"Have you got to go to the stables, Norton?"
"Yes."
"Well, won't you go and get back, then? The breakfast will be ready, you know."
"Forgot all about that," said Norton.
While he was gone Matilda finished her arrangements; and was watching for him from the verandah when Mrs. Laval came behind her.
Of course it had become necessary to tell her the state of affairs. Mrs. Laval set down in one of the verandah chairs as soon as Matilda began to speak, and drew the child to her arms; wrapping them all round her, she sat thoughtfully caressing her, kissing her brow, and cheeks, and lips, and smoothing her hair, in a sort of fond reverie; so fond, that Matilda did not stir to interrupt her, while she was so thoughtful, that Matilda was sure she was pondering all the while on what was best to do.
"Who set the table?"
"I did, ma'am. Norton showed me where things were."
"Ma'am," repeated Mrs. Laval, drawing the child closer. "Would it be very hard to call me 'mamma'—some time—when you know me better? I can't let you go."
Matilda flushed and trembled; and then Norton came running up the bank. He smiled at the sight of his mother, with Matilda in her arms and her face resting upon Matilda's forehead.