The next day rose very bright and fair. Matilda had been sadly afraid it would rain; but no such matter; the sun looked and smiled over the world as if slyly wishing her joy on her good prospects. Matilda took it so, and got ready for breakfast with a heart leaping with delight. She had got no more news yet as to where she was going; but after breakfast Mrs. Candy made her dress herself in the gingham and put on her best boots, which made the little trunk all the emptier; and the trunk itself was locked. Things were in this state, and Matilda mending lace in her aunt's room; when Mrs. Candy's maid of all work put her head in.
"The carriage has come, mum," she said.
"What carriage?" said Mrs. Candy.
"Meself doesn't know, then. The bi says he's come fur to get the chilt."
"What boy?" said Mrs. Candy, in growing astonishment.
"Sure, an' I haven't been here long enough fur to know all the bi's of the village. He's the bi that come wid the carriage, anyhow, an' it's the chilt he's wanting. An' it's the iligantest carriage you ever see in your life; and two iligant grey horses, an' a driver."
Mother and daughter looked at each other. The lace had fallen from Matilda's hands to the ground.
"Did he give no name?"
"It's just what he didn't, then. Only he jumped down, and axed was the chilt ready. I tould him sure I didn't know, and he said would I go see. An' what 'll I say to him, thin? for he's waitin'."
"I'll speak to him myself," said Mrs. Candy. "Go on with your work, Matilda."