The talk did not run in a way to please Matilda, and she was silent. Presently they were called down to tea. Everybody suffering from a fit of taciturnity.
"Maria, sit up straight," said Mrs. Candy.
"I always sit so," was the answer.
"So, is not very graceful. Matilda does not sit so."
"Matilda was always straight; it's her way," said Maria.
"Well, make it your way too. Come! straighten up. What shoulders! One would think you were a boy playing at leap-frog."
"I don't know what 'leap-frog' is," said Maria, colouring; "and I don't think anybody would think I was anything but a girl anyhow. I get tired sitting up straight."
"When?" asked Clarissa.
Matilda's head was quite indescribable in the turn it gave at this moment. Her supper was done; she was leaving the table.
"You are not going into your mother's room?" said her aunt, catching her hand as she passed.