"Yes. Even so. Mrs. Laval was very earnest in wishing it. I judged you would not be unwilling, Matilda."
The child said nothing, but the streak of colour began again to come into her cheeks.
"You are now to be Mrs. Laval's child. She adopts you for her own. In all respects, except that of memory, you are to be as if you had been born hers."
"Does Norton know?"
"I have not spoken to him. I really cannot tell."
Again silence fell. Matilda stood with her eyes downcast, the colour deepening in each cheek. Mr. Richmond watched her.
"Have I done right?" he asked.
"You, sir?" said Matilda, looking up.
"Yes. Have I done right? I have made no mistake for your happiness?"
"Did you do it, sir?"