Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/97

 Miss Crimson Lake nodded again, and her lips moved to say say “Yes.”

“Well, he is sure to pass this way again,” said Thirteen-fourteenths, “he always keeps on running. I had better wait to hear his message; then I must go. Now, before we separate, each to do our own particular work, let us tell Crimson Lake our plans, and see if she approves.”

“We will,” cried the fairies and Minora.

“It will cheer her,” said the Major.

“Your troubles will soon be over,” said Half-term.

Crimson Lake managed to smile a faint, feeble little smile.

“Well, first of all,” said Half-term, “my sisters and I will tell the children they must stop painting.”

Crimson Lake nodded energetically.

“Then,” said Christmas, “we are going to Father to ask him to tell Santa Claus to put matters to rights in Paint Land.”

“And I am going to Queen Harmony,” said Minora, “to ask her to pay a visit to the Scale family.”

Crimson Lake looked puzzled, and shook her head.

“You haven’t heard how badly I’ve been treated by the Sharps and Flats,” said Major C, “they nearly battered my house down.”

“I expect you don’t know either that ‘good little Lucy’ is lost in Nonsense Land,” said Half-term.

Crimson Lake sighed a big, big sigh.

“But I shall get her out,” said Thirteen-fourteenths, “and we are everyone to try and find the Book of Betty Barber, to tear it up into little bits.”

At last Miss Crimson Lake found her voice.

“Is it lost?” she asked.

“Lost! Lost!” said Minora and the Major together.

“It is indeed,” said Thirteen-fourteenths.

“It must be found,” said Crimson Lake.

“It shall be found,” said the Fraction.

“I hear someone calling,” said Minora.

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