As time went on Cassie became happier and more relaxed. Her night terrors became less frequent. Ben bought her some little smocks and she placidly went with the twins to school, although she did not like it. She perched on the saddle in front of Joe, his arms tight around her so she would not fall, even at a canter. At first she was terrified and cried.

"Do you think Little Joe would allow any harm to come to you?" Scamp asked.

"N-no."

"Do you think he would let you fall?"

"No."

"He'd tie you to the pony before he'd let that happen."

"He's gonna tie me to the pony?"

"Don't take everything so literally! Of course he's not!"

"OK, Scamp."

She was trying to be brave although she still looked frightened. Scamp reminded herself the kid was only five and was very different in temperament to her. Scamp had never been afraid of anything. Sometimes she would get frustrated with Cassie's timidity and fearful nature.

"Scamp, remember. Remember what that child has been through. Remember how you found her in that wagon. Can you imagine what that would do to a child's mind?"

"No, sir. I...I do like her. It's just she's so different to me."

"It was different for you. You were not flogged or half-starved or left to go around in rags."

"Yes, sir."

"Carry on being kind to her, you always are. She will get stronger as time goes on. She adores Little Joe and she loves you. She very much depends on you two, you know."

Scamp felt ashamed. "Yes, sir."

"I'm very proud of you both. You took that little girl under your wing and you've treated her with much gentleness and love. You make me proud to be your father."

"I do love her, Pa."

"I know you do, sweetheart. She's a dear little thing. She's your complete opposite but she may be more like you than you know."

"In what way?"

"Well, she's a girl. She's vulnerable - "

"I'm not vulnerable!"

"She's kind and good and always wants to do right. Will that do ya?"

Scamp just smiled. Her father did not often compliment her so when he did she treasured it.

Hop Sing took care of her during the day. "Now, you wanta help Hop Sing?"

"Yes, please!"

She shuffled into the kitchen after him. She was so tiny she barely reached the table.

"Hop Sing put big soft cushions on chair so l'il girl'll be taller and reach table. Wanna be lift up?"

"Yes, please."

He picked her up, giving her a swing as he did so. She hooted with laughter. He started her on the vegetables until she stabbed herself with the peeler and started to cry.

"Oh, hush, hush. Hop Sing get clean cloth. Don't wanna get blood in vegetables!"

He bandaged up her finger and gave her a kiss. "Silly girl!"

"Sorry, Hop Sing."

"One thing. L'il girl not ready for vegetable knife yet!"

Instead he taught her how to roll pastry and she looked at her achievement with pride. It was lumpy with so many holes in Hop Sing could barely count them. "Well done. Now let's smooth those holes out."

She became tired so he let her sit while he told her stories. She presented Ben with her injured finger the moment he came through the door.

"Oh, dear, how did you do that?"

"Cut it."

"She no cut it, Mr Ben, she stab it with peeler."

"Ah, you've been helping Hop Sing, have you?"

"Yeah, I did ever such a lot. Didn't I, Hop Sing?"

Ben strained not to laugh as he met Hop Sing's eyes.

"Yes, Mr Ben, l'il girl did lots."

"We'll enjoy it all the more, then," Adam smiled.

"I'm a very good cook, aren't I, Hop Sing?"

"Oh, yes, you very good cook, Cassie."

"Do you think one day I'll be as good as you?"

"Nobody as good as Hop Sing!"

"Well, nearly as good?"

"Maybe nearly as good."