Richmond," she said, presently, "I am very sorry for Lilac
Lane."

"I am very sorry," he said.

"There is the money in my purse, all ready, and our list of things. It
would have been so pleasant."

"Very pleasant," Mr. Richmond answered.

"And now I can't do Band work any more," Matilda went on. "I have no
opportunities for anything any more. I cannot do anything at all."

"There might be something to say about that," Mr. Richmond replied;
"but I think you have had enough talk just now. Is your sorrow on
account of Lilac Lane because you have lost the pleasure? or because
Mrs. Eldridge has lost it?"

"Why, both," said Matilda.

"I suppose so. Would it be any comfort to you to know that the work was
done, even though you did not see it?"

"What, you mean the house cleaned and the things got, and Mrs. Eldridge
fixed up as we meant to do it?"

"I mean that."

"Oh yes," said Matilda. "If I could know it was done, I would not be
half so sorry about it. But Norton can't manage alone; and Maria has no
time."

"No, but somebody else might. Now go off and talk to Miss Redwood; and
make some more gingerbread or something; and after tea we will see
about your lost opportunities if you like."

"Would Miss Redwood do all that for me?" said Matilda.

"You can consult her and find out."

CHAPTER VII.

Miss Redwood was mopping up the yellow painted floor of her kitchen, as
Matilda softly pushed open the door and looked in.

"Who's that?" said the housekeeper. "Floor's all wet; and I don't want
no company till there's a place for 'em to be. Stop! is that Tilly
Englefield? Why, I declare it is! Come right in, child. You're the
greatest stranger in town."

"But I am afraid to come in, Miss Redwood."

"Then you're easy scared. Come in, child. Step up on that cheer, and
sit down on my table. There! now I can look at you, and you can look at
me, if you want to. I'll be through directly, and it won't take this
paint no time to dry. How's all the folks at your house?"

"Gone to New York for the day; Aunt Candy and Cousin Clarissa are."

"Wouldn't ha' hurted 'em to have took you along. Why didn't they?"

"Oh they were going shopping," said Matilda.

"Well, had you any objections to go shopping?" said the housekeeper,
sitting back on her feet and wringing her cloth, as she looked at
Matilda perched up on the table.

"I hadn't any shopping to do, you know," said Matilda.

"I hain't no shopping to do, nother