A Little Princess, Part 14 of 15

Thanks for listening tonight. If you'd like to listen out free, get access to exclusive bonus episode. Check out our sleepy bookshelf premium feed in the show notes. Aisha owns a bistro. She loves it, but the Admin, not so much. Luckily her Monzo Business Bank account takes some of the strain, like expensing, with real-time visibility and spend limits all managed in one app. So she's free to cook up a storm without having to make a meal of the Admin. Make the switch and join over 800,000 other UK businesses already banking with us. Search Monzo Business today. Team plan starts from £25 a month. UK sole traders or limited company directors only. Teas and seas apply. Hello, it's Elizabeth. And I'm excited to share with you the newest show from Slammer Studios. It's called Sleepy History. And it's exactly what it sounds like. In intriguing stories, people, mysteries and events from history, delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere. Explore the legend of El Dorado. See what life was like for the Roman gladiators. Uncover the myths and mysteries of Stonehenge. You'll find interesting but relaxing episodes like these on Sleepy History. And the same great production quality you've come to know and love from the Sleepy Bookshelf. So check it out. And perhaps you'll have another way to get a good night's rest. Just search Sleepy History in your preferred podcast player. Good evening. And welcome to this Sleepy Bookshelf where we put down our worries from the day and pick up a good book. I'm Elizabeth, your host. It is lovely to be here with you tonight. This evening we are returning to a little princess. But first, close your eyes and take a deep, slow breath in. Then exhale, letting go of the day's weight. Pick to yourself lying in a calm, serene space. Soft, cool sheets around you. The world outside, quiet and distant. With every breath, feel your body sinking deeper into relaxation. As if the bird is gently holding you, supporting you. Let the tension in your body melt away, starting with your head and neck. And working down past your shoulders, your torso and back, your hips and leg and feet. Every breath draws you deeper into stillness and every exhale takes you closer to relaxation. Miss Minchin and all the girls at the seminary expected to see Sarah coming downstairs looking shamed. But instead, she held a quiet confidence that no one could account for. All the magic from the previous night was still in her room. She had eaten a full meal and so was not hungry even without the school breakfast or lunch. She felt sure she would be greeted by more food in her room from the magic when she retired. And she was absolutely right. Every day, the magic continued to surprise them. When a package arrived addressed to the little girl in the attic, Miss Minchin watched as Sarah opened it to find a collection of new clothes, beautifully made and yet practical enough for her day-to-day activities. Miss Minchin began to worry that Sarah had some mysterious, anonymous relative watching over her, clearly someone with well. And after she was dressed, she invited Sarah back into the school room to practice her lessons. That evening, Sarah decided to write a note for her magician friend and left it on the table. When she woke, the dinner things had been cleared and the note along with it. Before the girls went to bed that night, the monkey from next door was scratching at the skylight and Sarah let him in, hoping he would sleep on her bed till morning. And that is just where we pick up tonight. So lie back and relax as I turn to the next pages of a little princess. Chapter 17. It is the child. The next afternoon, three members of the large family sat in the Indian Gentleman's library, doing their best to cheer him up. They had been allowed to come in to perform this office because he had specially invited them. He had been living in a state of suspense for some time and today he was waiting for a certain event very anxiously. This event was the return of Mr. Carmichael from Moscow. His stay there had been prolonged from week to week. On his first arrival there, he had not been able satisfactorily to trace the family he had gone in search of. When he felt at last, sure that he had found them and had gone to their house, he had been told they were absent on a journey. His efforts to reach them had been unavailing so he had decided to remain in Moscow until their return. Mr. Carousford sat in his reclining chair and Janet sat on the floor beside him. He was very fond of Janet. Nora had a footstool and Donald was astride the tiger's head which ornamented the rug made of the animal's skin. It must be owned that he was riding it rather violently. Don't cheer up so loud, Donald. Janet said. When you come to cheer an ill person up you don't cheer him up at the top of your voice. Perhaps cheering up his too loud, Mr. Carousford? Turning to the Indian gentleman. But he only patted her shoulder. No, it isn't. He answered. And it keeps me from thinking too much. I'm going to be quiet. Donald shouted. Will all be as quiet as mice. Mice don't make a noise like that. Said Janet. Donald made a bridle of his handkerchief and bounced up and down on the tiger's head. A whole lot of mice might. He said cheerfully. A thousand mice might. I don't believe fifty thousand mice would. Said Janet severely. And we have to be as quiet as one mouse. Mr. Carousford laughed and patted her shoulder again. Papa went to be very long now. She said. May we talk about the lost little girl? I don't think I could talk much about anything else just now. The Indian gentleman answered, knitting his forehead with a tired look. We like her so much. Said Nora. We call her the little unfairly princess. Why? The Indian gentleman inquired. Because the fancies of the large family always made him forget things a little. It was Janet who answered. It is because, though she is not exactly a fairy, she will be so rich when she is found that she will be like a princess in a fairy tale. We called her the fairy princess at first, but it didn't quite suit. It is true. Said Nora. That heppapar gave all his money to a friend to put in a mind that had diamonds in it. And then the friend thought he had lost it all and ran away because he felt as if he was a robber. But he wasn't really, you know. Put in Janet hastily. The Indian gentleman took cold of her hand quickly. No. He wasn't really. He said. I am sorry for the friend. Janet said. I can't help it. He didn't mean to do it. And it would break his heart and sure it would break his heart. You were an understanding little woman, Janet. The Indian gentleman said. And he held her hand close. Did you tell Mr. Carreford? Don't order shouted again. About the little girl who isn't a beggar. Did you tell him she has no nice clothes? Perhaps she's been found by somebody when she was lost. Oh, there's a cab. Exclaimed Janet. It's stopping before the door. It is Papar. They all ran to the windows to look out. Yes. It's Papar. Donald proclaimed. But there is no little girl. All three of them incontinently fled from the room and tumbled into the hall. It was in this way they always welcomed their father. They were to be heard jumping up and down, clapping their hands, and being caught up and kissed. Mr. Carreford made an effort to rise and sank back again. There's no use. He said. What a wreck I am. Mr. Carre Michael's voice approached the door. No, children. He was saying. You may come in after I have talked to Mr. Carreford, go and play with Ramdas. Then the door opened and he came in. He looked rosier than ever and brought an atmosphere of freshness and health with him. But his eyes were disappointed and anxious as they met the invalid's look of eager question, even as they grasp at each other's hands. What news? Mr. Carreford asked. The child, the Russian people adopted. She is not the child we were looking for. Was Mr. Carre Michael's answer? She is much younger than Captain Cruise Little Girl. Her name is Emily Karou. I have seen and talked to her. The Russians were able to give me every detail. How weary and miserable the Indian gentleman looked. His hand dropped from Mr. Carre Michael's. And the search has to be begun over again. He said. That is all. Please sit down. Mr. Carre Michael took a seat. Somehow he had gradually grown fond of this unhappy man. He was himself so well and happy and so surrounded by cheerfulness and love. That desolation and broken-house seemed pitifully unbearable things. If there had been the sound of just one gay little high-pitched voice in the house, it would have been so much less for lawn. And the man should have been compelled to carry about in his breast. The thought that he had seemed to wrong and deserve to child was not a thing one could face. Come, come. He said in his cheery voice. We'll find her yet. We must begin at once. No time must be lost. Mr. Carre's fared-fretted. Have you any new suggestion to make? Any what so ever? Mr. Carre Michael felt rather restless and he rose and began to pace the room with a thoughtful, though uncertain face. Well, perhaps, he said. I don't know what it may be worth. The fact is, an idea occurred to me as I was thinking the thing over in a train on the journey from Dover. What was it? If she is alive, she is somewhere. Yes, she is somewhere. We've searched the schools in Paris that has given up Paris and beginning London. That was my idea to search London. There are schools enough in London, said Mr. Carre's fared. Then he slightly started, roused by a recollection. By the way, there is one next door. Then we will begin there. We cannot begin nearer the next door. No, said Carre's fared. There is a child there who interests me, but she is not a pupil. And she is a little dark, forlorn creature, as unlike poor crew as a child could be. Perhaps the magic was at work again at that very moment. The beautiful magic. It really seemed as if it might be so. What was it that brought Rambas into the room, even as his master spoke, salaming respectfully, but with a scarcely concealed touch of excitement in his dark, flashing eyes? Saheb, he said, the child herself has come. The child, the Saheb, felt pitiful. She brings back the monkey who had again run away to her attic under the roof. I have asked that she remain. It was my thought that it would please the Saheb to see and speak to her. Or who is she? Inquired Mr. Carmichael. Oh God knows. Mr. Carre's fared answered. She is the child I spoke of, a little drudge at the school. He waved his hand to Rambas and addressed him. Yes, I should like to see her go and bring her in. Then he turned to Mr. Carmichael. While you have been away, he explained. They have been desperate. The days were so dark and long. Rambas told me at this child's miseries and together we invented a romantic plan to help her. I suppose it was a childish thing to do, but it gave me something to plan and think of. About the help of an agile, soft-footed man like Rambas, however, it could not have been done. Then Saheb came into the room. She carried the monkey in her arms and he evidently did not intend to part from her if it could be helped. He was clinging to her and chattering and the interesting excitement of finding herself in the Indian gentleman's room had brought a flush to Sarah's cheeks. Your monkey ran away again. She said in her pretty voice. He came to my garage window last night and I took him in because it was so cold. I would have brought him back had it not been so late. I knew you were ill and might not like to be disturbed. The Indian gentleman's hollow eyes dwelt on her with curious interest. That was very thoughtful of you. He said. Sarah looked toward Rambas who stood near the door. Shall I give him to the laska? She asked. How do you know he is a laska? said the Indian gentleman smiling a little. Oh, I know laska's. Sarah said handing over the reluctant monkey. I was born in India. The Indian gentleman sat upright so suddenly and with such a change of expression that she was for a moment quite startled. You were born in India. He exclaimed. Were you? Come here. And he held out his hand. Sarah went to him and laid her hand in his as he seemed to want to take it. She stood still and her green grey eyes met his wonderingly. Something seemed to be the matter with him. You live next door. He demanded. Yes. I live at Miss Minchin's seminary. But she were not one of her pupils. A strange little smile hovered about Sarah's mouth. She hesitated a moment. I don't think I know exactly what I am. She replied. Why not? At first I was a pupil and a parlor boarder but now. You were a pupil. What are you now? A queer, little sad smile was on Sarah's lips again. I sleep in the attic. Next to the scullery made. She said. I run errands for the cook. I do anything she tells me. And I teach the little ones their lessons. Question her comical. Said Mr. Carousford, sinking back as if he had lost his strength. Question her. I cannot. The big, kind father of the large family knew how to question little girls. Sarah realized how much practice he had had when he spoke to her in his nice, encouraging voice. What do you mean by at first, my child? Inquired. When I was first taken there by my papar. Where is your papar? He died. Said Sarah very softly. He lost all his money and there was none left for me. There was no one to take care of me or to pay mismanation. Carmichael. The Indian gentleman cried out loudly. Carmichael, we must and what frightened her. Mr. Carmichael said aside to him in a quick, low voice. And he added a loud to Sarah. So you were sent up into the attic and made into a little drudge. That was about it, wasn't it? There was no one to take care of me. Said Sarah. There was no money. I belonged to nobody. How did your father lose his money? The Indian gentleman broke in breathlessly. He did not lose it himself. Sarah answered wondering still more each moment. He had a friend he was very fond of. He was very fond of him. It was his friend who took his money. He trusted his friend too much. The Indian gentleman's breath came more quickly. This friend might have meant to do no harm. He said it might have happened through a mistake. Sarah did not know how unrelenting her quiet young voice sounded as she answered. If she had known, she would surely have tried to soften it for the Indian gentleman's sake. The suffering was just as bad for my paparra. She said it killed him. What was your father's name? The Indian gentleman said. Tell me. His name was Ralph Crew. If his name was Ralph Crew. Sarah answered feeling startled. Captain Crew. He died in India. The haggard face contracted and rammed us sprang to his master's side. Carmagell. The invalid gasped. It is the child. The child. For a moment Sarah thought he was going to die. Ramdhas poured out drops from a bottle and held them to his lips. Sarah stood near trembling a little. She looked in a bewildered way at Mr. Carmichael. What child am I? She folded. He was your father's friend. Mr. Carmichael answered her. Don't be frightened. We have been looking for you for two years. Sarah put her hand up to her forehead and her mouth trembled. She spoke as if she were in a dream. And I was at this mention all the while. She half whispered. Just on the other side of the wall. Chapter 18 I tried not to be. It was pretty comfortable, Mrs. Carmichael, who explained everything. She was sent forward once and came across the square to take Sarah into her warm arms and make clear to her all that had happened. The excitement of the totally unexpected discovery had been temporarily almost overpowering to Mr. Carisford in his weak condition. Upon my word. He said faintly to Mr. Carmichael when it was suggested that the little girl should go into another room. I feel as if I do not want to lose sight of her. I will take care of her. Janet said. And a memorial come in a few minutes. And it was Janet who led her away. We're so glad you were found. She said. You don't know how glad we are that you are found. Donald stood with his hands in his pockets and gazed at Sarah with reflecting and self-approach for eyes. If I'd just asked what your name was when I gave you my six pence, he said. You would have told me it was Sarah Krue. Then you would have been found in a minute. Then Mrs. Carmichael came in. She looked very much moved and suddenly took Sarah in her arms and kissed her. You'd look bewildered poor child. She said. And it is not to be wondered at. Sarah could only think of one thing. Was he? She said. With a glance toward the closed door of the library. Was he? The wicked friend. How do you tell me? Mrs. Carmichael was crying as she kissed her again. She felt as if she ought to be kissed very often because she had not been kissed for so long. Oh, he was not wicked, my dear. She answered. He did not really lose your papar's money. He only thought he had lost it. And because he loved him so much, his grief made him so ill that for a time he was not in his right mind. He almost died of brain fever and long before he began to recover your poor papar was dead. And he did not know where to find me. Mum and Sarah. And I was so near. Somehow she could not forget that she had been so near. He believed you were in school in France. Mrs. Carmichael explained. And he was continually misled by false clues. He has looked for you everywhere. When he saw you pass by looking so sad and neglected, he did not dream that you were his friend's poor child. But because you were a little girl too, he was sorry for you and wanted to make you happier. And he told Rondas to climb into your attic window and to try to make you comfortable. Sarah gave a start of joy. Her whole look changed. Did Rondas bring the things? She cried out. Did he tell Rondas to do it? Did he make the dream come true? Yes, my dear, yes. Oh, he is kind and good and he was sorry for you. For little lost Sarah Cruz sake. The library door opened and Mr. Carmichael appeared, calling Sarah to him with a gesture. Mr. Carrus for this better already. He said he wanted you to come to him. Sarah did not wait. When the Indian gentleman looked at her as she entered, he saw that her face was all a light. She went and stood before his chair with her hands clasped together against her breast. You sent the things to me. She said in a joyful, emotional little voice. The beautiful, beautiful things. You sent them. Yes, poor dear child. I did. He answered her. He was weak and broken with long illness and trouble. But he looked at her with the look she remembered in her father's eyes. That look of loving her and wanting to take her in his arms. It made her kneel down by him just as she used to kneel by her father when they were the dearest friends and lovers in the world. Then it is you who are my friend. She said. It is you who are my friend. And she dropped her face on his thin hand and kissed it again and again. The man will be himself in three weeks. Said Carmichael aside to his wife. Look at his face already. In fact, he did look changed. Here was the little misses. And he had new things to think of and plan for already. In the first place, there was mismanction. She must be interviewed and told of the change which had taken place in the fortunes of her people. Sarah was knocked to return to the seminary at all. The Indian gentleman was very determined upon that point. She must remain where she was and Mr. Carmichael should go and see mismanction himself. I am glad I need not go back. Said Sarah. She will be very angry. She does not like me. They are perhaps at his my fault because I do not like her. But, oddly enough, mismanction made it unnecessary for Mr. Carmichael to go to her by actually coming in search of her people herself. She had wanted Sarah for something and, on inquiry, had heard an astonishing thing. One of the housemates had seen her steal out of the area with something hidden under her cloak. And had also seen her go up the steps of the next door and enter the house. What does she mean? Cried mismanction to Miss Amelia. I do not know. I am sure sister. And said Miss Amelia. Unless she has made friends with him because he has lived in India. It would be just like her to thrust herself upon him and try to gain his sympathies in such an impuertenant fashion. Said mismanction. She must have been in the house for two hours. I will not allow such presumption. I shall go and inquire into the matter and apologise for her intrusion. Sarah was sitting on a footstool close to Mr. Carousford's knee and listening to some of the many things he felt it necessary to try to explain to her when Rambdas announced the visit as arrival. Sarah rose involuntarily and became rather pale. But Mr. Carousford saw that she stood quietly and showed none of the ordinary signs of child terror. Miss Minchin entered the room with a sternly dignified manner. She was correctly and well dressed and rigidly polite. I am sorry to disturb Mr. Carousford. She said, but I have explanations to make. I am Miss Minchin, the proprietress of the young lady's seminary next door. The Indian gentleman looked at her for a moment in silent scrutiny. He was a man who had naturally a rather hot temper and he did not wish it to get too much the better of him. So, you are Miss Minchin. He said, I am, sir. In that case, the Indian gentleman replied, you have arrived at the right time. My solicitor, Mr. Carousford, was just on the point of going to see you. Mr. Carmey called bowed slightly and Miss Minchin looked from him to Mr. Carousford in amazement. You solicitor, she said. They do not understand. I have come here as a matter of duty. I have just discovered that you have been intruded upon through the forwardness of one of my pupils, a charity pupil. I came to explain that she intruded without my knowledge. She turned upon Sarah. Go home at once. She commanded indignantly. You shall be severely punished. Go home at once. The Indian gentleman drew Sarah to his side and patted her head. She is not going. Miss Minchin felt rather as if she must be losing her senses. Not going. She repeated. No. Said Mr. Carousford. She is not going home if you give your house that name. A home for the future will be with me. Miss Minchin fell back in amazed indignation. With you. With you, sir. What does this mean? Kindly explain that to Carmey. Said the Indian gentleman and get it over as quickly as possible. And he made Sarah sit down again and held her hands in his, which was another trick of her papas. Then Mr. Carmey could explain in the quiet, level-toned, steady man or ever man who knew his subject, and all its legal significance, which was a thing Miss Minchin understood as a businesswoman and did not enjoy. Mr. Carousford of madam, he said, was an intimate friend of the late Captain Crew. He was his partner in certain large investments. The fortune which Captain Crews supposed he had lost has been recovered and is now in Mr. Carousford's hands. The fortune? It was a pride Miss Minchin and she really lost colour as she uttered the exclamation. Sarah's fortune? It will be Sarah's fortune? Replied Mr. Carmey could rather coldly. It is Sarah's fortune now, in fact. Certain events have increased it enormously. The diamond mines have retrieved themselves. The diamond mines? Miss Minchin gasped out. If this was true, nothing so horrible she felt had ever happened to her since she was born. The diamond mines? Mr. Carmey could repeat it, and he could not help adding with a rather sly, unlawy-like smile. There are not many princesses Miss Minchin, who are richer than your little charity pupils Sarah Crew will be. Mr. Carousford has been searching for her for nearly two years. He has found her at last and he will keep her. After which, he asked Miss Minchin to sit down while he explained matters to her fully, and went into such detail as was necessary to make it quite clear to her that Sarah's future was in a short one, and that what had seemed to be lost was to be restored to her tenfold. Also, that she had in Mr. Carousford a guardian as well as a friend. Miss Minchin was not a clever woman, and in her excitement she was silly enough to make one desperate effort to regain what she could not help seeing she had lost through her worldly folly. He found her under my care, she protested. I have done everything for her, but for me she should have starved in the streets. Here the Indian gentleman lost his temper. As to starving in the streets, he said she might have starved more comfortably there than in your attic. Captain Crew left her in my charge. Miss Minchin argued. She must return to it until she is of age. She can be a parler border again. She must finish her education. The law will interfere in my behalf. Come, come Miss Minchin. Mr. Carmichael interposed. The law will do nothing of the sort. If Sarah herself wishes to return to you, I dare say Mr. Carousford might not refuse to allow it, but that rests with Sarah. Then, said Miss Minchin. I appeal to Sarah. I have not spoiled you perhaps. She said awkwardly to the little girl. But you know that Chopra Pa was pleased with your progress. And I have always been fond of you. Sarah's green grey eyes fixed themselves on her with the quiet, clear look Miss Minchin particularly disliked. Have you, Miss Minchin? She said. I did not know that. Miss Minchin reddened and drew herself up. You ought to have known it. She said. But children unfortunately never know what is best for them. Amelia and I always said you were the cleverest child in the school. Will you not do your duty to your poor Papa and come home with me? Sarah took a step toward her and stood still. She was thinking of the day when she had been told that she belonged to nobody and was in danger of being turned into the street. She was thinking of the cold, hungry hours. She had spent alone with Emily and Melchistadak in the attic. She looked Miss Minchin steadily in the face. You know why I will not go home with you, Miss Minchin. She said. You know quite well. A hot flash showed itself on Miss Minchin's hard, angry face. She will never see your companions again. She began. I will see that ermine guard and Lossia kept away. Mr. Carmichael stopped her with polite firmness. Excuse me. He said. She will see anyone she wishes to see. The parents of Miss Cruz' pharaoh pupils are not likely to refuse her invitations to visit her to her guardian's house. Mr. Carosford will attend to that. It must be confessed that even Miss Minchin flinched. This was worse than the eccentric bachelor uncle who might have a peppery temper and be easily offended at the treatment of his niece. A woman of soareded mind could easily believe that most people would not refuse to allow their children to remain friends with a little ares of diamond mines. And if Mr. Carosford chose to tell certain of her patrons how unhappy Sarah crew had been made, many unpleasant things might happen. You have not undertaken an easy charge. She said to the Indian gentleman as she turned to leave the room. You will discover that very soon. The child is neither truthful nor grateful. I suppose to Sarah that you feel now that you are a princess again. Sarah looked down and flushed a little because she thought her pet fancy might not be easy for strangers, even nice ones to understand at first. I tried not to be anything else. She answered in a low voice. Even when I was coldest and hungriest, I tried not to be. Now it will not be necessary to try. I had mismension acidly as Ram Das salam ta out of the room. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. I was not able to understand her. 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