第1章

Thisisaworkoffictionandanyresemblancebetweenthecharactersinthisbookandrealpersonsiscoincidental。

AportionofthisworkoriginallyappearedinFamilyCircle。

Versesfrom"ClancyoftheOverflow"byA。B。PatersonreprintedbypermissionofthecopyrightproprietorandAngusandRobertsonPublishers。

PhotographoftheauthorbyJimKalett。

AVONBOOKSAdivisionofTheHearstCorporation959EighthAvenueNewYork，NewYork10

Copyright(c1977byColleenMcCulloughPublishedbyarrangementwithHarperandRow，Publishers，Inc。LibraryofCongressCatalogCardNumber:76-26271ISBN:

Allrightsreserved，whichincludestherighttoreproducethisbookorportionsthereofinanyformwhatsoever。ForinformationaddressHarperandRow，Publishers，Inc。，10East53Street，NewYork，NewYork10

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。