"Did you ever roast an apple so?"
"No, Mr. Richmond."
"It is the best way in the world—when you haven't got any other."
"We haven't got that way at our house," said Matilda; "for we have no fires; nothing but stoves."
"You speak as if you thought fires were the best plan of the two."
"Oh, I do, Mr. Richmond! I do not like stoves at all. They're so close."
"I always thought stoves were rather close," said Mr. Richmond. "Now what did you come to see me roast apples for this afternoon? Did you come to keep your promise?"
"Yes, sir," Matilda answered, rather faintly.
"Are you sorry you made the promise?" Mr. Richmond inquired, looking at her. But the look was so pleasant, that Matilda's could not keep its solemnity. She had come in with a good deal.
"I don't know but I was sorry," she said.