"For a visit. I know. It has been a tremendously long visit, I think."
"Not for a visit now. Maria, I am not to go back there at all any more; I mean, I am not going back to aunt Candy. Mrs. Laval has taken me to keep—to be her own child. I am there now, for always."
"What?" Maria exclaimed.
"Mrs. Laval has taken me for her own,—for her own child."
"She hasn't!" said Maria; and if the wish did not point the expression, it was hard to tell what did. Matilda made no answer.
"Mrs. Laval has taken you? for her own child?" repeated Maria. "Do you mean that? To be with her, just like her own daughter? always?"
Matilda bowed her head, and her eyes filled. She was so disappointed.
"You aren't ever going to call her mamma? Don't you do it, Matilda! See you don't. If you do, I'll not be your sister any more. She shall not have that!"
Matilda was silent still, utterly dismayed.
"Why don't you speak? What made her do that, anyhow?"