Because she is going with mother away
For a drive in a carriage and pair,'
said Uncle George, coming into the room. He always called his niece Miss Muffle, though her real name was Annette.
'Yes,' said Miss Muffle, 'I am going with my mother, and I shall not be a bit cold. I am never cold in the winter; my mother keeps me so warm.'
'Yes,' said Uncle George; 'your father and mother are rich, and can give their little girl all she wants. I wonder if Miss Muffle would like to go and see some little girls who have no warm coats or shoes and stockings?'
Miss Muffle looked up at Uncle George.
'I should like to see those little girls, Uncle George. Will you take me to see them?'
So Uncle George went in the carriage with Miss Muffle and her mother. And as they were driving along he told the coachman to stop at some poor cottages near the road. He lifted Miss Muffle out of the carriage, and told her mother they would not be long, if she would not mind waiting. Uncle George knocked at the door of the first cottage.
Miss Muffle gave a little shiver, for there was no fire, and sitting close together on the floor were three little children, trying to get warm under an old shawl of their mother's.
'And how are the children getting on at school?' said Uncle George.