One afternoon, it was a Sunday, and the ladies of the family were shut up in their rooms, resting or dressing, Matilda and David were alone in the little reception room. It was the hour before dinner; Matilda had come in from Sunday school and was sitting there with a new book, when David joined her. He sat down beside her, Matilda knew immediately, for a talk; and she shut up her book.
"Matilda, I have been reading about the men with the talents; the five talents, and the ten talents, you know?"
"Yes, I know."
"I am afraid I don't know all my talents."
"What do you mean, David?"
"The talents are whatever is given to us to use for God—and that is, whatever is given to us; for we may use it all for him."
"Yes, David."
"Well—that means a great deal, Tilly."
"Yes, I know it does."
"And one might easily have talents that one didn't think of; lying by so, and not used at all."