"It has been a stupid life.

I was very happy at Oakdean, when," hesitating, "papa was alive; but now I have to live at Rickfort, with Uncle George, and," simply, "I'm not happy." "What's the matter with Rickfort ?" "Nothing.

It's Uncle George that there is something the matter with.
Rickfort is my house, too, but I hate it; it is so gloomy.

I'm sure," with a shrug of her shoulders, "Uncle George might have it, and welcome, if only he wouldn't ask _me_ to live there with him." "Uncle George seems to make a poor show," says Rylton.
"He's horrid!" says Miss Bolton, without reservation.

"He's a _beast!_ He hates me, and I hate him." "Oh, no!" says Rylton, roused a little.
The child's face is so earnest.