"Me. I want to set the table for breakfast, and I don't know where things are, you know. I am going to set the table, if you'll show me."
"I should think you didn't know where things are! Stop—I'll be there directly."
Norton disappeared, but Matilda had no idea of stopping. She went down-stairs softly again, and opened the windows, such of them as she could manage; applied to the powers below-stairs for broom and duster, and went at her old work of putting rooms in order. But it seemed like play now, and here. She was almost glad the servants were going away, to give her the chance.
"Well, you are a brick!" was Norton's remark, when he came in. "I suppose you know what it means by this time?"
"I wish you'd open those two windows for me, Norton; I can't undo the fastenings. Then perhaps you'd be a brick too?"
"I don't know," said Norton, laughing. "Well—there, Pink. What now?"
"Show me, Norton, where the things are."
"All at once, is rather too much," said Norton, as he and Matilda went into York's pantry. "All for nothing, too. Nursing! nonsense! they wouldn't have to nurse those people. It's jealousy."
"Yes, I think they are jealous," said Matilda, "from something the cook said."
Norton stood and looked on admiringly, while Matilda found the tablecloth, and arranged cups and saucers, and plates, and spoons, and mats, and all the belongings of the breakfast-table.