"Why yes, child. I said more or less; with some of 'em it's a good deal less. Don't you do what Mr. Richmond tells you?"
"I try," said Matilda.
"So I try," said Miss Redwood, getting upon her feet. "La! we all do—a little. It's natur. Don't your aunt, now, take after her minister?"
"I suppose so," said Matilda, with a sigh.
"Don't you go gettin' into that Frenchman's ways. Mr. Richmond's thumb is worth all there is o' him."
"Miss Redwood," said Matilda, "I want to ask you something."
"Well, why don't you?"
"I want to know if you won't do something for me."
"Talk away," said the housekeeper. "I hear." She went meanwhile getting out the flour and things wanted for the short-cake.
"There's a poor old woman that lives in Lilac Lane; Mrs. Eldridge, her name is."