A small door opened in the wall and a brownie appeared, her ragged skirts dragging on the floor and her brown hair flying out in a hundred directions. ‘Madam?’ said the brownie.
‘Tea, please, and refreshments! The usual.’
The brownie nodded and began to bustle about. Within minutes a little tea-party was spread upon a low table, and Sophy sat down to take tea with her new friend.
‘I am called Hidenory,’ said the crone, catching Sophy’s inquisitive gaze. ‘You were not expecting to meet me, I think?’
‘No. That is, I knew that Mr. Balligumph had arranged for some kind of assistance, but he did not say who I should expect.’
‘Ah yes! Mr. Balligumph. He speaks very highly of you.’ Hidenory sipped daintily at her tea, her good eye fixed on Sophy’s face. ‘Perhaps you will tell me what you are
