Welcome back, Sleepy Friends. I'm your host, Joanne, and I'm so glad you're here.

Tonight I'll be reading Chapter 7 from a little princess by Francis Hodgson Burnett,

a timeless and comforting classic that has been loved for generations.

Just a quick note,

if you'd like to support this podcast and help me keep it calm, add-free, and

distraction-free, you can subscribe to the premium feed. Premium listeners receive one weekly

bonus bedtime story each week, along with early access to selected episodes. Your support truly helps keep this space

quiet and peaceful. Thank you for being here. Now let's take a moment to settle in.

Allow your body to grow still wherever you are.

Let your shoulders soften.

Your jaw unclench and your hands rest easily.

Take a slow breath in through your nose and gently exhale through your mouth.

Feel your body becoming heavier, supported, and at rest.

And whenever you're ready, let's begin. Let's speak in. Chapter 7 The Diamond Minds Again

When Sarah entered the Holly Hung schoolroom in the afternoon, she did so as the head of a sort of procession.

Miss Minchin, in her grandest silk dress, led her by the hand.

A man-servant followed, carrying the box containing the last doll, a housemaid carried a second box, and Becky carrying a third, and wearing a clean apron and a new cap.

Sarah would have much preferred to enter in the usual way, but Miss Minchin had sent for her, and, after an interview in her private sitting-room, had expressed her wishes.

"'This is not an ordinary occasion,' she said.

"'I do not desire that it should be treated as one.'

So Sarah was led grandly in, and felt shy, when on her entry, the big girl stared at her and touched each other's elbows, and the little ones began to squirm joyously in their seats.

Silence, young ladies, said Miss Minchin, at the murmur which arose.

...