"There is no use in having a meeting such a night. Of course, a great many people could not be there. It ought to have been put off."
"Well, it was not put off," said Matilda.
"What did he want? What was Maria talking about?"
"She is the best one to ask," said the child.
At the same moment Maria came in from getting rid of the snow, and enquired if Tilly had told them everything? Finding all was right, she sat down contentedly before the fire and stretched out her feet towards it.
"We've had a splendid time, I can tell you," she began.
"What was done in particular?" asked one of the older girls, who was making a bonnet. "More than usual?"
"A great many things in particular, and one in general. We've made a Band."
"I have made several since you have been away," the other sister remarked.
"You know we cannot understand that unless you explain," said the bonnet-maker.