Hugh weighed it in his hand. The brooch was heavy. Made from gold and fashioned in a style from twenty years ago, it bore a miniature portrait on the front. The portrait depicted a young lady with bright golden curls and shining blue eyes. He met his sister’s eye.

“It could almost be a portrait of Philomena, could it not?” said Selena. “The likeness is very strong.”

Hugh shook his head. “No, the style of it is too old. In any case, why would Philomena carry her own portrait? However, you are right. It does seem to have a look of her. If the hair were but a different colour—black, like hers.”

“I know who it must be,” said Selena.

“Who?”

“It must be her mother. Look, the lady in the portrait is wearing a dress like Mama’s, so that would make her the right age, wouldn’t it?”

Hugh considered. “How can this be her mother? Philomena is of no family who would own such a brooch. Why, she was brought up by some old uncle, or so she said…” He knew so little about her. “Certainly, Philomena is no great lady like the one in this picture.”

Selena hopped on one leg. “Isn’t it the most delightful mystery? Philomena must come from a wealthy family, but she never said so. Why could that be? Even now, she makes her own living. What can have happened?”

Hugh shook his head. He had no more idea than Selena.

“The odd thing is,” Selena went on, “I think I’ve seen this picture, or one very like it, before, but I’m sure Philomena never showed it to me. I would remember, wouldn’t I?”

Hugh stared hard at the picture. “No. I am quite sure I have never seen this before.” He took out a kerchief and wrapped the brooch carefully. He put it in his pocket. “It’s valuable. We must return it to her.”

His heart leapt at the prospect and Selena grinned. “I will allow you to have that pleasure, although I did promise not to tell you or Mama of her whereabouts. Philomena may be angry.”

Hugh shook his head. “When will you learn that you must keep your promises?”

“I would never want to stand in the way of your happiness.” Selena gave a cheerful giggle. “Even if it does mean I must break a very small promise. I did it for your sake, you know. Now, you must remember how kind I have been and stop plaguing me about my friends.”

With that, Selena thrust a scrap of paper into Hugh’s hand and ran happily upstairs, conscience apparently quite clear, to try on more dresses. Hugh studied the paper. Selena had written Philomena’s address in a round, childish script.