"I have been too busy, Miss Redwood."
"Goin' to school again?"
"No, I've been busy at home."
"But makin' gingerbread is play, child; that ain't work."
Matilda was silent; and the housekeeper presently came to a pause again; sat back on her feet, wrung her mopping cloth, and considered Matilda.
"Don't you want to make some this afternoon?"
"If you please; yes, I should like it," said the little girl.
"Humph!" said the housekeeper. "What have you been tiring yourself with to-day?"
"I am not tired," said Matilda. "Thank you, Miss Redwood."
"If I was to get a good bowl o' sour cream now, and shew you how to toss up a short-cake—how would you like that?"