der. But it seemed like
play now, and here. She was almost glad the servants were going away,
to give her the chance.

"Well, you _are_ a brick!" was Norton's remark, when he came in. "I
suppose you know what it means by this time?"

"I wish you'd open those two windows for me, Norton; I can't undo the
fastenings. Then perhaps you'd be a brick too?"

"I don't know," said Norton, laughing. "Well--there, Pink. What now?"

"Show me, Norton, where the things are."

"All at once, is rather too much," said Norton, as he and Matilda went
into York's pantry. "All for nothing, too. Nursing! nonsense! they
wouldn't have to nurse those people. It's jealousy."

"Yes, I think they are jealous," said Matilda, "from something the cook
said."

Norton stood and looked on admiringly, while Matilda found the
tablecloth, and arranged cups and saucers, and plates, and spoons, and
mats, and all the belongings of the breakfast-table.

"Have you got to go to the stables, Norton?"

"Yes."

"Well, won't you go and get back, then? The breakfast will be ready,
you know."

"Forgot all about that," said Norton.

While he was gone Matilda finished her arrangements; and was watching
for him from the verandah when Mrs. Laval came behind her.

Of course it had become necessary to tell her the state of affairs.
Mrs. Laval set down in one of the verandah chairs as soon as Matilda
began to speak, and drew the child to her arms; wrapping them all round
her, she sat thoughtfully caressing her, kissing her brow, and cheeks,
and lips, and smoothing her hair, in a sort of fond reverie; so fond,
that Matilda did not stir to interrupt her, while she was so
thoughtful, that Matilda was sure she was pondering all the while on
what was best to do.

"Who set the table?"

"I did, ma'am. Norton showed me where things were."

"_Ma'am_," repeated Mrs. Laval, drawing the child closer. "Would it be
very hard to call me 'mamma'--some time--when you know me better? I
can't let you go."

Matilda flushed and trembled; and then Norton came running up the bank.
He smiled at the sight of his mother, with Matilda in her arms and her
face resting upon Matilda's forehead.

"What's the word down there this morning, Norton?"

"I don't know, mamma; I've only been to see the horses. _They_ are
well."

"To the stables, have you been? Then do run and change your dress,
Norton."

"Yes, and breakfast's ready, Norton," Matilda called after him. She
slid off Mrs.