She was "so tired," she said; and she certainly looked so, for ill-humour and idleness are excellent "tirers," and will soon take the roses out of a child's cheeks, and the brightness out of her eyes.

She held up her face to be kissed by her aunts in a meekly reproachful way, which made the old ladies feel quite uncomfortable.
"I am by no means sure that I have done right in recalling Mr.
Kneebreeches so soon, Sister Tabitha," remarked Miss Grizzel, uneasily, when Griselda had left the room.

But Miss Tabitha was busy counting her stitches, and did not give full attention to Miss Grizzel's observation, so she just repeated placidly, "Oh yes, Sister Grizzel, you may be sure you have done right in recalling Mr.Kneebreeches." "I am glad you think so," said Miss Tabitha, with again a little sigh of relief.

"I was only distressed to see the child looking so white and tired." Upstairs Griselda was hurry-scurrying into bed.

There was a lovely fire in her room--fancy that! Was she not a poor neglected little creature?
But even this did not please her.