Neither Katie nor Miss Grey by as much as an exchanged look admitted they were accepting a farce. There was no need to bring in a schoolroom table, there was a pretty writing desk which Katie could have used. The globe looked handsome and was what you would expect to find in a schoolroom, but it was never used as part of a geography lesson, instead it was the door to adventure. At any moment either Miss Grey or Katie would spin it and both would wait breathlessly to see where it stopped, then Miss Grey would say: ‘Oh, what fun, this morning we are in Russia …’ Peking, Malta, it did not matter where, so long as they had reference books and could read about where they were visiting.

The same kind of pretending went on about the piano. There was a nice little upright piano in Katie’s sitting room and each day she had to practise on it ready for her music lessons on Tuesdays and Fridays. Miss Grey had never learnt to play the piano and could not read a note of music, but every day Henry had to bring in a stool and place it by the piano for Miss Grey to sit on while she ‘supervised’ the piano practice.

Both Katie and Miss Grey were full of excitement the day Margaret started having lessons. Now there was purpose in the schoolroom table. It was needed, for two girls could not use the desk.

Sharp at nine o’clock Henry knocked on the schoolroom door.

‘It’s the little girl, Miss Katie.’

Margaret thought that a poor introduction, she swept past Henry and said:

‘Me and Mrs Beamish.’ Then she looked at Katie. ‘Oh, you are wearing a pinafore. Sarah said you would. I’ve got two, I’ll wear one tomorrow.’

That first morning Miss Grey set Margaret a kind of examination, so she could see how much she knew. This proved that at ordinary lessons, like sums and geography, Margaret was well ahead of Katie, but at reading books, poetry or plays Katie was far in advance of Margaret.

While the girls were working, Sarah and Miss Grey discussed plans.

‘What time will you be through with Margaret?’ Sarah asked.

Miss Grey thought about that. ‘I take Katie for a walk at twelve, then, after our lunch, she goes to a class. It’s dancing today. I think Margaret may as well come too.’

Sarah was more down to earth than Miss Grey. ‘Lessons like that cost money.’

‘These won’t,’ Miss Grey promised. ‘Most of the teachers we use have worked for Sir John at some time and, though of course he pays for Katie, they’ll take Margaret free. After all, it’s only until rehearsals start, she couldn’t go after that.’

Sarah nodded. ‘So I’ll pick Margaret up about five?’

‘Five or six. After tea they can play together. Katie’s got a lovely dolls’ house.’

‘I don’t know that Margaret’s much of a one for dolls,’ said Sarah, ‘but they’ll be happy together I’ve no doubt. And her being here will suit me a treat for it will give me a chance to see my sister Lou.’