"If she don't go, we will," said Norton. "The roads are in good order, and the ponies want exercise. I don't believe mamma will go, for she is expecting a whole shipload of servants, and Francis will have to go to the station for them."
"Then he will want the horses, won't he?"
"Not the ponies. He will get somebody's great farm waggon, to bring up all their goods and things. You and I will go driving, Pink."
"Will you drive?" asked Matilda.
"Certainly."
Matilda thought more than ever that she was in fairyland. She sat musing over her contentment, when Norton broke in again.
"You are very fond of that aunt of yours, aren't you?"
It was a point blank question. Matilda waited, and then softly said "No."
"Not?" said Norton. "That's funny. Hasn't she done everything in the world to make you love her?"
"Please, Norton," said Matilda, "I would rather not talk about her."