`Two years ago,' said Miss Honey. `One day I saw this little house. It was empty, but it belonged to a farmer and I asked him about it. “It's very uncomfortable and cold there,” he said, “but if you really want to live in it you can pay me ten pence a week.” So I do, and I use the other ninety pence a week to buy milk and bread and tea. I have my lunches at school because I don't have to pay for them.'
`Does your aunt still live in your old house?' asked Matilda.
`Yes,' said Miss Honey. `I think my father wanted me to have it after he died, but nobody can find his will. My aunt has a letter saying that he gave the house to her. It looks like my father's writing, but I don't think it is. But who will believe me? My aunt is a very important person in the village.'
`Who is she?' asked Matilda.