So she did. And as the door closed after her, the two children in the hall looked at each other.
"Nobody in the house?" said Norton.
"Nobody but ourselves."
"That's jolly," said Norton. "Pink, I have got that catalogue in my pocket; let us sit down somewhere and make out a list of those hyacinths."
"O Norton!—Yes, I will in a little while. I must go get the table ready for tea; and I had better do it now before Mr. Richmond comes home."
"You and I seem to have a great deal of getting tea to do," said Norton, as he followed Matilda into the little dining-room. "What do you want me to do?"
"O Norton! if you would just look and see if the tea-kettle is on, and if not, put it on. Will you?"
"Where, Pink?"
"Just open that door. There is the kitchen."
"I remember," said Norton. "No, the kettle isn't on. Here goes."