The Visitor

The attic has remained warm and furnished since the night of the transformation. New things have appeared at intervals — another book, a small plant in a pot, a second pillow. Sara has understood that her friend is the Indian gentleman next door, though she cannot explain how she knows. She does not try to find out. She accepts the gifts with gratitude rather than investigation.

Ermengarde, who has heard nothing of this, arranges a secret feast — a hamper of food borrowed from the school's supplies, smuggled up the stairs. When she and Lottie arrive at the attic door they find a room that looks nothing like what they expected: fire blazing, soft furnishings, the smell of good food. They stare. Sara explains that someone has been kind to her, without specifying more. They have the feast anyway, and it is the most comfortable evening any of them has spent in months.

Miss Amelia comes to check the attic bedrooms. They hear her footsteps on the stairs. Sara manages the situation: she blows out the extra candle, pushes the hamper under the bed, arranges everyone where they are supposed to be. Miss Amelia opens the door, sees what appears to be a child and a doll in the improved room, and closes it again without coming in. They breathe. They finish the feast. Sara sends Ermengarde and Lottie back to their rooms with the efficient calm she has been practicing for a year.