They sit in absolute silence, too scared to speak as their host potters about, although they do have the occasional quick quiet chat when Mrs Postlethwaite is in another room. Billy says he can’t believe she’s destroyed all of his clothes and has made him wear one of Alice’s dresses. “At least you’ll get some new clothes tomorrow. I can’t believe she’s going to make me wear a corset!” Alice replies. “My mother says they’re very uncomfortable…” Alice stops speaking as she hears their host’s heels on the hardwood floor of the hallway.
“They’re only uncomfortable at first girl.” Mrs Postlethwaite says, clearly having overheard what Alice was saying. “You’ll soon get used to it,” she states before telling the boy to stand. Billy nervously rises from his seat and says nothing as she ties a length of broad yellow ribbon in his hair.