"We will see about that after tea. Come."
Matilda gave one wondering thought to the question how Maria and tea would get along without her at home; and then she let all that go, and resolved to enjoy the present while she had it. Certainly it was very pleasant to take tea with Mr. Richmond. He was so very kind, and attentive to her wants; and so amusing in his talk; and the new gingerbread looked so very handsome, piled up in the cake basket; and Miss Redwood was such a variety after Mrs. Candy. Matilda let care go. And when it came to eating the gingerbread, it was found to be excellent. Mr. Richmond said he wished she would come often and make some for him.
"Do you know there is a meeting of the Band this evening?"
"I had forgotten about it, Mr. Richmond; I have been so busy."
"It is lucky you came to take tea with me, then," said he. "Perhaps you would have forgotten it altogether. What is Maria doing?"
"She is busy at home, Mr. Richmond."
"I am sorry for that. To-night is the night for questions; I am prepared to receive questions from everybody. Have you got yours ready?"
"About Band work, Mr. Richmond?"
"Yes, about Band work. Though you know that is only another name for the Lord's work, whatever it may be that He gives us to do. Now we will go to my study and attend to the business we were talking about."
So they left Miss Redwood to her tea-table; and the minister and his little guest found themselves alone again.