I speak most disinterestedly on Matilda's behalf, for I never went through this phase myself.

It is perhaps because I am small that I can never remember my hands, or any other part of me, feeling in my way; and my clothes--of whatever length, breadth, or fashion--always had a happy knack of becoming one with me in such wise that I could comfortably forget them.
The St.Quentin girls were nearer to Matilda's age than I, but they too were very happy and looked very nice in the hobble-de-hoy stage of girlhood.

I am sure that they much preferred the company of their young brothers to the company of the drawing-room; but they did what they were told to do, and seemed happy in doing it.

They had, however, several advantages over Matilda.

By judicious care (for they were not naturally robust) they were kept in good health.