"Well—yes."
"I am a strong and sanguine woman now, and there are good times I brood upon, and look forward to still. Shall I sketch you the picture?"
"If you will."
Mattie listened very anxiously; Harriet, with her bonnet in her lap, and her golden hair falling about her shoulders, sat steadfastly looking at our heroine.
"A little cottage somewhere in the country—a long, long way off from this London, which I dislike so much. Sid and I together, and you our faithful friend and housekeeper. Oh! that will come true!"
Mattie shook her head.
"I think not."
"Why, you will not desert us!"
"When the time comes round for the cottage, I will give my answer. I think that—I—should—like to come some day—when you have children, perhaps, to take care of them. But it is a long, long while to look forward to—almost wicked to build upon, is it not?"
"I don't see where the wickedness lies."