"Miss Redwood?"
"Yes, sir."
"Who sent you?"
"Matilda Englefield."
"Did she? Pray why did not Matilda come with you?"
"She could not, sir; she was very busy. She asked me to come."
"You can see Miss Redwood," said Mr. Richmond, smiling. "I believe she is always ready to receive visitors; at least I never saw a time when she was not. You have only to walk right in and knock at her door there. When are you coming to see me, Norton? You and I ought to be better friends."
"I don't know, sir," said Norton. "I would not intrude."
"Ask your friend Matilda if I do not like such intrusions. I shall have to invite you specially, I see. Well, go in and find Miss Redwood. I will not detain you now."
Norton went in, glad to be released, for he did not exactly want to tell his errand to the minister, knocked at the kitchen door and was bade to enter. It was full, the kitchen was, of the sweet smell of baking bread; and Miss Redwood was busily peering into her stove oven.