I thought you seemed rather--" At that moment the door opened and the three little girls appeared, each carrying a porridge plate.

They were dressed alike in blue jerseys and knickers; their brown legs were bare, and each had her hair plaited and pinned up in what was called a horse's tail.

Behind them came Mrs.
Fairfield with the tray.
"Carefully, children," she warned.

But they were taking the very greatest care.

They loved being allowed to carry things.