"My dear Elfie! do not weep so," he said, tenderly. "Is there anything you would like? Can I do anything for you?"
He had to wait a little. He repeated his first query.
"Oh, it's no matter," said Fleda, striving to conquer her tears, which found their way again; "if I only could have gone into the house once more! but it's no matter you needn't wait, Mr. Carleton "
The horse, however, remained motionless.
"Do you think you would feel better, Elfie, if you had seen it again?"
"Oh, yes! But never mind, Mr. Carleton, you may go on."
Mr. Carleton ordered his servant to open the gate, and rode up to the back of the house.
"I am afraid there is nobody here, Elfie," he said; "the house seems all shut up."
"I know how I can get in," said Fleda; "there's a window down stairs I don't believe it is fastened; if you wouldn't mind waiting, Mr. Carleton; I wont keep you long."
The child had dried her tears, and there was the eagerness of something like hope in her face. Mr. Carleton dismounted and took her off.