Sara stared at Mr. Carrisford, startled.
His expression had changed. Was something wrong?
"You were born in India?" he exclaimed.
"Come here." Mr. Carrisford held out his hand to Sara.
She went to him and laid her hand in his. "Yes, I was."
"And you live next door?" he went on. "But you're not one of the students?"
"I used to be a student, but now . . ." A sad smile crossed Sara's face.
"Now I don't know who I am. I sleep in the attic with the kitchen maid.
I run errands for the cook, and do whatever she tells me.
And I teach the little ones their lessons."
"Question her, Mr. Carmichael." The sick gentleman sank back in his chair. "I'm too weak."
The big, kind father of the Large family had daughters.
He knew just how to talk to girls Sara's age.
"You used to be a student?" Mr. Carmichael asked kindly.
"Yes, when my papa first took me to the school," Sara replied.
"Where is he now?" Mr. Carmichael asked.
"He died in India," Sara said very quietly.
"He lost all his money and there was no one left to care for me, or pay Miss Minchin."
"Carmichael!" called out Mr. Carrisford. "Carmichael!"
"We must not frighten her," Mr. Carmichael said quietly.
Then he turned back to Sara.
"So you were sent up into the attic and turned into a servant. Is that right?"
"Yes," Sara said. "There was no money, and I belong to nobody."
"How did your father lose his money?" Mr. Carrisford asked.
He took a few deep breaths to stay calm.
"He did not lose it himself." Sara explained how her father had invested in his friend's diamond mines.
"He was very fond of this friend, but he trusted him too much."
The sick gentleman gasped. "What was your father's name?"
"Captain Ralph Crewe."
"It's the child!" cried Mr. Carrisford.
"What is he talking about?" Sara asked Mr. Carmichael.
"Mr. Carrisford was your father's friend.
He didn't really lose your father's money. He only thought he did.
He was terribly upset, and that made him very ill."
"Oh, how awful!" said Sara.
"You are now a very wealthy young lady," continued Mr. Carmichael.
"We've been searching for you for a long time."
"And I was right next door!" Sara said in amazement.
"I often saw you pass by my house," Mr. Carrisford said.
"You always looked so miserable.
I couldn't find my friend's daughter, but I could help you."
Sara was very surprised. "You sent the beautiful things to me?"
"Yes, with the help of Ram Dass."
"Then you're my mysterious friend!" Sara gave Mr. Carrisford a big hug.
"Oh, thank you!"
"You don't have to go back to the school," he said. "Would you like that?"
"Oh yes, but Miss Minchin will be upset."
Meanwhile the headmistress had learned that Sara was next door.
She was very angry.
She marched over to Mr. Carrisford's house, and Ram Dass led her into the sitting room.
"Go home at once!" Miss Minchin ordered Sara.
"I'm sure you're disturbing everyone!"
"No," said Mr. Carrisford. He patted Sara's hand.
"Sara will be living here from now on."
"Here?" Miss Minchin exclaimed.
"Perhaps I should explain," Mr. Carmichael said.
He told her the story of the diamond mines.
"We've been looking for Sara. She's the heiress to a huge fortune."
Miss Minchin was stunned at this news.
But she wasn't going to let Sara get away now that she was rich.
"Captain Crewe left Sara in my charge," the headmistress insisted.
"She must return to my school until she's an adult. It's the law."
"No, it's not the law," said Mr. Carmichael.
He knew about such things because he was a lawyer.
"I'm sure Sara wants to return home with me," Miss Minchin said.
"You know I've always been fond of you, Sara.
If it hadn't been for me, you would have starved!"
Mr. Carrisford lost his temper. "She was starving in your attic!"
"You're not fond of me," Sara chimed in, looking at the headmistress.
"The school is not my home, and you've treated me cruelly.
I won't go back with you."
"Fine," snapped Miss Minchin, "but you'll never see your friends again.
I'll make sure that Lottie and Ermengarde—"
"Don't be ridiculous," said Mr. Carmichael.
"Their parents won't let them refuse Sara's invitations to visit here."
Miss Minchin turned to leave.
"You'll soon find out what Sara is like," she said to the men.
"She's dishonest and spoiled." She spun toward Sara.
"I suppose you think that you're a princess again!"
With that, Miss Minchin returned to the school and started yelling at Miss Amelia.