"We are getting ready for the business of life," said the housekeeper. "The minister knows there are different ways of doin' that."
"Just what way are you taking now?" said Mr. Richmond, laughing. "It seems to me, you think the business of life is eating—if I may judge by the smell of the preparation."
"It is time you looked at your cake, Tilly," said Miss Redwood; and she did not offer to help her; so, blushing more and more, Matilda was obliged to open the oven door again, and show that she was acting baker. The eyes of the two older persons met in a way that was pleasant to see.
"What's here, Tilly?" said the minister, coming nearer and stooping to look in himself.
"Miss Redwood has been teaching me how to make gingerbread. O Miss Redwood, it is beginning to get brown at the end."
"Turn the pans round then. It ain't done yet."
"No, it isn't done, for it is not quite up in the middle. There is a sort of hollow place."
"Shut up your oven, child, and it will be all right in a few minutes."
"Then I think this is the night when you are going to stay and take tea with me," said Mr. Richmond. "I promised you a roast apple, I remember. Are there any more apples that will do for roasting, Miss Redwood?"
"O Mr. Richmond, I do not care for the apple!" Matilda cried.