"I have had so much else to think of, I believe."
"Studies?"
"No, sir; my studies have been a good deal broken off by my being sick."
"What then? Can you tell me?"
Matilda gave briefly the history of her connexion with Sarah Staples. She meant to give it briefly; but the story was too sweet in the telling; it rather grew long. Yet she did by no means put herself or her own doings in the foreground; that place was given as much as possible to Mr. Wharncliffe and David and the poor family themselves. The minister and the housekeeper were both very much interested.
"Yes," said the former, in conclusion, "I understand, and am satisfied. I see that now boots are boots; and nothing more."
Matilda laughed, for the boys looked mystified.
"Will you tell me, sir," inquired Norton, "how deep questions could spring out of my bread and butter?"
The minister could have smiled at the boy's air, which had much the effect of seeming to put a "poser" to him; but he controlled himself and answered quite gravely.
"Shall we consider them together? or apart?"