '-re&'t yo# )lease / >we&3 I ca& o the( all %etter tha& the others/ ca&'t I3' crie Ma#ree&/ her )ale,%l#e eyes shi&i&' %ri'htly" '-t last the others are %e'i&&i&' to reali*e that I i lear& so(ethi&' at Ma*eley Ma&or"' 'Yo# a& yo#r Measley Ma&or/' sai >we&/ t#r&i&' away" Ma#ree& was shocke " 8a >we&/ >we& her $rie& / act#ally

==

sai 'Measley'3 0he (#st ha2e (ishear " 0he took >we& %y the ar(/ chatteri&' ha))ily" 4#t >we& was stra&'ely #&$rie& ly" 0he was so ;ealo#s that she co#l har ly a&swer a wor " Ma#ree& worke har " 0he )ro #ce two lots o$ 2erses/ two t#&es/ a& a 2ariety o$ esi'&s $or cost#(es" 0he lear&t the two so&'s that !arrell ha 'i2e& her/ 'oi&' alo&e i&to a $i$th,$or( (#sic,roo(/ where she let her lo# 2oice o#t to s#ch a& e6te&t/ a& so (#ch o$$ the &ote/ that the 'irls i& the &e6t (#sic,roo(s liste&e / startle a& a(a*e " It was &ot o&ly a lo# 2oice/ %#t it was &ot tr#e i& )itch it ke)t sli i&' o$$ the &ote/ a& 'oi&' $lat/ like a 'ra(o)ho&e ;#st a%o#t to r#& ow&" It (a e the asto&ishe 'irls i& the roo(s &ear%y shi2er ow& their s)i&es" 1hoe2er co#l it %e/ yowli&' like that3 4ri 'et/ Moira's $o#rth,$or( sister/ we&t to ha2e a look" >racio#s/ it was a $i$th,$or(er yowli&' i& there who was it Ma#ree& Little! 4ri 'et 'ri&&e a& we&t to $i& Co&&ie" The two o$ the( ha %eco(e $rie& s/ a& Co&&ie was 'ra #ally lea2i&' ?#th to hersel$/ co(i&' less a& less to ask $or her co()a&y" The two $o#rth,$or(ers )eere i&to the s+#are o$ 'lass wi& ow set i& the oor o$ the )ractice,roo( where Ma#ree& was si&'i&'" '8ear that3' sai 4ri 'et/ (alicio#sly" '1o& er$#l/ is&'t it3 Let's %oth 'o i&to the roo( &e6t oor a& yowl too" Co(e o&" It's e()ty &ow" I$ a $i$th,$or(er's allowe to o that/ so are we!' 0o the two o$ the( we&t &e6t oor a& (a e s#ch a h#lla%alloo/ )rete& i&' to %e a co#)le o$ o)era,si&'ers/ that e2eryo&e i& the corri or was startle "

=A

7&ly Ma#ree&/ lost i& her lo# 2oice/ soari&' to hi'her a& lo# er hei'hts/ hear &othi&'" 8er oor s# e&ly o)e&e a& Moira ca(e i&" 'M-<?EE.! 0h#t #)! 1e ca& e2e& hear yo# i& the co((o&,roo(!' Ma#ree& sto))e a%r#)tly" The&/ $ro( the &e6t roo( rose (ore yowls" Moira h#rrie there/ a(a*e " .ow what was 'oi&' o&3 Co&&ie sto))e as soo& as she saw Moira" 4#t 4ri 'et/ who care &othi&' $or her sister's a&'er/ sa&' o& 2i'oro#sly/ alteri&' the wor s o$ her s#&' at o&ce" '78888888! 8ere is M7I?-! 8E?E is 08E,EE"' '4ri 'et! 0to) that at o&ce!' sai Moira/ a&'rily" 4#t 4ri 'et i &'t sto)" '8E?E is 08EE,EEE!' she re)eate " '!i yo# hear what I sai 3' sho#te Moira" 4ri 'et sto))e $or %reath" T( &ot (aki&' &early s#ch a &oise as Ma#ree&/' she sai " '-& a&yway I kee) o& the &ote a& she oes&'t" I$ a $i$th,$or(er ca& yowl away like that why ca&'t we3' '.ow o&'t yo# start %ei&' cheeky/' %e'a& Moira/ 'oi&' white with a&&oya&ce" 'Yo# k&ow I wo&'t sta& that" Co&&ie/ 'o o#t o$ the roo(" I a 2ise yo# &ot to (ake close $rie& s with 4ri 'et" Yo#'ll o&ly 'et yo#rsel$ i&to tro#%le"' Co&&ie we&t/ scare " I$ it ha %ee& ?#th with her/ i& tro#%le/ she wo#l ha2e staye a& st#ck #) $or her %#t 4ri 'et was i$$ere&t" 0he always stoo #) $or hersel$" 0he $ace Moira &ow" 'That's a &ice thi&' to tell a&yo&e a%o#t yo#r sister/ Moira/' she sai " '1ashi&' yo#r irty li&e& i& )#%lic! Telli&' so(e%o y I'( &ot $it to (ake $rie& s with"'

AB

'I i &'t say that/' sai Moira" '1hy ca&'t yo# %eha2e yo#rsel$/ 4ri 'et3 I'( asha(e o$ yo#" I'( always heari&' thi&'s a%o#t yo#"' '1ell/ so a( I a%o#t yo#3' sai 4ri 'et" '1ho is the (ost o(i&eeri&' )erso& i& the $i$th3 Yo#! 1ho is the (ost #&)o)#lar hea ,'irl they'2e e2er ha 3 Yo#! 1ho i &'t 'o #) with the ol $i$th $or( %eca#se &o%o y co#l )#t #) with her3 Yo#!' '7h!' crie Moira/ whiter still with ra'e" 'Yo#'re #&%eara%le" I shall re)ort yo# to Miss 1illia(s/ yes/ a& Co&&ie too" -& I shall re)ort yo# e2ery si&'le ti(e I $i& yo# oi&' so(ethi&' yo# sho#l &'t" I k&ow how yo# s&eak o#t o$ yo#r or(y at &i'ht to talk to the thir ,$or(ers" I k&ow how yo# 'et o#t o$ the ;o%s yo# o#'ht to o" I hear thi&'s too!' '0&eak/' sai 4ri 'et/ It was a 2ery #'ly si'ht/ the two sisters sta& i&' there/ sho#ti&' at o&e a&other" Moira was tre(%li&' &ow a& so was 4ri 'et" Moira ha to kee) her ha& s well ow& to her si e/ she so %a ly wa&te to strike her sister" 4ri 'et ke)t well o#t o$ the way" 0he always ca(e o$$ worst i& a str#''le" There was a )a#se" 'Yo#'ll %e sorry i$ yo# o re)ort (e a%o#t this a$ter&oo&/' sai 4ri 'et at last" 'Fery sorry" I war& yo#" >o a& re)ort Ma#ree&! 0he'll e6)ect it o$ the o(i&eeri&' Moira! 4#t ;#st re(e(%er I'2e tea(e yo# yo#'ll %e sorry i$ yo# re)ort (e"' '1ell/ I shall/' sai Moira" 'It's (y #ty to" Fo#rth,$or(ers are&'t allowe i& these )ractice,roo(s/ yo# k&ow that"' 0he t#r&e a& le$t the roo(/ still tre(%li&'" 0he we&t to $i& Miss 1illia(s/ the $o#rth,$or( (istress" I$ she i &'t re)ort those two strai'htaway/ whilst she was $#rio#s/ she (i'ht &ot o it whe& her a&'er ha ie ow&"

A1

Miss 1illia(s was rather cool a%o#t the a$$air" 0he wrote ow& the two $o#rth,$or( &a(es Moira 'a2e her/ a& &o e " '?i'ht" I'll s)eak to the("' That was all" Moira wishe she ha &'t sai a&ythi&'" 0he $elt #&co($orta%le &ow a%o#t 4ri 'et's threats" 8ow co#l 4ri 'et (ake her sorry3 4ri 'et was so 2ery $ierce so(eti(es/ a& i s#ch #&acco#&ta%le thi&'s like the ti(e whe& she ha %roke& e2ery si&'le o&e o$ Moira's olls/ years a'o/ %eca#se Moira ha throw& o&e o$ 4ri 'et's toys o#t o$ the wi& ow" Yes/ Moira $elt eci e ly #&co($orta%le as she walke %ack to the co((o&,roo(" 4ri 'et wo#l certai&ly 'et %ack at her i$ she co#l !

A2

Chapter 14 THE PLOT IS SUCCESS$UL

M-<?EE. ha %ee& rather scare at Moira's s# e& arri2al i& the )ractice,roo(" 0he ha hear the a&'ry 2oices i& the &e6t roo( too/ whe& Moira ha le$t her/ a& ha %ee& e2e& (ore scare " It i &'t take (#ch to scare Ma#ree&! 0he sli))e h#rrie ly o#t o$ the roo( a& we&t o$$ to the classroo( to )#t the $i&ishi&' to#ches to her esi'&s" 0he was to show the( to the others that e2e&i&'" 0he saw >we&'s so#r $ace as she walke i&to the co((o&,roo( with her shea$ o$ esi'&s/ a& sheets a& sheets o$ (#sic a& 2erses" 7h/ Ma#ree& ha %ee& 2ery %#sy! I$ Ma('*elle a& Miss 5a(es ha k&ow& how har she ha %ee& at work they wo#l ha2e %ee& (ost s#r)rise " .either o$ the( ha a&y i ea that Ma#ree& ha it i& her to work at all" '1hat they ta#'ht at Ma*eley Ma&or I really o &ot k&ow/' Miss 5a(es sai to the other teachers each ti(e she correcte Ma#ree&'s work" '0el$,a (iratio& sel$,estee( sel$,)ity/' (#r(#re Miss 1illia(s/ who ta#'ht o&e lesso& i& the $i$th $or(/ a& ha ha +#ite e&o#'h o$ Ma#ree&" '4#t &ot sel$,co&trol/' sai Miss 5a(es" '1hat a school! It's a 'oo thi&' it's sh#t ow&"' E2eryo&e was i& the co((o&,roo( waiti&' $or Ma#ree&/ tho#'h &either >we& &or Catheri&e k&ew the little )lot that was %ei&' hatche %y the rest" Ma#ree& %ea(e ro#& " '.ow yo#'re 'oi&' to see so(ethi&'/' she sai / 'aily/ a& la#'he her silly little la#'h" 'It was always sai at Ma*eley Ma&or that I was a 'oo all,ro#& er o&'t thi&k I'( %oasti&'/ will yo# %#t ho&estly/ tho#'h I say it (ysel$/ I ca& o (ost thi&'s!'

A3

Ma#ree& was s#r)rise to hear so(e o$ the 'irls la#'hi&' +#ite hilario#sly" 'Yo#'re s#ch a ;oker/ Ma#ree&/' sai -licia/ a))reciati2ely" '-lways %ei&' really h#(oro#s"' This was a &ew i ea to Ma#ree&" .o%o y ha e2er calle her h#(oro#s %e$ore" 0he at o&ce we&t #) i& her ow& esti(atio&" '.ow/' she sai / 'I'll show yo# the esi'&s $irst" This is $or Ci& erella's %all cost#(e I'2e 'o&e %ack to the si6tee&th ce&t#ry $or it/ as yo# see"' 0hrieks o$ la#'hter ca(e $ro( e2eryo&e" 'Criceless!' sai !arrell/ )rete& i&' to wi)e her eyes" '8ow ca& yo# thi&k o$ it/ Ma#ree&3' '- )er$ect screa(/' sai Ma2is/ hol i&' #) the cr# e rawi&'/ with its )oor colo#ri&'" '1hat a ;oke! I i &'t k&ow yo#' s#ch a se&se o$ h#(o#r/ Ma#ree&"' Ma#ree& was )#**le " 0he ha &'t (ea&t the rawi&' to %e $#&&y at all" 0he ha tho#'ht it was %ea#ti$#l" 0he h#rrie o& to the &e6t o&e %#t the 'irls $orestalle her a& )icke #) the sheets/ showi&' the( ro#& to o&e a&other with s+#eals o$ la#'hter" 'Look at this o&e! I &e2er saw a&ythi&' so $#&&y i& (y li$e!' '>oo e&o#'h $or C#&ch! I say look at the %aro&'s $ace! -& what is he weari&'3' 'This o&e's )riceless" >osh/ Ma#ree& really is a h#(orist/ is&'t she3' The& Ire&e )icke #) the sheets o$ (#sic" '8allo! 8ere are the t#&es she has writte&! I %et they'll %e )riceless/ too" I'll )lay the( o2er"' 0he we&t to the co((o&,roo( )ia&o/ a& with a 2ery roll e6)ressio& o& her $ace she )laye the t#&es/ (aki&' the( so#& e2e& sillier tha& they were"
A4

E2eryo&e crow e ro#& the )ia&o/ la#'hi&'" 'Is&'t Ma#ree& a screa(! 0he ca& o $#&&y rawi&'s a& write ri ic#lo#s t#&es too!' Ma#ree& %e'a& to $eel $ri'hte&e " 1ere the 'irls really i& ear&est a%o#t all this3 They see(e to %e" 0#rely s#rely they co#l &'t really thi&k that all her lo2ely work was so %a that it was $#&&y3 They (#st %e thi&ki&' it was $#&&y o& )#r)ose )erha)s they tho#'ht she (ea&t it to %e! 0he t#r&e to $i& >we&" >we& wo#l #& ersta& " >we& was her $rie& / she ha tol >we& e2erythi&' how 'oo she was at rawi&'/ (#sic a& si&'i&'/ how har she ha worke at all this/ how )lease she was with the res#lts" >we& was looki&' at her a& it was&'t a &ice look" It was a tri#()ha&t look that sai / '-h )ri e co(es %e$ore a $all/ (y 'irl a& what a $all!' It was a look that sai / 'I'( 'la a%o#t all this" 0er2es yo# ri'ht"' Ma#ree& was shocke " >we& la#'he lo# ly/ a& ;oi&e i& with the others/ 'Fri'ht$#lly $#&&y! Criceless/ Ma#ree&! 1ho wo#l ha2e tho#'ht yo# co#l %e so $#&&y3' '.ow si&'/' sai Ma2is/ a& thr#st o&e o$ the so&'s i&to her ha& " 'Let's hear yo#" Yo#'2e s#ch a wo& er$#l 2oice/ ha2e&'t yo#/ so well,trai&e " I'( s#re it (#st %e a 'reat ;oy to yo#" 0i&'!' Ma#ree& i &ot are to re$#se" 0he 'a*e at the (#sic with %l#rre eyes a& sa&'" 8er lo# 2oice rose/ e2e& (ore o$$ the &ote tha& #s#al" It shook with isa))oi&t(e&t as the 'irls %e'a& to cla) a& cheer a& la#'h a'ai&" '8a ha! Liste& to that! Ca&'t she ha2e a co(ic )art i& the )lay/ !arrell/ a& si&' it3 0he' %ri&' the ho#se ow&" !i yo# e2er hear s#ch a 2oice3'

A5

Ma#ree& sto))e si&'i&'" Tears $ell ow& her cheek" 0he 'a2e o&e es)erate look at >we&/ a look %e''i&' $or a wor o$ )raise %#t &o&e ca(e" 0he t#r&e to 'o o#t o$ the roo(" Catheri&e ra& a$ter her" 'Ma#ree&! !o&'t take it like that" The 'irls o&'t (ea& a&ythi&'!' '7h yes we o/' sai !arrell/ #& er her %reath" '1e'2e %ee& cr#el to %e ki& " Catheri&e wo#l say a thi&' like that"' '!o&'t to#ch (e!' crie Ma#ree&" '0ai&t Catheri&e co(i&' all o2er )io#s a& 'oo y,'oo y a$ter yo#'2e la#'he at (e with the rest! 8o 0-I.T!' Catheri&e shra&k %ack as i$ she ha %ee& sla))e i& the $ace" .o%o y s(ile / e6ce)t >we&" Mary,Lo# looke #)set" 0he co#l &'t %ear sce&es o$ a&y sort" 4ill looke o& stoli ly" 0he 'ot #)" '1ell/ I'( 'oi&' ri i&'/' she sai " 'There's hal$ a& ho#r o$ ayli'ht le$t" Co(i&'/ Clarissa3' 4ill's soli &ess a& (atter,o$,$act 2oice (a e e2eryo&e $eel (ore &or(al" They watche 4ill a& Clarissa 'o o#t o$ the roo(" '1ell I o&'t so(ehow $eel that was +#ite s#ch a s#ccess as we ho)e /' sai 0ally" '-ct#ally I $eel rather low, ow&"' '0o o I/' sai !arrell" 'Ma#ree& is a co&ceite ass/ o$ co#rse/ a& %a ly &ee e taki&' ow& a )e' %#t I'( a$rai we'2e take& her ow& (ore )e's tha& we (ea&t to"' 'It wo&'t h#rt her/' sai >we&/ i& a s(#' 2oice" '0he thi&ks too (#ch o$ hersel$" I ca&'t thi&k why she's attache hersel$ to (e all these weeks"' -licia co#l &'t resist this" 'Like calls to like/ ear >we&/' she sai " '!ee) calls to ee)" Yo#'re as like as two )eas/ yo# a& Ma#ree&" It's %ee& a sweet si'ht to see yo# two to'ether"'

A6

'Yo# o&'t really (ea& that/ -licia3' sai >we&/ a$ter a s#r)rise a& h#rt sile&ce" '1e're &ot really alike/ Ma#ree& a& I" Yo#'2e let yo#r to&'#e r#& away with yo# as #s#al"' 'Thi&k a%o#t it/ ear >we& oli&e Mary/' -licia a 2ise her" '!o yo# %a%%le e& lessly a%o#t yo#r #ll $a(ily a& oi&'s3 0o oes Ma#ree&" !o yo# thi&k the worl o$ yo#rsel$3 0o oes Ma#ree&" !o yo# thi&k yo#' %e the o&e a& o&ly )erso& $it to %e Ci& erella i& the )lay3 0o oes Ma#ree&"' >we& s)ra&' to her $eet a& )oi&te her $i&'er at Moira" '7h! 5#st %eca#se yo# $o#& (e with (y hair ow& i& the or(y the other ay/ a& a towel ro#& (y sho#l ers yo# we&t a& tol the others that I wa&te to %e Ci& erella!' '1ell/ I i &'t reali*e it #&til I ca#'ht Ma#ree& oi&' e6actly the sa(e thi&'/' sai Moira" '4oth o$ yo# )osi&' with yo#r hair loose a& thi&'s ra)e ro#& yo#! -licia's )er$ectly ri'ht" Yo#'re as like as two )eas" Yo# o#'ht to %e $rie& s" Yo#'re al(ost twi&s!' '4#t I o&'t like Ma#ree&/' sai >we&/ i& a lo# a& a&'ry to&e" 'I'( &ot s#r)rise /' sai -licia's s(ooth 2oice/ a whole wealth o$ (ea&i&' i& it" ' Yo# sho#l k&ow what she's like/ sho#l &'t yo# seei&' that yo#'re al(ost twi&s!' >we& we&t sta()i&' o#t o$ the roo(/ $#(i&'" !arrell r#((e o& the ta%le with a )e&cil" 'I'( &ot aw$#lly )lease a%o#t all this/' she sai / i& rather a s(all 2oice" 'Too (#ch s)ite a& (alice a%o#t!' >we& s# e&ly )#t her hea i& at the oor a'ai& a& a resse Moira" 'I'll 'et e2e& with yo# $or telli&' the 'irls a%o#t (e a& Ma#ree& i& $ro&t o$ the 'lass!' she sai " 'Yo#'ll see I'll )ay yo# %ack/ hea ,'irl or &o hea ,'irl!'

A9

Moira $row&e a& 4eli& a a#to(atically reache $or her )e&cil" - 2ery $i&e scowl! 4#t !arrell took the )e&cil away with a %eseechi&' look" '.ot this ti(e/' she sai " 'There's too (#ch s)ite i& this roo( this e2e&i&'"' '-ll ri'ht 0ai&t !arrell!' sai 4eli& a/ a& !arrell ha to la#'h" Moira ca(e o2er to her" 'Let's cha&'e the s#%;ect/' she sai " '1hat a%o#t the ho#se,(atches3 Let's ha2e a look at the ki s yo#'2e )#t i&"' !arrell 'ot o#t the lists" Moira/ as hea ,'irl/ took a& i&terest i& the (atches i& which the $i$th,$or(ers )laye / a& %eca#se she like 'a(es/ she was i&tereste too i& the lower, school )layers" It was a%o#t the o&ly thi&' that she a& !arrell saw eye,to,eye a%o#t" 0oo& they were ee) i& isc#ssio&/ wei'hi&' #) the (erits o$ o&e )layer a'ai&st a&other" 'This (atch a'ai&st 1ells%ro#'h/' sai !arrell" '.e6t week's (atch/ I (ea&/ with the $o#rth tea( )layi&' 1ells%ro#'h's $o#rth tea(" I'2e )#t yo#&' 0#sa& i& a& I' like to )#t (y yo#&' sister/ Felicity i&" 1hat o yo# thi&k/ Moira3' '>oo 'racio#s/ yes' sai Moira" '0he's a%sol#tely $irst, class" 0#)er! ?#&s like the wi& a& &e2er (isses a catch" 0he (#st ha2e %ee& )ractisi&' like a&ythi&'!' '0he has/' sai !arrell" 'I ;#st hesitate %eca#se well/ %eca#se she's (y sister/ a& I was a %it a$rai I (i'ht %e showi&' $a2o#ritis(/ yo# k&ow"' '?ot!' sai Moira" 'Yo#' %e showi&' yo#rsel$ a %a ca)tai& i$ yo# i &'t stick the %est ki s i&to the tea(! -& I i&sist o& yo#r )#tti&' Felicity i&!' !arrell la#'he " 0he was )lease " '7h/ all ri'ht/ seei&' that yo# i&sist!' she sai / a& wrote Felicity's &a(e ow&" '>osh/ she'll %e )lease "'
A=

'8ow's 5#&e sha)i&'3' calle -licia" 'I'2e see& her )ractisi&' +#ite a %it lately" T#r&i&' o2er a &ew lea$ o yo# thi&k3' '1ell &ot really/' sai !arrell" 'I (ea& she )ractises a lot %#t whe& I coach her she's as o$$,ha& as e2er" .e2er a wor o$ tha&ks/ a& always rea y to ar'#e" I ca&'t )#t her i&to a (atch,tea( yet" 0he si()ly oes&'t #& ersta& the tea( s)irit yo# k&ow/ always )lays $or hersel$/ a& &ot $or the si e"' 'Yes/ yo#'re ri'ht/' sai Moira" 'I'2e &otice that/ too" Ca&'t ha2e a&yo&e i& the tea( who is&'t willi&' to )#ll their wei'ht"' !arrell 'la&ce c#rio#sly at Moira" 8ow (#ch &icer Moira was o2er this 'a(es +#estio& tha& o2er a&ythi&' else! 0he was $air a& ;#st a& i&tereste " 0he $or'ot to %e o(i&eeri&' a& o)i&io&ate " 1hat a )ity she was hea o$ the $or( she (i'ht ha2e %ee& so (#ch &icer i$ she ha ha to k&#ckle ow& to so(eo&e else" 'Co#l yo# take the lists ow& $or (e a& )#t the( #) o& the s)orts %oar 3' she sai to Moira" 'I'2e 'ot a whole hea) o$ thi&'s to o still"' Moira took the list ;#st as Catheri&e h#rrie to o$$er to take it" 'I'll take it/' sai Catheri&e/ who see(e to thi&k it was o&ly ri'ht she sho#l %e a oor(at $or e2eryo&e" '.o tha&ks/ 0ai&t Catheri&e/' sai Moira/ a& Catheri&e we&t re with h#(iliatio&" 0he ha o&e so (#ch $or Moira/ %ee& so &ice to her/ take& s#ch a lot o$ o&key,work o$$ her sho#l ers a& all she 'ot was that scor&$#l/ hate$#l &a(e 0ai&t Catheri&e" 0he 'a2e Moira a& #&e6)ecte ly s)ite$#l look" !arrell saw it a& shi2ere i()atie&tly" 'I o&'t like all this s)ite$#l&ess 'oi&' a%o#t/' she tho#'ht to hersel$" 'It always

AA

%oils #) i&to so(ethi&' %eastly" Fa&cy the sai&tly Catheri&e 'i2i&' her %elo2e Moira s#ch a )oiso&o#s look!' Moira we&t ow& with the lists" 0he )i&&e the list o$ &a(es $or the Fo#rth Tea( #) $irst/ hea i&' it/ 'TE-M F7? 1ELL04?7<>8 M-TC8'" I((e iately a crow o$ e6cite $irst,$or(ers swar(e ro#& her" 'Felicity! Yo#'re i&/ yo#'re i&!' yelle so(e%o y/ a& Felicity's $ace 'lowe ha))ily" '0o's 0#sa&" 4#t yo#'re &ot/ 5#&e/' sai a&other 2oice" 'Fa&cy a& yo#'2e %ee& )ractisi&' so har " 0ha(e!' '7h well what o yo# e6)ect !arrell wo#l %e s#re to )#t her sister i&/' sai 5#&e's 2oice" 0he was %itterly isa))oi&te / %#t she s)oke i& her #s#al ;a#&ty (a&&er" Moira hear " '5#&e! -)olo'i*e at o&ce! !arrell shows &o $a2o#ritis( at all" 0he was hal$,i&cli&e to lea2e Felicity o#t" I i&siste she sho#l %e )#t i&" -)olo'i*e i((e iately"' '1ell/' %e'a& 5#&e/ e$ia&tly/ rea y to ar'#e/ %#t Moira was i&siste&t" 'I sai / D-)olo'i*eD" Yo# hear (e" !o as yo#'re tol "' 'I a)olo'i*e/' sai 5#&e/ s#lkily" '4#t I %et it was yo# who (isse (e o#t!' 'I tol !arrell that I wo#l &'t ha2e a&yo&e i& the (atch, tea( who i &'t )lay $or the tea( a& &ot $or the(sel2es/' sai Moira/ c#rtly" 'Yo# o&'t )#ll yo#r wei'ht" Yo# )ractise a& )ractise a& the& i& a 'a(e all yo# wa&t to o is to 'o yo#r ow& way/ a& %low the others! .ot (y i ea o$ a 'oo s)orts(a&" Thi&k a%o#t it/ 5#&e"' 0he walke o$$/ &ot cari&' i& the least what the $irst, $or(ers tho#'ht o$ her o#ts)oke&&ess" 5#&e sai &othi&'" 0he looke rather +#eer/ 0#sa& tho#'ht" 0he we&t #) to her" 'It was (ea& to say all that i& $ro&t o$ #s/' she %e'a&" '0he sho#l ha2e " " "'

1BB

'1hat oes it (atter3' sai 5#&e/ s# e&ly ;a#&ty a'ai&" '!o yo# s#))ose I care t#))e&ce $or Moira/ or !arrell or -licia or a&y o$ those st#ck,#) $i$th,$or(ers3'

1B1

Chapter 1 GRAND MEETING

- >?-.! (eeti&' was calle to isc#ss the )a&to(i(e/ the casti&' o$ the characters/ a& the ti(es o$ rehearsal" !arrell ha $i&ishe her writi&'/ a& Ire&e ha co()lete the (#sic" E2erythi&' was rea y $or rehearsal" -ll the $i$th,$or(ers atte& e the (eeti&' i& the .orth Tower co((o&,roo(" It was 2ery crow e " - $ire %#r&e i& the %i' $ire,)lace/ $or it was &ow 7cto%er a& the &i'hts were col " Moira was i& the chair" Catheri&e rather a +#iet a& s#lky Catheri&e/ &ot +#ite so $ree with her %ea(i&' s(ile was at her le$t ha& / rea y to )ro2i e her with a&ythi&' she wa&te " The co((ittee sat o& chairs o& each si e o$ the ta%le" Moira %a&'e o& the ta%le with a %ook/ a& sho#te $or sile&ce" 0he 'ot it" Ceo)le always a#to(atically o%eye Moira! 0he ha that ki& o$ 2oice/ cris) a& c#rt" The (eeti&' %e'a&" !arrell was calle #)o& to e6)lai& the )a&to(i(e a& the characters i& it" 0he was also aske to rea the $irst act" Fery $l#she a& e6cite she 'a2e the liste&i&' $i$th, $or(ers a short s#((ary o$ the )a&to(i(e" They liste&e with (#ch a))ro2al" It so#& e 2ery 'oo " The&/ sta((eri&' a little at $irst/ !arrell rea the $irst act o$ the )a&to(i(e/ ;#st as she ha writte& it/ ialo'#e/ so&'s/ sta'e irectio&s a& e2erythi&'" There was a ee) sile&ce as she rea o&" 'That's the e& o$ the act/' she sai at last/ raisi&' her eyes hal$,shyly/ &ot a%sol#tely certai& i$ she ha carrie her liste&ers with her or &ot"
1B2

There was &o o#%t a%o#t that a seco& later" The 'irls sta()e a& cla))e a& cheere " !arrell was so )lease that she $elt hot with ;oy/ a& ha to wi)e her $orehea ry" Moira %a&'e $or sile&ce" '1ell/ yo#'2e all hear what a ;olly 'oo )lay !arrell a& 0ally ha2e 'ot to'ether/' she sai " '!arrell i (ost o$ it %#t 0ally was s)le& i too" Yo# ca& tell it will %ri&' the ho#se ow& i$ we ca& )ro #ce it )ro)erly"' '1ho's 'oi&' to )ro #ce it3' calle 4etty" 'I a(/' sai Moira/ )ro()tly" '-&y o%;ectio&s3' There were +#ite a lot o$ o#%t$#l $aces" .o%o y really o#%te Moira's a%ility to )ro #ce a )a&to(i(e %#t they i o#%t her tale&t $or 'etti&' the %est o#t o$ )eo)le" 0he r#%%e the( #) the wro&' way so (#ch" 'I thi&k it wo#l %e %etter to ha2e two )ro #cers/' sai so(e%o y" '?i'ht/' sai Moira/ )ro()tly" 0he i &'t (i& how (a&y there were so lo&' as she was o&e o$ the(" 0he (ea&t to %e the real )ro #cer/ a&yway" '1ho o yo# wa&t3' '4etty/ 4etty!' shrieke hal$ the $i$th,$or(ers" It was o%2io#sly )la&&e " Moira $row&e a little" 4etty! -licia's la#'hi&'/ careless/ cle2er $rie& " 'Yes let 4etty/' sai -licia/ s# e&ly" 0he $elt that she wo#l &'t %e a%le to work ha))ily with Moira alo&e $or lo&'" 4#t two )ro #cers wo#l %e easier" 0he co#l co&s#lt with 4etty all the ti(e! 4etty 'ri&&e ro#& a& took her )lace o& o&e o$ the co((ittee chairs" 'Tha&ks/' she sai " 'I'll )ro #ce the 'oo s all ri'ht!' '.ow to choose the characters/' sai Moira" '1e ha2e (ore or less worke the( o#t" I'll rea the("'

1B3

>we& oli&e a& Ma#ree& hel their %reath" 1as there a&y ho)e o$ %ei&' Ci& erella3 7r e2e& the Fairy,>o (other3 7r the Cri&ce3 Moira rea the list o#t" 'Ci& erella Mary,Lo#"' There was a 'as) $ro( Mary,Lo#/ >we& a& Ma#ree& o$ a(a*e(e&t $ro( Mary,Lo# a& isa))oi&t(e&t $ro( the others" '7h I ca&'t!' sai Mary,Lo#" 'Yo# ca&/' sai !arrell" '1e wa&t so(eo&e sort o$ )athetic,looki&' a %it scary so(eo&e a))eali&' a& %i', eye a& it has to %e so(eo&e who ca& act a& so(eo&e who ca& si&'"' '-& yo#'re e6actly ri'ht $or the )art/' sai 0ally" 'That's ri'ht (ake yo#r eyes %i' a& scare / Mary,Lo# yo#'re )oor little Ci& erella to the li$e!' E2eryo&e la#'he " Mary,Lo# ha to la#'h/ too" 8er eyes %e'a& to shi&e" 'I &e2er tho#'ht yo#' choose (e/' she sai " '1ell/ we ha2e/' sai !arrell" 'Yo# ca& act 2ery well a& yo#'2e a &ice si&'i&' 2oice/ tho#'h it's &ot 2ery lo# "' 'The Cri&ce Ma2is/' sai Moira" E2eryo&e k&ew that alrea y" The Cri&ce ha a lot o$ si&'i&' to o a& Ma2is wo#l o that wo& er$#lly well" 8er 2oice was %ea#ti$#l a'ai&/ a& Ire&e ha writte& so(e lo2ely t#&es $or her to si&' to !arrell's wor s" E2eryo&e cla))e " 'The 4aro& 4ill/' sai Moira/ a& there was a eli'hte la#'h" '7h yes! 4ill sta()i&' a%o#t i& ri i&',%reeches/ calli&' $or her horse!' crie Clarissa i& eli'ht" 'Fairy,'o (other Lo#ella/' sai Moira" E2eryo&e looke at Lo#ella who ca(e $ro( 0o#th Tower/ a& ha a tall/ sli( $i'#re/ 'ol e& c#rls a& a 'oo clear 2oice"

1B4

'8#rray!' sho#te all the 0o#th Tower 'irls/ 'la to ha2e so(eo&e $ro( their tower i& a 'oo )art" '4#tto&s the little %oots ?achel/' we&t o& Moira" '?achel ca& act ;olly well a& she's ha the sa(e )art %e$ore/ so she o#'ht to o it well"' '1ho are the <'ly 0isters3' calle a 2oice" >we&'s heart s# e&ly 'a2e a l#rch a& sa&k ow& i&to her shoes" <'ly 0isters! 0#))ose she ha %ee& chose& to %e o&e3 0he co#l &'t/ co#l &'t %ear it" 0he saw -licia 'ati&' at her (alicio#sly a& $elt s#re she ha %ee& chose&" 0he si()ly co#l &'t %ear it" 0he 'ot #)/ sayi&' she i &'t $eel 2ery well/ a& we&t towar s the oor" -licia s(ile " 0he co#l rea >we&'s tho#'hts e6tre(ely well" >we& was 'oi&' %eca#se she was a$rai her &a(e wo#l %e rea o#t &e6t as o&e o$ the <'ly 0isters" 'Yo#r heart worryi&' yo# a'ai&3' calle o&e o$ the 1est Tower 'irls to >we&/ a& e2eryo&e la#'he " >we& isa))eare " 0he (a e #) her (i& &ot to 'o %ack till the (eeti&' was o2er" Ma#ree& was also worrie a%o#t the sa(e thi&'" 0he tho#'ht a%o#t her ra%%it,teeth" Moira (i'ht thi&k she was (a e $or a& <'ly 0ister" 1hy/ oh why ha &'t she %ee& se&si%le a& ha her teeth strai'hte&e whe& she ha a cha&ce3 0he rew her #))er li) o2er the( to try a& hi e the(" '<'ly 0isters Cat a& ?ita!' sai Moira/ a& there was a& i&sta&t roar o$ a))ro2al $ro( the 'irls" Cat a& ?ita looke ro#& h#(oro#sly" They were twi&s/ a& certai&ly &ot #'ly %#t they ha #)t#r&e co(ical &oses/ eyes 2ery wi e,set/ a& hair that $lew o#t i& a shock" They were co(ical/ 'oo at acti&'/ a& wo#l (ake a s)le& i )air o$ <'ly 0isters"

1B5

'Tha&ks/ Moira!' calle o#t ?ita" 'That s#its #s ow& to the 'ro#& ri'ht ow& to o#r %i' #'ly $eet!' '!e(o& Ei&' -licia' sai Moira/ a& a'ai& there was a 'reat roar o$ a))ro2al/ le %y a eli'hte 4etty" Moira %ea(e ro#& / looki&' +#ite )leasa&t" '-licia's 'oi&' to o ;#''li&' a& co&;#ri&' as well as lea) a%o#t the sta'e like a e(o&/' she sai " 'I ca&'t thi&k o$ a&yo&e else who co#l %e a e(o& so s#ccess$#lly"' More shrieks o$ a))ro2al" Miss 5a(es/ &ot $ar o$$/ wo& ere what i& the worl was ha))e&i&'" It so#& e as i$ a%o#t $i$ty tho#sa& s)ectators at a $oot%all (atch were yelli&' the(sel2es hoarse" '5olly 'oo casti&'!' calle so(e%o y" '>o o&!' '1ell/ &ow we co(e to the ser2a&ts a& co#rtiers a& so o&/' sai Moira" 'That (ea&s the rest o$ yo#" There's a )art $or e2eryo&e/ e2e& tho#'h it (ay %e s(all"' '1hat a%o#t !arrell3' calle a 2oice" '!arrell's writte& the )lay a& will hel) i& the )ro #ci&'/' sai Moira" '0ally will hel) her too" They wo&'t %e i& it %eca#se their ha& s will %e $#ll" 1e're 'oi&' to ask Co) i$ he'll o the electricity )art he'll lo2e it"' Co) was the ha& y(a& o$ the school/ 2ery (#ch %elo2e / a& +#ite i&2al#a%le o& these occasio&s" 'It all so#& s ;olly 'oo /' sai 1i&&ie" '1he& are the rehearsals3' 'E2ery T#es ay e2e&i&'/ a& o& Fri ay e2e&i&'s too $or those who wa&t a& e6tra o&e/' sai Moira" '-& the )arts will %e se&t o#t to e2eryo&e to(orrow" For 'oo &ess' sake lear& the( as +#ickly as yo# ca&" It's ho)eless to kee) rea i&' the( whe& we rehearse yo# ca&'t act )ro)erly like that"' 'Yo# $or'ot to say that Ire&e's o&e the (#sic a& 4eli& a the ecoratio&s a& 5a&et's oi&' the cost#(es/' sai !arrell"
1B6

'.o/ I ha &'t/' sai Moira/ +#ickly" 'I was co(i&' to that" -&yway/ e2eryo&e k&ows it" 4y the way/ we'll %e 'la o$ a&y hel) $or 5a&et i& (aki&' the cost#(es" -&yo&e 'oo with their &ee le will %e welco(e " 5a&et will 'i2e o#t the work i$ yo#'ll %e ece&t e&o#'h to ask her $or it"' More cla))i&'" The& a s)ate o$ e6cite talk" This was 'oi&' to %e the %est )a&to(i(e e2er! It wo#l (ake the whole school sit #)! It wo#l %ri&' the ho#se ow&" 'There's &e2er %ee& a show %e$ore where the 'irls wrote the so&'s a& wor s a& (#sic the(sel2es/' sai 1i&&ie" 'My wor wo&'t the >rayli&' o)e& her eyes!' - %ell we&t so(ewhere a& e2eryo&e 'ot #)" '1e'll %e at rehearsal! 1e'll lear& o#r )arts! Ma2is/ what a%o#t the si&'i&'3 -re yo# 'oi&' to trai& the chor#s3' Chatteri&' a& calli&' they all we&t to their ow& Towers" !arrell si'he ha))ily a& )#t her ar( thro#'h 0ally's" 'This is a%o#t the (ost e6citi&' thi&' I'2e e2er o&e i& (y li$e/ 0ally/' she sai " 'Yo# k&ow I sho#l &'t %e s#r)rise i$ I o&'t t#r& o#t to %e a writer/ o&e o$ these ays!'

1B9

Chapter 1# $ELICIT),S $IRST MATCH

FELICITY ca(e to see !arrell the &e6t ay a%o#t the (atch with 1ells%ro#'h 0chool" 0he looke with %ri'ht eyes at her $i$th,$or( sister" 'I say! Fa&cy (e )layi&' i& the Fo#rth 0chool Tea(! I tho#'ht )erha)s I (i'ht %y the e& o$ the ter(/ with l#ck %#t &e6t week" Tha&ks aw$#lly $or )#tti&' (e i&/ !arrell"' '1ell/ act#ally it was Moira who i&siste o& )#tti&' yo# i&/' sai !arrell" 'I wa&te to a& yet I ;#st wo& ere i$ I was thi&ki&' $a2o#ra%ly o$ yo# %eca#se yo# were (y sister/ yo# k&ow" The& Moira sai yo# (#st certai&ly 'o i&/ a& i& yo# we&t"' '5#&e's aw$#lly isa))oi&te she's &ot i&/' sai Felicity" '0he's %ee& )ractisi&' like a&ythi&'/ !arrell" 0he )rete& s she oes&'t care/ %#t she oes really" I wish she wo#l &'t say s#ch aw$#l thi&'s a%o#t yo# $i$th,$or(ers all the ti(e she really see(s to ha2e 'ot her k&i$e i&to yo#" It's horri "' '0he'll 'et o2er it/' sai !arrell" '1e o&'t lose a&y slee) o2er yo#&' 5#&e/ I ca& tell yo#!' '1ill yo# %e a%le to co(e a& watch the 1ells%ro#'h (atch3' aske Felicity/ ea'erly" '7h o" I shall )lay e2er so (#ch %etter i$ yo#'re there/ yelli&' a& cheeri&'"' '7$ co#rse I'll co(e/' sai !arrell" '-& I'll yell like a&ythi&' so ;#st %e s#re yo# 'i2e (e so(ethi&' to yell $or!' The $irst,$or(ers )raye $or a $i&e ay $or their (atch" It was to %e at ho(e/ &ot away/ a& as it was the $irst ti(e they ha )laye 1ells%ro#'h Fo#rth Tea(/ they were really e6cite a%o#t it" The se&ior school s(ile to see the '%a%ies' so e6cite " They re(e(%ere how they/ too/ ha $elt whe& they ha the
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eli'ht o$ )layi&' i& a& i()orta&t (atch $or the 2ery $irst ti(e" '.ice to see the( so kee&/' sai Moira to !arrell" 'I thi&k I'll 'et (y lacrosse stick a& 'o a& 'i2e the( a %it o$ coachi&' %e$ore i&&er" I'2e 'ot hal$ a& ho#r"' 'I'll $etch yo#r stick/' sai Catheri&e at o&ce/ i& her #s#al oor(at 2oice" '.o tha&ks/ 0ai&t Catheri&e/' a&swere Moira/ 'I'( still a%le to walk to the locker a& reach (y ow& stick"' The ay o$ the (atch aw&e %ri'ht a& clear/ a (a'&i$ice&t 7cto%er ay" The trees ro#& the )layi&' $iel s sho&e re a& %row& a& yellow i& their a#t#(& colo#rs" The %ree*e $ro( the sea was salty a& cris)" -ll the 'irls re;oice as they 'ot #) that (or&i&' a& looke o#t o$ the wi& ow" Malory Towers was so lo2ely o& a ay like this" The ha))iest 'irls/ o$ co#rse/ were the s(all $irst, $or(ers/ e6cite twel2e,year,ol s who talke to o&e a&other at the to)s o$ their 2oices witho#t sto))i&'" 8ow they e2er hear what a&yo&e else sai was a (ystery" Miss Cotts/ the $irst,$or( (istress/ was le&ie&t that (or&i&'" 0o was Ma('*elle who was always e6cite hersel$ whe& a&y o$ her classes were" '1ell/ so to ay is yo#r (atch3' she sai to the $irst $or(" 'Yo# will )lay well/ &'est,ce )as3 Yo# will wi& all the 'oals" I shall co(e to watch" -& $or the 'irl that wi&s a 'oal " " "' '0hoots a 'oal/ Ma('*elle/' sai 0#sa&" '0hoots! -h yes %#t yo# ha2e &o '#& to shoot a 'oal/' sai Ma('*elle/ who &e2er co#l lear& the la&'#a'e o$ s)orts" '1ell/ well $or the 'irl who shoots a 'oal I will say D&o Fre&ch )re) to(orrowD!' '4#t/ Ma('*elle that's &ot $air!' crie a o*e& 2oices" '1e're &ot all i& the (atch o&ly Felicity a& 0#sa& a& Fera"'
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'-h/ I $or'ot/' sai Ma('*elle" 'That is so" The& what shall I say3' '0ay yo#'ll let #s all o$$ Fre&ch )re) $or the rest o$ the week i$ we wi&!' calle Felicity" '.o/ &o/' sai Ma('*elle/ shocke " 'For o&e ay o&ly I sai " .ow/ it is #& erstoo i$ yo# wi& yo#r (atch &o Fre&ch )re) $or yo# to(orrow!' 'Yo#'re a )each/ Ma('*elle/' calle a eli'hte $irst, $or(er" 'Co((e&t!' sai Ma('*elle/ asto&ishe " 'Yo# call (e a )each" .e2er ha2e I " " "' 'It's all ri'ht/ Ma('*elle it's a co()li(e&t/' sai Felicity" Ceaches are wi*ar "' Ma('*elle 'a2e it #)" '.ow we will ha2e o#r 2er%s/' she sai " 'Ca'e thirty,$i2e/ s'il 2o#s )laJt/ a& &o (ore talki&'"' The 1ells%ro#'h 'irls arri2e at twe&ty )ast two i& a %i' coach" They were rather ol er tha& the Malory Towers tea(/ a& see(e (#ch %i''er" The Malory Towers 'irls $elt a little &er2o#s" The two ca)tai&s shook ha& s a& the tea(s &o e a& s(ile at o&e a&other" The 'a(es (istress %lew her whistle a& the tea(s ca(e ro#& her" The ca)tai&s tosse $or e& s" The tea(s took their )ositio&s i& the $iel " Felicity 'ri))e her lacrosse stick as i$ it (i'ht lea) $ro( her ha& i$ she i &'t" 0he )#t o& a 'ri( e6)ressio& that (a e e2eryo&e who saw it s(ile" 8er k&ees shook ;#st a little! 8ow she ho)e &o%o y co#l see the(" It was silly to %e &er2o#s i& a (atch ;#st the ti(e &ot to %e! '>oo l#ck/' whis)ere 0#sa&/ who was &ot $ar o$$" '0hoot a 'oal!' Felicity &o e / still looki&' 'ri("

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!arrell a& Moira a& 0ally were to'ether/ watchi&'" Most o$ the other $i$th,$or(ers were there/ too/ %eca#se (a&y o$ the( hel)e the yo#&'er o&es a& were i&tereste i& their )lay" - 'oo s)ri&kli&' o$ the other $or(s were also there" 1ells%ro#'h was a s)le& i school $or s)ort a& #s#ally se&t o#t $irst,class (atch,tea(s" 'Yo#r s(all sister looks )retty $ierce/' sai 0ally to !arrell" 'Look at her! 0he (ea&s to o a& are all ri'ht!' The (atch %e'a&" The %all shot o#t ow& the $iel / a& the 'irls %e'a& to race a$ter it/ )icki&' it #) i& their &ets/ throwi&' it/ catchi&' it/ k&ocki&' it o#t a'ai&/ )icki&' it #)/ tackli&' o&e a&other a& (aki&' the o&lookers yell with e6cite(e&t" The 1ells%ro#'h tea( shot the $irst 'oal" It we&t clea& i&to the &et/ +#ite i()ossi%le to sto)" The twel2e,year,ol 'oal,kee)er was 2ery ow&cast" 7&e to 1ells%ro#'h! Felicity 'ritte her teeth" 1ells%ro#'h ha the lea &ow" 0he shot a look at !arrell" Yes/ there she was/ &e2er taki&' her eyes o$$ the %all" Felicity lo&'e to o so(ethi&' really s)ectac#lar a& (ake !arrell a&ce a& cheer with )ri e" 4#t the 1ells%ro#'h tea( was to#'h/ a& &o%o y co#l o a&ythi&' 2ery startli&'" -lways there was a 1ells%ro#'h 'irl rea y to k&ock the %all o#t o$ a Malory Towers lacrosse &et as soo& as it was there! -& always there was a 1ells%ro#'h 'irl who see(e to %e a%le to r#& $aster tha& a&y o$ the ho(e tea(" It was (a e&i&'" Felicity a& 0#sa& %eca(e 2ery o#t o$ %reath a& )a&te a& )#$$e as they tore ow& the $iel / their hearts %eati&' like )isto&s! -& the& 0#sa& shot a 'oal! It was (ost #&e6)ecte " 0he was teari&' ow& the $iel / $ar $ro( the 'oal/ with two 1ells%ro#'h 'irls a$ter her/ a& Felicity r#&&i&' #) to catch the %all i$ 0#sa& )asse it"
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0#sa& took a +#ick 'la&ce ro#& to see i$ Felicity was rea y to catch it" - 1ells%ro#'h 'irl ra& #) %esi e Felicity/ a tall 'irl who wo#l )ro%a%ly take the %all i&stea o$ Felicity/ i$ it was )asse " 4low! 7& the s)#r o$ the (o(e&t 0#sa& $l#&' the %all at the ista&t 'oal" It was a )ower$#l throw/ a& the %all $lew strai'ht" The 'oal,kee)er r#she o#t to catch it %#t she (isse / a& the %all %o#&ce ri'ht i&to the 2ery (i le o$ the &et! Cheers ra&' o#t $ro( the s)ectators" !arrell yelle too" The& she t#r&e to Moira" '- 2ery l#cky 'oal" Those $ar throws o&'t #s#ally co(e o$$ %#t that o&e i " 7&e all!' It was al(ost hal$,ti(e" 7&e (i&#te to 'o" The %all ca(e to Felicity a& she ca#'ht it e$tly i& her &et/ ;#()i&' hi'h i& the air $or it" '>oo !' yelle e2eryo&e/ )lease to see s#ch a $i&e catch" Felicity s)e o$$ with it a& )asse to ?ita" 0he i &'t see a %i' 1ells%ro#'h 'irl r#&&i&' #) to her a& colli e hea2ily" 72er she we&t o& the 'ro#& a& $elt a& a'o&i*i&' )ai& i& her ri'ht a&kle" It was so shar) that she co#l &'t 'et #)" Thi&'s we&t %lack aro#& her" Coor Felicity was horri$ie " .o/ &o/ she (#st&'t $ai&t! .ot o& the )layi&',$iel i& the (i le o$ the (atch! 0he co#l &'t! The whistle we&t $or hal$,ti(e" Felicity hea2e a lo&' shaky si'h o$ relie$" Fi2e (i&#tes' rest" 1o#l her a&kle %e all ri'ht3 0he was&'t 'oi&' to $ai&t a$ter all! 0he sat there o& the 'rass/ )rete& i&' to $i le with her lacrosse %oot till she $elt a little %etter" 0#sa& ca(e r#&&i&' #)" 'I say yo# we&t o2er with a terri$ic wallo)" !i yo# h#rt yo#rsel$3'

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'Twiste (y a&kle a little/' sai Felicity" 0he looke 2ery white a& 0#sa& was alar(e " The 'a(es (istress ca(e #)" 'Twiste yo#r a&kle3 Let's ha2e a look"' 0he #& i the %oot +#ickly a& looke at Felicity's $oot/ )ressi&' it a& t#r&i&' it" 'It's a& or i&ary twist/' she sai " '8orri%ly )ai&$#l whe& it ha))e&s/ I k&ow" Yo#' %etter co(e o$$ a& let yo#r reser2e )lay"' Felicity was al(ost i& tears" !arrell ca(e r#&&i&' #)" '8as she twiste her a&kle3 7h/ she o$te& oes that" 8er ri'ht a&kle's a %it weak" !a y always tells her to %a& a'e it $airly ti'htly ro#& the $oot ;#st here a& walk o& it i((e iately/ &ot lie #)"' '1ell/ I'( a'reea%le to that i$ Felicity ca& sta& o& it all ri'ht/ a& r#&/' sai the (istress" 'It's #) to her"' 0#sa& %ro#'ht Felicity a le(o& +#arter to s#ck" 0he %e'a& to $eel (#ch %etter a& colo#r ca(e %ack i&to her checks" 0he stoo #)/ testi&' her a&kle 'i&'erly" The& she s(ile " 'It's all ri'ht" It will %e %lack a& %l#e to(orrow/ %#t there's &othi&' really wro&'" I& a $ew (i&#tes ti(e it will %e %etter"' The 'a(es (istress %o#& the $oot #) ti'htly/ a& Felicity )#t o& her %oot a'ai&" The $oot ha swolle& a little %#t &ot (#ch" Chewi&' her le(o&/ Felicity ho%%le a%o#t $or a (i&#te or two/ $eeli&' the $oot 'etti&' %etter a& %etter as she we&t" '.othi&' (#ch wro&'/' re)orte the 'a(es (istress" '&asty twist %#t Felicity's a eter(i&e little character/ a& where a&other 'irl wo#l (oa& a& (ake a $#ss a& 'o o$$ li()i&'/ she's 'oi&' to 'o o& )layi&'" It wo&'t o the $oot a&y har( )ro%a%ly o it 'oo "'

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The whistle we&t a'ai&/ a$ter a little lo&'er hal$,ti(e to 'i2e Felicity a cha&ce to reco2er" The 'irls took their )laces/ all at the o))osite e& s this ti(e" 0#sa& was a (ar2el that seco& hal$" 0he sa2e Felicity all she co#l / a& lea)t a%o#t a& ra& like a (a March hare! E2eryo&e cheere her" Felicity's $oot cease to h#rt her" 0he $or'ot a%o#t it" 0he %e'a& to r#& a'ai&/ a& (a e a&other wo& er$#l catch that set all the s)ectators cheeri&'" 0he tackle a 1ells%ro#'h 'irl a& 'ot the %all away" 0he ra& $or 'oal" '0hoot!' yelle e2eryo&e" '0877T!' 4#t/ %e$ore she co#l shoot/ the %all was k&ocke o#t o$ her &et a& a 1ells%ro#'h 'irl was s)ee i&' %ack ow& the $iel with it" 0he )asse the %all o&/ a& it was ca#'ht a& )asse a'ai&/ a& shot strai'ht at the Malory Towers 'oal" '0a2e it/ sa2e it!' yelle e2eryo&e i& a'o&y" The 'oal, kee)er stoo there like a rock" 0he (a e a wil slash with her lacrosse stick a& (irac#lo#sly ca#'ht the har r#%%er %all/ $li&'i&' it o#t to a Malory Towers 'irl at o&ce" '.o 'oal/ &o 'oal!' sa&' the 'irls i& eli'ht" '1ell sa2e / 8il a/ well sa2e !' 'Looks as i$ it's 'oi&' to %e a raw/' sai Moira/ 'la&ci&' at her watch" '7&ly two (i&#tes (ore" Felicity's li()i&' ;#st a %it a'ai&" Cl#cky ki to r#& o& as she i "' '0he's 'ot the %all!' crie !arrell/ cl#tchi&' Moira i& e6cite(e&t" '-&other (ar2ello#s catch! My wor / )ractice oes )ay! 0he catches %etter tha& a&yo&e" Look/ she's ke)t it!' Felicity was r#&&i&' ow& the $iel with the %all" 0he was tackle %y a 1ells%ro#'h 'irl/ o 'e / t#r&e hersel$ ri'ht ro#& a& )asse to 0#sa&" 0#sa& ca#'ht it a& i((e iately )asse it %ack to Felicity/ seei&' two o$ the e&e(y co(i&' strai'ht at her" Felicity &early i &'t catch it/
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%eca#se it was s#ch a hi'h throw/ %#t %y lea)i&' like a 'oat she 'ot it i&to the ti) o$ her &et/ a& it ra& ow& sa$ely" The& o$$ she we&t/ teari&' ow& the $iel / her $ace set 'ri(ly" '0877T!' yelle the 'irls" '0877777777777T!' -& she shot/ ;#st as the stick o$ a& e&e(y ca(e crashi&' ow& to 'et the %all $ro( her" The %all shot o#t hi'h i& the air/ a& the 'oal,kee)er r#she o#t to 'et it" 0he (isse it a& the %all %o#&ce a& ra& slowly a& eli%erately i&to a cor&er o$ the 'oal/ where it lay still as i$ +#ite tire o#t with the 'a(e" '>7-L!' yelle e2eryo&e/ a& we&t co()letely (a " Moira/ 0ally a& !arrell sw#&' each other ro#& i& a (ost #& i'&i$ie way $or $i$th,$or(ers/ 4ill a& Clarissa i a ki& o$ %ar&, a&ce to'ether/ a& as $or the lower school/ they %e'a& a (ost ea$e&i&' cha&t that (a e Ma('*elle )#t her ha& s to her ears at o&ce" '1ell o&e Felici TEEEEEE! 1ell o&e Felici TEEEEEE!' The whistle we&t $or ti(e" The tea(s troo)e o$$/ re i& the $ace/ )a&ti&'/ la#'hi&' a& ha))y" Felicity was li()i&' a little/ %#t so ha))y a& )ro# that she wo#l &'t ha2e &otice i$ she ha li()e with %oth $eet! !arrell th#()e her o& the %ack" 'Yo# 'ot the wi&&i&' 'oal/ (y 'irl! Yo# i the trick! >osh/ I'( )ro# o$ yo#!' Moira th#()e her/ too" 'I'( 'la we )#t yo# i&to the tea(/ Felicity! Yo#'ll %e there $or the rest o$ the ter(" Yo#'2e 'ot tea(,s)irit all ri'ht" Yo# )lay $or yo#r si e all the ti(e"' 5#&e was ;#st &ear%y" 0he hear what Moira sai / a& $elt s#re she was sayi&' it so that she (i'ht hear" 0he t#r&e away/ sick at heart" 0he (i'ht ha2e %ee& )layi&' i& the (atch she (i'ht e2e& ha2e shot that wi&&i&' 'oal" 4#t Felicity ha

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i&stea " 5#&e co#l &'t 'o a& th#() Felicity o& the %ack or co&'rat#late her" 0he was ;ealo#s" Felicity was too ha))y to &otice little thi&'s like that" 0he we&t o$$ with her tea( a& the 1ells%ro#'h 'irls to a 's(ashi&'' tea" -&yo&e seei&' the )iles o$ sa& wiches/ %#ttere a& ;a((y %#&s/ a& slices o$ $r#it cake )ile hi'h o& %i' ishes wo#l thi&k that s#rely it wo#l &ee twe&ty tea(s to eat all that! 4#t the two tea(s (a&a'e it all %etwee& the( +#ite easily" 1hat $#& it all was! 1hat a &oise o$ sho#ti&' a& la#'hter a& whole,hearte (erri(e&t" '0chool's s(ashi&'/' tho#'ht Felicity/ (#&chi&' her $o#rth ;a((y %#&" '0#)er! 1i*ar !'

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Chapter 1% HAL$-TERM
?E8E-?0-L0 %e'a&" - T#es ay a& a Fri ay ca(e/ a& a&other T#es ay three rehearsals alrea y! 'I thi&k it's 'oi&' well/ o&'t yo#3' sai !arrell to 0ally" 'Little Mary,Lo# k&ows her )art alrea y she (#st ha2e sla2e at lear&i&' it/ %eca#se Ci& erella has al(ost (ore to say the& a&yo&e"' 'Yes a& she's 'oi&' to look the )art e6actly/' sai 0ally" '1ho wo#l e2er ha2e tho#'ht that ti(i little Mary, Lo#/ who was scare e2e& o$ her ow& sha ow whe& she was i& the lower school/ wo#l %e a%le to take the )ri&ci)al )art i& a )a&to(i(e &ow!' '0hows what Malory Towers oes to yo#!' sai !arrell" '0till/ I s#))ose a&y 'oo %oar i&',school oes the sa(e thi&'s (akes yo# sta& o& yo#r ow& $eet/ r#%s o$$ yo#r cor&ers/ teaches yo# co((o&,se&se/ (akes yo# acce)t res)o&si%ility"' 'It e)e& s o& the )erso&!' sai 0ally/ with a la#'h" 'It oes&'t see( to ha2e ta#'ht ear >we& oli&e Mary (#ch"' '1ell/ I s#))ose there (#st %e e6ce)tio&s/' sai !arrell" '0he's a%o#t the o&ly o&e that's co(e #) the school with #s who oes&'t see( to ha2e lear&t a&ythi&' se&si%le at all"' 'It was a shock whe& we tol her she a& Ma#ree& (i'ht %e twi&s!' sai 0ally" '0he really saw hersel$ the& as others see her" -&yway/ I thi&k she is %etter tha& she was es)ecially si&ce she's ha to 'o i& $or 'a(es a& 'y( )ro)erly"' '0he oes&'t like %ei&' a ser2a&t i& the )lay/' sai !arrell/ with o&e o$ her wi e 'ri&s" '.or oes Ma#ree&" They'2e &either o$ the( 'ot a wor to say i& the )lay/ a& &ot (#ch to o either %#t as they %oth act so %a ly/ it's ;#st as well!'
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'It's a& aw$#l %low to their )ri e/' sai 0ally" 'I say 4ill's 'oi&' to %e 'oo / is&'t she3 0he's the s#rly %aro& to the li$e as she stri es a%o#t the sta'e i& her ri i&',%oots/ a& sla)s her whi) a'ai&st her si e!' Yes the )lay was really 'oi&' +#ite well" The $i$th, $or(ers were al(ost sorry that it was hal$,ter( weeke& %eca#se it (ea&t (issi&' a rehearsal that Fri ay" 0till/ it wo#l %e lo2ely to see their )eo)le a'ai&" !arrell ha a lot to tell her )are&ts a& so ha Felicity" Felicity's a&kle ha certai&ly %ee& %lack a& %l#e the &e6t ay/ a& she showe it o$$ )ro# ly to the $irst,$or(ers" 1hat a (ar2el to shoot a 'oal whe& yo# ha a& a&kle like that! Felicity was +#ite the heroi&e o$ the lower school" 8al$,ter( ca(e a& we&t/ all too +#ickly" !arrell's $ather a& (other ca(e/ a& ha to liste& to two e6cite 'irls %oth talki&' at o&ce a%o#t )a&to(i(es a& (atches" '1e're rehearsi&' well/ a& (y wor s so#& $i&e/ a& yo# sho#l see Mary,Lo# as Ci& erella/' crie !arrell at the to) o$ her 2oice" '-& whe& I shot the wi&&i&' 'oal I si()ly co#l &'t %elie2e it/ %#t there was s#ch a terri$ic &oise o$ cheeri&' a& sho#ti&' that I ha to/' sho#te Felicity/ at the sa(e ti(e as !arrell" 8er (other s(ile " 1hat a )air! Fo#r o$ 4ill's %rothers ca(e to see her/ a& her (other as well/ all o& horse%ack! It was the %oys' hal$,ter(/ too/ a& 4ill ro e o$$ ha))ily/ taki&' Clarissa with her" '1hat a lo2ely way to s)e& hal$,ter(/' tho#'ht Clarissa/ 'ri i&' all ay lo&'/ a& ha2i&' a )ic&ic l#&ch a& tea!' >we& oli&e watche her 'o ;ealo#sly" I$ she ha %ee& se&si%le last ter( she co#l ha2e %ee& Clarissa's $rie& " 4#t she ha &'t %ee& se&si%le a& &ow she was st#ck with that aw$#l Ma#ree&!
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The rea $#l thi&' was that Ma#ree&'s )are&ts co#l &'t co(e at the last (o(e&t/ so Ma#ree& ha &o o&e to 'o o#t with" 0he we&t to tell >we&" '7h/ >we& are yo# taki&' a&yo&e o#t with yo#3 My )are&ts ca&'t co(e" I'( so %itterly isa))oi&te "' >we& stare at her crossly" This wo#l ha))e&/ o$ co#rse" .ow she wo#l ha2e to ha2e Ma#ree& ta''i&' a%o#t with her all ay lo&'" 0he i&tro #ce Ma#ree& to her (other a& Miss 1i&ter/ her ol 'o2er&ess/ with a 2ery %a 'race" 'Mother this is Ma#ree&" 8er )are&ts ha2e&'t co(e to ay/ so I sai she co#l co(e with #s"' '7$ co#rse/ o$ co#rse!' sai Mrs" Lacy at o&ce" -s #s#al she was resse i& $ar too $#ssy thi&'s/ with 2eils a& scar2es a& %its a& )ieces $lyi&' e2erywhere" 'Coor chil what a sha(e!' Ma#ree& war(e to Mrs" Lacy" 8ere was so(eo&e she co#l talk to easily" 0he 'a2e her silly little la#'h" '7h/ Mrs" Lacy/ it's so ki& o$ yo# to let (e co(e with yo#" It's (y $irst ter( here/ yo# k&ow a& really I o&'t k&ow what I' ha2e o&e witho#t ear >we& oli&e" 0he's really %ee& a $rie& i& &ee "' 'I'( s#re she has/' sai Mrs" Lacy" '>we& oli&e is always so ki& " .o wo& er she is so )o)#lar"' '-& o yo# k&ow/ the 'irls say >we& a& I o#'ht to %e $rie& s/ %eca#se we're so alike/' chattere Ma#ree&/ t#cki&' the r#' ro#& hersel$ i& the car" '1e'2e %oth 'ot 'ol e& hair a& %l#e eyes/ a& they say we'2e 'ot the sa(e ways/ too" -re&'t I l#cky to ha2e $o#& a twi&!' This was the ki& o$ co&2ersatio& that %oth Miss 1i&ter a& Mrs" Lacy #& erstoo a& like " Miss 1i&ter (a e +#ite a $#ss o$ Ma#ree&/ a& >we& i &'t like that at all"
11A

>we& ho)e that Ma#ree& wo#l say &ice thi&'s a%o#t her as she was taki&' her o#t $or the ay" 4#t Ma#ree& i &'t" Ma#ree& talke a%o#t hersel$ the whole ti(e" 0he escri%e her ho(e/ her $a(ily/ her o's/ her 'ar e&/ all the holi ays she ha e2er ha / a& all the ill&esses" >we& co#l &'t 'et a wor i&/ a& a$ter a ti(e she $ell sile&t a& s#lke " '1hat a %ore Ma#ree& is! 8ow silly! 8ow sel$ish a& co&ceite !' tho#'ht >we&/ s#lkily" '1hat a silly a$$ecte la#'h"' 8er (other (a e a (ost terri$yi&' re(ark at l#&ch,ti(e" 0he %ea(e ro#& at %oth 'irls" 'Yo# k&ow/ e6ce)t that Ma#ree&'s teeth stick o#t a little/ yo# two are really 2ery alike! Yo#'2e 'ot >we&'s lo2ely way o$ chatteri&' all a%o#t yo#r oi&'s/ Ma#ree& a& e2e& yo#r la#'h is the sa(e is&'t it/ Miss 1i&ter3' 'Yes/ they really (i'ht %e sisters/' a'ree Miss 1i&ter/ s(ili&' ki& ly at the eli'hte Ma#ree&" 'Their ways are e6actly the sa(e/ a& e2e& their 2oices"' >we& $elt +#ite sick" 0he co#l har ly eat a&y i&&er" I$ her (other a& Miss 1i&ter/ who really a ore her/ ho&estly tho#'ht that that aw$#l/ %ori&'/ co&ceite Ma#ree& was e6actly like her/ the& she/ >we&/ (#st %e a really a))alli&' )erso& too" .o wo& er she was&'t )o)#lar" .o wo& er the 'irls la#'he at her" That ay was a really terri%le o&e $or >we&" To sit %y so(e%o y who was s#))ose to %e like her/ to hear her ow& silly la#'h #ttere %y Ma#ree&/ to liste& to her e2erlasti&'/ #ll tales a%o#t hersel$/ a& see her ow& shallow/ i&si&cere s(ile s)rea o2er Ma#ree&'s $ace was a horri%le e6)erie&ce" 'I shall &e2er $or'et this/' tho#'ht )oor >we&" '.e2er" I'll %e ;olly care$#l how I %eha2e i& $#t#re" -& I'll alter (y la#'h strai'htaway" !o I really la#'h like that3 Yes I o" 7h/ I o $eel so asha(e "'
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'>we&'s 2ery +#iet/' sai Miss 1i&ter/ at last" '-&ythi&' wro&'/ >we&3' '7h/ )oor >we& she's so isa))oi&te %eca#se she's &ot chose& $or Ci& erella/' sai Ma#ree&/ swi$tly" '1ell/ so were yo#!' retorte >we&"' Yo# tho#'ht yo# were 'oi&' to %e" Moira sai so!' '>irls/ 'irls! !o&'t talk like that to o&e a&other/' sai Mrs" Lacy/ shocke " '1hy I +#ite tho#'ht >we& was to %e Ci& erella!' 'Yes yo# sai i& yo#r letter that (ost o$ the 'irls wa&te yo# to %e/' sai Miss 1i&ter" '1hy i &'t they choose yo#/ >we&3 Yo# wo#l ha2e (a e a $i&e Ci& erella! It's a sha(e"' 'For the sa(e reaso& they i &'t choose Ma#ree&/ I s#))ose/' sai >we&/ s#lkily" 'They i &'t thi&k we were 'oo e&o#'h"' '1ell/ o$ co#rse/ I co#l &'t )ossi%ly e6)ect to %e chose& it's o&ly (y $irst ter(/' sai Ma#ree&/ +#ickly" 'Yo# i e6)ect to %e!' sai >we&" '7h &o/ >we& ear/' sai Ma#ree&/ a& la#'he her silly la#'h" It 'rate o& >we&'s e6as)erate &er2es" 'I shall 'o (a i$ yo# la#'h that la#'h a'ai&/' she sai / sa2a'ely" There/ was a s#r)rise sile&ce" Ma#ree& %roke it %y la#'hi&' a'ai& a& >we& cle&che her $ists" 'Coor >we&!' sai Ma#ree&" '8o&estly/ Mrs" Lacy/ it was a sha(e they i &'t choose her it really i #)set her" -& whe& we 'o to rehearsals it's/ (a e&i&' $or >we& to see Mary,Lo# as Ci& erella/ whilst she's o&ly a ser2a&t/ a& says &othi&' at all &ot a si&'le wor i& the whole o$ the )lay!' '!arli&'!' sai Mrs" Lacy/ co($orti&'ly/ to the 'loweri&' >we&" 'I'( so sorry! I o&'t like to see Mother's 'irl sa "' '0to) it/ Mother/' sai >we&" 'Let's cha&'e the s#%;ect"'
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Mrs" Lacy was 2ery h#rt" 0he t#r&e away $ro( this #&#s#ally s#rly >we&/ a& %e'a& to talk to Ma#ree&/ %ei&' e6tra &ice to her so as to show >we& that she was 2ery is)lease with her" Miss 1i&ter i the sa(e/ a& Ma#ree& %losso(e o#t e2e& (ore #& er this s#&shi&e o$ $lattery a& ra)t atte&tio&" Coor >we& ha to liste& to (ore a& (ore tales o$ Ma#ree&'s li$e/ a& to hear her silly la#'h (ore a& (ore o$te&! The ay ca(e to a& e& at last" Ma#ree& tha&ke Mrs" Lacy a& Miss 1i&ter )rettily/ t#cke her ar( i&to >we&'s/ a& we&t o$$/ wa2i&'" 'I'll look a$ter >we& $or yo#!' she calle %ack" '1ell/ what a char(i&' chil a& what a &ice $rie& she' (ake $or >we&/' sai Mrs" Lacy/ ri2i&' o$$" 'It's a )ity >we&'s so #)set a%o#t that Ci& erella %#si&ess" Ma#ree& (#st ha2e %ee& ;#st as isa))oi&te "' 'Yes" I'( a$rai ear >we&'s &ot taki&' that 2ery %ra2ely/' sai Miss 1i&ter" '.e2er (i& / she has that &ice chil Ma#ree& to set her a 'oo e6a()le"' 'I thi&k we o#'ht to ask Ma#ree& to stay $or a week or two i& the Christ(as holi ays/' sai Mrs" Lacy" 'It wo#l %e so &ice $or >we&"' Coor >we&! I$ she ha hear all this she wo#l ha2e %ee& $#rio#s" 0he was to 'et a 'reat shock whe& her (other's letter ca(e/ telli&' her she ha i&2ite Ma#ree& to stay $or a week i& the holi ays" 0he )#lle her ar( away $ro( Ma#ree&'s as soo& as the car ro2e o#t o$ si'ht" 0he t#r&e o& her" '1ell I ho)e yo#'2e e&;oye s)oili&' (y whole ay/ yo# %east! Telli&' yo#r aw$#l tales/ a& la#'hi&' yo#r aw$#l la#'h/ a& s#cki&' #) like a&ythi&'" <'h!'

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'4#t/ >we& they sai I was so like yo#/' sai Ma#ree&/ looki&' )#**le " 'They like (e" 8ow ca& I %e so aw$#l i$ I'( e6actly like yo#3' >we& i &'t tell her" It was a thi&' she really co#l &'t %ear to thi&k a%o#t"

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Chapter 1& THE DICTATOR

T8E ays %e'a& to $ly a$ter hal$,ter(" !arrell a& 0ally 'ot $its o$ )a&ic +#ite re'#larly whe&e2er they tho#'ht o$ the )a&to(i(e %ei&' )er$or(e to the )are&ts at the e& o$ ter(" '1e'll .EFE? %e rea y!' 'roa&e !arrell" '.o" 1e &e2er i(a'i&e there' %e so (#ch to o/' sai 0ally/ serio#sly" 'I$ o&ly e2eryo&e k&ew their )arts like Mary,Lo# a& Ma2is/' sai !arrell" 'Lo#ella ri2es (e (a " 0he $or'ets the wor s o$ her so&'s e2ery si&'le ti(e" I wish we ha &'t chose& her to %e the $airy,'o (other &ow"' '7h/ she'll %e all ri'ht o& the &i'ht/' sai 0ally" '0he was like that i& the )lay she was i& last year &e2er k&ew a wor till the last &i'ht/ a& the& was +#ite )er$ect"' '1ell/ I o&ly ho)e yo#'re ri'ht/' 'roa&e !arrell/ a(#si&' the stea y 0ally 2ery (#ch" !arrell we&t ow& i&to the #()s easily o2er her )recio#s )a&to(i(e" 0ally was 2ery 'oo $or her" 0he re$#se to thi&k a&yo&e was ho)eless/ a& was always rea y with so(ethi&' co($orti&' to say" '-licia's (ar2ello#s/ is&'t she3' she sai / a$ter a )a#se/ looki&' #) $ro( the work she was oi&'" 'Yes" 0he's a %or& e(o&/' sai !arrell/ with a 'i''le" 'I 'et +#ite scare o$ her so(eti(es/ the way she lea)s a%o#t the sta'e a& yells" -& her co&;#ri&' is (irac#lo#s"' '0o is her ;#''li&'/' sai 0ally" '-& she's )ractise that e(o&,so#& i&' 2oice till it really so#& s +#ite #&ca&&y"' !a)h&e ;oi&e i& with a la#'h" 'Yes a& whe& she s# e&ly )ro #ces it i& Fre&ch class/ the a(a*e(e&t o& Ma('*elle's $ace is too 'oo to %e tr#e"'

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'-licia's a screa(/' sai !arrell" '0he'll %e the %est i& the show/ I thi&k"' There was a little sile&ce" 'There's o&ly o&e thi&' that really worries (e/' sai !arrell/ i& a low 2oice" '-& that's Moira" 0he's &ot hitti&' it o$$ with 4etty at all or -licia either" 0he's %ossi&' the( too (#ch"' 'Yes" 0he ca&'t see( to hel) it/' sai 0ally" '4#t it's i iotic to %e %ossy with )eo)le like 4etty a& -licia" -$ter all/ 4etty's co,)ro #cer/ a& -licia's a terri$ic hel) to the("' !arrell was ri'ht to worry a%o#t Moira" Moira was i&te&sely kee& o& 'etti&' the whole )a&to(i(e )er$ect/ a& (a e e2eryo&e work like sla2es #& er her co((a& " The 'irls rese&te it" Lo#ella )#r)osely $or'ot her wor s i& or er to a&&oy Moira" 4ill )#r)osely ca(e i& at the wro&' si e each ti(e to (ake her sho#t" -& Moira co#l &'t see that she was ha& li&' thi&'s i& the wro&' way" 0he was a wo& er$#l or'a&i*er/ certai&ly" 0he ha 'o&e i&to e2ery etail/ worke o#t e2ery sce&e with !arrell/ )ro2e hersel$ (ost i&'e&io#s/ a& 'i2e& 2ery wise a 2ise" 4#t she i it all i& the wro&' way" 0he was a''ressi2e a& o)i&io&ate / she co&tra icte )eo)le $latly/ a& she $o#& $a#lt too (#ch a& )raise too little" 'Yo#'re a ictator/ Moira/' 4ill i&$or(e her at o&e rehearsal" 'I o&'t take ki& ly to ictators" .or oes a&yo&e else here"' 'I$ yo# thi&k yo# ca& )ro #ce a $irst,class )a&to(i(e witho#t 'i2i&' a $ew or ers a& $i& i&' a $ew $a#lts/ yo#'re wro&'/' sai Moira/ $#rio#sly" 'I o&'t/' sai 4ill/ (il ly" 'I &e2er sai I i " 4#t yo# ca& o all that witho#t %ei&' a ictator" Yo# sit #) there like a warlor a& chi2y #s all alo&' #&(erci$#lly" I +#ite e6)ect to %e se&t to )riso& so(eti(es"'

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'Let's 'et o&/' sai !arrell/ a$rai that Moira was 'oi&' to %low #)" -r'#i&' always waste so (#ch ti(e" '1e'll take that %it a'ai&" Ma2is/ %e'i& yo#r so&'"' Ma2is sa&'/ a& a sile&ce $ell" 1hat a lo2ely 2oice she ha / low a& )#re a& sweet" That wo#l (ake the a# ie&ce 'as)! It was&'t o$te& that a school'irl ha a 2oice like that" '1e shall (iss her whe& she lea2es/ a& 'oes to st# y (#sic a& si&'i&' at the Colle'e o$ M#sic/' tho#'ht !arrell" Ma2is's so&' ca(e to a& e& / a& she ste))e %ack to let 4#tto&s co(e o& a& o her %it" Yes/ rehearsals were har work/ %#t they were $#&/ too" 0ally a& !arrell %e'a& to $eel (ore co&$i e&ce as ti(e we&t o&" !arrell s#r)rise hersel$ at ti(es/ whe& she s# e&ly saw so(ethi&' wro&' with the li&es o$ the )lay/ a& h#rrie to alter the(" 'I k&ow ;#st what's wro&' a& what's ri'ht &ow/' she tho#'ht/ as she scri%%le &ew li&es" 'I a ore oi&' this )a&to(i(e $eeli&' it's (i&e %eca#se I wrote it all" I wa&t to o a )lay &e6t" Co#l I write o&e )erha)s ;#st a short o&e $or &e6t ter(3 0hall I e2er/ e2er %e a well,k&ow& )laywri'ht3' >we& was a s#lky actor" 0he hate %ei&' st#ck at the %ack i& the chor#s/ resse as a ser2a&t/ with &othi&' to say or o %y hersel$" Ma#ree& was (#ch (ore cheer$#l a%o#t it" 0he ro2e >we& &early (a %y so(e o$ the thi&'s she sai " '7$ co#rse/ I o&'t (i& ha2i&' s#ch a s(all/ i&si'&i$ica&t )art/' she sai " '4#t it's i$$ere&t $or yo#/ >we&" Yo#'2e %ee& here $or years/ a& I'2e &ot %ee& e2e& o&e ter(" Yo# o#'ht to ha2e ha a 'oo )art" I co#l &'t e6)ect o&e"' >we& 'rowle " 'I shall write a& tell yo#r (other yo# are aw$#lly 'oo as a ser2a&t/' we&t o& Ma#ree&" 'I o thi&k it's so ki& o$ her to ask (e to stay" 1o&'t it %e $#& to %e to'ether so (#ch/ >we&/ i& the hols3'
126

>we& i &'t a&swer" 0he was %e'i&&i&' to %e a little a$rai o$ Ma#ree&" Ma#ree& was silly a& a$$ecte %#t she ha a c#&&i&' a& sly si e to her &at#re/ too" 0o ha >we&/ o$ co#rse" 0he reco'&i*e it easily i& Ma#ree& %eca#se it was i& hersel$ too" That was the rea $#l )art o$ this $orce $rie& shi) with Ma#ree&" It was like %ei&' $rie& s with yo#rsel$/ a& k&owi&' all the $alse/ silly/ sly thi&'s that we&t o& i& yo#r ow& (i& " >we& i try to alter hersel$ a %it/ so that she wo#l &'t %e like Ma#ree&" 0he sto))e her silly la#'h a& her wi e/ $alse s(ile" 0he sto))e talki&' a%o#t hersel$ too" To her e&or(o#s a&&oya&ce &o%o y see(e to &otice it" -s a (atter o$ $act/ they took so little &otice o$ her at all that i$ she ha s# e&ly 'row& a (o#stache a& wor& ri i&',%oots they wo#l &'t ha2e %othere " 1ho wa&te to )ay a&y atte&tio& to >we&3 0he ha &e2er o&e a&ythi&' to (ake hersel$ like or tr#ste / so the %est thi&' to o was to i'&ore her" -& i'&ore her they i / tho#'h )oor >we& was oi&' her %est to %e se&si%le a& likea%le &ow" 0he ha le$t it a %it too late! Two (ore weeks we&t %y/ a& the& s# e&ly a row $lare #) at a rehearsal" It %e'a& o2er a 2ery silly little thi&' i& ee / as %i' rows o$te& o" -licia took it i&to her hea to e2ol2e a ki& o$ e(o&, cha&t whe&e2er she a))eare or isa))eare o& the sta'e" 0he o&ly tho#'ht o$ it a $ew (i&#tes %e$ore rehearsal/ a& ha &'t ti(e to tell !arrell or 0ally/ so she tho#'ht she wo#l ;#st i&tro #ce the weir little cha&t witho#t war&i&'" -& she i " 0he a))eare with her s# e&/ s#r)risi&' lea)s/ cha&ti&' eerily" '7o,woo,la/ woo,la/ ri(i&y,ree/ oo, woo,la " " "'

129

Moira ra))e lo# ly" The rehearsal sto))e " '-licia! 1hat o& earth's that3 It's &ot i& the scri)t/ as yo# 2ery well k&ow"' '7$ co#rse I k&ow/' sai -licia/ a&&oye as always %y Moira's #&&ecessarily shar) to&e" 'I ha &'t ti(e to ask !arrell to )#t it i&" I o&ly tho#'ht o$ it ;#st &ow"' '1ell/ we ca&'t i&sert &ew thi&'s &ow/' sai Moira/ col ly" '-& i& a&y case it's &ot $or yo# to s#''est e6traor i&ary cha&ts like that" I$ we' wa&te o&e we' ha2e 'ot !arrell to write o&e i&"' 'Look here/ Moira/' sai -licia/ losi&' her te()er ra)i ly/ T( &ot a $irst,$or(er" I'( " " "' !arrell i&terr#)te hastily" 'Moira/ I thi&k that's really a 'oo i ea o$ -licia's" 1hat o yo# thi&k/ 4etty3 I &e2er tho#'ht o$ a cha&t like that $or the e(o& %#t it oes so#& 2ery e(o&,like/ a& " " "' 'Yes/' sai 4etty/ a&6io#s to 'o a'ai&st Moira/ a& %ack #) her $rie& -licia" 'Yes" It's a ;olly $i&e i ea" 1e'll ha2e it"' Moira we&t #) i& s(oke at o&ce/ i& a way that a e(o& ki&' hi(sel$ (i'ht ha2e e&2ie ! 0he stoo #)/ 'loweri&'" 'Yo# o&ly say that/ 4etty/ %eca#se yo#'re -licia's $rie& / a& " " "' '0h#cks/' sai 4etty/ r# ely" Moira we&t o& witho#t sto))i&'" '-& !arrell o&ly says it %eca#se she always %acks #) -licia/ too" 1ell/ I'( chie$ )ro #cer/ a& I'( 'oi&' to ha2e (y way o2er this" There'll %e &o e(o&,cha&t" >et o& with the rehearsal"' -licia was white" 'I'( &ot )er$or(i&' a&y (ore to&i'ht/' she sai / i& a col a& a&'ry 2oice" 'Yo#'re +#ite steali&' the )er$or(a&ce yo#rsel$/ are&'t yo#/ Moira3 1o& er$#l e(o& +#ee& yo#' (ake/ with that look o& yo#r $ace!'

12=

It was so e6actly what Moira i look like that there were +#ite a lot o$ '#$$aws" -licia walke o$$ the sta'e" !arrell was )etri$ie " 0ally took char'e" '1ho's o& &e6t3 Co(e o&/ 4ill"' 4ill ca(e o& the wro&' si e as #s#al/ eter(i&e to $lo#t Moira/ too" 0he stalke i&/ her ha& s i& her %reeches )ockets" 0he always wore ri i&' thi&'s whe& she rehearse " 0he sai it (a e her $eel (ore %aro&ial! '4ILL! Yo# k&ow )er$ectly well yo# o&'t co(e i& that si e/' sho#te Moira/ who also k&ew )er$ectly well that it was ;#st 4ill's way o$ showi&' that she si e with -licia" 4ill stoo there like a #((y" '>o %ack a& co(e i& the ri'ht si e/' or ere Moira/ harshly" '.o" I'( 'oi&' ri i&'/' sai 4ill" @#ite si()ly a& (il ly/ ;#st like that! 0he walke o$$/ h#((i&'/ a& Moira hear her calli&' to Clarissa" 'Clarissa! Co(e o&! I'( &ot $eeli&' $it $or acti&' to&i'ht" I wa&t to o so(ethi&' e&er'etic!' 'This is silly/' sai 4etty" 'E2eryo&e walki&' o$$" Let (e take char'e/ Moira" Yo#'re r#%%i&' the( #) the wro&' way to&i'ht"' Moira sho2e her ro#'hly asi e" 0he ha a wicke te()er whe& she was really ro#se / the sa(e ki& o$ te()er as her sister 4ri 'et/ who like to s(ash thi&'s #) i$ she really $elt (a ! 'I'( 'oi&' o&/' she sai / %etwee& her teeth" '7&ce we let thi&'s 'et o#t o$ ha& / we're o&e" 1e'll take the ser2a&ts' chor#s"' The chor#s ca(e o&/ 'i''li&' a& rea y to )lay #) Moira i$ they co#l " They all rese&te her har ways/ e2e& tho#'h they a (itte that she co#l 'et thi&'s o&e a& o&e well" Moira )icke o& >we& a& Ma#ree& at o&ce"
12A

'Yo# two! Yo#'re &ot si&'i&'! 7h &o/ yo#'re &ot! 0o o&'t say yo# were" Yo#'re )retty aw$#l e2ery ti(e/ a& yo#' %etter )#ll yo#r socks #) &ow/ or yo# wo&'t e2e& %e i& the chor#s" I'll 'et so(e thir ,$or(ers i&stea "' 'I say! !o sh#t #)/ Moira/' sai 4etty/ i& a low to&e" 'Yo# k&ow yo#'ll &e2er o (#ch with those two/ a& certai&ly &ot i$ yo# 'o $or the( like that"' Moira took &ot the sli'htest &otice" '!i yo# hear what I sai / >we& a& Ma#ree&3' she calle " 'Co(e o#t i& $ro&t a& si&' %y yo#rsel2es/ so that I shall see i$ yo# o k&ow the wor s"' >we& hesitate " 0he lo&'e to cheek Moira/ or walk o$$ as 4ill ha o&e" 4#t she was a$rai o$ Moira's shar) to&'#e" 'Fery well the& sto) where yo# are a& si&' there/' sai Moira/ s# e&ly reali*i&' that she co#l &'t 2ery well 'o a& ra' >we& a& Ma#ree& to the $ro&t %y (ai& $orce" 'M#sic/ Ire&e!' Ire&e/ looki&' 2ery 'l#( a& is'#ste / )laye the ser2a&ts' chor#s" >we&'s ree y 2oice )i)e #) a& Ma#ree& (#(%le the wor s/ too" '0to)/' sai Moira/ a& the (#sic sto))e " 'Yo# o&'t k&ow the wor s a& yo# o&'t k&ow the t#&e a& it is a%o#t the se2e&th rehearsal" Yo#'re the worst i& the whole )lay/ %oth o$ yo#"' >we& a& Ma#ree& were $#rio#s at %ei&' h#(iliate like this i& $ro&t o$ e2eryo&e" 4#t still they are &ot a&swer Moira %ack" They were %oth little cowar s whe& it ca(e to a&ythi&' like that" They stoo (#te/ a& >we& $elt the #s#al easy tears welli&' #) i& her eyes" .ee less to say the rehearsal was &ot a s#ccess" E2eryo&e si'he with relie$ whe& the s#))er,%ell we&t" Moira we&t o$$ scowli&'" Ma&y o$ the 'irls se&t scowls a$ter her i& i(itatio&" '4east/' sai !a)h&e" '0he 'ets worse!'
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'0he's worrie %eca#se she has so (a&y rehearsals to take/ a& so (#ch to o/' sai !arrell/ tryi&' to sto) the 'e&eral 'r#(%li&'" It (a e thi&'s so i$$ic#lt i$ the 'irls i &'t co(e willi&'ly a& cheer$#lly to rehearsal" It was her )a&to(i(e/ her (aster)iece she co#l &'t let their rese&t$#l $eeli&'s $or Moira s)oil it all" '0ai&t !arrell!' calle 4etty/ i& eli'ht" !arrell 'ri&&e " 'I'( &o sai&t!' she sai " 'I'( as hot a& %othere as e2eryo&e else" 4#t what's the 'oo o$ (essi&' #) the show ;#st %eca#se we'2e 'ot a )ro #cer who ca&'t kee) her te()er3' 'Let's ch#ck her o#t/' s#''este so(e%o y" '1e'2e 'ot 4etty a& there's yo# a& 0ally a& -licia at ha& to hel)" 1e o&'t &ee Moira &ow the o&key,work is o&e"' '1e ca&'t )ossi%ly ch#ck her o#t/' sai !arrell/ eci e ly" 'It wo#l %e (ea& a$ter she's 'ot it (ore or less i&to sha)e" I o ho&estly thi&k she's irrita%le %eca#se she's so i&tereste i& 'etti&' it )er$ect/ a& e2ery little thi&' #)sets her" >i2e her a&other cha&ce!' '-ll ri'ht/' a'ree e2eryo&e" '4#t o&ly 7.E (ore cha&ce/ !arrell'

131

Chapter 1' THE ANON)MOUS LETTERS

!-??ELL s)oke to Moira rather &er2o#sly a%o#t the $ail#re o$ the last rehearsal" '1e all k&ow yo#'re a %it o2erworke %eca#se yo#'2e o&e so (#ch $or the show alrea y/' she %e'a&" '7h/ o %e +#iet" Yo# so#& like 0ai&t Catheri&e/' sai Moira/ with a 'la&ce at the &ear%y Catheri&e" '0he's alrea y trie to (ake a h#& re silly e6c#ses $or (e" I hate )eo)le who s#ck #)" I was&'t a&'ry %eca#se I was tire or o2erworke " I was a&'ry %eca#se )eo)le like -licia a& 4ill a& >we& a& Ma#ree& were e$ia&t a& r# e a& silly a& la*y a& i &'t %ack (e #)" .ow yo# k&ow"' '1ell/ look/ Moira $or 'oo &ess' sake %e (ore #& ersta& i&' a& )atie&t &e6t ti(e/' sai !arrell/ hol i&' ti'ht o& to her ow& te()er" 0he $elt it s# e&ly risi&' #)" 7h ear! It wo#l &e2er o $or two o$ the( to 'et $#rio#s! '1ill yo# let (e 'et o& with (y Fre&ch or &ot3' aske Moira/ i& a a&'ero#s 2oice" !arrell 'a2e it #)" The &e6t rehearsal was a little %etter/ %#t &ot (#ch" !arrell ha i&siste o& writi&' i& -licia's cha&t/ a& Moira ha $row&e %#t sai 2ery little" -$ter all/ the scri)t was !arrell's %#si&ess" Moira i &'t $i& a&y $a#lt with either -licia or 4ill this ti(e" 0he i &'t &ee to" 4oth were a (ira%le a& k&ew their )arts well" 4ill/ at !arrell's re+#est/ ca(e o& the sta'e $ro( the ri'ht si e/ a& all was well" 4#t other thi&'s we&t wro&'" 7ther )eo)le ca(e i& $or criticis( a& %la(e/ the co#rtiers were or ere to si&' their so&' $o#r ti(es/ the ser2a&ts i &'t %ow )ro)erly/ or c#rtsy at the ri'ht (o(e&t/ 4#tto&s was talki&' whe& she sho#l &'t %e!
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Moira i &'t lose her te()er/ %#t she was #&)leasa&t a& har " 0he $o#'ht to kee) hersel$ i& ha& " 0he was hea ,'irl o$ the $i$th" 0he was chie$ )ro #cer o$ the show" 0he ha o&e all the o&key,work a& licke thi&'s i&to sha)e" 0he (ea&t to ha2e her ow& way/ a& to ha2e thi&'s as she like a& she was&'t 'oi&' to say )lease a& tha&k yo# a& s(ile a& cla)/ as that i iot o$ a 4etty i ! There was a lot (ore 'r#(%li&' a$terwar s" !arrell a& 0ally %e'a& to $eel )a&icky" 0#))ose the )a&to(i(e we&t to )ieces i&stea o$ 'etti&' )er$ect3 -& the& a&other horri thi&' %e'a&" It was the co(i&' o$ the a&o&y(o#s letters s)ite$#l/ hate$#l letters with &o &a(e at the e& ! 7&ly o&e 'irl i& the $or( 'ot the( a& that was Moira" 0he 'ot the $irst o&e o& a rehearsal ay" 0he slit o)e& the e&2elo)e a& rea it i& the co((o&,roo(" 0he e6clai(e alo# i& is'#st" '1hat's #)3' sai !arrell" Moira threw the letter across to her" '?ea that/' she sai " !arrell rea it a& was horri$ie " This was the letterI I$ o&ly yo# k&ew what )eo)le really thi&k o$ the hea , 'irl o$ the $i$th! 4a ,te()ere / #&;#st/ %ossy i$ yo# le$t at the e& o$ the ter( it wo#l &'t %e too soo& $or ME" '1hat a is'#sti&' thi&'/' sai !arrell/ i& is(ay" '1ho co#l )ossi%ly ha2e writte& it3 It's all i& )ri&te ca)itals/ to hi e the writer's ow& ha& writi&'" Take &o &otice o$ it/ Moira" The o&ly )lace $or a&o&y(o#s letters is the $ire"' Moira tosse the &ote i&to the $ire/ a& we&t o& with her work" .o%o y co#l tell i$ she was #)set or &ot %#t e2eryo&e wo& ere who ha writte& s#ch a horri%le letter" The &e6t o&e arri2e the $ollowi&' ay" There it was/ o& to) o$ Moira's )ile o$ %ooks/ a resse i& the sa(e )ri&te writi&'"
133

0he o)e&e it/ #&thi&ki&'" 0o yo# 'ot (y $irst letter" I ho)e yo# e&;oye it" 1o#l &'t yo# lo2e to k&ow what the 'irls say a%o#t yo#3 It wo#l (ake yo#r ears %#r&! Yo#'2e certai&ly 'ot the isti&ctio& o$ %ei&' the (ost #&)o)#lar 'irl i& the school %#t who wa&ts that isti&ctio&3 Certai&ly &ot ME" '8ere's a&other o$ the(/' sai Moira/ i& a cas#al to&e/ a& 'a2e it to !arrell a& 0ally" They rea it/ is(aye %y the s)ite that lay %ehi& the $ew li&es" '4#t/ Moira who ca& it %e3' sai !arrell" '7h ear it's horri%le" -&o&y(o#s letters are always writte& %y the lowest o$ the low/ I $eel a& it's aw$#l to thi&k there's so(eo&e like that at Malory Towers"' 'I o&'t care/' sai Moira" 4#t she i care" 0he re(e(%ere the s)ite$#l wor s a& worrie o2er the( i& %e " 0he worrie o2er the rehearsals/ too" 0he %a ly wa&te the( to 'o as well as they ha o&e at $irst %#t )oor Moira always $o#& it 2ery i$$ic#lt to 'i2e #) her ow& o)i&io&s a& ways" 0he co#l &'t alter hersel$ she e6)ecte e2eryo&e else to a a)t the(sel2es to her" -& they wo#l &'t/ o$ co#rse" '!o&'t o)e& a&y (ore &otes/' sai 0ally to Moira/ seei&' her look rather white the &e6t ay" 'Yo# k&ow which they are ch#ck the( i& the $ire" Yo# ca& tell %y the )ri&ti&' o& the e&2elo)e what they are"' 4#t the &e6t o&e was&'t i& a& e&2elo)e" It was st#$$e i& Moira's lacrosse locker ow& i& the cha&'i&',roo(" It was act#ally i&si e her ri'ht %oot! 0he took it o#t/ a& saw i((e iately what was writte&/ $or the &ote this ti(e ha &o e&2elo)e" 1hat's a ictator3 -sk Moira" !o&'t ask ME" 5#st that a& &o (ore" Moira cr#()le #) the &ote $iercely" This horri%le letter,writer! 0he k&ew ;#st what to say to h#rt Moira (ost"
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0he tol !arrell" 0he i &'t really wa&t to tell a&yo&e/ %#t so(ehow she $elt she (#st )#t a %ra2e $ro&t o& the (atter/ a& %y telli&' a%o#t the letters a& (aki&' the( )#%lic she $elt that wo#l show the writer she i &'t care" 0he la#'he as she showe !arrell the &ote" '@#ite short this ti(e/' she sai " '4#t &ot e6actly sweet!' '7h! It's hate$#l3 sai !arrell" '1e (#st $i& o#t who it is" 1e (#st sto) it" I'2e &e2er/ &e2er k&ow& s#ch a thi&' ha))e& all the ti(e I'2e %ee& at Malory Towers" Coiso&o#s/ (alicio#s letters! Moira/ why are&'t yo# (ore #)set3 I sho#l %e a%sol#tely (isera%le i$ I 'ot these! E2e& i$ I k&ew they were&'t tr#e/' she a e / h#rrie ly" 'Yo# &ee &'t a that/' sai Moira/ with a $ai&t s(ile" 'They are tr#e/ act#ally" More tha& o&e o$ yo# ha2e calle (e a ictator/ yo# k&ow a& %ossy a& %a ,te()ere "' !arrell stare at her i& horror" 'Moira yo# wo#l &'t thi&k I i it/ wo#l yo#3 7r 0ally3 7r -licia or " " "' Moira shr#''e her sho#l ers a& t#r&e away" !arrell stare a$ter her i& is(ay" 0he t#r&e to 0ally" '1e (#st $i& o#t who it is" 1e ca&'t ha2e Moira s#s)ecti&' e2eryo&e o$ #s! >osh/ what will the rehearsals %e like i$ this ki& o$ thi&' 'oes o&3' The $o#rth &ote i &'t 'et to the )erso& it was i&te& e $or" It was certai&ly sli))e / #&$ol e / i&to a %ook o& Moira's esk %#t the %ook ha))e&e to %e o&e that Miss Cotts ha le&t Moira a%o#t )lay,)ro #ctio&" -& ha2i&' $i&ishe with it/ Moira ha& e it %ack to Miss Cotts witho#t isco2eri&' the a&o&y(o#s &ote i&si e" 0o it was Miss Cotts who $o#& it" It sli))e o#t to the $loor i& the roo( she share with Ma('*elle" 0he )icke it #) a& rea it" -re yo# worryi&' a%o#t these &otes3 There are )le&ty (ore to co(e! I'2e 'ot +#ite a $ew (ore &a(es to call yo#/
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a& a ;ecti2es that will s#it yo#" 8ow a%o#t the !e(o& @#ee&3 Yo# look like a e(o& so(eti(es" - o(i&eeri&'/ %ossy/ scowli&'/ 'loweri&' o&e/ too" -t least/ that's how yo# a))ear to ME" Miss Cotts was a(a*e at this &ote" 0he rea it o2er a'ai&" 1ho was it (ea&t $or3 0he t#r&e it o2er a& saw a &a(e )ri&te o& the %ack" M7I?-! 'Moira!' she sai " '0o so(e%o y sli))e it i&to the %ook I le&t her" -& a&o&y(o#s &ote a& a )artic#larly s)ite$#l o&e" 1ho i& the worl is low e&o#'h to thi&k o#t thi&'s like these3' 0he e6a(i&e the writi&'" It 'a2e her &o cl#e/ %eca#se all the letters were i& ca)itals/ 2ery care$#lly o&e" Miss Cotts $row&e as she stoo there" Like all ece&t )eo)le she tho#'ht that a&o&y(o#s letter,writers were either (a or cowar ly" They i &'t are to say what they tho#'ht o)e&ly they ha to o it secretly a& loathso(ely" 0he se&t $or Moira" Moira tol her a%o#t the other &otes" '8a2e yo# a&y i ea at all who se&t these3' aske Miss Cotts" Moira hesitate " 'Yes" 4#t I'( &ot s#re a%o#t it/ so I ca&'t say"' '>o a& 'et !arrell/ a& 0ally/ too/' sai Miss Cotts/ thi&ki&' she co#l )ro%a%ly 'et (ore o#t o$ the(" 'This has 'ot to %e sto))e " 7&ce a )erso& o$ this sort 'ets away with a thi&' like this there's &o k&owi&' what they'll o &e6t"' 0ally a& !arrell ca(e" They rea the &ote" !arrell looke sick" '8orri%le/' she sai " '1ho has writte& the(3' e(a& e Miss Cotts" -ll three 'irls looke away" '1ell3' sai Miss Cotts/ i()atie&tly" 'This is &ot a thi&' to %e %ackwar a%o#t/ is it3 !o&'t yo# a'ree that it (#st %e sto))e 3' '7h yes/' sai !arrell"

136

'1ell the& i$ yo# ha2e a&y i ea who has writte& the(/ tell (e/' sai Miss Cotts" 'I ca& the& 'o a& tackle the( at o&ce"' '1ell yo# see it (i'ht %e o&e o$ +#ite a &#(%er o$ )eo)le/' sai !arrell" '- &#(%er o$ )eo)le3' sai Miss Cotts/ is%elie2i&'ly" '-re yo# tryi&' to tell (e that there are a &#(%er o$ )eo)le who hate Moira e&o#'h to write her &otes like this3' There was a sile&ce" Miss Cotts clicke i& e6as)eratio&" '8as Moira so (a&y e&e(ies3 -& why3 I ha2e ha &o co()lai&ts o$ her as hea ,'irl" 1hy o yo# thi&k so (a&y )eo)le hate Moira3' This was 2ery awkwar a& (ost e(%arrassi&'" !arrell a& 0ally i &'t k&ow what i& the worl to say" Moira ca(e to their resc#e" 0he was )ale/ a& looke strai&e " 'I'll tell yo# who it (i'ht %e/ Miss Cotts!' she sai " 'It (i'ht %e >we&" It (i'ht %e Ma#ree&" It (i'ht e2e& %e -licia"' '.7!' sai %oth 0ally a& !arrell to'ether" Moira we&t o&" 'It (i'ht %e Catheri&e" It (i'ht %e it (i'ht %e 4ri 'et"' '4ri 'et o yo# (ea& yo#r sister i& the $o#rth3' aske Miss Cotts/ a(a*e " Moira &o e / looki&' (isera%le" 0he wo#l &'t look at 0ally or !arrell" Miss Cotts t#r&e to the(" '1hat o yo# thi&k o$ all this3' she e(a& e " '1ell it co#l %e a&y o$ those e6ce)t -licia/' sai !arrell" '-licia oes $eel a&'ry with Moira %eca#se o$ so(ethi&' that ha))e&e at a rehearsal %#t -licia's &ot #& erha& e " I$ she wa&te to tell Moira all those thi&'s she' say the( o#t lo# / )ro%a%ly i& $ro&t o$ e2eryo&e/ too! It's certai&ly &ot -licia"' 'I a'ree with yo#/' sai Miss Cotts" '1e ra& certai&ly r#le o#t -licia" That still lea2es $o#r )eo)le that Moira thi&ks
139

etest her e&o#'h to write these &otes" Moira it's rather rea $#l to $eel yo# ha2e $o#r )eo)le aro#& yo# that (i'ht re'ar yo# with s#ch %itter $eeli&'s/ is&'t it3 1hat ca& yo# ha2e %ee& oi&' to aro#se the(3' Moira sai &othi&'" 0he k&ew )er$ectly well why all $o#r ha ca#se to hate her" 0he ha s&eere at >we& a& Ma#ree& #&(erci$#lly/ a& ha h#(iliate the( too/ o& the sta'e at last week's rehearsal" 0he ha calle Catheri&e a oor(at a& s&eere too at her/ $or her a&&oyi&' sel$,sacri$ici&' ways/ a& ha sho2e her to o&e si e/ i& s)ite o$ all the h#& re s o$ thi&'s Catheri&e ha o&e $or her" -s $or 4ri 'et well/ there &e2er ha %ee& a&y lo2e lost %etwee& the sisters" 4ri 'et hate her/ she was s#re o$ it" -& ha &'t 4ri 'et threate&e her &ot so lo&' a'o3 1hat ha she sai / 'I war& yo#/ Moira/ yo#'ll %e sorry $or this" I tea( yo#!' 1ell it (i'ht %e Catheri&e/ it (i'ht %e >we& or Ma#ree&/ a& it (i'ht %e 4ri 'et" It )ro%a%ly was&'t -licia %eca#se these letters ca(e $ro( a cowar / a& &o%o y co#l call -licia that! 1ho i write those %eastly letters3 -& how co#l they e2er $i& o#t3

13=

Chapter 2( THINGS HAPPEN

-LL sorts o$ thi&'s ha))e&e that week" -t the &e6t rehearsal there was a&other $lare,#) %etwee& -licia a& Moira a really %a o&e that e& e i& -licia resi'&i&' $ro( the show! 4etty )ro()tly resi'&e / too/ as co,)ro #cer" It was a terri%le %low to 0ally a& !arrell" '1e ca&'t o witho#t yo#/ -licia/' waile !arrell" '1e'll &e2er/ &e2er 'et a e(o& ki&' like yo# a& all yo#r wo& er$#l ;#''li&' a& co&;#ri&' a& lea)i&' a%o#t/ too" Yo#'ll r#i& the whole thi&' i$ yo# resi'&"' 'I$ I resi'&! I ha2e resi'&e !' sai -licia/ looki&' cal( a& #&r#$$le / %#t i&war ly seethi&' with a&'er/ isa))oi&t(e&t a& (isery at seei&' !arrell so #)set" I'( sorry it a$$ects yo# too %#t I'( &ot worki&' with Moira a&y (ore" -& &othi&' i& the worl will (ake (e 'o %ack i&to the )a&to(i(e &ow &o/ &ot e2e& i$ Moira hersel$ resi'&e a& ca(e a& a)olo'i*e "' !arrell k&ew that Moira wo#l &e2er o that" 0he was as #&%e& i&' as -licia was o%sti&ate" 'Talk a%o#t the i((o2a%le (eeti&' the irresisti%le!' she 'roa&e " '7h/ -licia $or (y sake/ with raw yo#r resi'&atio&" 1hy/ it's o&ly three weeks &ow till the )a&to(i(e is )rese&te " I ca&'t rewrite it/ a& c#t o#t yo#r )arts yo# co(e i& so o$te&"' '!arrell/ I'( ho&estly sorry/' sai -licia/ looki&' harasse &ow" '4#t yo# k&ow I &e2er 'o %ack o& (y wor " It's (y )ri e &ow that's i& the way" .othi&' i& the worl wo#l (ake (e k&#ckle #& er to Moira a& that's what I sho#l %e oi&' i$ I with rew (y resi'&atio&"'

13A

!arrell stare ho)elessly at -licia" !e$ia&t/ o%sti&ate/ stro&',wille -licia &o%o y co#l o a&ythi&' with her o&ce she ha (a e #) her (i& " 0he t#r&e away/ a(a*e a& $#rio#s to $i& s# e& tears i& her eyes" 4#t she was so %itterly isa))oi&te " 8er lo2ely )a&to(i(e a& s#ch a wo& er$#l e(o& ki&' a& all that ;#''li&' a& co&;#ri&' o#t o$ it &ow" .o o&e %#t -licia co#l o that" 0ally we&t with !arrell/ tryi&' to co($ort her" 0he/ too/ was %itterly isa))oi&te / a& si'he whe& she tho#'ht o$ all the rewriti&' there wo#l %e to o a& a&other e(o& ki&' to $i& a& trai& i& s#ch a short ti(e" 4#t !arrell $elt it (ost" It was her $irst %i' ;o%/ the $irst ti(e she ha trie her ha& at writi&' so(ethi&' worth while a& &ow it was s)oilt" Moira was o%sti&ate too" 0he wo#l &ot talk a%o#t the (atter at all" .or wo#l she resi'&" '-ll I ca& say is/ I'( sorry it's ha))e&e / %#t it was -licia who %lew #) a& resi'&e / &ot (e/' she sai " -& &ot o&e wor (ore wo#l she say a%o#t it" It was Ma('*elle who create the &e6t e6cite(e&t" 0he sat ow& at her esk i& Miss Cotts' roo( o&e ay/ a& a&&o#&ce her i&te&tio& o$ t#r&i&' it o#t" '-%o#t ti(e/ too/' sai Miss Cotts/ ryly" 'Yo#'ll )ro%a%ly $i& the year %e$ore last's e6a( )a)ers there/ I sho#l thi&k" I &e2er saw s#ch a collectio& o$ r#%%ish i& a&yo&e's esk i& (y li$e"' '8a/ Miss Cotts! Yo# wish to %e $#&&y3' sai Ma('*elle/ h#$$ily" '.o/' sai Miss Cotts" 'Merely tr#th$#l"' Ma('*elle s&orte / a& took hol o$ a%o#t a h#& re loose )a)ers i& her esk" 0he li$te the( o#t a& they i((e iately $ell a)art a& slithere all o2er the $loor" 7&e %ooklet $loate to Miss Cotts' $eet" 0he looke at it with i&terest/ $or there was a 2ery %ri'htly colo#re )ict#re o& the co2er/ showi&' a co&;#rer oi&' tricks" '.ew tricks" 7l tricks"
14B

Tricks to )lay o& yo#r e&e(ies" Tricks to )lay o& yo#r $rie& s/' she rea o#t lo# " 0he 'la&ce at Ma('*elle i& asto&ish(e&t" '0i&ce whe& i yo# thi&k o$ taki&' #) tricks to )lay3' she i&+#ire " 'I o &ot thi&k o$ it/' sai Ma('*elle/ e)ositi&' a&other h#& re )a)ers o& the $loor" 'Tie&s! 8ere is the )ro'ra((e o$ the )lay the thir ,$or(ers 'a2e si6 years a'o!' '1hat i I tell yo#3' sai Miss Cotts" 'Yo#'ll )ro%a%ly $i& the 0)eeches (a e at the 7)e&i&' o$ the First Ter( at Malory Towers i$ yo# look a little $#rther i&to yo#r esk"' '!o &ot ti** (e/' sai Ma('*elle" 'I o &ot like %ei&' ti**e "' 'I'( &ot teasi&'/' sai Miss Cotts" 'I'( +#ite serio#s" I say where i yo# 'et these trick a& co&;#ri&' lists $ro(3 Look at this o&e I'( s#re it's 'ot i& it all the tricks that -licia a& 4etty e2er )laye o& yo#!' Ma('*elle took the %ooklets" 0he was soo& co()letely a%sor%e i& the(" 0he ch#ckle " 0he la#'he " 0he sai ' Tie&s!' a& '7h/ la la!' a o*e& ti(es" Miss Cotts we&t o& with her work" 0he was #se to Ma('*elle's little ways" Ma('*elle ha &e2er rea a&ythi&' so e&thralli&' i& all her li$e as these %ooklets that escri%e tricks o$ all sorts a& ki& s" 0he was co()letely lost i& the(" 0he rea o$ (achi&es that co#l a))are&tly saw )eo)le's $i&'ers i& hal$ witho#t h#rti&' the( ci'arettes with 'lowi&' e& s that were &ot really ali'ht i&k s)ots a& ;a(,clots that co#l %e )lace o& ta%le,cloths to ecei2e a&&oye (others or teachers i&to thi&ki&' they were real" The %ooklets %la& ly escri%e these a& a h#& re others" Ma('*elle was a%sol#tely $asci&ate " 0he ca(e to o&e trick that (a e her la#'h o#t lo# " '-h/ &ow liste&/ Miss Cotts/' she %e'a&"

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'.o/ Ma('*elle/' sai Miss Cotts/ ster&ly" 'I'2e twe&ty, three is'race$#l (aths )a)ers to (ark that the $irst $or( ha2e ha the &er2e to 'i2e i& to ay a& I o .7T wa&t to liste& to yo#r recital o$ chil ish tricks"' Ma('*elle si'he a& we&t %ack to the %ooklets" 0he rea o2er a'ai& the thi&' that ha so i&tri'#e her" There were two )hoto'ra)hs with the escri)tio& o$ the trick" 7&e showe a s(ili&' (a& with or i&ary teeth the other showe the sa(e (a& with trick teeth! 8e looke horri%le" Ma('*elle rea the escri)tio& o2er a'ai&" 'These trick teeth are cle2erly (a e o$ cell#loi / a& are sha)e to $it &eatly o2er the wearer's ow& teeth %#t )ro;ect $orwar s a& ow&war s/ a& so alter the e6)ressio& o$ the wearer's $ace co&si era%ly as soo& as he s(iles/ 'i2i&' a really terri$yi&' a& e6cee i&'ly stra&'e a))eara&ce"' Ma('*elle st# ie the )hoto'ra)hs" 0he trie to i(a'i&e hersel$ weari&' teeth like that a& s# e&ly $lashi&' the( at the 'irls with a s(ile" 8a! They ha are her to o a trick o& the(! Ma('*elle ha a 2ery 2ery 'oo (i& to write $or this teeth trick" Cerha)s she wo#l wear the( at a lacrosse (atch o#t i& the $iel or (ay%e take the 'irls $or a walk/ a& kee) showi&' her trick teeth" Ma('*elle shook with la#'hter" 8a so (a&y 'treeks' ha those %a 'irls )laye o& her/ it was ti(e their )oor ol Ma('*elle )laye a 'treek' o& the( too" 8ow they wo#l %e asto&ishe ! 8ow they wo#l stare" 8ow they wo#l la#'h a$terwar s" Ma('*elle sc#$$le a%o#t a(o&' her #&ti y )a)ers a& $o#& her writi&',)a " I& her sla&ti&' Fre&ch ha& writi&' she wrote $or the 'teeth trick' a& se&t a che+#e with the letter" 0he was eli'hte " 0he wo#l &ot tell e2e& Miss Cotts" '.o" I will &ot tell her" I will s# e&ly s(ile at her like this/' sai Ma('*elle to hersel$ a& i a s# e& $ierce 'ri&
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 'a& I shall look so stra&'e that she will start %ack i& $ri'ht at (y horri%le teeth"' Ma('*elle $i&ishe the letter a& the& cas#ally looke thro#'h the other trick %ooklets %e$ore throwi&' the( away" -& it was the& she ca(e across the &ote" It was writte& i& ca)itals/ 2ery care$#lly" It was &ot a &ice &ote" It was hea e I T7 FELICITY/ Yo# thi&k yo#'re so 'oo at 'a(es/ o&'t yo#3 1ell/ it's o&ly %eca#se !arrell $a2o#rs yo# that yo#'re e2er )#t i&to a&y 'a(es" E2eryo&e k&ows that! It was &ot si'&e at all" '8ere is a &asty little &ote/' sai Ma('*elle i& is'#st/ a& tosse it to Miss Cotts" Miss Cotts reco'&i*e the )ri&te letters at o&ce they were e6actly the sa(e as those o& the a&o&y(o#s letters se&t to Moira" '1here i yo# 'et this3' she aske / shar)ly" 'I $o#& it i& this trick %ooklet/' sai Ma('*elle/ startle " '1hose is the %ooklet3 1here i yo# 'et it3' e(a& e Miss Cotts" 'I took it $ro( that %a little 5#&e's esk/' sai Ma('*elle" 'Fery i&teresti&'/' sai Miss Cotts" 0he 'ot #) a& we&t to the oor" 0he se&t a 'irl to $i& Moira/ 0ally a& !arrell" They ca(e/ looki&' s#r)rise " 'I thi&k I'2e $o#& the writer o$ those &otes/' sai Miss Cotts" '4#t %e$ore I tackle her I wa&t to k&ow i$ she's a&y reaso& to islike yo#/ Moira" It's 5#&e/ i& the $irst $or("' '5#&e!' e6clai(e e2eryo&e/ a(a*e " Moira looke at Miss Cotts" 'Yes I s#))ose she' thi&k she ha ca#se to islike (e/' she sai " 'I ticke her o$$ %eca#se she was cheeky a%o#t &ot %ei&' )#t i&to the 1ells%ro#'h (atch" Tol her she ha &o tea(,s)irit" I also (a e her a)olo'i*e to (e $or ari&' to say i& $ro&t o$ (e that !arrell ha )#t Felicity i&to the (atch o#t o$ $a2o#ritis(/ %eca#se she was her sister"'
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Miss Cotts &o e " 'Tha&k yo#" It is 5#&e the&/ I'( a$rai " I'll see her &ow" 0e& her to (e/ will yo#" I'( rather a$rai this is a (atter $or Miss >rayli&'" 1e are &ot )lease with 5#&e a& it wo#l &'t take (#ch to ha2e her se&t away $ro( here" This is a )artic#larly loathso(e act o$ hers to se& o#t a&o&y(o#s letters"' 5#&e ca(e/ looki&' e$ia&t %#t scare " 0he ha &ot %ee& tol why she was wa&te " '5#&e/ I ha2e calle yo# here o& a 2ery 2ery serio#s (atter/' sai Miss Cotts" 'I $i& that yo# ha2e %ee& writi&' etesta%le a&o&y(o#s letters" !o&'t atte()t to e&y it" Yo# will o&ly (ake thi&'s worse" Yo#r o&ly ho)e is to co&$ess ho&estly" 1hy i yo# o it3' 5#&e ha &o i ea how Miss Cotts k&ew all this" 0he we&t white/ %#t still looke %ol " 'I s#))ose yo# (ea& the o&es to Moira3' she sai " 'Yes/ I i write the( a& she eser2e the(" E2eryo&e hates her"' 'That's %esi e the )oi&t/' sai Miss Cotts" 'The )oi&t we ha2e to kee) to is that there is a 'irl i& this school/ a 'irl i& the $irst $or(/ who is '#ilty o$ so(ethi&' $or which i& later years she co#l %e se&t to )riso& a thi&' that as a r#le rarely %e'i&s #&til a 'irl is (#ch (#ch ol er tha& yo#/ %eca#se it is o&ly e)ra2e a& cowar ly characters who atte()t this #& erha& / sta%,i&,the, ark ki& o$ thi&'"' 0he )a#se " 8er eyes %ore like 'i(lets i&to the )etri$ie 5#&e" '1e call this ki& o$ thi&' D)oiso&,)e&D writi&'/ whe& the writers are 'row& #)/' she we&t o&/ 'a& they are hel i& #&i2ersal loathi&' a& hatre / co&si ere the lowest o$ the low" !i yo# k&ow that3' '.o/' 'as)e 5#&e" 'I wo#l &ot talk to yo# i& this serio#s (a&&er i$ there were &ot also other thi&'s I islike 2ery (#ch i& yo#/' sai
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Miss Cotts/ still i& the sa(e har / ri2i&' 2oice" 'Yo#r iso%e ie&ce/ yo#r e$ia&ce/ yo#r a''ressi2e&ess/ yo#r total lack o$ res)ect $or a&yo&e" Yo# (ay thi&k it is a (ira%le a& %ra2e a& 'ra& " It is&'t" It is the si'& o$ a stro&' character 'o&e wro&' a& o& to) o$ all that yo# ha2e show& yo#rsel$ a cowar %eca#se o&ly a cowar e2er writes a&o&y(o#s letters"' 5#&e's k&ees were shaki&'" Miss Cotts saw the( %#t she took &o &otice" I$ e2er a&yo&e wa&te a 'oo shaki&' #) it was 5#&e" 'This (atter (#st 'o to Miss >rayli&'/' she sai " 'Co(e with (e &ow" Yo# (ay %e i&tereste to k&ow that it was %eca#se Ma('*elle $o#& this &ote to Felicity that I isco2ere who was the writer o$ the other letters"' 5#&e took a +#ick 'la&ce at the &ote to Felicity" 'I i &'t 'i2e it to her/' she sai " 'I (ea&t to a& the& I i &'t" I (#st ha2e le$t it so(ewhere i& a %ook"' '7#r si&s always $i& #s o#t/' sai Miss Cotts/ sole(&ly" '-lways" .ow/ co(e with (e"' 'Miss Cotts shall I %e %e e6)elle 3' aske 5#&e a 5#&e &o lo&'er %ol a& %ra*e&/ %#t a 5#&e as e$late as whe& her %alloo&s ha %ee& s# e&ly )ricke that ay i& class" 'That rests with Miss >rayli&'/' sai Miss Cotts/ a& she 'ot #)" 'Co(e with (e"' The &ews we&t ro#& the $i$th $or( ra)i ly" 'The letters were writte& %y 5#&e the little %east!' '0he's 'o&e to see Miss >rayli&'" I %et she'll %e e6)elle " 0he's &o 'oo / a&yway"' -licia liste&e i& horror" 8er ow& co#si&! 0he islike 5#&e as (#ch as a&y%o y else %#t this was her ow& co#si& i& terri%le tro#%le a& is'race" 0he was 2ery istresse " 'It's a is'race $or o#r whole $a(ily/' she tho#'ht" '-& what will 5#&e's )eo)le say3 They'll &e2er 'et o2er it i$ she's
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e6)elle " They'll thi&k I o#'ht to ha2e ke)t a& eye o& 5#&e (ore a& )erha)s I sho#l " 4#t she really is s#ch a little %east!' Felicity ca(e teari&' #) to the $i$th,$or( co((o&,roo( that e2e&i&'" 0he was i& tears" '!arrell!' she sai / har ly waiti&' to k&ock" '7h/ !arrell 5#&e's 'oi&' to %e e6)elle " 0he is really" Miss >rayli&' tol her so" 7h/ !arrell I o&'t like her %#t I ca&'t %ear her to %e e6)elle " 0#rely she's &ot as %a as all that"' E2eryo&e i& the $i$th,$or( co((o&,roo( sat #) with a ;erk at this &ews" E6)elle ! It was a'es si&ce a&yo&e ha %ee& se&t i& is'race $ro( Malory Towers" -& a $irst,$or(er/ too" -licia sat sile&t/ %iti&' her li)s" 8er ow& co#si&" 8ow terri%le" Coor Felicity %e'a& to so%" '5#&e's 'ot to 'o to(orrow" Miss >rayli&' is tele)ho&i&' her )eo)le to&i'ht" 0he's )acki&' &ow/ this (i&#te" 0he's terri%ly/ terri%ly #)set" 0he kee)s sayi&' she's &ot a cowar / a& she i &'t k&ow it was so aw$#l/ she kee)s o& a& o& " " " !arrell/ ca&'t yo# o so(ethi&'3 0#))ose it was (e/ !arrell3 1o#l &'t yo# o so(ethi&'3' The $i$th $or( were a'hast at all this" They )ict#re 5#&e )acki&'/ %ewil ere a& $ri'hte&e " Miss >rayli&' (#st ha2e ha 2ery %a re)orts o$ her to (ake her 'o to this le&'th" 0he (#st ha2e tho#'ht there was &o 'oo i& 5#&e at all &ot to 'i2e her o&e (ore cha&ce" '!arrell! 0ally! -licia! Ca&'t yo# 'o a& ask Miss >rayli&' to 'i2e her a cha&ce3' crie Felicity/ a %i' tear r#&&i&' ow& her &ose a& $alli&' o& to the car)et" 'I tell yo#/ she's aw$#lly #)set"' Moira ha %ee& liste&i&' with the others" 0o it was 5#&e! 0he looke ro#& at >we&/ Ma#ree& a& Catheri&e/ three o$ the 'irls she ha s#s)ecte " It was a loa o$$ her heart that it was&'t a&y o$ the(" It was a& e2e& 'reater relie$ that it was&'t 4ri 'et/ her sister"
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4#t s#))ose it ha %ee&3 It wo#l ha2e %ee& 4ri 'et who was )acki&' the& 4ri 'et who wo#l ha2e %ee& so 'aw$#lly #)set'" It wo#l ha2e %ee& her ow& )are&ts who wo#l %e so sa a& (isera%le %eca#se a chil o$ theirs ha %ee& e6)elle " Moira 'ot #)" 'I'll 'o a& see Miss >rayli&'/' she sai " 'I wo&'t let her e6)el 5#&e" I'll ask her to 'i2e her a&other cha&ce" -$ter all I'2e %ee& )retty aw$#l (ysel$ this ter( a& it's &ot to %e wo& ere at i$ a (ere $irst,$or(er hate (e a& esce& e to writi&' those letters" There was +#ite a lot o$ tr#th i& the(! 5#&e eser2es to %e )#&ishe %#t &ot so %a ly as that"' 0he we&t o#t o$ the roo(/ lea2i&' %ehi& a ee) sile&ce" Felicity ra& with her/ a& act#ally took her ha& ! Moira s+#ee*e it" '7h/ Moira )eo)le say yo#'re har a& #&ki& %#t yo#'re &ot/ yo#'re &ot!' sai little Felicity" 'Yo#'re ki& a& 'e&ero#s a& 'oo / a& I shall tell e2ery si&'le )erso& i& the $irst $or( so!' .o%o y e2er k&ew what ha))e&e %etwee& Miss >rayli&'/ Moira a& 5#&e/ $or &ot o&e o$ the three e2er sai " 4#t the res#lt was that 5#&e was se&t to #&)ack her thi&'s a'ai&/ 2ery s#% #e a& tha&k$#l/ a& that Moira ca(e %ack to $i& a co((o&,roo( $#ll o$ a (iratio& a& 'oo will towar s her" 'It's all ri'ht/' sai Moira/ s(ili&' ro#& a little &er2o#sly" '5#&e's let o$$" 0he's #&)acki&' a'ai&" 0he wo&'t $or'et this lesso& i& a h#rry"' -licia s)oke i& a rather shaky 2oice" 'Tha&ks (ost aw$#lly/ Moira" Yo#'2e %ee& (ost $ri'ht$#lly ece&t o2er this" I ca&'t e2er re)ay yo# it (ea&s a& aw$#l lot to (e to k&ow that (y co#si& wo&'t %e e6)elle " I er I wa&t to a)olo'i*e $or resi'&i&' $ro( the )a&to(i(e" I$ i$ yo#'ll let (e with raw (y resi'&atio&/ I' like to"'

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This was a 2ery i$$ic#lt thi&' $or -licia to o -licia who ha sai that &othi&' i& the worl wo#l (ake her with raw her resi'&atio& or a)olo'i*e! 1ell/ so(ethi&' ha (a e her a& she was ece&t e&o#'h a& %ra2e e&o#'h &ot to shirk the awkwar &ess a& i$$ic#lty %#t to say it all strai'ht o#t i& )#%lic" E2eryo&e we&t s# e&ly (a " !arrell 'a2e a s+#eal o$ eli'ht a& r#she to -licia" 0ally th#()e her o& the %ack" Ma2is sa&' lo# ly" Ire&e we&t to the )ia&o a& )laye a tri#()ha&t (arch $ro( the )a&to(i(e" 4ill a& Clarissa 'allo)e ro#& the roo( as i$ they were o& horse%ack/ a& little Mary,Lo# th#()e o& the to) o$ the ta%le" Moira la#'he s# e&ly" 1hat ha ha))e&e to all the s)ite a& (alice a& %eastli&ess3 1hat ha ha))e&e to the s+#a%%les a& +#arrels a& worries3 They were 'o&e i& a& i&sta&t/ %low& to s(itheree&s %y Moira's i&sti&cti2e/ 'e&ero#s,hearte actio& i& 'oi&' to sa2e 5#&e" 'E2erythi&''s ri'ht a'ai&/' sa&' Ma2is/ a& Mary,Lo# th#()e the ta%le i& ti(e" 'E2erythi&''s ri'ht/ e2erythi&''s ri'ht 8<??-Y!'

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Chapter 21 MAM,-ELLE,S ,TREEK,

CE?T-I.LY e2erythi&' was (#ch %etter &ow" -licia we&t to see 5#&e a& a resse a 'oo (a&y so#& a& se&si%le wor s to that (#ch chaste&e a& s#% #e $irst, $or(er" It wo#l %e a lo&' ti(e %e$ore 5#&e $or'ot the(/ i$ she e2er i " 0he i &'t thi&k she e2er wo#l " Moira was %aski&' i& a &ew,$o#& a (iratio& a& liki&'/ that (a e her (#ch (ore a(e&a%le to the others' s#''estio&s/ a& rehearsals %eca(e a )leas#re" E2e& the s#lky 4ri 'et ca(e s(ili&' i&to the $i$th,$or( co((o&,roo( to say she was 'la Moira ha sa2e 5#&e" 'It (akes (e $eel yo# (i'ht o the sa(e $or (e/ Moira!' she sai " '1ell I wo#l /' sai Moira/ shortly/ a& 4ri 'et we&t o#t/ )lease " Ma('*elle ha %ee& 2ery shocke a& #)set a%o#t e2erythi&'" '4#t it is terri%le! 8ow co#l 5#&e o s#ch a thi&'3 -& Moira Moira/ that har Moira to 'o a& sa2e her like that! Miss Cotts/ &e2er wo#l I ha2e tho#'ht that 'irl ha a 'e&ero#s actio& i& her! Miss Cotts it shocks (e that I k&ow so little o$ (y 'irls!' '7h/ yo#'ll 'et o2er the shock/' sai Miss Cotts/ cheer$#lly" '-& yo#'ll ha2e )le&ty (ore" 1ell/ well the 'irls ha2e cheere #) a lot the $i$th,$or(ers I (ea&" They really were a worrie / (isera%le/ +#arrelso(e crew last week! I was serio#sly thi&ki&' o$ )layi&' a trick o& the( to cheer the( #)!' Ma('*elle looke at Miss Cotts" I& her esk were the trick teeth which ha arri2e that (or&i&'" Miss Cotts (#st &ot )lay a trick i$ a trick was to %e )laye / she/ Ma('*elle

14A

wo#l )lay it" -h yes to cheer #) the )oor 'irls! That wo#l %e a ki& act to o" There was a ho#se,(atch that a$ter&oo& .orth Tower 'irls a'ai&st 1est Tower" Ma('*elle eci e she wo#l a))ear as a s)ectator at the (atch with her teeth! -h/ those teeth! Ma('*elle ha trie the( o&" They (i'ht ha2e %ee& (a e $or her! They $itte o2er her ow& teeth/ %#t were lo&'er/ a& )ro;ecte sli'htly $orwar " They were &ot &oticea%le at all/ o$ co#rse/ whe& she ha her (o#th sh#t %#t whe& she s(ile ah/ how si&ister she looke / how stra&'e/ how $ierce! Ma('*elle ha shocke e2e& hersel$ whe& she ha )#t i& the e6traor i&ary teeth a& s(ile at hersel$ i& the 'lass" 'Tie&s!' she sai / a& cl#tche her ressi&',ta%le" 'I a( a (o&ster! I a( tr#ly terri%le with these teeth " " "' That a$ter&oo& she )#t the( i& care$#lly o2er her others a& we&t ow&stairs to the )layi&',$iel s/ wra))i&' hersel$ #) war(ly i& coat/ scar$ a& t#r%a&" !arrell saw her $irst/ a& (a e roo( $or her o& the $or( she was o&" 'Tha&k yo#/' sai Ma('*elle/ a& s(ile at !arrell" !arrell 'ot a tre(e& o#s shock" Ma('*elle ha s# e&ly looke alto'ether i$$ere&t +#ite terri$yi&'" !arrell stare at her %#t Ma('*elle ha +#ickly sh#t her (o#th" The &e6t o&e to 'et the 0(ile was little Felicity who ca(e #) with 0#sa&" Ma('*elle s(ile at her" '7h!' sai Felicity i& s# e& horror/ a& 0#sa& stare " Ma('*elle sh#t her (o#th" - esire to la#'h was 'ra #ally worki&' #) i&si e her" .o/ &o she (#st &ot la#'h" La#'hi&' s)oilt tricks" 0he i &ot s(ile $or so(e ti(e/ tryi&' to co&+#er her #r'e to la#'h" Miss Li&&ie/ the sewi&',(istress/ )asse %y a& &o e at Ma('*elle" Ma('*elle co#l &ot resist showi&' her the teeth" 0he s(ile "
15B

Miss Li&&ie looke a(a*e a& horri$ie " 0he walke o& +#ickly" '1as that really Ma('*elle3' she wo& ere " '.o/ it (#st ha2e %ee& so(eo&e else" 1hat aw$#l teeth!' Ma('*elle $elt that she (#st 'et #) a& walk a%o#t" It was too col to sit a& %esi es she so %a ly wa&te to la#'h a'ai&" -h/ &ow she #& erstoo why the 'irls la#'he so (#ch a& so hel)lessly whe& they )laye their (ischie2o#s tricks o& her" 0he walke alo&' the $iel / a& (et 4ill a& Clarissa" They s(ile at her a& she s(ile %ack" 4ill stoo still/ th#& erstr#ck" Clarissa ha &'t really &otice " 'Clarissa!' sai 4ill/ whe& Ma('*elle ha 'o&e" '1hat's the (atter with Ma('*elle this a$ter&oo&3 0he looks horri%le' '8orri%le3 8ow3' aske Clarissa i& 'reat s#r)rise" '1ell/ her teeth! !i &'t yo# see her teeth3' aske 4ill" 'They see( to ha2e cha&'e or so(ethi&'" 0i()ly aw$#l teeth she ha lo&' a& sticki&',o#t"' Clarissa was asto&ishe " 'Let's walk %ack a& s(ile at her a'ai&/' she sai " 0o %ack they we&t" 4#t Ma('*elle saw their i&+#isiti2e looks/ a& was str#''li&' a'ai&st a $it o$ la#'hter" 0he wo#l &ot o)e& her (o#th to s(ile" Matro& ca(e #)" '7h/ Ma('*elle o yo# k&ow where >we& is3 0he's ar&e her &a2y 'y( )a&ts with 'rey wool a'ai&" I wa&t her i& oors this a$ter&oo&!' Ma('*elle co#l &ot resist s(ili&' at Matro&" Matro& stare as i$ she co#l &'t %elie2e her eyes" Ma('*elle sh#t her (o#th" Matro& %acke away a little/ looki&' rather alar(e " '>we&'s o2er there/' sai Ma('*elle/ her e6tra teeth (aki&' her wor s so#& rather thick" Matro& looke e2e& (ore alar(e at the thick 2oice a& isa))eare i& a h#rry" Ma('*elle saw her a ress a $ew wor s to Miss Cotts" Miss Cotts looke ro#& $or Ma('*elle"

151

'-ha!' tho#'ht Ma('*elle/ 'Matro& has tol her I look terri%le! 0oo& Miss Cotts will co(e to look at (y 0(ile" I shall la#'h" I k&ow I shall" I shall la#'h witho#t sto))i&' soo&"' Miss Cotts ca(e #)/ eyei&' Ma('*elle care$#lly" 0he 'ot a +#ick 'li()se o$ the $a(o#s teeth" The& Ma('*elle cla()e her (o#th sh#t" 0he wo#l e6)lo e i$ she i &'t kee) her (o#th sh#t! 0he )#lle her scar$ across her $ace/ tryi&' to hi e her esire to la#'h" '!o yo# $eel the col to ay/ Ma('*elle3' aske Miss Cotts a&6io#sly" 'Yo# er yo# ha2e&'t 'ot toothache/ ha2e yo#3' - )ec#liar wil so#& ca(e $ro( Ma('*elle" It startle Miss Cotts co&si era%ly" 4#t act#ally it was o&ly Ma('*elle tryi&' to sti$le a s+#eal o$ la#'hter" 0he r#she away h#rrie ly" Miss Cotts stare a$ter her #&co($orta%ly" 1hat was #) with Ma('*elle3 Ma('*elle strolle ow& the $iel %y hersel$/ tryi&' to reco2er" 0he 'a2e a $ew lo# '#l)s that (a e two seco& , $or(ers wo& er i$ she was 'oi&' to %e ill" Coor Ma('*elle $elt she co#l &'t $lash her teeth at a&yo&e $or a lo&' ti(e/ $or i$ she i she wo#l e6)lo e like Ire&e" 0he eci e to 'o i&" 0he t#r&e her ste)s towar s the school a& the&/ to her #tter horror/ she saw Miss >rayli&'/ the hea (istress/ %eari&' ow& o& her with two )are&ts! Ma('*elle 'a2e a& a&'#ishe look a& h#rrie o& as $ast as she co#l " '7h there's Ma('*elle/' sai Miss >rayli&''s )leasa&t 2oice" 'Ma('*elle/ will yo# (eet Mrs" 5e&&i&'s a& Mrs" Cetto&3' Ma('*elle was $orce to 'o to the(" 0he lost all esire $or la#'hter at o&ce" The trick teeth s# e&ly sto))e %ei&' $#&&y/ a& %eca(e (o&strosities to %e 'ot ri o$ at o&ce" 4#t

152

how3 0he co#l &'t s)it the( i&to her ha& kerchie$ with )eo)le ;#st a%o#t to shake ha& s with her" Mrs" 5e&&i&'s hel o#t her ha& " 'I'2e hear so (#ch a%o#t yo#/ Ma('*elle !#)o&t/' she sai / 'a& what tricks the &a#'hty 'irls )lay o& yo#/ too!' Ma('*elle trie to s(ile witho#t o)e&i&' her (o#th at all/ a& the e$$ect was rather )ec#liar a sort o$ s#))resse s&arl" Mrs" 5e&&i&'s looke s#r)rise " Ma('*elle trie to (ake #) $or her lack o$ s(ile %y shaki&' Mrs" 5e&&i&'s' ha& 2ery 2i'oro#sly i& ee " 0he i the sa(e with Mrs" Cetto&/ who t#r&e o#t to %e a talkati2e (other who wa&te to k&ow e6actly how her a#'hter Teresa was 'etti&' o& i& Fre&ch" 0he s(ile 'aily at Ma('*elle while she talke / a& Ma('*elle $o#& it a'o&y &ot to s(ile %ack" 0he ha to )ro #ce the s#))resse s&arl a'ai&/ s(ili&' with her (o#th sh#t a& her li)s $ir(ly o2er her teeth" Miss >rayli&' was startle %y this )ec#liar s(ile" 0he e6a(i&e Ma('*elle closely" Ma('*elle's 2oice was &ot +#ite as #s#al either it so#& e thick" '-s i$ her (o#th is too $#ll o$ teeth/' tho#'ht Miss >rayli&'/ little k&owi&' that she ha hit o& the e6act tr#th" -t last the (others we&t" Ma('*elle shook ha& s with the( (ost 2i'oro#sly o&ce (ore/ a& was so relie2e at )arti&' $ro( the( that she $or'ot hersel$ a& 'a2e the( a %roa s(ile" They 'ot a $#ll 2iew o$ the terri%le teeth/ Miss >rayli&'/ too" The hea stare i& the #t(ost horror what ha ha))e&e to Ma('*elle's teeth3 8a she ha her ol o&es o#t were these a &ew/ $alse set3 4#t how TE??I4LE they were! They (a e her look like the wol$ i& the tale o$ ?e ?i i&' 8oo " The two (others t#r&e their hea s away +#ickly at the si'ht o$ the teeth" They h#rrie o$$ with Miss >rayli&' who
153

har ly hear what they sai / she was so co&cer&e a%o#t Ma('*elle's teeth" 0he eter(i&e to se& $or Ma('*elle that e2e&i&' a& ask her a%o#t the(" ?eally she co#l &'t allow a&y o$ her sta$$ to 'o a%o#t with teeth like that! They were (o&stro#s/ hi eo#s! Ma('*elle was so tha&k$#l to see the last o$ the (others that she h#rrie strai'ht i&to a little co()a&y o$ $i$th,$or(ers 'oi&' %ack to the school/ so(e to o their )ia&o )ractice a& so(e to ha2e a lesso& i& eloc#tio&" '8allo/ Ma('*elle!' sai Ma2is" '-re yo# co(i&' %ack to school3' Ma('*elle s(ile " The $i$th,$or(ers 'ot a rea $#l shock" They stare i& sile&t horror" The teeth ha sli))e a little/ a& &ow looke rather like $a&'s" They 'a2e Ma('*elle a (ost si&ister/ %i',%a ,wol$ look" Ma('*elle saw their alar( a& asto&ish(e&t" La#'hter s#r'e %ack i&to her" 0he $elt it swelli&' #) a& #)" 0he 'as)e " 0he '#l)e " 0he roare " 0he sa&k o& to a %e&ch a& crie with hel)less la#'hter" 0he re(e(%ere Matro&'s $ace a& Miss >rayli&''s a& the $aces o$ the two (others" The (ore she tho#'ht o$ the( the (ore hel)lessly she la#'he " The 'irls stoo ro#& / (ore alar(e tha& e2er" 1hat was the (atter with Ma('*elle3 1hat was this e&or(o#s ;oke3 Ma('*elle's teeth sli))e o#t alto'ether/ $ell o& to her la)/ a& the& to the 'ro#& " The 'irls stare at the( i& the #t(ost a(a*e(e&t/ a& the& looke at Ma('*elle" 0he &ow looke co()letely &or(al/ with ;#st her ow& s(all teeth showi&' i& her la#'hi&' $ace" 0he la#'he o& a& o& whe& she saw her trick teeth lyi&' there %e$ore her" 'It is a treek/' she s+#eake at last/ wi)i&' her eyes with her ha& kerchie$" '!i yo# &ot 'i2e (e a are3 !i yo# &ot tell (e to o a treek o& yo#3 I ha2e o&e o&e with the teeth"

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They are treek teeth" 7h/ la la I (#st la#'h a'ai&" 7h (y si es/ oh (y %ack!' 0he swaye to a& $ro/ la#'hi&'" The 'irls %e'a& to la#'h/ too" Ma('*elle ?o#'ier ca(e #)/ asto&ishe to see the other Fre&ch (istress la#'hi&' so (#ch" '1hat is the (atter3' she aske / witho#t a s(ile o& her $ace" Ire&e i o&e o$ her e6)losio&s" 0he )oi&te to the teeth o& the 'ro#& " 'Ma('*elle wore the( $or a trick a& they'2e $alle& o#t a& 'i2e& the 'a(e away!' 0he we&t o$$ i&to s+#eals o$ la#'hter a'ai&/ a& the other 'irls ;oi&e i&" Ma('*elle ?o#'ier looke col a& isa))ro2i&'" 'I see &o ;oke/' she sai " 'It is &ot $#&&y/ teeth o& the 'rass" It is ti(e to see the e&tist whe& that ha))e&s"' 0he walke o$$/ a& her s)eech a& isa))ro2i&' $ace se&t e2eryo&e i&to $its o$ la#'hter a'ai&" It was alto'ether a (ost s#ccess$#l a$ter&oo& $or Ma('*elle/ a& the 'treek' story $lew all thro#'h the school i((e iately" Ma('*elle s# e&ly $o#& hersel$ e6tre(ely )o)#lar/ e6ce)t with the sta$$" '- little #& i'&i$ie / o&'t yo# thi&k3' sai Miss 1illia(s" '.ot a thi&' to o too o$te&/ Ma('*elle/' sai Miss Cotts/ (aki&' #) her (i& to re(o2e the trick %ooklets $ro( Ma('*elle's esk at the $irst o))ort#&ity" '>la yo#'2e lost those $ri'ht$#l teeth/' sai Matro&/ %l#&tly" '!o&'t o that a'ai& witho#t war&i&' (e/ Ma('*elle" I 'ot the shock o$ (y li$e"' 4#t the 'irls lo2e Ma('*elle $or her 'treek'/ a& e2ery class i& the school/ $ro( to) to %otto(/ worke twice as har Kor so Ma('*elle eclare L a$ter she ha )laye her tr#ly asto&ishi&' 'treek'!

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Chapter 22 A GRAND SHO"

T8E e& o$ the ter( was co(i&' &ear" The )a&to(i(e was al(ost rea y" E2erythi&' ha 'o&e s(oothly si&ce the 4i' ?ow/ as it was calle " Moira ha so$te&e ow& a lot/ )lease %y the #&sti&te a (iratio& o$ the 'irls $or her act i& 'oi&' ow& to the 8ea to s)eak $or 5#&e" -licia was %ack as e(o& ki&'/ as 'oo as e2er/ co()lete with eerie cha&t" 4etty was %ack as co, )ro #cer" E2eryo&e k&ew her )art )er$ectly" 4eli& a's sce&ery was al(ost $i&ishe " 0he ha )ro #ce all ki& s o$ wo& er$#l e$$ects/ hel)e %y the )ro)erties Co) ha o#t i& the %ar& relics o$ other )lays a& )a&to(i(es" 0he )ai&te $ast a& $#rio#sly/ a& Co) ha hel)e to e2ol2e a (a'&i$ice&t coach which they ha so(ehow (a&a'e to a or& with 'ilt )ai&t" 'It looks (ar2ello#s/' sai Clarissa/ i& awe" 'I s#))ose Merryle's co#l &'t )#ll it/ 4eli& a3 8e' %e aw$#lly 'oo / I k&ow"' 'I aresay %#t i$ yo# thi&k I'( 'oi&' to ha2e Th#& er a& Merryle's 'allo)i&' a%o#t (a ly all o2er (y )recio#s sta'e/ yo# ca& thi&k a'ai&/' sai 4eli& a/ a i&' a $i&al to#ch o$ 'ilt to a wheel" -ll the actors k&ew the so&'s/ %oth wor s a& (#sic" The cost#(es were rea y" 5a&et ha o&e well/ a& e2eryo&e ha a cost#(e that $itte a& s#ite the wearer )er$ectly" Ci& erella looke e&cha&ti&' i& her %all,'ow& a ress whose $#ll skirt $loate o#t (istily/ 'litteri&' with h#& re s o$ se+#i&s )atie&tly sew& o& %y the $irst,$or(ers i& the sewi&',class" The whole school was i&tereste i& the )a&to(i(e %eca#se so (a&y o$ the( ha either hel)e to )ai&t the
156

sce&ery or (ake the ')ro)s' or sew the cost#(es" They were all looki&' $orwar tre(e& o#sly to the show the &e6t week" >we& a& Ma#ree& looke e&2io#sly at Mary,Lo# i& her %all,'ow&" 8ow they wishe they co#l wear a $rock like that" 8ow %ea#ti$#l they wo#l look! Catheri&e 'a*e at little Mary,Lo#/ too" 0he ha 'ot 2ery $o& o$ her" Mary,Lo# was 'e&tle a& ti(i a& always 'rate$#l $or a&ythi&' that Catheri&e i $or her" 0he i &'t call her a oor(at or la#'h at her sel$,sacri$ici&' ways" 0he i &'t e2e& call her 0ai&t Catheri&e as the others i " Catheri&e ha sto))e %ei&' a oor(at $or the $or(" 0he ha $elt a&'ry a& sore a%o#t it" 4#t she so(ehow co#l &'t sto) waiti&' o& )eo)le a& Mary,Lo# i &'t (i& ! 0o she $#sse o2er her/ a& altere her $rock/ a& )raise her/ a& hear her wor s: a& alto'ether she (a e li$e 2ery easy $or Mary,Lo#/ who was really 2ery &er2o#s a%o#t taki&' the )ri&ci)al )art i& the show" .ow the ays were s)i&&i&' away $ast Fri ay/ 0at#r ay/ 0#& ay/ Mo& ay two (ore ays le$t/ o&e (ore ay " " " '-& &ow it's T8E !-Y!' crie !arrell the &e6t (or&i&'/ r#shi&' to the wi& ow" '-& it's a hea2e&ly ay/ so all the )are&ts will 'et ow& witho#t a&y %other" >osh/ I $eel so e6cite I o&'t k&ow what I'( oi&'"' '1ell/ yo# certai&ly o&'t k&ow the i$$ere&ce %etwee& (y s)o&'e a& yo#rs/' sai 0ally/ taki&' her ow& s)o&'e away $ro( the e6cite !arrell" 'Co(e o& 'et resse / i iot" 1e'2e 'ot a lot to o to ay!' The )are&ts arri2e at tea,ti(e" Tea was at $o#r" The )a&to(i(e was #e to %e'i& at hal$,)ast $i2e/ a& we&t o& till hal$,)ast se2e&" The& there ca(e a >ra& 0#))er/ a& a$ter that the )are&ts we&t so(e to their ho(es/ i$ they were withi& ri2i&' ista&ce/ so(e to hotels"
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The tea was 'ra& a& the $irst a& seco& ,$or(ers sc#rrie a%o#t with )lates a& ishes/ hel)i&' the(sel2es to the (eri&'#es a& eclairs whe&e2er they co#l " The $i$th, $or(ers sli))e away to ress at hal$,)ast $o#r" !arrell )ee)e at the sta'e" 8ow %i' it looke how 'ra& ! It was alrea y set $or the $irst sce&e/ with a 'reat $ire,)lace $or Ci& erella to sit %y" !arrell $elt sole(&" 0he ha writte& this )a&to(i(e" I$ it was a $ail#re she wo#l &e2er &e2er write a&ythi&' a'ai& a& yo# &e2er k&ew it (i'ht %e a terri%le $lo)" 0ally ca(e #)" 0he saw !arrell's sole(& $ace a& s(ile " 'It's 'oi&' to %e a terri$ic s#ccess/' she sai " 'Yo# ;#st see! -& yo#'ll eser2e it/ !arrell yo# really ha2e worke har "' '0o ha2e yo#/' sai !arrell/ loyally %#t 0ally k&ew that the creati2e )art ha all %ee& !arrell's" The wor s a& the so&'s ha all co(e o#t o$ !arrell's ow& i(a'i&atio&" 0ally ha &'t (#ch i(a'i&atio& she was se&si%le a& st#r y a& stoli " 0he a (ire !arrell $or her +#ick creati2e&ess witho#t e&2yi&' her" The school orchestra were i& their )laces/ t#&i&' #)" They ha lear&t all Ire&e's (#sic/ a& she was 'oi&' to co& #ct the(" 0he looke $l#she a& )lease " '-re yo# &er2o#s3' aske 4eli& a" 'Yes" .ow I a(" 4#t at the 2ery $irst stroke o$ (y %ato&/ at the 2ery $irst &ote o$ the (#sic/ I'll $or'et to %e &er2o#s" I ;#st wo&'t %e there" I'll %e the (#sic/' sai Ire&e" 4eli& a #& erstoo this re(arka%le state(e&t 2ery well/ a& &o e 'ra2ely" The actors were all resse i& their cost#(es" Mary,Lo# ha o& her ra''e Ci& erella $rock a& looke $ri'hte&e " '4#t it oes&'t (atter yo# looki&' )e&si2e a& scare /' Moira tol her" 'Yo#'re ;#st ri'ht like that Ci& erella to the li$e!'

15=

-licia looke si()ly (a'&i$ice&t" 0he was resse i& a ti'ht,$itti&' 'lowi&' re cost#(e that showe o$$ her sli( $i'#re )er$ectly" It was 'litteri&' with %ri'ht se+#i&s" 8er eyes 'littere / too" 0he wore a )oi&te hoo a& looke ')ositi2ely wicke ' 4etty sai " '-& o&'t yo# ro) a&y o$ yo#r ;#''li&' ri&'s/ a& isco2er yo#r ra%%it is&'t i& yo#r hat a$ter all/ or so(ethi&'/' she sai to -licia" 4#t -licia k&ew she wo#l &'t" -licia was&'t &er2o#s she was cock,s#re a& co&$i e&t a& %rillia&t, eye / a& lea)t a%o#t as i$ she ha s)ri&'s i& her heels" '0hhhhhhh!' sai so(e%o y" 'The orchestra's %e'i&&i&'" The a# ie&ce are all co(i&' i&" 0hhhhh!' The orchestra )laye a li2ely ro#si&' t#&e" Lo2ely! !arrell )ee)e thro#'h the c#rtai&s a& saw Ire&e sta& i&' #)/ co& #cti&' 2i'oro#sly" 1hat i it $eel like to co& #ct yo#r ow& (#sic3 5#st as 'oo as it wo#l $eel to see yo#r ow& )lay acte / &o o#%t" 0he shi2ere i& e6cite(e&t" - %ell ra&' %ehi& sta'e" The c#rtai&s were a%o#t to swi&' o)e&" The chor#s 'ot rea y to 'o i&" The )a&to(i(e ha %e'#&! 1he& the chor#s a&ce o$$ the sta'e/ Mary,Lo# was le$t %y the $ire as Ci& erella" 0he sa&' a& her s(all sweet 2oice ca#'ht Ire&e's lilti&' (elo ies/ (aki&' e2eryo&e liste& i&te&tly" The 4aro& ca(e o& 4ill/ sta()i&' aro#& i& ri i&', %oots/ roari&' here a& roari&' there" 'It's 4ILL!' sho#te the eli'hte school a& cla))e so (#ch that they hel #) the )a&to(i(e $or a %it" The two <'ly 0isters %ro#'ht ow& the ho#se too" They were )er$ectly hi eo#s/ )er$ectly i iotic a& )er$ectly wo& er$#l" -& how they e&;oye the(sel2es! >we& e2e& $o#& hersel$ wishi&' she (i'ht ha2e %ee& o&e o$ the(! <'ly or &ot/ it (#st %e

15A

wo& er$#l to ha2e a co(ic )art like that" 4#t >we& was o&ly a ser2a&t i& the chor#s/ #&see& a& al(ost #&hear ! Mrs" Lacy har ly ca#'ht si'ht o$ her at all" 4#t $or o&ce i& a way she i &'t (i& she was so e&ra)t#re with the )a&to(i(e" The& the Cri&ce ca(e tall/ sle& er Ma2is/ looki&' shy a& &er2o#s #&til she ha to si&' a& the& what a (ar2el! 8er 2oice %roke o& the startle a# ie&ce like a (iracle/ a& there was &ot a si&'le so#& to %e hear while she sa&'" Mothers $o#& their eyes $#ll o$ tears" 1hat a wo& er$#l 2oice! 1hat a 'oo thi&' it ha co(e %ack to Ma2is" 1hy/ o&e ay she wo#l %e a 'reat o)era,si&'er/ )erha)s the 'reatest that e2er li2e " Ma2is sa&' o& a& o& like a %ir / her 2oice )#re a& tr#e/ a& Ire&e e6#lte i& the t#&es she ha writte& so well $or her" There was s#ch a stor( o$ cla))i&' that a'ai& the )a&to(i(e was hel #)" 'E&core!' sho#te e2eryo&e" 'E&core! E.C7?E!' !arrell was tre(%li&' with e6cite(e&t a& ;oy" It was a s#ccess" It 1-0 a s#ccess" I& $act/ it looke like %ei&' a 0<CE? s#ccess" 0he co#l har ly kee) still" -licia was e6celle&t" 0he lea)t o& (a'&i$ice&tly/ with her eerie cha&t" '7ooooh!' sai the lower school/ elicio#sly thrille " 'The e(o& ki&'" It's -licia!' 1itho#t a si&'le (istake -licia ;#''le a& t#(%le / i cart,wheels a& co&;#re as i$ she ha %ee& oi&' &othi&' else all her li$e" Fathers t#r&e to o&e a&other a& e6clai(e i& asto&ishe a (iratio&" '0he's 'oo e&o#'h to %e o& the Lo& o& sta'e" 8ow o& earth i she o that trick3' 0o the show we&t o&/ a& e2eryo&e cla))e a& cheere (a ly at the e& o$ the $irst act" The actors r#she to Moira

16B

a& !arrell whe& the c#rtai& ca(e ow& at the e& o$ the act" '-re we oi&' all ri'ht3 I &early $or'ot (y li&es! Is&'t the a# ie&ce 'ra& 3 7h/ !arrell/ are&'t yo# )ro# 3 Moira/ we're oi&' $i&e/ are&'t we3 -re&'t we3' The seco& act was )er$or(e " .ow the a# ie&ce ha ti(e to a))reciate the lo2ely cost#(es a& (ar2el at the(" They (ar2elle at the sce&ery/ too a& a))la# e the 'ilt coach $ra&tically/ es)ecially the lower school/ so(e o$ who( ha hel)e to )ai&t it" -& the& at last the e& ca(e" The $i&al chor#s was s#&'/ the last %ow (a e" The c#rtai& sw#&' %ack o&ce twice three $o#r ti(es" The a# ie&ce rose to its $eet/ cheeri&' a& sho#ti&' a& sta()i&'" It was the %i''est s#ccess Malory Towers ha e2er ha " The a# ie&ce sat ow&" - call ca(e that 'rew (ore a& (ore i&siste&t" '-#thor! -#thor! -<T87?!' 0o(eo&e 'a2e !arrell a )#sh" '>o o&/ silly" They're calli&' $or yo#" Yo#'re the a#thor! Yo# wrote it all!' 4li& ly !arrell ste))e o#t i& $ro&t o$ the c#rtai&" 0he saw Felicity's e6cite $ace so(ewhere" 0he searche $or her $ather a& (other" There they were cla))i&' wil ly" Mrs" ?i2ers $o#& tears r#&&i&' ow& her $ace" !arrell! 8er !arrell! 8ow wo& er$#l it was to ha2e a chil yo# co#l %e )ro# o$! 1ell o&e/ !arrell/ well o&e! '0)eech!' ca(e a call" '0)eech! 0)eeeeech!' '0ay so(ethi&'/ ass!' sai Ire&e/ $ro( the orchestra" There was s# e&ly sile&ce" !arrell hesitate " 1hat sho#l she say3 'Tha&k yo#/' she sai / at last" '1e we i lo2e oi&' it" I co#l &'t ha2e o&e it %y (ysel$/ o$ co#rse" There was Ire&e/ who wrote all the lo2ely (#sic" Co(e #) here/ Ire&e!'
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Ire&e ca(e #) %esi e her a& %owe " 0he was cla))e a& cheere " '-& there was 4eli& a who esi'&e e2erythi&'/' we&t o& !arrell/ a& 4eli& a was )#she o#t $ro( %ehi& the c#rtai&/ %esi e her" '-& 0ally hel)e (e all the ti(e"' 7#t ca(e 0ally/ %l#shi&'" 'Moira a& 4etty were co,)ro #cers/' sai !arrell/ war(i&' #) a little '8ere they are" 7h/ a& 5a&et i all the cost#(es!' They a))eare / %ea(i&'/ a& 'ot a lar'e share o$ cla)s a& cheers" '-& Ma2is o#'ht to co(e/ too/ %eca#se she hel)e so (#ch with the si&'i&' a& trai&e the chor#s/' sai !arrell" Ma2is si le o#t shyly/ a& 'ot a tre(e& o#s o2atio&" '7h a& I (#st&'t $or'et Co)!' sai !arrell a& (#ch to e2eryo&e's eli'ht o#t ca(e the ha& y(a& i& waistcoat a& 'ree& %ai*e a)ro& looki&' co()letely %e(#se a& e6tre(ely )ro# " 8e %owe se2eral ti(es a& the& isa))eare like a ;ack,i&,the,%o6" -& the& it was really all o2er" 7&e last lo&' cla)/ o&e last lo&' sho#t it was o2er" 'I wish I co#l hol this (o(e&t $or e2er a& e2er/' tho#'ht !arrell/ )ee)i&' thro#'h the c#rtai&s o&ce a'ai&" 'My $irst )lay (y $irst s#ccess! I o&'t wa&t this (o(e&t to 'o!' 8ol it the&/ !arrell/ while we sli) away" It's yo#r ow& 'reat (o(e&t" There'll &e2er %e a&other +#ite like it!

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Famous Five | Secret Seven | Faraway Tree | Adventure

Enid Blyton

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