"Syd likes me, and I like Syd.

What do you think?
She lived in London with a cruel woman who never gave her enough to eat.

See what a good girl I am?
I'm beginning to feed her already." Kitty pulled a box of sweetmeats out of her pocket, and handed it to the governess with a tap on the lid, suggestive of an old gentleman offering a pinch of snuff to a friend.
"My dear child, you mustn't speak of Miss Westerfield in that way! Pray excuse her," said Mrs.Linley, turning to Sydney with a smile; "I am afraid she has been disturbing you in your room." Sydney's silent answer touched the mother's heart; she kissed her little friend.

"I hope you will let her call me Syd," she said gently; "it reminds me of a happier time." Her voice faltered; she could say no more.

Kitty explained, with the air of a grown person encouraging a child.