"What do you want me to do?" said Matilda, feeling socially very small indeed.
"I am going to play 'Riches bring care.' I am a rich old woman, like grandmamma, only not like her, for she is never worried about anything; but I am worried to death for fear this or that will come to harm. And I want you to be my maid. I must have somebody, you know, to talk to and worry with."
"If that is all," said Matilda, "I should think I could be talked to."
"But it isn't all, stupid!" said Judy. "You must know how to answer back, and try to make me believe things are going right, and so worry me more and more."
"Suppose we try," said Matilda. "I don't know how I could do, but maybe I might learn."
"I'd rather have it all in the house," said Judy, "if I can. Two proverbs will be enough; for they take a good while—dressing and all, you know."
"Dressing for the proverbs?"
"Of course! Dressing, indeed! Do I look like an old woman without dressing? Not just yet. We must be dressed up to the work. But we can practise without being dressed. When the boys come home to-night, we'll come up here to the lobby and practise. But I don't believe you'll do."
"Will it be a large party, Judy?"
"Hm—I don't know. I guess not. Grandmamma doesn't like large parties. I dare say she won't have more than fifty."