"My head aches—no—oh, my head! Tilly——"
"What, mamma?"
"I am going to be sick. I shan't be about again for a while, I know. I want you to do just what I tell you."
"Yes, mamma. What?"
"Anne and Letty are going away."
"Yes, mamma. I know."
"Do you know why, dear?"
The tone of tender, sorrowful sympathy in which this was said, overcame the child. As her mother's eyes with the question languidly sought her face, Matilda burst into tears and threw herself upon her neck.
"No, don't," said Mrs. Englefield, faintly,—"I can't bear it. Don't, Matilda! Rise up and listen to me."
Matilda did as she was told. She forced back her tears; stopped her sobs; dashed away the drops from the corners of her eyes; and sat up again to hear what her mother had to say to her.