“I am running away,” replied Maria then.
“Running away! From what?”
“It is better for me to be away,” said Maria, evading the question. “It would be better if I were dead.”
“But you are not,” said the dwarf, with a quick movement almost of alarm.
“No,” said Maria; “and I see no reason why I shall not live to be an old woman.”
“I don't either,” said Miss Blair. “You look healthy. You say, better if you were dead—better for whom, yourself or others?”
“Others.”
“Oh!” said Miss Blair. She remained quietly regardful of Maria for a little while, then she spoke again. “Where are you going when you reach New York?” she asked.
“I was going out to Edgham, but I shall miss the last train, and I shall have to go to a hotel,” replied Maria, and she looked at the dwarf with an expression of almost childish terror.
“Don't you know that it may be difficult for a young girl alone? Have you any baggage?”