As Lucy spoke she drew Phyllis towards a corner of the playground, where a large, rather ferocious-looking hedgehog was curled up in a ball.
"But that--that would almost kill the child," said Phyllis, starting back.
"We must give her a good fright; it is the only way to effect our purpose. Then one or other of us must be near, and intercept her, and tell her that we will be her friends. Then you will have your week with me in London; but you must do it."
"I almost think," said Phyllis, turning very white, "that I'd rather not have my week. You can do it yourself if you like. It seems so cruel, and they are very happy together, and she is a very timid little thing. And just when her sister is not at home!"
"That is the very time. I am going to have a chat with little Agnes this evening. I am going in a certain way to prepare her--not much. Now, don't be a goose, Phyllis. Think what a jolly time you will have in London. It will be quite impossible for us to be found out."
Lucy talked to Phyllis for some time, and finally persuaded her to act as her accomplice in the matter.
It was a rule at Sunnyside that the smaller girls, consisting of Phyllis Flower, Agnes Sparkes, and little Agnes Frost, should go to bed quite an hour before the other girls. They usually had supper of milk and a few biscuits, and went to their room not later than eight o'clock. The other girls did not go to bed until half-past nine, and had a more substantial meal at eight o'clock. Phyllis Flower, therefore, for every reason, was best able to perform the mean trick by which Lucy meant to sever the friendship between Irene and little Agnes; but the child must be slightly alarmed, otherwise the hedgehog might be put into the bed and she know nothing about it.
Consequently, just before the younger children's simple supper was brought in on a tray, Lucy came and sat down near Agnes Frost.
Her tone was quite caressing and gentle. Little Agnes--who did not like Lucy, but could not in her heart of hearts cherish ill-will towards any one--raised her eyes now and said gently, "Of course I miss her; but then, I have my dear Irene."
Lucy put on a smile which meant wonderful things.
"You are a very courageous little girl," she said after a pause.