It all comforted Maria in the midst of her langour and her illness, which was negative and unattended by any pain.

If she felt any appetite she restrained it, she became so vain of having lost it.
It was decided that Maria should go and visit her aunt Maria, in New England, and remain there all summer.

Her father would pay her board in order that she should not be any restraint on her aunt, with her scant income.

Just before Maria went, and just before her school closed, the broad gossip of the school came to her ears.

She ascertained something which filled her at once with awe, and shame, and jealousy, and indignation.