Katherine lights up, all at once happy and eager and relieved and overcome. A million different feelings with a million different thoughts, because she was sure Marian would say yes, that she has many friends, and Katherine's next words would never be spoken.

"Yes, it is! Would you like to be my friend? I don't know anybody here."

And she likes Marian, ever so much so. She couldn't explain why; perhaps because, despite Marian's objections, she really does look like she's from a fairy tale. Perhaps it's just nice to be with a girl her own age. Whatever the reason, Kate was hoping she might like to play, or stay and read beside her. Anything, really.