"Now, Tilly, what is it?" he said, as he shut the door.
"Mr. Richmond," said Matilda, anxiously, "I want to know if I must mind what Aunt Erminia says?"
"Mrs. Candy?" said Mr. Richmond, looking surprised.
"Yes, sir."
"The question is, whether you must obey her?"
"Yes, sir."
"I should say, if you doubt about any of her commands, you had better ask your mother, Tilly."
"But I cannot see my mother, Mr. Richmond; that is one of the things. Mamma is sick, and aunt Candy has forbidden me to go into her room. Must I stay out?"
"Is your mother so ill?"
"No, sir, I do not think she is; I don't know; but Aunt Candy says she is nervous; and I must not go in there without leave." And Matilda raised appealing eyes to the minister.