Charlotte obeyed the summons to the matron 's room in a tingle of excitement . But when she went in , she saw only the matron and the Tall Lady with the Black Eyes . Before Charlotte could look around for the Pretty Lady the matron said , `` Charlotte , this lady , Miss Herbert , wishes to adopt you . It is a splendid thing for you , and you ought to be a very thankful little girl . '' 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 XXXXX years , even if they were sisters and alone in the world except for each other .
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