lately, so she smiled and waited patiently.
She was unaware, being a very modest girl, that when she
smiled two dimples appeared in her cheeks, or that her eyes
had a warmth in their depths which usually produced a
responsive smile from the people she was with, but she was
relieved to see Miss Carter smile back.
Leaning forward with her square hands laid flat on her
desk, the Headmistress said, “We expect a new pupil
tomorrow, Kate.” She paused, as if searching for the right
words. “Rather a special case.” Then paused again, as if
anticipating questions.
Kate nodded. If a girl was allowed to join the school in the
middle of a term it must, indeed, be a special case, but since
the Head clearly wanted some reply, she said politely, “Yes,
Miss Carter?”
The Head laughed. “I’ll be frank—I feel rather doubtful
about accepting this girl.” She shook her head and stared at
the window in silence for a moment. “She’s hardly the sort of
girl we normally have here.” She paused again and began to
sketch a queer little doodle, then, without looking up, added,
“Her brother is Marc Lillitos.”
Kate blinked. Who was he? Clearly she was expected to
know the name, but although she searched her memory, she
could never remember having heard it before.
Miss Carter looked up, her eyes curious. “You do not know
the name?”
“No,” Kate admitted.
“He’s a shipping magnate, a very wealthy man. He came to
me today and asked me to accept his sister Pallas ...”
“Pallas!” Kate interrupted, without thinking.