They started off arm in arm. They did not mind the fact that they were wearing their only white frocks--their Sunday-go-to-meeting frocks, and that Nina's was already sadly stained with some juice from the raspberry tart. They did not mind the fact also that they had outgrown these frocks, and that the people stared at the rector's daughters when they were at all respectably attired. They were too excited to think of anything but the victory they were having over old pussy-cat--which was their present name for their hitherto beloved Brenda. They went to the shops where Brenda dealt, and ordered rich plum cake for tea, two sorts of jam, some more fruit and some more cream; and for supper they ordered crabs--two crabs to be sent up dressed, from the fishmonger's, also a lobster, and also a large plate of prawns. Having thus wilfully expended money which might have kept the rectory on its ordinary _regime_ for weeks, they returned home in the best of spirits. 'Tis a little sad to relate that even mice, in their moments of triumph over their legendary foe--the domestic cat--may sometimes overdo things. For two of these little mice felt decidedly ill that night from the direful effects of overeating. Nina spent that night, which she had felt would be of such triumph, rolling from side to side in bed and crying out with pain, and Josephine had the most appalling succession of nightmares. But Fanchon was more moderate in her eating and, therefore, did not suffer. She had her work cut out for her; and that evening, at the appointed hour--regardless of Nina's cries and Josephine's frightened exclamations in her sleep--she went off to interview her governess in her bedroom. Brenda was waiting for her, and was quite ready. She had been frightened, terribly frightened, in the morning, but she was alarmed no longer. She had been given time to think, to consider, to form her plans. The discovery which those tiresome children had made was altogether most unpleasant. Had it been made by older people, it would almost have been dangerous. But Brenda felt that she could manage the children. She must sacrifice something, it is true, but she need not sacrifice everything.