Follow a Stranger

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.