Sara looked at Ermengarde, waiting to hear her friend's idea.
"This afternoon I received a package from my favorite aunt," Ermengarde began.
She told Sara that the box was packed with wonderful treats. Cake, meat pies, and tarts. Buns, oranges, and chocolate. There was even apple cider to drink.
Ermengarde was very excited. "I could sneak downstairs for the box, and bring it back here!"
Sara clutched Ermengarde's arm. "Do you really think you could? We could pretend to have a party. And, oh, won't you invite the prisoner in the next cell?"
"Yes!" cried Ermengarde. "Let's knock on the wall now."
Sara went to the wall and knocked five times. "That means come to my cell," she explained.
The next moment Becky came through Sara's door. She stopped short when she saw Ermengarde.
"It's all right," said Sara. "Miss Ermengarde wants you to be here. She's going to bring us a box of food."
"To eat?" Becky's eyes widened.
"Yes, and we're going to have a party!"
Ermengarde hurried away so quickly that she dropped her red shawl.
"Sometimes just before things get to their worst, something wonderful happens," Sara said. "It's like magic. Now let's set the table for the party."
"But what will we use?" asked Becky.
"Ermengarde's shawl can be the tablecloth," Sara said. "I'll look in the old trunk I had when I was a princess. I'm sure I'll find more things that we can use!"
Becky covered the table with the shawl while Sara opened her old trunk. Inside she found some white handkerchiefs.
Sara ran to the table. "Let's pretend these are plates made of finest china!"
The girls decorated the table with flowers from a straw hat. They used some scraps of paper to make a tiny fire in the fireplace.
Sara turned suddenly to see Becky standing by the table with her eyes shut. There was an odd look on Becky's face.
"What's the matter, Becky?" Sara asked.
Becky opened her eyes. "I was pretending it was a real banquet, miss. Just like you do. It almost worked."
Sara laughed. "Keep practicing, Becky!"
When Ermengarde returned, she gazed around with delight. "Oh, Sara! You're so clever! It looks like a real party up here!"
"It's like a queen's table," said Becky with a happy sigh. "We're pretending to hold a banquet in a castle."
"Ermengarde, you must be the princess!" Sara insisted.
"No, that's your role," Ermengarde said.
Sara grinned. "Well then, let's begin the feast!"
The girls sat down. They had just begun to eat when they heard a noise. All three sprang to their feet. Someone was coming up the stairs! And they all recognized the angry footsteps at once.
When Miss Minchin threw open the door, her face was pale with rage.
"So Lavinia was telling the truth!" declared the headmistress. "Something is going on up here!" Sara and Ermengarde looked at each other. Lavinia had guessed their secret and told Miss Minchin.
The headmistress slapped Becky. "You're fired! You'll leave tomorrow!"
Becky ran from the room. Sara stood quite still, but Ermengarde burst into tears.
"Don't send Becky away," cried Ermengarde. "My aunt mailed me the package. We're only having a party."
"So I see!" Miss Minchin snapped. "With the Princess Sara at the head of the table!" She glared at Sara. "You're the one behind this. Ermengarde wouldn't think of such a thing. I'll deal with you tomorrow. You won't have anything to eat all day."
"I haven't had much to eat today," Sara said quietly.
Miss Minchin ignored her and scolded Ermengarde. "You've brought your beautiful new books into this dirty attic. Take them back to your room. You'll stay there all day tomorrow, and I'm going to write to your father. What would he say if he knew where you are tonight?"
Something in Sara's gaze got Miss Minchin's attention. Miss Minchin spun back toward Sara. "What are you thinking about?" she demanded. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Sara responded in a low voice. "What would my father say if he knew where I am tonight?"
"How dare you!" Miss Minchin flew at Sara and shook her. "Go to bed right now!"
The headmistress picked up the books. Then she swept the food into the box and shoved it at Ermengarde. Pushing Ermengarde ahead of her, she left the room.
Sara was left standing alone in her room. The last spark had died out in the fire. The table now looked like nothing more than some old handkerchiefs and fake flowers.
Sara turned to her doll. "There isn't any party left," she said sadly to Emily.
Then she climbed into bed and closed her eyes. She didn't see the face peering at her through the skylight.