human
Nannie, Nannie, where are you?
gpt
Here,
human
What you in here for, Nan?
gpt
Aunt Sarah sent me,
human
Why, what for?
gpt
Just because I went to Uplands without asking her. Mother did not object when she was here, and Aunt Helen was there and wanted me.
human
A fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind, and Jack's own experiences made her appreciate the situation. Moreover, it seemed the height of calamity to her that Nan should be punished; Nan, who was the eldest and who really had a right to read lectures to her younger sisters. That she should be in disgrace was something to awe and impress one.
gpt
She's a mean old thing, said Jack winding her arms around her sister's neck.
human
Who's Aunt Helen, Nannie?
gpt
Papa's own sister, and she has come back to Uplands. I saw her before mother went away, but I didn't tell any one but mother. It was a secret and I couldn't tell. She wants me to come over there as soon as she and grandmother get back from Washington, and now I can't go for Aunt Sarah says I must stay here till she hears from mother. She was just furious with me. They are not her kinsfolk; I don't see why she should meddle. Aunt Helen will expect me and will wonder why I don't come.
human
I'll go tell her and then she'll know why,
gpt
And get punished, too. No, ducky dear, I can't have that, but it is good of you to offer to go. I'll have to think out some way, for if I am to be shut up here till Aunt Sarah hears from mother, Aunt Helen must have some word. I don't think I did a thing wrong in going to see my own aunt, but Aunt Sarah says I have no pride, and that it is wicked to think of wanting to go over there, but that is just her way of thinking. It isn't mine at all, and it is horrid, horrid for her to shut me up as if I were a baby, and to shame me before--before the boys.
human
I'll bring you something to eat, she promised.
gpt
You shan't be fed on bread and water, and I'll tell the boys that Aunt Sarah is an old witch and is just torturing you.
human
Oh, I suppose it is all right. She thinks she is doing the best thing because she doesn't know all about it. When she hears from mother, she will understand. I don't mind anything so much as disappointing Aunt Helen. I wish you would find Mary Lee and send her to me,