Emily whispered to her sister, when Sibbie came to bed. “By accident, of course. It’s not a shameful secret or anything. Uncle Raymond already told me it was an accident.” Sibbie laughed quietly. “What gave you the idea that poor Auntie Dot had anything to do with it?” “Auntie Dot herself.” “She told you she burnt their house down?” “Don’t shout! No, not exactly. I asked her how it happened but she wouldn’t say. She said I should ask Uncle Raymond. That means she doesn’t want to talk about it.” “It doesn’t mean she did it,” Sibbie scoffed. “Go and ask Uncle Raymond if you’re brave enough. Or mad enough. He’ll put you straight. But you’re barking up the wrong tree.” “If he talks to me at all,” said Emily. “Uncle Raymond might shut the door on me again. I mean, a fire isn’t a nice thing to remember, is it?” “Then why go on about it all the time?” asked Sibbie. “If I got an answer, then I wouldn’t have to,”
