Page 39 - An Australian Lassie

"You've got your mother and sisters," said Mona shyly.

And then for the first time it occurred to Dorothea that she herself was an elder sister, that she was the eldest
of five, and that infinite possibilities lay before her.

"There's only my father and my aunt and brother when I go home," said Mona. "And T've only twenty-nine
days, too, and then, oh! Thea darling, T have to lose you."

"We'll write twice a week always," whispered Dot, twining her arms round her friend's waist.

"And always be each other's bosom friend," said Mona.

Then the prayer-bell rang, and the four intimate friends scanned Thea closely, seeing that she had been crying,
and feeling angry with "that" Mona Parbury for letting her.