Ch3-Miss Augusta

CHAPTER THREE Miss Augusra Jack and Annie looked at each other. Augusta! The girl put down her baskets and took off her wet cape. "Did you deliver your cakes to the poor, Miss Augusta?" asked Molly. "Yes, Molly," said Augusta. "I visited seven cottages today."

"Seven? In this weather? You're an angel, Miss Augusta!" said Molly. "Always so kind to the poor." "It is my duty, Molly," the girl said, "to help those less fortunate than myself." Her gaze rested on Jack and Annie. "And who are these poor children?" "They're looking for work, miss," said the cook. "But I'm afraid they're sorry creatures, not good for anything. I was just sending them away." "Oh, surely we must not turn them out so quickly, Cook," said Augusta. "How tired and miserable they look." Jack didn't think they looked that bad.

"We are tired and miserable," Annie said. Her voice sounded sad. Her shoulders sagged. Oh, brother, Jack thought. Annie was really acting her part. "My poor dears, you must both come into the parlor and rest a bit," said Augusta. "We would like that," Annie said pitifully. "Follow me," said Augusta. "Miss Augusta, surely you're not taking those dirty children into the parlor!" said the cook. "We must always be kind to the poor, Cook, no matter how dirty they are," said Augusta. "We should give them something to drink if they are thirsty, and something to eat if they are hungry."

"You are too kind, Miss Augusta," said Molly, shaking her head. "Well, at least make them take off their filthy boots," said the cook. Jack and Annie pulled off their boots and socks and set them by the door. Their feet were red and raw-looking. Augusta took two peeled potatoes from a bowl and put them in her pocket. Then she picked up a lit candle from the hearth. "Come, let me take you to the parlor," she said to Jack and Annie. "Thanks, Augusta," said Annie. "Show some respect!" the cook called after Annie. "Call her 'Miss Augusta'!" "Sorry!" said Annie. "Thanks, Miss Augusta."

Jack rolled his eyes. Why should he call her 'miss'? Augusta didn't look like she was any older than he was! Holding her flickering candle, Augusta led Jack and Annie out of the kitchen. The wooden floor creaked as they walked barefoot through a narrow hallway. How are we ever going to inspire this strange, serious girl? wondered Jack. She acts as if she's already a grown-up and treats Annie and me like babies. "We'll sit in here, children," said Augusta. She directed Jack and Annie into a large room with heavy curtains and dark furniture. The pale teenage girl who'd answered the front door sat on

a sofa, knitting. Another teenage girl knitted beside her. They scowled when they saw Jack and Annie. "What are you doing, Augusta?" asked the pale girl. "Why are you bringing those two into the parlor?" "I invited them to tea, Gertrude," said Augusta. She turned to Jack and Annie. "Pay no attention to my sisters," she said. "Please, sit down." "Augusta, have you gone mad?" said Gertrude. "You cannot invite these two ragamuffins to sit in here!" "Mother will be furious," said Augusta's other sister. "They're filthy! They're not even wearing shoes!"