The Worst Witch to the Rescue (18 page)

‘Einstein,’ said Mildred softly, ‘can you still speak? Say something, please.’

‘I’m glad I belong to you,’ said Einstein, speaking for the last time in his rasping little voice. Then he picked up his carrot and began munching it, gazing vacantly into space and looking for all the world like a tortoise with only one brain cell.

‘And I’m glad you’re mine,’ said Mildred, smoothing his knobbly shell. ‘You too!’ she added, laughing as Tabby landed on her back, miaowing loudly. She felt the same sudden surge of hope that she had felt the day before, when everything had looked so promising. ‘Perhaps it
is
going to be a brilliant term after all.’