"I believe that is all we can do this afternoon, Tilly," said her friend.
"Yes, sir. I think we have done a great deal. I thank you, sir."
He smiled and turned off to go his way alone; while David, who had been much struck with the sweet gracefulness of Matilda's manner, walked beside her; thinking, perhaps, that Mrs. Laval's adopted child was a different person from what he had fancied.
"What shall I do, now, Matilda?" he asked presently.
"I don't know. O David, I am very much obliged to you for coming with me."
"That won't help your poor people though," said he smiling. "What more do you want to do, or to get, for them?"
"Something to make a decent dress or two," Matilda said confidentially; "but I can do that myself. I don't know, David! things puzzle me. Mr. Wharncliffe says I must not try to do too much, because there are other poor people that suffer, and want the money."
"There are so many, that all your money is but a very little drop on a great desert, Matilda."
"But that one drop will make one spot of the desert better, David."
"Yes."