After tea Sophia took Blue and Red apart into their little bedroom.

An old cotton blind was pulled down to shield the low window from passers in the yard.

The pane was open and the blind flapped.

The room had little ornament and was unattractive.
"How could you write letters to that Mr.Harkness ?" asked Sophia, trying to be patient.
"We didn't--exactly," said Blue, "but how did you know ?" "At least--we did," said Red, "but only notes.

What have you heard, Sister Sophia?
Has he"-- anxiously--"written to papa ?" "Written to papa!" repeated Sophia in scorn.