"It's true," said Mr. Richmond.
"But—how then?" said Matilda.
"Mrs. Laval wants you."
"Wants me?" Matilda repeated, anxiously.
"She wants you, to keep you for her own child. She lost a little daughter once. She wants you to be in that little daughter's place, and to live with her always."
"But, aunt Candy will not," said Matilda, "she will not——"
"Your aunt Candy has consented. I have arranged that. It is safely done, Matilda. You are to live with Mrs. Laval, and be her child from henceforth."
Matilda still looked at Mr. Richmond for a minute or two, as if there must be words to follow that would undo the wonderful tale of these; but seeing that Mr. Richmond only smiled, there came a great change over the child's face. The fixedness broke up. Yet she did not smile; she seemed for the instant to grow grave and old; and clasping her little hands, she turned away from Mr. Richmond and walked the breadth of the room and back. Then she stood still again beside the table, sober and pale. She looked at Mr. Richmond, waiting to hear more.
"It is all true," said her friend.
"Is it for always?" Matilda asked, in a low voice.