Elizabeth kept a vexed silence for a little while.
"Well Clam," she said when she had made up her mind, "I have just one word to say to you — keep your tongue between your teeth about all my concerns. You are quite wise enough, and I hope, good enough for that."
"I ain't so bad I mightn't be better," said Clam picking up her mistress's scattered things. "Mr. Winthrop didn't give up all hopes of me. I 'spect he'll bring us all right some of these days."
With which sentence, delivered in a most oracular and encouraging tone, Clam departed; for Elizabeth made no answer thereto.
The next morning, after having securely locked herself into her room for an hour or more, Elizabeth summoned her handmaid.
"I want you to put on your bonnet, Clam, and take this note for me up to Mr. Landholm's; and give it with your own hand to him or to his sister."
Clam rather looked her intelligence than gave any other sign of it.
"If he's out, shall I wait till I see him?"
"No, — give it to his sister."
"I may put on more than my bonnet, mayn't I, Miss 'Lizabeth? This won't keep me warm, with the snow on the ground."