"She said I wanted putting down. And now, I suppose I am put down. I am just in prison. I can't do anything. I can't go to Mrs. Laval's house any more. I must not go to Lilac Lane any more. She won't let me. And O Mr. Richmond, we were going to do such nice things!"
"Who were going to do such nice things?"
"Norton Laval and I."
"What things were they?"
"We were going to do such nice things! Mrs. Laval gave me money for them, and Norton, he has money always; and we were going to have Mrs. Eldridge's house cleaned, and get a bedstead, and towels, and a table, and ever so many things for her, to make her comfortable; and I thought it would be so pleasant to get the things and take them to her. And aunt Candy says I am not to go again."
"Did you tell your aunt what you were going to do?"
"Oh no, sir; she thinks I have no business with such things; and she does not like anybody to go into very poor houses."
"Then you did not ask her leave?"
"It never is any use to ask her anything. She won't let me go out to church now, except in the morning, and then sometimes she makes me go with her."
Mr. Richmond was silent for some time. Matilda grew quiet, and they both were still.