She turned luminous eyes on her aunt.
"Well, you see, since I have been hurt, you've called me 'dear' lots of times--and you didn't before.

I love to be called 'dear'-- by folks that belong to you, I mean.

Some of the Ladies' Aiders did call me that; and of course that was pretty nice, but not so nice as if they had belonged to me, like you do.

Oh, Aunt Polly, I'm so glad you belong to me!" Aunt Polly did not answer.

Her hand was at her throat again.