andah she met Norton. He greeted her eagerly, and drew her round the
house to a shady angle where they sat down on two of the verandah
chairs.

"Now what shall we do this afternoon?" said Norton. "What would you
like?"

"I like everything. Oh, I like everything!" said Matilda.

"Yes, but _this_ is nothing," said Norton. "Shall we go take a long
drive?"

"If Mrs. Laval goes--I should like it very much."

"If she don't go, we will," said Norton. "The roads are in good order,
and the ponies want exercise. I don't believe mamma will go, for she is
expecting a whole shipload of servants, and Francis will have to go to
the station for them."

"Then he will want the horses, won't he?"

"Not the ponies. He will get somebody's great farm waggon, to bring up
all their goods and things. You and I will go driving, Pink."

"Will _you_ drive?" asked Matilda.

"Certainly."

Matilda thought more than ever that she was in fairyland. She sat
musing over her contentment, when Norton broke in again.

"You are very fond of that aunt of yours, aren't you?"

It was a point blank question. Matilda waited, and then softly said
"No."

"Not?" said Norton. "That's funny. Hasn't she done everything in the
world to make you love her?"

"Please, Norton," said Matilda, "I would rather not talk about her."

"Why not, Pink?" said Norton, showing his white teeth.

"I don't enjoy it."

"Don't you?" said Norton. "That's funny again. I should think you
would."

"Why?" said Matilda, curiously.

"There's so much to say, that's one thing. And then she's so good to
you."

"Who told you she was so good to me?"

"I can see it in your face."

Matilda sat silent, wondering what he meant.

"You can always tell," said Norton. "People can't hide things. I can
see she has been doing no end of kindnesses to you all summer long.
That has made you so fond of her."

Matilda was puzzled and sat silent, not knowing what it was best to
say; and Norton watching her stealthily saw a wistful little face,
tender and pure, and doubtful, that just provoked caresses. He dropped
what was in his hands and fairly took possession of Matilda, kissing
the pale cheeks, as if she were his own particular plaything. It was
unlike most boys, but Norton Laval was independent and manly above most
boys. Matilda was astonished.

"Drive? to be sure we will drive," said Norton, as he let her go. "We
will drive all over creation."

The visitors went away just at t