"And a pleasant visit?"
Now the answer to this was not so easy to give. Matilda struggled for an answer, but truth would not find one. Mortification did. She flung her arms round Mrs. Laval's neck and hid her face, for she felt the tears were coming.
"My darling!" said the lady, very much surprised,—"what is the matter? Was it not pleasant?"
But Matilda would not say that either. She let her action speak for her. Mrs. Laval kissed and caressed her, and then when the child lifted up her head, asked in a more business-like tone, "What was it, Matilda?"
"I don't know,"—was all that Matilda could say.
"Were they not glad to see you?"
"I thought they were, at first," said Matilda. "I was very glad to see them. Afterwards"—
"Yes, what afterwards?"
"Something was the matter. I think—maybe—they felt a little bad because I have so much more than they have; and I don't deserve it any more."
"I understand," said Mrs. Laval. "I dare say. Well, dear, we will try and find some way of making them feel better. Don't you be troubled. What have you been about all day? I have scarcely seen you. Did you go to Laddler's this morning?"