"Oh no, I can't, Norton! I can't. I must go right home."
"Come after you have gone home."
"I cannot, Norton."
"Why not?"
"I can't get leave," Matilda whispered.
"Leave?" said Norton. "Whose leave can't you get? That——"
"Oh, never mind, Norton; I can't. I would come if I could." And Matilda's eyes bore witness.
"Who hinders?" said Norton.
"Aunt Candy. Hush! don't tell I said so."
"Don't tell!" said Norton, in a very incensed tone. "Why, are you afraid of her?"