"Understand! why, nothing is easier than to understand. Of course, we are all to be as good as we can be, that's all."
"You don't think that is much," said the little one, as she began slowly to undress herself. The work of undressing and dressing was always slow with Tilly. Every article of clothing taken off was to be delicately folded and nicely laid away at night; and taken out and put on with equal care and punctiliousness in the morning. Maria's stockings went one way and her shoes another; while Tilly's were put exactly ready for use under her chair. And Maria's clothes presently lay in a heap on the floor. But not till some time after Matilda's neat arrangements had been made and she herself was safe in bed. Maria had dallied while the other was undressing.
"I think you are very curious, Matilda!" she exclaimed, as she followed her sister into bed. "I shouldn't think it required much thinking, to know that one ought to be good."
"You haven't put out the candle, Maria."
Maria bounced from her bed, and bounced in again.
"O Maria!" said Matilda in a moment or two, plaintively; "you've blown it out! and the room is all filled with smoke."
"It doesn't make any difference," said Maria.
"It is very disagreeable."
"It will be gone in a minute."
"No, it won't, for I can see the red spark on the end of the candle now."