They went back to the study, where the light was growing soft. Mr. Richmond drew up the blinds of the west window and let in the glow and colour from a rich sunset sky. He stood looking at it, with the glow upon his face; and standing so, spoke—
"What was it, Matilda?"
Matilda on her part sat down in a chair, and with a face of childish grave meditation, peered into the great bunch of asparagus with which Miss Redwood had filled the minister's chimney. She sat in shadow all over, and answered as if taking out the very secret burden of her heart for her friend's inspection.
"Mr. Richmond, I can't do Band work any more. I can't do anything. I can't do anything at all. You told us to buy up opportunities; but I have no opportunities now even to buy."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir," said the child, slowly. "I am quite sure. I cannot do any work at all. And I would like it so much."
"Wait a bit," said the minister, still looking at the evening glow; "maybe you are too hasty."
"No, sir. Aunt Candy will not let me go out, and I can see nobody."
"Whose servant are you?"
"I am Christ's servant," said the child, softly.