But Mr Crewe' s good friend - - - - ' began Miss Minchin.
' Mr Crewe' s good friend, ' said the lawyer, ' ran away with all with all Mr Crewe' s money. Ralph Crewe was ill with a fever, and when he heard about this, he got worse. A week later he was dead. '
' Dead ! cried Miss Minchin. ' But what about his daughter Sara? And this expensive birthday party?
' Sara Crewe has no money. ' said the lawyer. ' Not a penny in world, Miss Minchin. Not a penny. '
' She must leave my school at once, ' Miss Minchin said angrily. ' She must go this afternoon ! '
' Where ? said the lawyer. ' Out into the streets ? An eleven- year- old girl ? That' s not going to look very good for your school, Miss Minchin. ' Miss Minchin' s face went red.
' You can' t put her out in the streets, ' said the lawyer. He stood up. ' But perhaps she can work for you. '
The lawyer left, and Miss Minchin called her sister Amelia. ' Bring Sara Crewe her at once, ' she siad.