Page 115 - Student: dazed And Confused

The ghost in the attic

"Golly Jane ! " exclaimed George. "I haven't seen you in an awfully long time. We shall have
some fun, shan't we?"
Jane watched Hector, the odd-job man, lift her trunk high above him and into the old
house. She nodded. "I just know I'll miss Mummy and Daddy while they're away but it was
lovely of your parents to have me here."
"Soon, we'll be having so much fun that you won't even have time to think about
them."

It was a hot, summers day and Jane had decided to wear shorts. It was a shame
because she had wanted to walk down to that old wood at the end of the garden, but she
was afraid of scratching herself and having sore legs for the rest of the holiday. "These are
beautiful gardens, Cousin George. You're so lucky to be living here ! "
"I know. But, at least I have you to share it with now," he said and raced her up the
side steps. He had to le Jane win because she was a girl and slower than him anyway. "How
did you find the journey down here?"
"Oh, it was very hot, as you might imagine. But Hector and I saw such lovely
countryside and plenty of farm animals in the fields." She looked around at the boxes and

crates around. "Are you not helping to unpack?
George smiled and called for his own parents. "Of course not. Hector and the maid
help with the housework."
A minute or two later, a pair of shoes clicked down the stairs and down the hall. A
woman of maybe fifty rushed up to Jane and swept her up. "My darling Jane ! My, how
you've grown "
"Aunty Gwen. How lovely to see you. Before i forget, i must thank you for letting
me stay here."
"We wouldn't dream of it any other way. We couldn't let strangers take you in while
your parents are in Africa." And Africa was no place for a little girl. Aunty Gwen pushed her

greying hair back beneath her headscarf and twisted the dust rag in her hands. "We're just
glad you wanted to come."
George spoke up. "Mother, Jane said she will miss her parents."
"Well, that is true George. She will miss them."
"But soon we shall be having so much fun, she shan't have time to feel very sad."
After a moment, Jane nodded. She knew her cousin was right but this house was so
big she probably would not be able to help but feel lonely and homesick.
"Well, there are lots of rooms we have not cleaned yet - I'm sure you two will find
some adventure to have in one of them. I must get back to my work now." Aunty Gwen

turned round and clicked off down the hallway, kicking up enough dust behind her to make
both children cough.