Charlotte 's head fairly whirled . She clasped her hands and the tears brimmed up in her eyes . `` Oh , I like the Tall Lady , '' she gasped , `` but I love the Pretty Lady and I promised her I 'd be her little girl . I ca n't break my promise . '' `` What on earth is the child talking about ? '' said the mystified matron . And just then the maid showed in the Pretty Lady . Charlotte flew to her and flung her arms about her . `` Oh , tell them I am your little girl ! '' she begged . `` Tell them I promised you first . I do n't want to hurt the Tall Lady 's feelings because I truly do like her so very much . But I want to be your little girl . '' The Pretty Lady had given one glance at the Tall Lady and flushed red . The Tall Lady , on the contrary , had grown very pale . The matron felt uncomfortable . Everybody knew that Miss Herbert and Mrs. Bond had n't spoken to each other for years , even if they were sisters and alone in the world except for each other . Mrs. Bond turned to the matron . `` I have come to ask permission to adopt this little girl , '' she said . `` Oh , I 'm very sorry , '' stammered the matron , `` but Miss Herbert has just asked for her , and I have consented . ''
Charlotte gave a great gulp of disappointment , but the Pretty XXXXX suddenly wheeled around to face the Tall Lady , with quivering lips and tearful eyes .
Bond Charlotte Herbert Lady first maid matron permission tears years