"No. How should we see Maria? We cannot go jaunting about. We have our work to do."
"But it is nice work. I should think you would be very glad to have it," Matilda ventured.
"Yes, we are, of course," said Anne expressively. "People must live. How much did your watch cost?"
Very unwillingly Matilda named the sum, which Norton had told her. The two sisters looked at each other and rose to depart.
"But you are not going?" cried Matilda. "You haven't said anything to me yet. And I have not seen you for ever so long."
"We could not say anything that would be interesting to you," Anne answered. "And we have to keep at our work, you know. We are busy."
"So am I busy," said Matilda; "very; with my lessons and my other things I have to do."
"And parties," added Letitia, "and poor people. How were you dressed at the party, Matilda?"
"Yes, let us see your dress," said Anne sitting down again.
They scanned and measured and examined the dress, stuff and work, with business as well as with curious eyes; Matilda saw they were taking hints from it. That led to the display of her whole wardrobe. It was not agreeable to Matilda; she had a certain feeling that it was not improving her sisters' peculiar mood of feeling towards her; however, it seemed to be the one way in which she could afford them any the least pleasure. So silks and poplins and muslins, all her things, were brought out and turned over; the fashion and the work minutely examined and commented on; the price detailed where Matilda happened to know it.