But in a few minutes she came back, and bade the trembling child put up her lace and put on her hat, and go. I am afraid the leave-taking was a short affair; for two minutes had hardly passed when Matilda stood in the hall, and Norton caught her by both hands.
"Norton!" she cried.
"Yes, I've come for you. Come, Matilda, your trunk's in."
"Where are we going?" Matilda asked, as she let herself be led and placed in the carriage, which was a low basket phaeton.
"Where are we going!" echoed Norton. "Where is it likely we are going, with you and your trunk? Where did you mean to go to-day, Pink?"
"I don't know. I didn't know anything about it. O Norton, are we going to your house!"
"If Tom knows the road," said Norton, coolly; "and I rather think the ponies do, if he don't. Why, Pink! do you mean to tell me you didn't know you were coming to us?"
"I didn't know a word about it."
"Nor how mamma went to ask for you?"
"Aunt Candy didn't tell me."