"And you are not sorry now?"
"I think not."
"That is all the better. Now what did you want to say to me, Matilda?"
"You know you made me say I would come, Mr. Richmond."
"Did I? I think not. I do not think I made you say anything—do you think I did?"
"Well, you asked me, Mr. Richmond."
"Just what did I ask you?"
"You asked me, if I would come and tell you—you said you wished I would come and tell you—if——"
And Matilda made a great pause. The eyes of her friend seemed only to be watching the apple, yet perhaps they knew that her little lips were unsteady and were trying to get steady. He left his seat to attend to the roast; got a plate and put on the hearth under it; arranged the fire; then came and with his own hands removed Matilda's hood and loosened and threw back her cloak; and while he did this he repeated his question, in tones that were encouragement itself.
"I wished you would come and tell me if—if what?"