Thisisaworkoffictionandanyresemblancebetweenthecharactersinthisbookandrealpersonsiscoincidental。
AportionofthisworkoriginallyappearedinFamilyCircle。
Versesfrom\"ClancyoftheOverflow\"byA。B。PatersonreprintedbypermissionofthecopyrightproprietorandAngusandRobertsonPublishers。
PhotographoftheauthorbyJimKalett。
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FirstAvonPrinting，June，1
AVONTRADEMARKREG。U。s。PAT。OFF。ANDINOTHERCOUNTRIES，MARCABEGISTRADA，HECHOENU。s。a。
PrintedinCanadafor\"bigsister\"JeanEasthopeCONTENTS
ONE1915-1917Meggie3TWO1921-1928Ralph65THREE1929-1932Paddy215FOUR1933-1938Luke283FIVE1938-1953Fee427SIX1954-1965Dane525SEVEN1965-1969Justine655Thereisalegendaboutabirdwhichsingsjustonceinitslife，moresweetlythananyothercreatureonthefaceoftheearth。Fromthemomentitleavesthenestitsearchesforathorntree，anddoesnotrestuntilithasfoundone。Then，singingamongthesavagebranches，itimpalesitselfuponthelongest，sharpestspine。And，dying，itrisesaboveitsownagonytoout-carolthelarkandthenightingale。Onesuperlativesong，existencetheprice。Butthewholeworldstillstolisten，andGodinHisheavensmiles。Forthebestisonlyboughtatthecostofgreatpain……Orsosaysthelegend。ONE
1915-1917MEGGIE1
OnDecember8th，1915，MeggieClearyhadherfourthbirthday。Afterthebreakfastdisheswereputawayhermothersilentlythrustabrownpaperparcelintoherarmsandorderedheroutside。SoMeggiesquatteddownbehindthegorsebushnexttothefrontgateandtuggedimpatiently。Herfingerswereclumsy，thewrappingheavy；itsmelledfaintlyoftheWahinegeneralstore，whichtoldherthatwhateverlayinsidetheparcelhadmiraculouslybeenbought，nothomemadeordonated。Somethingfineandmistilygoldbegantopokethroughacorner；sheattackedthepaperfaster，peelingitawayinlong，raggedstrips。\"Agnes！Oh，Agnes！\"shesaidlovingly，blinkingatthedolllyingthereinatatterednest。Amiracleindeed。OnlyonceinherlifehadMeggiebeenintoWahine；allthewaybackinMay，becauseshehadbeenaverygoodgirl。Soperchedinthebuggybesidehermother，onherbestbehavior，shehadbeentooexcitedtoseeorremembermuch。ExceptforAgnes，thebeautifuldollsittingonthestorecounter，dressedinacrinolineofpinksatinwithcreamlacefrillsalloverit。RightthenandthereinhermindshehadchristeneditAgnes，theonlynamesheknewelegantenoughforsuchapeerlesscreature。Yetovertheen-3suingmonthsheryearningafterAgnescontainednothingofhope；Meggiedidn’townadollandhadnoidealittlegirlsanddollsbelongedtogether。Sheplayedhappilywiththewhistlesandslingshotsandbatteredsoldiersherbrothersdiscarded，gotherhandsdirtyandherbootsmuddy。ItneveroccurredtoherthatAgneswastoplaywith。Strokingthebrightpinkfoldsofthedress，granderthananyshehadeverseenonahumanwoman，shepickedAgnesuptenderly。Thedollhadjointedarmsandlegswhichcouldbemovedanywhere；evenherneckandtiny，shapelywaistwerejointed。Hergoldenhairwasexquisitelydressedinahighpompadourstuddedwithpearls，herpalebosompeepedoutofafoamingfichuofcreamlacefastenedwithapearlpin。Thefinelypaintedbonechinafacewasbeautiful，leftunglazedtogivethedelicatelytintedskinanaturalmattetexture。Astonishinglylifelikeblueeyesshonebetweenlashesofrealhair，theiririsesstreakedandcircledwithadarkerblue；fascinated，MeggiediscoveredthatwhenAgneslaybackfarenough，hereyesclosed。Highononefaintlyflushedcheekshehadablackbeautymark，andherduskymouthwaspartedslightlytoshowtinywhiteteeth。Meggieputthedollgentlyonherlap，crossedherfeetunderhercomfortably，andsatjustlooking。ShewasstillsittingbehindthegorsebushwhenJackandHughiecamerustlingthroughthegrasswhereitwastooclosetothefencetofeelascythe。HerhairwasthetypicalClearybeacon，alltheClearychildrensaveFrankbeingmartyredbyathatchsomeshadeofred；Jacknudgedhisbrotherandpointedgleefully。Theyseparated，grinningateachother，andpretendedtheyweretroopersafteraMaorirenegade。Meggiewouldnothaveheardthemanyway，soengrossedwassheinAgnes，hummingsoftlytoherself。\"What’sthatyou’vegot，Meggie？\"Jackshouted，pouncing。\"Showus！\"\"Yes，showus！\"Hughiegiggled，outflankingher。
Sheclaspedthedollagainstherchestandshookherhead。\"No，she’smine！Igotherformybirthday！\"
\"Showus，goon！Wejustwanttohavealook。\"
Prideandjoywonout。Sheheldthedollsoherbrotherscouldsee。\"Look，isn’tshebeautiful？HernameisAgnes。\"
\"Agnes？Agnes？\"Jackgaggedrealistically。\"Whatasoppyname！Whydon’tyoucallherMargaretorBetty？\"
\"Becauseshe’sAgnes！\"
Hughienoticedthejointinthedoll’swrist，andwhistled。\"Hey，Jack，look！Itcanmoveitshand！\"
\"Where？Let’ssee。\"
\"No！\"Meggiehuggedthedollcloseagain，tearsforming。\"No，you’llbreakher！Oh，Jack，don’ttakeheraway-you’llbreakher！\"\"Pooh！\"Hisdirtybrownhandslockedaboutherwrists，closingtightly。\"WantaChineseburn？Anddon’tbesuchacrybaby，orI’lltellBob。\"Hesqueezedherskininoppositedirectionsuntilitstretchedwhitely，asHughiegotholdofthedoll’sskirtsandpulled。\"Gimme，orI’lldoitreallyhard！\"
\"No！Don’t，Jack，pleasedon’t！You’llbreakher，Iknowyouwill！Oh，pleaseleaveheralone！Don’ttakeher，please！\"Inspiteofthecruelgriponherwristssheclungtothedoll，sobbingandkicking。\"Gotit\"Hughiewhooped，asthedollslidunderMeggie’scrossedforearms。JackandHughiefoundherjustasfascinatingasMeggiehad；offcamethedress，thepetticoatsandlong，frillydrawers。Agneslaynakedwhiletheboyspushedandpulledather，forcingonefootroundthebackofherhead，makingherlookdownherspine，everypossiblecontortiontheycouldthinkof。TheytooknonoticeofMeggieasshestoodcrying；itdidnotoccurtohertoseekhelp，forintheClearyfamilythosewhocouldnotfighttheirownbattlesgotscantaidorsympathy，andthatwentforgirls，too。
Thedoll’sgoldenhairtumbleddown，thepearlsflewwinkingintothelonggrassanddisappeared。Adustybootcamedownthoughtlesslyontheabandoneddress，smearinggreasefromthesmithyacrossitssatin。Meggiedroppedtoherknees，scrabblingfranticallytocollecttheminiatureclothesbeforemoredamagewasdonethem，thenshebeganpickingamongthegrassbladeswhereshethoughtthepearlsmighthavefallen。Hertearswereblindingher，thegriefinherheartnew，foruntilnowshehadneverownedanythingworthgrievingfor。
Frankthrewtheshoehissingintocoldwaterandstraightenedhisback；itdidn’tachethesedays，soperhapshewasusedtosmithying。Notbeforetime，hisfatherwouldhavesaid，aftersixmonthsatit。ButFrankknewverywellhowlongitwassincehisintroductiontotheforgeandanvil；hehadmeasuredthetimeinhatredandresentment。Throwingthehammerintoitsbox，hepushedthelankblackhairoffhisbrowwithatremblinghandanddraggedtheoldleatherapronfromaroundhisneck。Hisshirtlayonaheapofstrawinthecorner；heploddedacrosstoitandstoodforamomentstaringatthesplinteringbarnwallasifitdidnotexist，hisblackeyeswideandfixed。Hewasverysmall，notabovefivefeetthreeinches，andthinstillasstriplingsare，butthebareshouldersandarmshadmusclesalreadyknottedfromworkingwiththehammer，andthepale，flawlessskingleamedwithsweat。Thedarknessofhishairandeyeshadaforeigntang，hisfull-lippedmouthandwide-bridgednosenottheusualfamilyshape，buttherewasMaoribloodonhismother’ssideandinhimitshowed。Hewasnearlysixteenyearsold，whereBobwasbarelyeleven，Jackten，Hughienine，StuartfiveandlittleMeggiethree。ThenherememberedthattodayMeggiewasfour；itwasDecember8th。Heputonhisshirtandleftthebarn。
Thehouselayontopofasmallhillaboutonehundredfeethigherthanthebarnandstables。LikeallNewZealandhouses，itwaswooden，ramblingovermanysquaresandofonestoryonly，onthetheorythatifanearthquakestruck，someofitmightbeleftstanding。Arounditgorsegreweverywhere，atthemomentsmotheredinrichyellowflowers；thegrasswasgreenandluxuriant，likeallNewZealandgrass。Noteveninthemiddleofwinter，whenthefrostsometimeslayunmeltedalldayintheshade，didthegrassturnbrown，andthelong，mildsummeronlytinteditanevenrichergreen。Therainsfellgentlywithoutbruisingthetendersweetnessofallgrowingthings，therewasnosnow，andthesunhadjustenoughstrengthtocherish，neverenoughtosap。NewZealand’sscourgesthunderedupoutofthebowelsoftheearthratherthandescendedfromtheskies。Therewasalwaysasuffocatedsenseofwaiting，anintangibleshudderingandthumpingthatactuallytransmitteditselfthroughthefeet。Forbeneaththegroundlayawesomepower，powerofsuchmagnitudethatthirtyyearsbeforeawholetoweringmountainhaddisappeared；steamgushedhowlingoutofcracksinthesidesofinnocenthills，volcanoesspurnedsmokeintotheskyandthealpinestreamsranwarm。Hugelakesofmudboiledoilily，theseaslappeduncertainlyatcliffswhichmightnotbetheretogreetthenextincomingtide，andinplacestheearth’scrustwasonlyninehundredfeetthick。Yetitwasagentle，graciousland。BeyondthehousestretchedanundulatingplainasgreenastheemeraldinFionaCleary’sengagementring，dottedwiththousandsofcreamybundlescloseproximityrevealedassheep。WherethecurvinghillsscallopedtheedgeofthelightblueskyMountEgmontsoaredtenthousandfeet，slopingintotheclouds，itssidesstillwhitewithsnow，itssymmetrysoperfectthateventhoselikeFrankwhosawiteverydayoftheirlivesneverceasedtomarvel。
Itwasquiteapullfromthebarntothehouse，butFrankhurriedbecauseheknewheoughtnottobegoing；hisfather’sorderswereexplicit。Thenasheroundedthecornerofthehousehesawthelittlegroupbythegorsebush。
FrankhaddrivenhismotherintoWahinetobuyMeggie’sdoll，andhewasstillwonderingwhathadpromptedhertodoit。Shewasn’tgiventoimpracticalbirthdaypresents，therewasn’tthemoneyforthem，andshehadnevergivenatoytoanyonebefore。Theyallgotclothes；birthdaysandChristmasesreplenishedsparsewardrobes。ButapparentlyMeggiehadseenthedollonheroneandonlytripintotown，andFionahadnotforgotten。WhenFrankquestionedher，shemutteredsomethingaboutagirlneedingadoll，andquicklychangedthesubject。
JackandHughiehadthedollbetweenthemonthefrontpath，manipulatingitsjointscallously。AllFrankcouldseeofMeggiewasherback，asshestoodwatchingherbrothersdesecrateAgnes。Herneatwhitesockshadslippedincrinkledfoldsaroundherlittleblackboots，andthepinkofherlegswasvisibleforthreeorfourinchesbelowthehemofherbrownvelvetSundaydress。Downherbackcascadedamaneofcarefullycurledhair，sparklinginthesun；notredandnotgold，butsomewhereinbetween。Thewhitetaffetabowwhichheldthefrontcurlsbackfromherfacehungdraggledandlimp；dustsmearedherdress。Sheheldthedoll’sclothestightlyinonehand，theotherpushingvainlyatHughie。
\"Youbloodylittlebastards！\"
JackandHughiescrambledtotheirfeetandran，thedollforgotten；whenFranksworeitwaspolitictorun。
\"IfIcatchyouflaminglittletwerpstouchingthatdollagainI’llbrandyourshittylittlearses！\"Frankyelledafterthem。HebentdownandtookMeggie’sshouldersbetweenhishands，shakinghergently。
\"Here，herethere’snoneedtocry！Comeonnow，they’vegoneandthey’llnevertouchyourdollyagain，Ipromise。Givemeasmileforyourbirthday，eh？\"
Herfacewasswollen，hereyesrunning；shestaredatFrankoutofgreyeyessolargeandfulloftragedythathefelthisthroattighten。Pullingadirtyragfromhisbreechespocket，herubbeditclumsilyoverherface，thenpinchedhernosebetweenitsfolds。
\"Blow！\"
Shedidasshewastold，hiccupingnoisilyashertearsdried。\"Oh，Fruh-Fruh-Frank，theytoo-too-tookAgnesawayfromme！\"Shesniffled。\"Herhuh-huh-hairallfaileddownandsheloh-loh-lostalltheprettywiddlepuh-puh-pearlsinit！Theyallfailedinthegruh-gruhgrassandIcan’tendthem！\"
Thetearswelledupagain，splashingonFrank’shand；hestaredathiswetskinforamoment，thenlickedthedropsoff。
\"Well，we’llhavetofindthem，won’twe？Butyoucan’tfindanythingwhileyou’recrying，youknow，andwhat’sallthisbabytalk？Ihaven’theardyousay\"widdle\"insteadof\"little’forsixmonths！Here，blowyournoseagainandthenpickuppoor……Agnes？Ifyoudon’tputherclotheson，she’llgetsunburned。\"
Hemadehersitontheedgeofthepathandgaveherthedollgently，thenhecrawledaboutsearchingthegrassuntilhegaveatriumphantwhoopandheldupapearl。
\"There！Firstone！We’llfindthemall，youwaitandsee。\"
Meggiewatchedheroldestbrotheradoringlywhilehepickedamongthegrassblades，holdingupeachpearlashefoundit；thensherememberedhowdelicateAgnes’sskinmustbe，howeasilyitmustBurn，andbentherattentiononclothingthedoll。Theredidnotseemanyrealinjury。Herhairwastangledandloose，herarmsandlegsdirtywheretheboyshadpushedandpulledatthem，buteverythingstillworked。AtortoiseshellcombnestledaboveeachofMeggie’sears；shetuggedatoneuntilitcamefree，andbegantocombAgnes’shair，whichwasgenuinehumanhair，skillfullyknottedontoabaseofglueandgauze，andbleacheduntilitwasthecolorofgildedstraw。Shewasyankinginexpertlyatalargeknotwhenthedreadfulthinghappened。Offcamethehair，allofit，danglinginatousledclumpfromtheteethofthecomb。AboveAgnes’ssmoothbroadbrowtherewasnothing；nohead，nobaldskull。Justanawful，yawninghole。Shiveringinterror，Meggieleanedforwardtopeerinsidethedoll’scranium。Theinvertedcontoursofcheeksandchinshoweddimly，lightglitteredbetweenthepartedlipswiththeirteethablack，animalsilhouette，andaboveallthiswereAgnes’seyes，twohorribleclickingballsspearedbyawirerodthatcruellypiercedherhead。
Meggie’sscreamwashighandthin，unchildlike；sheflungAgnesawayandwentonscreaming，handscoveringherface，shakingandshuddering。ThenshefeltFrankpullatherfingersandtakeherintohisarms，pushingherfaceintothesideofhisneck。Wrappingherarmsabouthim，shetookcomfortfromhimuntilhisnearnesscalmedherenoughtobecomeawareofhownicehesmelled，allhorsesandsweatandiron。
Whenshequietened，Frankmadehertellhimwhatwasthematter；hepickedupthedollandstaredintoitsemptyheadinwonder，tryingtorememberifhisinfantuniversehadbeensobesetbystrangeterrors。Buthisunpleasantphantomswereofpeopleandwhispersandcoldglances。Ofhismother’sfacepinchedandshrinking，herhandtremblingasitheldhis，thesetofhershoulders。
WhathadMeggieseen，tomakehertakeonso？HefanciedshewouldnothavebeennearlysoupsetifpoorAgneshadonlybledwhenshelostherhair。Bleedingwasafact；someoneintheClearyfamilybledcopiouslyatleastonceaweek。
\"Hereyes，hereyed\"Meggiewhispered，refusingtolookatthedoll。
\"She’sabloodymarvel，Meggie，\"hemurmured，hisfacenuzzlingintoherhair。Howfineitwas，howrichandfullofcolor！IttookhimhalfanhourofcajolingtomakeherlookatAgnes，andhalfanhourmoreelapsedbeforehecouldpersuadehertopeerintothescalpedhole。Heshowedherhowtheeyesworked，howverycarefullytheyhadbeenalignedtofitsnuglyyetswingeasilyopenedorclosed。\"Comeonnow，it’stimeyouwentinside，\"hetoldher，swingingherupintohisarmsandtuckingthedollbetweenhischestandhers。\"We’llgetMumtofixherup，eh？We’llwashandironherclothes，andglueonherhairagain。I’llmakeyousomeproperhairpinsoutofthosepearls，too，sotheycan’tfalloutandyoucandoherhairinallsortsofways。\"
FionaClearywasinthekitchen，peelingpotatoes。Shewasaveryhandsome，veryfairwomanalittleundermediumheight，butratherhard-facedandstern；shehadanexcellentfigurewithatinywaistwhichhadnotthickened，inspiteofthesixbabiesshehadcarriedbeneathit。Herdresswasgreycalico，itsskirtsbrushingthespotlessfloor，itsfrontprotectedbyanenormousstarchedwhiteapronthatloopedaroundherneckandtiedinthesmallofherspinewithacrisp，perfectbow。Fromwakingtosleepingshelivedinthekitchenandbackgarden，herstoutblackbootsbeatingacircularpathfromstovetolaundrytovegetablepatchtoclotheslinesandthencetothestoveagain。
SheputherknifeonthetableandstaredatFrankandMeggie，thecornersofherbeautifulmouthturningdown。
\"Meggie，IletyouputonyourSunday-bestdressthismorningononecondition，thatyoudidn’tgetitdirty。Andlookatyou！Whatalittlegrubyouare！\"
\"Mum，itwasn’therfault，\"Frankprotested。\"JackandHughietookherdoll
awaytotryandfindouthowthearmsandlegsworked。Ipromisedwe’dfixitupasgoodasnew。Wecan，can’twe？\"
\"Letmesee。\"Feeheldoutherhandforthedoll。Shewasasilentwoman，notgiventospontaneousconversation。Whatshethought，nooneeverknew，evenherhusband；sheleftthediscipliningofthechildrentohim，anddidwhateverhecommandedwithoutcommentorcomplaintunlessthecircumstancesweremostunusual。MeggiehadheardtheboyswhisperingthatshestoodinasmuchaweofDaddyastheydid，butifthatwastrueshehiditunderaveneerofimpenetrable，slightlydourcalm。Sheneverlaughed，nordidsheeverlosehertemper。Finishedherinspection，FeelaidAgnesonthedressernearthestoveandlookedatMeggie。
\"I’llwashherclothestomorrowmorning，anddoherhairagain。Frankcangluethehaironafterteatonight，Isuppose，andgiveherabath。\"Thewordswerematter-of-factratherthancomforting。Meggienodded，smilinguncertainly；sometimesshewantedsobadlytohearhermotherlaugh，buthermotherneverdid。ShesensedthattheysharedaspecialsomethingnotcommontoDaddyandtheboys，buttherewasnoreachingbeyondthatrigidback，thoseneverstillfeet。Mumwouldnodabsentlyandfliphervoluminousskirtsexpertlyfromstovetotableasshecontinuedworking，working，working。
WhatnoneofthechildrensaveFrankcouldrealizewasthatFeewaspermanently，incurablytired。Therewassomuchtobedone，hardlyanymoneytodoitwith，notenoughtime，andonlyonepairofhands。ShelongedforthedaywhenMeggiewouldbeoldenoughtohelp；alreadythechilddidsimpletasks，butatbarelyfouryearsofageitcouldn’tpossiblylightentheload。Sixchildren，andonlyoneofthem，theyoungestatthat，agirl。Allheracquaintancesweresimultaneouslysympatheticandenvious，butthatdidn’tgettheworkdone。Hersewingbaskethadamountainofsocksinitstillundarned，herknittingneedlesheldyetanothersock，andtherewasHughiegrowingoutofhissweatersandJacknotreadytohandhisdown。
PadraicClearywastohometheweekofMeggie’sbirthday，purelybychance。Itwastooearlyfortheshearingseason，andhehadworklocally，plowingandplanting。Byprofessionhewasasheererofsheep，aseasonaloccupationwhichlastedfromthemiddleofsummertotheendofwinter，afterwhichcamelambing。Usuallyhemanagedtofindplentyofworktotidehimoverspringandthefirstmonthofsummer；helpingwithlambing，plowing，orspellingalocaldairyfarmerfromhisendlesstwice-a-daymilking。Wheretherewasworkhewent，leavinghisfamilyinthebigoldhousetofendforthemselves；notasharshanactionasitseemed。Unlessonewasluckyenoughtoownland，thatwaswhatonehadtodo。
Whenhecameinalittleaftersunsetthelampswerelit，andshadowsplayedflickeringgamesaroundthehighceiling。Theboyswereclusteredonthebackverandaplayingwithafrog，exceptforFrank；Padraicknewwherehewas，becausehecouldhearthesteadyclockingofanaxefromthedirectionofthewoodheap。HepausedontheverandaonlylongenoughtoplantakickonJack’sbacksideandclipBob’sear。
\"GoandhelpFrankwiththewood，youlazylittlescamps。AndithadbetterbedonebeforeMumhasteaonthetable，orthere’llbeskinandhairflying。\"
HenoddedtoFiona，busyatthestove；hedidnotkissorembraceher，forheregardeddisplaysofaffectionbetweenhusbandandwifeassomethingsuitableonlyforthebedroom。Asheusedthejacktohauloffhismud-cakedboots，Meggiecameskippingwithhisslippers，andhegrinneddownatthelittlegirlwiththecurioussenseofwonderhealwaysknewatsightofher。Shewassopretty，suchbeautifulhair；hepickedupacurlandpulleditoutstraight，thenletitgo，justtoseeitjiggleandbounceasitsettledbackintoplace。Pickingthechildup，hewenttositintheonlycomfortablechairthekitchenpossessed，aWindsorchairwithacushiontiedtoitsseat，drawnclosetothefire。Sighingsoftly，hesatdowninitandpulledouthispipe，carelesslytappingoutthespentdottleoftobaccoinitsbowlontothefloor。Meggiecuddleddownonhislapandwoundherarmsabouthisneck，hercoollittlefaceturneduptohisassheplayedhernightlygameofwatchingthelightfilterthroughhisshortstubbleofgoldenbeard。
\"Howareyou，Fee？\"PadraicClearyaskedhiswife。\"Allright，Paddy。Didyougetthelowerpaddockdonetoday？\"\"Yes，alldone。Icanstartontheupperfirstthinginthemorning。Lord，butI’mtired！\"
\"I’llbet。DidMacPhersongiveyouthecrotchetyoldmareagain？\"\"Tooright。Youdon’tthinkhe’dtaketheanimalhimselftoletmehavetheroan，doyou？Myarmsfeelasifthey’vebeenpulledoutoftheirsockets。IswearthatmarehasthehardestmouthinEnZed。\"
\"Nevermind。OldRobertson’shorsesareallgood，andyou’llbetheresoonenough。\"
\"Can’tbesoonenough。\"Hepackedhispipewithcoarsetobaccoandpulledataperfromthebigjarthatstoodnearthestove。Aquickflickinsidethefireboxdooranditcaught；heleanedbackinhischairandsuckedsodeeplythepipemadebubblingnoises。\"How’sitfeeltobefour，Meggie？\"heaskedhisdaughter。
\"Prettygood，Daddy。\"
\"DidMumgiveyouyourpresent？\"
\"Oh，Daddy，howdidyouandMumguessIwantedAgnes？\"\"Agnes？\"HelookedswiftlytowardFee，smilingandquizzingherwithhiseyebrows。\"Isthathername，Agnes？\"
\"Yes。She’sbeautiful，Daddy。Iwanttolookatherallday。\"\"She’sluckytohaveanythingtolookat，\"Feesaidgrimly。\"JackandHughiegotholdofthedollbeforepoorMeggiehadachancetoseeitproperly。\"
\"Well，boyswillbeboys。Isthedamagebad？\"\"Nothingthatcan’tbemended。Frankcaughtthembeforeitwenttoofar。\"\"Frank？Whatwashedoingdownhere？Hewassupposedtobeattheforge
allday。Hunterwantshisgates。\"
\"Hewasattheforgeallday。Hejustcamedownforatoolofsomesort，\"Feeansweredquickly；PadraicwastoohardonFrank。\"Oh，Daddy，Frankisthebestbrother！HesavedmyAgnesfrombeingkilled，andhe’sgoingtoglueherhaironagainformeaftertea。\"
\"That’sgood，\"herfathersaiddrowsily，leaninghisheadbackinthechairandclosinghiseyes。
Itwashotinfrontofthestove，buthedidn’tseemtonotice；beadsofsweatgatheredonhisforehead，glistening。Heputhisarmsbehindhisheadandfellintoadoze。
ItwasfromPadraicClearythathischildrengottheirvariousshadesofthick，wavingredhair，thoughnonehadinheritedquitesuchanaggressivelyredheadashis。Hewasasmallman，allsteelandspringsinbuild，legsbowedfromalifetimeamonghorses，armselongatedfromyearsshearingsheep；hischestandarmswerecoveredinamattedgoldenfuzzwhichwouldhavebeenuglyhadhebeendark。Hiseyeswerebrightblue，crinkledupintoapermanentsquintlikeasailor’sfromgazingintothefardistance，andhisfacewasapleasantone，withawhimsicalsmilingqualityaboutitthatmadeothermenlikehimataglance。Hisnosewasmagnificent，atrueRomannosewhichmusthavepuzzledhisIrishconfreres，butIrelandhaseverbeenashipwreckcoast。HestillspokewiththesoftquicksluroftheGal-15wayIrish，pronouncinghisfinalt’sasthis’s，butalmosttwentyyearsintheAntipodeshadforcedaquaintoverlayuponit，sothathisa’scameoutasi’sandthespeedofhisspeechhadrundownalittle，likeanoldclockinneedofagoodwinding。Ahappyman，hehadmanagedtoweatherhishardanddrudgingexistencebetterthanmost，andthoughhewasarigiddisciplinarianwithaheavyswingtohisboot，allbutoneofhischildrenadoredhim。Iftherewasnotenoughbreadtogoaround，hewentwithout；ifitwasachoicebetweennewclothesforhimornewclothesforoneofhisoffspring，hewentwithout。Initsway，thatwasmorereliableevidenceoflovethanamillioneasykisses。Histemperwasveryfiery，andhehadkilledamanonce。Luckhadbeenwithhim；themanwasenglish，andtherewasashipinDunLaoghaireharborboundforNewZealandonthetide。
Fionawenttothebackdoorandshouted，\"Tea！\"Theboystrailedingradually，Frankbringinguptherearwithanarmloadofwood，whichhedumpedinthebigboxbesidethestove。PadraicputMeggiedownandwalkedtotheheadofthenon-companydiningtableatthefarendofthekitchen，whiletheboysseatedthemselvesarounditssidesandMeggiescrambledupontopofthewoodenboxherfatherputonthechairnearesttohim。
Feeservedthefooddirectlyontodinnerplatesatherworktable，morequicklyandefficientlythanawaiter；shecarriedthemtwoatatimetoherfamily，Paddyfirst，thenFrank，andsoondowntoMeggie，withherselflast。\"Erckle！Stew！\"saidStuart，pullingfacesashepickeduphisknifeandfork。\"Whydidyouhavetonamemeafterstew？\"\"Eatit，\"hisfathergrowled。
Theplateswerebigones，andtheywereliterallyheapedwithfood:boiledpotatoes，lambstewandbeanscutthatdayfromthegarden，ladledinhugeportions。16
Inspiteofthemutedgroansandsoundsofdisgust，everyoneincludingStupolishedhisplatecleanwithbread，andateseveralslicesmorespreadthicklywithbutterandnativegooseberryjam。Feesatdownandboltedhermeal，thengotupatoncetohurrytoherworktableagain，whereintobigsoupplatesshedoledoutgreatquantitiesofbiscuitmadewithplentyofsugarandlacedallthroughwithjam。Ariverofsteaminghotcustardsaucewaspouredovereach，andagainsheploddedtothediningtablewiththeplates，twoatatime。Finallyshesatdownwithasigh；thisshecouldeatatherleisure。
\"Oh，goodie！Jamroly-poly！\"Meggieexclaimed，sloppingherspoonupanddowninthecustarduntilthejamseepedthroughtomakepinkstreaksintheyellow。
\"Well，Meggiegirl，it’syourbirthday，soMummadeyourfavoritepudding，\"herfathersaid，smiling。
Therewerenocomplaintsthistime；nomatterwhatthepuddingwas，itwasconsumedwithgusto。TheClearysallhadasweettooth。Noonecarriedapoundofsuperfluousflesh，inspiteofthevastquantitiesofstarchyfood。Theyexpendedeveryouncetheyateinworkorplay。Vegetablesandfruitwereeatenbecausetheyweregoodforyou，butitwasthebread，potatoes，meatandhotflourypuddingswhichstavedoffexhaustion。
AfterFeehadpouredeveryoneacupofteafromhergiantpot，theystayedtalking，drinkingorreadingforanhourormore，Paddypuffingonhispipewithhisheadinalibrarybook，Feecontinuouslyrefillingcups，Bobimmersedinanotherlibrarybook，whiletheyoungerchildrenmadeplansforthemorrow。Schoolhaddispersedforthelongsummervacation；theboyswereonthelooseandeagertocommencetheirallottedchoresaroundthehouseandgarden。Bobhadtotouchuptheexteriorpaintworkwhereitwasnecessary，JackandHughiedealtwiththewoodheap，outbuildingsandmilking，Stuarttendedthevegetables；playcomparedtothehorrorsofschool。FromtimetotimePaddyliftedhisheadfromhisbooktoaddanotherjobtothelist，butFeesaidnothing，andFranksatslumpedtiredly，sippingcupaftercupoftea。
FinallyFeebeckonedMeggietositonahighstool，anddidupherhairinitsnightlyragsbeforepackingherofftobedwithStuandHughie；JackandBobbeggedtobeexcusedandwentoutsidetofeedthedogs；FranktookMeggie’sdolltotheworktableandbegantoglueitshaironagain。Stretching，Padraicclosedhisbookandputhispipeintothehugeiridescentpauashellwhichservedhimasanashtray。
\"Well，Mother，I’mofftobed。\"
\"Goodnight，Paddy。\"
Feeclearedthedishesoffthediningtableandgotabiggalvanizedirontubdownfromitshookonthewall。SheputitattheoppositeendoftheworktablefromFrank，andliftingthemassivecast-ironkettleoffthestove，filleditwithhotwater。Coldwaterfromanoldkerosenetinservedtocoolthesteamingbath；swishingsoapconfinedinawirebasketthroughit，shebegantowashandrinsethedishes，stackingthemagainstacup。Frankworkedonthedollwithoutraisinghishead，butasthepileofplatesgrewhegotupsilentlytofetchatowelandbegantodrythem。Movingbetweentheworktableandthedresser，heworkedwiththeeaseoflongfamiliarity。Itwasafurtive，fearfulgameheandhismotherplayed，forthemoststringentruleinPaddy’sdomainconcernedtheproperdelegationofduties。Thehousewaswoman’swork，andthatwasthat。Nomalememberofthefamilywastoputhishandtoafemaletask。ButeachnightafterPaddywenttobedFrankhelpedhismother，FeeaidingandabettinghimbydelayingherdishwashinguntiltheyheardthethumpofPaddy’sslippershittingthefloor。OncePaddy’sslipperswereoffhenevercamebacktothekitchen。FeelookedatFrankgently。\"Idon’tknowwhatI’d18dowithoutyou，Frank。Butyoushouldn’t。You’llbesotiredinthemorning。\"
\"It’sallright，Mum。Dryingafewdisheswon’tkillme。Littleenoughtomakelifeeasierforyou。\"
\"It’smyjob，Frank。Idon’tmind。\"
\"Ijustwishwe’dgetrichoneofthesedays，soyoucouldhaveamaid。\"\"Thatiswishfulthinking！\"Shewipedhersoapyredhandsonthedishclothandthenpressedthemintohersides，sighing。Hereyesastheyrestedonhersonwerevaguelyworried，sensinghisbitterdiscontent，morethanthenormalrailingofaworkingmanagainsthislot。\"Frank，don’tgetgrandideas。Theyonlyleadtotrouble。We’reworking-classpeople，whichmeanswedon’tgetrichorhavemaids。Becontentwithwhatyouareandwhatyouhave。Whenyousaythingslikethisyou’reinsultingDaddy，andhedoesn’tdeserveit。Youknowthat。Hedoesn’tdrink，hedoesn’tgamble，andheworksawfullyhardforus。Notapennyheearnsgoesintohisownpocket。Itallcomestous。\"Themuscularshouldershunchedimpatiently，thedarkfacebecameharshandgrim。\"Butwhyshouldwantingmoreoutoflifethandrudgerybesobad？Idon’tseewhat’swrongwithwishingyouhadamaid。\"
\"It’swrongbecauseitcan’tbe！Youknowthere’snomoneytokeepyouatschool，andifyoucan’tstayatschoolhowareyouevergoingtobeanythingbetterthanamanualworker？Youraccent，yourclothesandyourhandsshowthatyoulaborforaliving。Butit’snodisgracetohavecallusesonyourhands。AsDaddysays，whenaman’shandsarecallusedyouknowhe’shonest。\"Frankshruggedandsaidnomore。Thedisheswereallputaway；FeegotouthersewingbasketandsatdowninPaddy’schairbythefire，whileFrankwentbacktothedoll。
\"PoorlittleMeggie！\"hesaidsuddenly。
\"Today，whenthosewretchedchapswerepullingherdollyabout，shejuststoodtherecryingasifherwholeworldhadfallentobits。\"Helookeddownatthedoll，whichwaswearingitshairagain。\"Agnes！Whereonearthdidshegetanamelikethat？\"\"ShemusthaveheardmetalkingaboutAgnesFortescue-Smythe，Isuppose。\"\"WhenIgaveherthedollbackshelookedintoitsheadandnearlydiedoffright。Somethingscaredheraboutitseyes；Idon’tknowwhat。\"\"Meggie’salwaysseeingthingsthataren’tthere。\"
\"It’sapitythereisn’tenoughmoneytokeepthelittlechildrenatschool。They’resoclever。\"
\"Oh，Frank！Ifwisheswerehorsesbeggarsmightride，\"hismothersaidwearily。Shepassedherhandacrosshereyes，tremblingalittle，andstuckherdarningneedledeepintoaballofgreywool。\"Ican’tdoanymore。I’mtootriedtoseestraight。\"
\"Gotobed，Mum。I’llblowoutthelamps。\"
\"AssoonasI’vestokedthefire。\"
\"I’lldothat。\"Hegotupfromthetableandputthedaintychinadollcarefullydownbehindacaketinonthedresser，whereitwouldbeoutofharm’sway。Hewasnotworriedthattheboysmightattemptfurtherrapine；theyweremorefrightenedofhisvengeancethanoftheirfather’s，forFrankhadaviciousstreak。Whenhewaswithhismotherorhissisteritneverappeared，buttheboyshadallsufferedfromit。
Feewatchedhim，herheartaching；therewassomethingwildanddesperateaboutFrank，anauraoftrouble。IfonlyheandPaddygotonbettertogether！Buttheycouldneverseeeyetoeye，andarguedconstantly。Maybehewastooconcernedforher，maybehewasabitofamother’sboy。Herfault，ifitwastrue。Yetitspokeofhislovingheart，hisgoodness。Heonlywantedtomakeherlifealittleeasier。AndagainshefoundherselfyearningforthedaywhenMeggiebecameoldenoughtotaketheburdenofitfromFrank’sshoulders。
Shepickedupasmalllampfromthetable，thenputitdownagainandwalkedacrosstowhereFrankwassquattedbeforethestove，packingwoodintothebigfireboxandfiddlingwiththedamper。Hiswhitearmwasropedwithprominentveins，hisfinelymadehandstoostainedevertocomeclean。Herownhandwentouttimidly，andverylightlysmoothedthestraightblackhairoutofhiseyes；itwasascloseasshecouldbringherselftoacaress。\"Goodnight，Frank，andthankyou。\"
TheshadowswheeledanddartedbeforetheadvancinglightasFeemovedsilentlythroughthedoorleadingintothefrontpartofthehouse。FrankandBobsharedthefirstbedroom；shepusheditsdooropennoiselesslyandheldthelamphigh，itslightfloodingthedoublebedinthecorner。Bobwaslyingonhisbackwithhismouthsaggingopen，quiveringandtwitchinglikeadog；shecrossedtothebedandrolledhimoverontohisrightsidebeforehecouldpassintoafull-fledgednightmare，thenstayedlookingdownathimforamoment。HowlikePaddyhewas！JackandHughiewerealmostbraidedtogetherinthenextroom。Whatdreadfulscampstheywere！Neveroutofmischief，butnomaliceinthem。Shetriedvainlytoseparatethemandrestoresomesortofordertotheirbedclothes，butthetwocurlyredheadsrefusedtobeparted。Softlysighing，shegaveup。Howtheymanagedtoberefreshedafterthekindofnighttheypassedwasbeyondher，buttheyseemedtothriveonit。TheroomwhereMeggieandStuartsleptwasadingyandcheerlessplacefortwosmallchildren；paintedastuffybrownandflooredinbrownlinoleum，no-picturesonthewalls。Justliketheotherbedrooms。Stuarthadturnedhimselfupsidedownandwasquiteinvisibleexceptforhislittlenightshirtedbottomstickingoutofthecoverswherehisheadoughttohavebeen；Feefoundhisheadtouchinghisknees，andasusualmarveledthathehadnotsuffocated。Sheslidherhandgingerlyacrossthesheetandstiffened。Wetagain！Well，itwouldhavetowaituntilthemorning，whennodoubtthepillowwouldbewet，too。Healwaysdidthat，reversedhimselfandthenwetoncemore。Well，onebed-wetteramongfiveboyswasn’tbad。
Meggiewascurledintoalittleheap，withherthumbinhermouthandherrag-decoratedhairallaroundher。Theonlygirl。Feecasthernomorethanapassingglancebeforeleaving；therewasnomysterytoMeggie，shewasfemale。Feeknewwhatherlotwouldbe，anddidnotenvyherorpityher。Theboysweredifferent；theyweremiracles，malesalchemizedoutofherfemalebody。Itwashardnothavinghelparoundthehouse，butitwasworthit。Amonghispeers，Paddy’ssonswerethegreatestcharacterreferencehepossessed。Letamanbreedsonsandhewasarealman。Sheclosedthedoortoherownbedroomsoftly，andputthelampdownonabureau。Hernimblefingersflewdownthedozensoftinybuttonsbetweenthehighcollarandthehipsofherdress，thenpeeleditawayfromherarms。Sheslippedthecamisoleoffherarmsalso，andholdingitverycarefullyagainstherchest，shewriggledintoalongflannelnightgown。Onlythen，decentlycovered，didshedivestherselfofcamisole，drawersandlooselylacedstays。Downcamethetightlyknottedgoldenhair，allitspinsputintoapauashellonthebureau。Buteventhis，beautifulasitwas，thickandshiningandverystraight，wasnotpermittedfreedom；Feegotherelbowsupoverherheadandherhandsbehindherneck，andbegantobraiditswiftly。Sheturnedthentowardthebed，herbreathingunconsciouslysuspended；butPaddywasasleep，sosheheavedagustysighofrelief。Notthatitwasn’tnicewhenPaddywasinthemood，forhewasashy，tender，consideratelover。ButuntilMeggiewastwoorthreeyearsolderitwouldbeveryhardtohavemorebabies。
WhentheClearyswenttochurchonSundays，Meggiehadtostayhomewithoneoftheolderboys，longingforthedaywhenshe，too，wouldbeoldenoughtogo。PadraicClearyheldthatsmallchildrenhadnoplaceinanyhousesavetheirown，andhisruleheldevenforahouseofworship。WhenMeggiecommencedschoolandcouldbetrustedtositstill，shecouldcometochurch。Notbefore。SoeverySundaymorningshestoodbythegorsebushatthefrontgate，desolate，whilethefamilypiledintotheoldshandrydanandthebrotherdelegatedtomindhertriedtopretenditwasagreattreatescapingMass。TheonlyClearywhorelishedseparationfromtherestwasFrank。Paddy’sreligionwasanintrinsicpartofhislife。WhenhehadmarriedFeeithadbeenwithgrudgingCatholicapproval，forFeewasamemberoftheChurchofEngland；thoughsheabandonedherfaithforPaddy，sherefusedtoadopthisinitsstead。Difficulttosaywhy，exceptthattheArmstrongswereoldpioneeringstockofimpeccableChurchofEnglandextraction，wherePaddywasapennilessimmigrantfromthewrongsideofthePale。TherehadbeenArmstrongsinNewZealandlongbeforethefirst\"official\"settlersarrived，andthatwasapassporttocolonialaristocracy。FromtheArmstrongpointofview，Feecouldonlybesaidtohavecontractedashockingmesalliance。
RoderickArmstronghadfoundedtheNewZealandclan，inaverycuriousway。Ithadbegunwithaneventwhichwastohavemanyunforeseenrepercussionsoneighteenth-centuryEngland:theAmericanWarofIndependence。Until1776overathousandBritishpettyfelonswereshippedeachyeartoVirginiaandtheCarolinas，soldintoanindenturedservitudenobetterthanslavery。Britishjusticeofthetimewasgrimandunflinching；murder，arson，themysteriouscrimeof\"impersonatingEgyptians\"andlarcenytothetuneofmorethanashillingwerepunishedonthegallows。PettycrimemeanttransportationtotheAmericasforthetermofthefelon’snaturallife。Butwhenin1776theAmericaswereclosed，Englandfoundherselfwitharapidlyincreasingconvictpopulationandnowheretoputit。Theprisonsfilledtooverflowing，andthesurpluswasjammedintorottinghulksmooredintheriverestuaries。Somethinghadtobedone，sosomethingwas。Withagreatdealofreluctancebecauseitmeanttheexpenditureofafewthousandpounds，CaptainArthurPhillipwasorderedtosetsailfortheGreatSouthLand。Theyearwas1787。Hisfleetofelevenshipsheldoveronethousandconvicts，plussailors，navalofficersandacontingentofmarines。Nogloriousodysseyinsearchoffreedom，this。AttheendofJanuary1788，eightmonthsaftersettingsailfromEngland，thefleetarrivedinBotanyBay。HisMadMajestyGeorgetheThirdhadfoundanewdumpinggroundforhisconvicts，thecolonyofNewSouthWales。
In1801，whenhewasjusttwentyyearsofage，RoderickArmstrongwassentencedtotransportationforthetermofhisnaturallife。LatergenerationsofArmstrongsinsistedhecameofSomersetgentlefolkwhohadlosttheirfortunefollowingtheAmericanRevolution，andthathiscrimewasnonexistent，butnoneofthemhadevertriedveryhardtotracetheirillustriousancestor’sbackground。Theyjustbaskedinhisreflectedgloryandimprovisedsomewhat。
WhateverhisoriginsandstatusinEnglishlife，theyoungRoderickArmstrongwasatartar。Allthroughtheunspeakableeightmonths’voyagetoNewSouthWalesheprovedastubborn，difficultprisoner，furtherendearinghimselftohisship’sofficersbyrefusingtodie。WhenhearrivedinSydneyin1803hisbehaviorworsened，sohewasshippedtoNorfolkIslandandtheprisonforintractables。Nothingimprovedhisconduct。Theystarvedhim；theyimmuredhiminacellsosmallhecouldneithersit，standnorlie；theyfloggedhimtojelliedpulp；theychainedhimtoarockintheseaandlethimhalf-drown。Andhelaughedatthem，askinnycollectionofbonesinfilthycanvas，notatoothinhismouthoraninchofhisskinunscarred，litfromwithinbyafireofbitternessanddefiancenothingseemedtoquench。Atthebeginningofeachdayhewilledhimselfnottodie，andattheendofeachdayhelaughedintriumphtofindhimselfstillalive。In1810hewassenttoVanDiemen’sLand，putinachaingangandsettohewaroadthroughtheironhardsandstonecountrybehindHobart。Atfirstopportunityhehadusedhispicktohackaholeinthechestofthetroopercommandingtheexpedition；heandtenotherconvictsmassacredfivemoretroopersbyshavingthefleshfromtheirbonesaninchatatimeuntiltheydiedscreaminginagony。Fortheyandtheirguardswerebeasts，elementalcreatureswhoseemotionshadatrophiedtothesubhuman。RoderickArmstrongcouldnomorehavegoneoffintohisescapeleavinghistormentorsintactorquicklydeadthanhecouldhavereconciledhimselftobeingaconvict。Withtherumandbreadandjerkytheytookfromthetroopers，theelevenmenfoughttheirwaythroughmilesoffreezingrainforestandcameoutatthewhalingstationofHobart，wheretheystolealongboatandsetoffacrosstheTasmanSeawithoutfood，wateror25sails。WhenthelongboatwashedashoreonthewildwestcoastofNewZealand’sSouthIsland，RoderickArmstrongandtwoothermenwerestillalive。Heneverspokeofthatincrediblejourney，butitwaswhisperedthatthethreehadsurvivedbykillingandeatingtheirweakercompanions。ThatwasjustnineyearsafterhehadbeentransportedfromEngland。Hewasyetayoungman，buthelookedsixty。BythetimethefirstofficiallysanctionedsettlersarrivedinNewZealandin1840，hehadhewnlandsforhimselfintherichCanterburydistrictoftheSouthIsland，\"married\"aMaoriwomanandsiredabroodofthirteenhandsomehalf-Polynesianchildren。Andby1860theArmstrongswerecolonialaristocrats，senttheirmaleoffspringtoexclusiveschoolsbackinEngland，andamplyprovedbytheircunningandacquisitivenessthattheywereindeedtruedescendantsofaremarkable，formidableman。Roderick’sgrandsonJameshadfatheredFionain1880，theonlydaughteramongatotaloffifteenchildren。IfFeemissedthemoreaustereProtestantritesofherchildhood，sheneversaidso。ShetoleratedPaddy’sreligiousconvictionsandattendedMasswithhim，sawtoitthatherchildrenworshippedanexclusivelyCatholicGod。Butbecauseshehadneverconverted，thelittletouchesweremissing，likegracebeforemealsandprayersbeforebed，aneverydayholiness。
AsidefromthatonetripintoWahineeighteenmonthsbefore，Meggiehadneverbeenfartherfromhomethanthebarnandsmithyinthehollow。Onthemorningofherfirstdayatschoolshewassoexcitedshevomitedherbreakfast，andhadtobebundledbackintoherbedroomtobewashedandchanged。Offcamethelovelynewcostumeofnavybluewithabigwhitesailorcollar，onwentherhorridbrownwinceywhichbuttonedhigharoundherlittleneckandalwaysfeltasifitwerechokingher。
\"Andforheaven’ssake，Meggie，nexttimeyoufeelsick，tellme！Don’tjustsitthereuntilit’stoolateandI’vegotamesstocleanupaswellaseverythingelse！Nowyou’regoingtohavetohurry，becauseifyou’relateforthebellSisterAgathaissuretocaneyou。Behaveyourself，andmindyourbrothers。\"
Bob，Jack，HughieandStuwerehoppingupanddownbythefrontgatewhenFeefinallypushedMeggieoutthedoor，herluncheonjamsandwichesinanoldsatchel。
\"Comeon，Meggie，we’llbelate！\"Bobshouted，movingoffdowntheroad。Meggiefollowedthedwindlingformsofherbrothersatarun。Itwasalittleafterseveno’clockinthemorning，andthegentlesunhadbeenupseveralhours；thedewhaddriedoffthegrassexceptwheretherewasdeepshade。TheWahineroadwasawheel-ruttedearthentrack，tworibbonsofdarkredseparatedbyawidebandofbrightgreengrass。Whitecallaliliesandorangenasturtiumsfloweredprofuselyinthehighgrasstoeitherside，wheretheneatwoodenfencesofborderingpropertieswarnedagainsttrespassing。
Bobalwayswalkedtoschoolalongthetopoftheright-handfences，balancinghisleathersatchelonhisheadinsteadofwearingithaversackstyle。ThelefthandfencebelongedtoJack，whichpermittedthethreeyoungerClearysdomainoftheroaditself。Atthetopofthelong，steephilltheyhadtoclimbfromthesmithyhollowtowheretheRobertsonroadjoinedtheWahineroad，theypausedforamoment，panting，thefivebrightheadshaloedagainstapuffilycloudedsky。Thiswasthebestpart，goingdownthehill；theylinkedhandsandgallopedonthegrassyvergeuntilitvanishedinatangleofflowers，wishingtheyhadthetimetosneakunderMr。Chapman’sfenceandrollallthewaydownlikeboulders。
ItwasfivemilesfromtheClearyhousetoWahine，andbythetimeMeggiesawtelegraphpolesinthe
distanceherlegsweretremblingandhersockswerefallingdown。Earstunedfortheassemblybell，Bobglancedatherimpatientlyasshetoiledalong，hitchingatherdrawersandgivinganoccasionalgaspofdistress。Herfaceunderthemassofhairwaspinkandyetcuriouslypallid。Sighing，BobpassedhissatcheltoJackandranhishandsdownthesidesofhisknickers。
\"Comeon，Meggie，I’llpiggybackyoutherestoftheway，\"hesaidgruffly，glaringathisbrothersincasetheyhadthemistakenideathathewasgoingsoft。
Meggiescrambledontohisback，heavedherselfupenoughtolockherlegsaroundhiswaist，andpillowedherheadonhisskinnyshoulderblissfully。NowshecouldviewWahineincomfort。
Therewasnotmuchtosee。Littlemorethanabigvillage，Wahinestraggleddowneachsideofatar-centeredroad。Thebiggestbuildingwasthelocalhotel，oftwostories，withanawningshadingthefootpathfromthesunandpostssupportingtheawningallalongthegutter。Thegeneralstorewasthenext-biggestbuilding，alsoboastingashelteringawning，andtwolongwoodenbenchesunderitsclutteredwindowsforpassersbytorestupon。TherewasaflagpoleinfrontoftheMasonichall；fromitstopatatteredUnionJackflutteredfadedinthestiffbreeze。Asyetthetownpossessednogarage，horselesscarriagesbeinglimitedtoaveryfew，buttherewasablacksmith’sbarnneartheMasonichall，withastablebehinditandagasolinepumpstandingstifflynexttothehorsetrough。Theonlyedificeintheentiresettlementwhichreallycaughttheeyewasapeculiarbright-blueshop，veryun-British；everyotherbuildingwaspaintedasoberbrown。ThepublicschoolandtheChurchofEnglandstoodsidebyside，justoppositetheSacredHeartChurchandparishschool。
AstheClearyshurriedpastthegeneralstoretheCatholicbellsounded，followedbytheheaviertollingofthebigbellonapostinfrontofthepublicschool。Bob28brokeintoatrot，andtheyenteredthegravelyardassomefiftychildrenwereliningupinfrontofadiminutivenunwieldingawillowysticktallerthanshewas。Withouthavingtobetold，Bobsteeredhiskintoonesideawayfromthelinesofchildren，andstoodwithhiseyesfixedonthecane。TheSacredHeartconventwastwo-storied，butbecauseitstoodwellbackfromtheroadbehindafence，thefactwasnoteasilyapparent。ThethreenunsoftheOrderoftheSistersofMercywhostaffeditlivedupstairswithafourthnun，whoactedashousekeeperandwasneverseen；downstairswerethethreebigroomsinwhichschoolwastaught。Awide，shadyverandaranallthewayaroundtherectangularbuilding，whereonrainydaysthechildrenwereallowedtositdecorouslyduringtheirplayandlunchbreaks，andwhereonsunnydaysnochildwaspermittedtosetfoot。Severallargefigtreesshadedapartofthespaciousgrounds，andbehindtheschoolthelandslopedawayalittletoagrassycircleeuphemisticallychristened\"thecricketpitch，\"fromthechiefactivitythatwentoninthatarea。Ignoringmuffledsniggersfromthelined-upchildren，BobandhisbrothersstoodperfectlystillwhilethepupilsmarchedinsidetothesoundofSisterCatherineplunking\"FaithofOurFathers\"onthetinnyschoolpiano。OnlywhenthelastchildhaddisappeareddidSisterAgathabreakherrigidpose；heavysergeskirtsswishingthegravelasideimperiously，shestrodetowheretheClearyswaited。
Meggiegapedather，neverhavingseenanunbefore。Thesightwastrulyextraordinary；threedabsofperson，whichwereSisterAgatha’sfaceandhands，therestwhitestarchedwimpleandbibglaringagainstlayersofblackestblack，withamassiveropeofwoodenrosarybeadsdanglingfromanironringthatjoinedtheendsofawideleatherbeltaroundSisterAgatha’sstoutmiddle。SisterAgatha’sskinwaspermanentlyred，fromtoomuchcleanlinessandthepressureoftheknifelikeedgesofthewimpleframingthefrontcenterofherheadintosomethingtoodisembodiedtobecalledaface；littlehairssproutedintuftsalloverherchin，whichthewimpleruthlesslysquasheddouble。Herlipswerequiteinvisible，compressedintoasinglelineofconcentrationonthehardbusinessofbeingtheBrideofChristinacolonialbackwaterwithtopsy-turvyseasonswhenshehadtakenhervowsinthesweetsoftnessofaKillarneyabbeyoverfiftyyearsbefore。Twosmallcrimsonmarkswereetchedintothesidesofhernosefromtheremorselessgripofherround，steel-framedspectacles，andbehindthemhereyespeeredoutsuspiciously，paleblueandbitter。\"Well，RobertCleary，whyareyoulate？\"SisterAgathabarkedinherdry，onceIrishvoice。
\"I’msorry，Sister，\"Bobrepliedwoodenly，hisbluegreeneyesstillrivetedonthetipofthequiveringcaneasitwavedbackandforth。\"Whyareyoulate？\"sherepeated。
\"I’msorry，Sister。\"
\"Thisisthefirstmorningofthenewschoolyear，RobertCleary，andIwouldhavethoughtthatonthismorningifnotonothersyoumighthavemadeanefforttobeontime。\"
Meggieshivered，butpluckeduphercourage。\"Oh，please，Sister，itwasmyfault！\"shesqueaked。
Thepale-blueeyesdeviatedfromBobandseemedtogothroughandthroughMeggie’sverysoulasshestoodtheregazingupingenuineinnocence，notawareshewasbreakingthefirstruleofconductinadeadlyduelwhichwentonbetweenteachersandpupilsadinfinitum:nevervolunteerinformation。BobkickedherswiftlyonthelegandMeggielookedathimsideways，bewildered。\"Whywasityourfault？\"thenundemandedinthecoldesttonesMeggiehadeverheard。
\"Well，Iwassickalloverthetableanditwentrightthroughtomydrawers，soMumhadtowashmeandchangemydress，andImadeusalllate，\"Meggieexplainedartlessly。
SisterAgatha’sfeaturesremainedexpressionless，buthermouthtightenedlikeanoverwoundspring，andthetipofthecanelowereditselfaninchortwo。\"Whoisthis？\"shesnappedtoBob，asiftheobjectofherinquirywereanewandparticularlyobnoxiousspeciesofinsect。\"Please，Sister，she’smysisterMeghann。\"
\"Theninfutureyouwillmakeherunderstandthattherearecertainsubjectswedonotevermention，Robert，ifwearetrueladiesandgentlemen。Onnoaccountdoweever，evermentionbynameanyitemofourunderclothing，aschildrenfromadecenthouseholdwouldautomaticallyknow。Holdoutyourhands，allofyou。\"
\"But，Sister，itwasmyfault！\"Meggiewailedassheextendedherhandspalmsup，forshehadseenherbrothersdoitinpantomimeathomeathousandtimes。
\"Silence！\"SisterAgathahissed，turningonher。\"Itisamatterofcompleteindifferencetomewhichoneofyouwasresponsible。Youarealllate，thereforeyoumustallbepunished。Sixcuts。\"Shepronouncedthesentencewithmonotonousrelish。
Terrified，MeggiewatchedBob’ssteadyhands，sawthelongcanewhistledownalmostfasterthanhereyescouldfollow，andcracksharplyagainstthecenterofhispalms，wherethefleshwassoftandtender。Apurpleweltflaredupimmediately；thenextcutcameatthejunctionoffingersandpalm，moresensitivestill，andthefinaloneacrossthetipsofthefingers，wherethebrainhasloadedtheskindownwithmoresensationthananywhereelsesavethelips。SisterAgatha’saimwasperfect。ThreemorecutsfollowedonBob’sotherhandbeforesheturnedherattentiontoJack，nextinline。Bob’sfacewaspalebuthemadenooutcryormovement，nordidhisbrothersastheirturnscame；evenquietandtenderStu。
AstheyfollowedtheupwardriseofthecaneaboveherownhandsMeggie’seyesclosedinvoluntarily，soshedidnotseethedescent。Butthepainwaslikeavastexplosion，ascorching，searinginvasionofherfleshrightdowntothebone；evenastheachespreadtinglingupherforearmthenextcutcame，andbythetimeithadreachedhershoulderthefinalcutacrossherfingertipswasscreamingalongthesamepath，allthewaythroughtoherheart。Shefastenedherteethinherlowerlipandbitdownonit，tooashamedandtooproudtocry，tooangryandindignantattheinjusticeofittodareopenhereyesandlookatSisterAgatha；thelessonwassinkingin，evenifthecruxofitwasnotwhatSisterAgathaintendedtoteach。Itwaslunchtimebeforethelastofthepaindiedoutofherhands。Meggiehadpassedthemorninginahazeoffrightandbewilderment，notunderstandinganythingthatwassaidordone。Pushedintoadoubledeskinthebackrowoftheyoungestchildren’sclassroom，shedidnotevennoticewhowassharingthedeskuntilafteramiserablelunchhourspenthuddledbehindBobandJackinasecludedcorneroftheplayground。OnlyBob’ssterncommandpersuadedhertoeatFee’sgooseberryjamsandwiches。WhenthebellrangforafternoonclassesandMeggiefoundaplaceonline，hereyesfinallybegantoclearenoughtotakeinwhatwasgoingonaroundher。Thedisgraceofthecaningrankledassharplyasever，butsheheldherheadhighandaffectednottonoticethenudgesandwhispersofthelittlegirlsnearher。
SisterAgathawasstandinginfrontwithhercane；SisterDeclanprowledupanddownbehindthelines:SisterCatherineseatedherselfatthepianojustinsidetheyoungestchildren’sclassroomdoorandbeganrather’play\"Onward，ChristianSoldiers\"withaheavyemphasisontwo-fourtime。Itwas，properlyspeaking，aProtestanthymn，butthewarhadrendereditinterdenominational。Thedearchildrenmarchedtoitjustlikeweesoldiers，SisterCatherinethoughtproudly。
Ofthethreenuns，SisterDeclanwasareplicaofSisterAgathaminusfifteenyearsoflife，whereSisterCatherinewasstillremotelyhuman。Shewasonlyinherthirties，Irishofcourse，andthebloomofherardorhadnotyetentirelyfaded；shestillfoundjoyinteaching，stillsawChrist’simperishableImageinthelittlefacesturneduptoherssoadoringly。Butshetaughttheoldestchildren，whomSisterAgathadeemedbeatenenoughtobehaveinspiteofayoungandsoftsupervisor。SisterAgathaherselftooktheyoungestchildrentoformmindsandheartsoutofinfantileclay，leavingthoseinthemiddlegradestoSisterDeclan。
Safelyhiddeninthelastrowofdesks，Meggiedaredtoglancesidewaysatthelittlegirlsittingnexttoher。Agap-toothedgrinmetherfrightenedgaze，hugeblackeyesstaringroundlyoutofadark，slightlyshinyface。ShefascinatedMeggie，usedtofairnessandfreckles，forevenFrankwithhisdarkeyesandhairhadafairwhiteskin；soMeggieendedinthinkingherdeskmatethemostbeautifulcreatureshehadeverseen。\"What’syourname？\"thedarkbeautymutteredoutofthesideofhermouth，chewingontheendofherpencilandspittingthefrayedbitsintoheremptyinkwellhole。
\"MeggieCleary，\"shewhisperedback。
\"Youthere！\"cameadry，harshvoicefromthefrontoftheclassroom。Meggiejumped，lookingaroundinbewilderment。Therewasahollowclatterastwentychildrenallputtheirpencilsdowntogether，amutedrustlingasprecioussheetsofpaperwereshuffledtoonesidesoelbowscouldbesurreptitiouslyplacedondesks。Withaheartthatseemedtocrumpledowntowardherboots，Meggierealizedeveryonewasstaringather。SisterAgathawascomingdowntheaislerapidly；Meggie’sterrorwassoacutethathadthereonlybeensomewheretoflee，she33wouldhaverunforherlife。Butbehindherwasthepartitionshuttingoffthemiddlegrade’sroom，oneithersidedeskscrowdedherin，andinfrontwasSisterAgatha。Hereyesnearlyfilledherpinchedlittlefaceasshestaredupatthenuninsuffocatedfear，herhandsclenchingandunclenchingonthedesktop。
\"Youspoke，MeghannCleary。\"
\"Yes，Sister。\"
\"Andwhatdidyousay？\"
\"Myname，Sister。\"
\"Yourname！\"SisterAgathasneered，lookingaroundattheotherchildrenasifthey，too，surelymustsharehercontempt。\"Well，children，arewenothonored？AnotherClearyinourschool，andshecannotwaittobroadcasthername！\"SheturnedbacktoMeggie。\"StandupwhenIaddressyou，youignorantlittlesavage！Andholdoutyourhands，please。\"
Meggiescrambledoutofherseat，herlongcurlsswingingacrossherfaceandbouncingaway。Grippingherhandstogether，shewrungthemdesperately，butSisterAgathadidnotmove，onlywaited，waited，waited……ThensomehowMeggiemanagedtoforceherhandsout，butasthecanedescendedshesnatchedthemaway，gaspinginterror。SisterAgathalockedherfingersinthebunchedhairontopofMeggie’sheadandhauledhercloser，bringingherfaceuptowithininchesofthosedreadfulspectacles。\"Holdoutyourhands，MeghannCleary。\"Itwassaidcourteously，coldly，implacably。
MeggieopenedhermouthandvomitedalloverthefrontofSisterAgatha’shabit。Therewasahorrifiedintakeofbreathfromeverychildintheroomas
SisterAgathastoodwiththedisgustingsickdrippingdownherblackpleatsontothefloor，herfacepurplewithrageandastonishment。Thendowncamethecane，anywhereitcouldlandonMeggie’sbodyassheflungupherarmstoshieldherfaceandcringed，stillretching，intothecorner。WhenSisterAgatha’sarmwassotireditdidnotwanttoliftthecane，shepointedtowardthedoor。
\"Gohome，yourevoltinglittlePhilistine，\"shesaid，turnedonherheelandwentthroughintoSisterDeclan’sclassroom。Meggie’sfranticgazefoundStu；henoddedhisheadasiftotellhershemustdoasshewastold，hissoftblue-greeneyesfullofpityandunderstanding。Wipinghermouthwithherhandkerchief，shestumbledthroughthedoorandoutintotheplayground。Therewerestilltwohourstogobeforeschoolwasdismissed；sheploddeddownthestreetwithoutinterest，knowingtherewasnochancetheboyswouldcatchupwithher，andtoofrightenedtofindsomewheretowaitforthem。Shehadtogohomeonherown，confesstoMumonherown。
Feenearlyfelloverherasshestaggeredoutofthebackdoorwithafullbasketofwetwashing。Meggiewassittingonthetopstepofthebackveranda，herheaddown，theendsofherbrightcurlsstickyandthefrontofherdressstained。Puttingdownthecrushingweightofthebasket，Feesighed，pushedastrandofwaywardhairoutofhereyes。\"Well，whathappened？\"shedemandedtiredly。
\"IwassickalloverSisterAgatha。\"
\"Oh，Lord！\"Feesaid，herhandsonherhips。
\"Igotcaned，too，\"Meggiewhispered，thetearsstandingunshedinhereyes。
\"Anicekettleoffish，Imustsay。\"Feeheavedherbasketup，swayinguntilshegotitbalanced。\"Well，Meggie，Idon’tknowwhattodowithyou。We’llhavetowaitandseewhatDaddysays。\"Andshewalkedoffacrossthebackyardtowardtheflappinghalf-full
clotheslines。Rubbingherhandswearilyaroundherface，Meggiestaredafterhermotherforamoment，thengotupandstarteddownthepathtotheforge。FrankhadjustfinishedshoeingMr。Robertson’sbaymare，andwasbackingitintoastallwhenMeggieappearedinthedoorway。Heturnedandsawher，andmemoriesofhisownterriblemiseryatschoolcamefloodingbacktohim。Shewassolittle，sobaby-plumpandinnocentandsweet，butthelightintheeyeshadbeenbrutallyquenchedandanexpressionlurkedtherewhichmadehimwanttomurderSisterAgatha。Murderher，reallymurderher，takethedoublechinsandsqueeze……Downwenthistools，offcamehisapron；hewalkedtoherquickly。
\"What’sthematter，dear？\"heasked，bendingoveruntilherfacewaslevelwithhisown。Thesmellofvomitrosefromherlikeamiasma，buthecrushedhisimpulsetoturnaway。
\"Oh，Fruh-Fruh-Frank！\"shewailed，herfacetwistingupandhertearsundammedatlast。Shethrewherarmsaroundhisneckandclungtohimpassionately，weepinginthecuriouslysilent，painfulwayalltheClearychildrendidoncetheywereoutofinfancy。Itwashorribletowatch，andnotsomethingsoftwordsorkissescouldheal。
Whenshewascalmagainhepickedherupandcarriedhertoapileofsweet-smellinghaynearMr。Robertson’smare；theysattheretogetherandletthehorselipattheedgesoftheirstrawbed，losttotheworld。Meggie’sheadwascradledonFrank’ssmoothbarechest，tendrilsofherhairflyingaroundasthehorseblewgustybreathsintothehay，snortingwithpleasure。\"Whydidshecaneallofus，Frank？\"Meggieasked。\"Itoldheritwasmyfault。\"
Frankhadgotusedtohersmellanddidn’tminditanymore；hereachedoutahandandabsentlystrokedthemare’snose，pushingitawaywhenitgottooinquisitive。
\"We’repoor，Meggie，that’sthemainreason。Thenunsalwayshatepoorpupils。Afteryou’vebeeninSisterAg’smoldyoldschoolafewdaysyou’llseeit’snotonlytheClearysshetakesitouton，buttheMarshallsandtheMacDonaldsaswell。We’reallpoor。
Now，ifwewererichandrodetoschoolinabigcarriageliketheO’Briens，they’dbealloveruslikearash。Butwecan’tdonateorganstothechurch，orgoldvestmentstothesacristy，oranewhorseandbuggytothenuns。Sowedon’tmatter。Theycandowhattheyliketous。\"IrememberonedaySisterAgwassomadatmethatshekeptscreamingatme，\"Cry，fortheloveofheaven！Makeanoise，FrancisCleary！Ifyou’dgivemethesatisfactionofhearingyoubellow，Iwouldn’thityousohardorsooften！\"
\"That’sanotherreasonwhyshehatesus；it’swherewe’rebetterthantheMarshallsandtheMacDonalds。Shecan’tmaketheClearyscry。We’resupposedtolickherboots。Well，ItoldtheboyswhatI’ddotoanyClearywhoevenwhimperedwhenhewascaned，andthatgoesforyou，too，Meggie。Nomatterhowhardshebeatsyou，notawhimper。Didyoucrytoday？\"\"No，Frank，\"sheyawned，hereyelidsdroopingandherthumbpokingblindlyacrossherfaceinsearchofhermouth。Frankputherdowninthehayandwentbacktohiswork，hummingandsmiling。
MeggiewasstillasleepwhenPaddywalkedin。HisarmswerefilthyfrommuckingoutMr。Jarman’sdairy，hiswide-brimmedhatpulledlowoverhiseyes。HetookinFrankshapinganaxleontheanvil，sparksswirlingroundhis。head，thenhiseyespassedtowherehisdaughterwascurledupinthehay，withMr。Robertson’sbaymarehangingherheaddownoverthesleepingface。
\"Ithoughtthisiswhereshe’dbe，\"Paddysaid，droppinghisridingcropandleadinghisoldroanintothestableendofthebarn。Franknoddedbriefly，lookingupathisfatherwiththatdarklingglanceofdoubtanduncertaintyPaddyalwaysfoundsoirritating，thenhereturnedtothewhite-hotaxle，sweatmakinghisbaresidesglisten。Unsaddlinghisroan，Paddyturneditintoastall，filledthewatercompartmentandthenmixedbranandoatswithalittlewaterforitsfood。Theanimalrumbledaffectionatelyathimwhenheemptiedthefodderintoitsmanger，anditseyesfollowedhimashewalkedtothebigtroughoutsidetheforge，tookoffhisshirt。Hewashedarmsandfaceandtorso，drenchinghisridingbreechesandhishair。Towelinghimselfdryonanoldsack，helookedathissonquizzically。
\"MumtoldmeMeggiewassenthomeindisgrace。Doyouknowwhatexactlyhappened？\"
Frankabandonedhisaxleastheheatinitdied。\"ThepoorlittlecootwassickalloverSisterAgatha。\"
Wipingthegrinoffhisfacehastily，Paddystaredatthefarwallforamomenttocomposehimself，thenturnedtowardMeggie。\"Allexcitedaboutgoingtoschool，eh？\"
\"Idon’tknow。Shewassickbeforetheyleftthismorning，anditheldthemuplongenought[*thorn]belateforthebell。Theyallgotsixers，butMeggiewasterriblyupsetbecauseshethoughtsheoughttohavebeentheonlyonepunished。AfterlunchSisterAgpouncedonheragain，andourMeggiespewedbreadandjamalloverSisterAg’scleanblackhabit。\"
\"Whathappenedthen？\"
\"SisterAgcanedhergoodandproper，andsentherhomeindisgrace。\"\"Well，I’dsayshe’shadpunishmentenough。IhavealotofrespectforthenunsandI\"knowitisn’tourplacetoquestionwhattheydo，butIwishtheywereabitlesseagerwiththecane。IknowtheyhavetobeatthethreeR’sintoourthickIrishheads，butafterall，itwasweeMeggie’sfirstdayatschool。\"
Frankwasstaringathisfather，amazed。NotuntilthismomenthadPaddyevercommunicatedman-tomanwithhisoldestson。Shockedoutofperpetualresentment，Frankrealizedthatforallhisproudboasting，
PaddylovedMeggiemorethanhedidhissons。He38foundhimselfalmostlikinghisfather，sohesmiledwithoutthemistrust。\"She’sabonzerlittlething，isn’tshe？\"heasked。Paddynoddedabsently，engrossedinwatchingher。Thehorseblewitslipsinandout，flapping；Meggiestirred，rolledoverandopenedhereyes。WhenshesawherfatherstandingbesideFrankshesatboltupright，frightpalingherskin。
\"Well，Meggiegirl，you’vehadquiteaday，haven’tyou？\"Paddywentoverandliftedheroutofthehay，gaspingashecaughtawhiffofher。Thenheshruggedhisshouldersandheldheragainsthimhard。\"Igotcaned，Daddy，\"sheconfessed。
\"Well，knowingSisterAgatha，itwon’tbethelasttime，\"helaughed，perchingheronhisshoulder。\"We’dbetterseeifMum’sgotanyhotwaterinthecoppertogiveyouabath。YousmellworsethanJarman’sdairy。\"Frankwenttothedoorwayandwatchedthetwofieryheadsbobbingupthepath，thenturnedtofindthebaymare’sgentleeyesfixedonhim。\"Comeon，youbigoldbitch。I’llrideyouhome，\"hetoldit，scoopingupahalter。
Meggie’svomitingturnedouttobeablessingisdisguise。SisterAgathastillcanedherregularly，butalwaysfromfarenoughawaytoescapetheconsequences，whichlessenedthestrengthofherarmandquitespoiledheraim。
ThedarkchildwhosatnexttoherwastheyoungestdaughteroftheItalianmanwhoownedandoperatedWahine’sbrightbluecafe。HernamewasTeresaAnnunzio，andshewasjustdullenoughtoescapeSisterAgatha’sattentionwithoutbeingsodullthatitturnedherintoSisterAgatha’sbutt。Whenherteethgrewinshewasquitestrikinglybeautiful，andMeggieadoredher。Duringlessonbreaksintheplaygroundtheywalkedwitharmsloopedaroundeachother’swaists，whichwasthesignthatyouwere\"bestfriends\"andnotavailableforcourtingbyanyoneelse。Andtheytalked，talked，talked。OnelunchtimeTeresatookherintothecafetomeethermotherandfatherandgrown-upbrothersandsisters。TheywereascharmedwithhergoldenfireasMeggiewaswiththeirdarkness，likeninghertoanangelwhensheturnedherwide，beautifullyfleckedgreyeyesuponthem。Fromhermothershehadinheritedanindefinableairofbreedingwhicheveryonefeltimmediately；sodidtheAnnunziofamily。AseagerasTeresatowooher，theygaveherbigfatpotatochipsfriedinsizzlingcauldronsoflambdripping，andapieceofbonedfishwhichtasteddelicious，dippedasitwasinflourybatterandfriedinthesmokingwellofliquidfatalongwiththechips，onlyinaseparatewirebasket。Meggiehadnevereatenfoodsodelicious，andwishedshecouldlunchatthecafemoreoften。Butthishadbeenatreat，requiringspecialpermissionfromhermotherandthenuns。Herconversationathomewasall\"Teresasays\"and\"DoyouknowwhatTeresadid？\"untilPaddyroaredthathehadheardmorethanenoughaboutTeresa。\"Idon’tknowthatit’ssuchagoodideatobetoothickwithDagos，\"hemuttered，sharingtheBritishcommunity’sinstinctivemistrustofanydarkor
Mediterraneanpeople。\"Dagosaredirty，Meggiegirl，theydon’twashtoooften，\"heexplainedlamely，wiltingunderthelookofhurtreproachMeggiegavehim。
Fiercelyjealous，Frankagreedwithhim。SoMeggiespokelessoftenofherfriendwhenshewasathome。Buthomedisapprovalcouldn’tinterferewiththerelationship，confinedasitwasbydistancetoschooldaysandhours；BobandtheboyswereonlytoopleasedtoseeherutterlyengrossedinTeresa。Itleftthemtocareermadlyaroundtheplaygroundjustasiftheirsisterdidnotexist。
TheunintelligiblethingsSisterAgathawasalwayswritingontheblackboardgraduallybegantomakesense，andMeggielearnedthata\"pluswasmeantyoucountedallthenumbersuptoatotal，wherea\"com\"meantyoutookthenumbersonthebottomawayfromthenumbersonthetopandwoundupwithlessthanyouhadinthefirstplace。Shewasabrightchild，andwouldhavebeenanexcellentifnotbrilliantstudenthadsheonlybeenabletoovercomeherfearofSisterAgatha。Buttheminutethosegimleteyesturnedherwayandthatdryoldvoicerappedacurtquestionather，shestammeredandstutteredandcouldnotthink。Arithmeticshefoundeasy，butwhencalledupontodemonstratetoperskillverballyshecouldnotrememberhowmanytwoandtwomade。Readingwastheentranceintoaworldsofascinatingshecouldn’tgetenoughofit；butwhenSisterAgathamadeherstandtoreadapassageoutloud，shecouldhardlypronounce\"cat，\"letalone\"miaow。\"ItseemedtoherthatshewasforeverquiveringunderSisterAgatha’ssarcasticcommentsorflushingbrightredbecausetherestoftheclasswaslaughingather。ForitwasalwaysherslateSisterAgathahelduptosneerat，alwaysherlaboriouslywrittensheetsofpaperSisterAgathausedtodemonstratetheuglinessofuntidywork。Someofthericherchildrenwereluckyenoughtopossesserasers，butMeggie’sonlyeraserwasthetipofherfinger，whichshelickedandrubbedoverhernervousmistakesuntilthewritingsmudgedandthepapercameawayinminiaturesausages。Itmadeholesandwasstrictlyforbidden，butshewasdesperateenoughtodoanythingtoavoidSisterAgatha’sstrictures。
UntilheradventStuarthadbeenthechieftargetofSisterAgatha’scaneandvenom。However，Meggiewasamuchbettertarget，forStuart’swistfultranquilityandalmostsaintlikealoofnesswerehardnutstocrack，evenforSisterAgatha。Ontheotherhand，Meggietrembledandwentasredasabeet，forallshetriedsomanfullytoadheretotheClearylineofbehaviorasdefinedbyFrank。StuartpitiedMeggiedeeplyandtriedtomake41iteasierforherbydeliberatelysidetrackingthenun’sangerontohisownhead。Shesawthroughhisploysimmediately，angeredafreshtoseetheClearyclannishnessasmuchinevidencewiththegirlasithadalwaysbeenamongtheboys。HadanyonequestionedherastoexactlywhyshehadsuchadownontheClearys，shewouldnothavebeenabletoanswer。ButforanoldnunasembitteredbythecourseherlifehadtakenasSisterAgatha，aproudandtouchyfamilyliketheClearyswasnoteasytoswallow。Meggie’sworstsinwasbeingleft-handed。Whenshegingerlypickedupherslatepenciltoembarkonherfirstwritinglesson，SisterAgathadescendedonherlikeCaesarontheGauls。
