"And what if I was?"
"I think, if you are a stranger anywhere, it is pleasant to have somebody speak to you."
"You're a brick!" was the stranger's conclusion.
"Am I?" said Matilda. "Why am I?"
"You're a girl, I suppose, and don't understand things," said her companion. "Boys know what a brick is—when they see it."
"Why, so do I," said Matilda, "don't I?"
But the boy only laughed; and then asked Matilda where she lived, and if she had any brothers, and where she went to school.
"I go to the other school, you see," said he; "that's how I've never seen you before. I wish you went to my school; and I'd give you a ride on my sled."
"But you'll come to our Sunday-School, won't you?" Matilda asked.
"To be sure I will; but you see, I can't take you on my sled on Sunday. They'd have all the ministers out after me."