"I am coming," the woman said, drily, as she advanced.
"I have been waiting a long while."
"I know it, but no matter."
"The road was long to come."
"I am here; speak!"
And she leaned against the stem of a tree, crossing her arms on her chest.
"What can I say, if my mother does not first question me?"
"That is true. Answer me then."
There was a silence, only troubled by the wind sighing in the leaves; after a few moments' reflection, the woman at length began,—
"Have you done what I ordered?"