Elizabeth

Good evening, and welcome to this sleepy bookshelf, where we put down our worries from the day and pick up a good book.

I'm your host, Elizabeth.

Thank you for being here this evening.

Tonight we are continuing with A Little Princess, so lie down comfortably.

And close your eyes, taking your first deep breath in, filling your lungs, and then slowly release your breath, letting go of any stress.

Feel your feet relax, sinking deeper into the surface beneath you.

And let this relaxation rise through your legs and hips, allowing your lower body to soften.

Now let your belly, your chest and shoulders also become calm.

And as you breathe, feel the warmth of relaxation spreading down through your arms and hands.

Now gently relax your face, your eyes, your jaw and your brow.

And with every breath, drift deeper into relaxation, preparing for a restorative sleep.

On her 11th birthday, Sarah was led into the schoolroom by Miss Minchin, who stood before the students and spoke about her show pupil before leaving them to the festivities, even allowing Becky to stay at the back of the room on Sarah's request.

The star gift was a doll ordered from Paris and nearly as big as Lottie, so-called the Last Doll, as Sarah deemed that she would be too old for dolls soon.

Then Miss Amelia came to announce that Sarah's father's solicitor had arrived to speak with Miss Minchin and that the party would need to remove to the sitting room to allow them to meet.

The girls laughed, but Becky lingered to look closer at the last doll, slipping under the table when Miss Minchin opened the door, and so overhearing the entire conversation.

The solicitor explained that Captain Crewe was dead.

His friend who owned the diamond mine had taken all his money and run.

He then caught jungle fever and passed away, leaving Sarah penniless and alone.

Miss Minchin was furious.

Sarah's lavish expenses and fees were well overdue, and she was now left with the care of the child.