Describe Kezia's act of kindness.

While swinging in her yard, Kezia sees the Kelveys walking down the road. As the Kelveys come nearer; their shadows stretch long, reaching across the road so that the shadows of their heads are in the buttercups. Kezia clambers back up the gate, swings out, and says hello. Lil and Else, astounded, stop. Lil gives her usual silly smile and Else stares. Dragging one toe on the ground, Kezia says they can come and see the doll’s house if they want. Lil turns red and shakes her head quickly. Kezia asks why not. Lil gasps, then says, “Your ma told our ma you wasn’t to speak to us.”

Kezia says oh well, it doesn’t matter, they can come and see the doll’s house all the same. She says nobody is looking. Lil shakes her head harder. Suddenly there is the twitch of a tug at Lil’s skirt. She turns. Else looks at her sister with big, imploring eyes. She is frowning; she wants to see the doll’s house. Lil looks at her doubtfully. Else twitches the skirt again.

Kezia leads the way. Like two stray cats, the Kelveys follow Kezia across the courtyard. Before the doll’s house, Lil breathes loudly and almost snorts. Else is still as a stone. Kezia undoes the hook so they can look inside.