"What does she want of you?" a voice asked at her elbow. Matilda started. Two ladies were there.
"She beckoned for me to go in where she is," said Matilda.
"Well, why don't you go in?"
The voice was kindly; the face of the lady was bending towards her graciously; but who it was Matilda did not know.
"We have no leave to go in," she said. "I do not like to be there."
"I dare say the people would let you come in, if they knew you wished it."
"They do not know," said Matilda.
"What a charming child!" said the lady apart to her companion. "My dear," she went on to Matilda, "will you come in on my invitation? This is my house, and you are welcome. I shall be as glad to see you as you to see the place. Come!"
And she took Matilda's hand and led her in.
Just at the crown of the bank the house stood, and from here the view was very lovely, even now in winter. Over the wide river, which lay full in view with its ice covering, to the opposite shores and the magnificent range of mountains, which, from Matilda's window at home, she could just see in a little bit. The full range lay here before the eye, white with snow, coloured and brightened by the sinking sun, which threw wonderful lights across them, and revealed beautiful depths and shadows. Still, cold, high, far-off; their calm majesty held Matilda's eye.