"I wouldn't preach," said Maria. "That is one thing I wouldn't do. If I was better than my neighbours, I'd let them be the ones to find it out."
Matilda was silent till they reached home.
"Where have you been, Matilda?" said her aunt, opening the parlour door.
"To see Miss Redwood, aunt Candy."
"Ask me, next time, before going anywhere. Here has Maria had everything to do since five hours ago,—all alone."
Matilda shut her lips firmly,—if her head took a more upright set on her shoulders she did not know it,—and went up-stairs after her sister.
"How is mamma, Maria?" she asked, when she got there.
"I don't know. Just the same."
The little girl sighed.
"What is to be for breakfast?"