pped up and put in, and her brush and comb. Then Matilda
remembered she would want these yet, and took them out again. She
hesitated over her book of French verbs and her arithmetic, but finally
stuck them into the trunk. It was not near full when all was done; but
Matilda's heart had not a bit of spare room in it.

CHAPTER IX.

The next day rose very bright and fair. Matilda had been sadly afraid
it would rain; but no such matter; the sun looked and smiled over the
world as if slyly wishing her joy on her good prospects. Matilda took
it so, and got ready for breakfast with a heart leaping with delight.
She had got no more news yet as to where she was going; but after
breakfast Mrs. Candy made her dress herself in the gingham and put on
her best boots, which made the little trunk all the emptier; and the
trunk itself was locked. Things were in this state, and Matilda mending
lace in her aunt's room; when Mrs. Candy's maid of all work put her
head in.

"The carriage has come, mum," she said.

"What carriage?" said Mrs. Candy.

"Meself doesn't know, then. The bi says he's come fur to get the chilt."

"What boy?" said Mrs. Candy, in growing astonishment.

"Sure, an' I haven't been here long enough fur to know all the bi's of
the village. He's the bi that come wid the carriage, anyhow, an' it's
the chilt he's wanting. An' it's the iligantest carriage you ever see
in your life; and two iligant grey horses, an' a driver."

Mother and daughter looked at each other. The lace had fallen from
Matilda's hands to the ground.

"Did he give no name?"

"It's just what he didn't, then. Only he jumped down, and axed was the
chilt ready. I tould him sure I didn't know, and he said would I go
see. An' what 'll I say to him, thin? for he's waitin'."

"I'll speak to him myself," said Mrs. Candy. "Go on with your work,
Matilda."

But in a few minutes she came back, and bade the trembling child put up
her lace and put on her hat, and go. I am afraid the leave-taking was a
short affair; for two minutes had hardly passed when Matilda stood in
the hall, and Norton caught her by both hands.

"Norton!" she cried.

"Yes, I've come for you. Come, Matilda, your trunk's in."

"Where are we going?" Matilda asked, as she let herself be led and
placed in the carriage, which was a low basket phaeton.

"Where are we going!" echoed Norton. "Where is it likely we are going,
with you and your trunk? Where did you mean to go to-day,