"Blessington avenue. But only to 40th street."
They had the walk to themselves; for though Norton had waited for Matilda till she came out, he sheered off when he saw what company she was in, and contented himself with keeping her in sight. Just then Norton did not care to come to closer quarters with Mr. Wharncliffe. This gentleman talked pleasantly with Matilda; asked how she happened to come to the school, how long she had been in the city, and something about her life at Shadywalk. At last he came back to the subject of the afternoon's lesson.
"You think it is difficult to be as loyal as Daniel was?"
"It is being a true subject, in heart;--faithful to the honour and will of one's king."
"I think it is difficult"--Matilda said in a subdued tone.
"Mr. Wharncliffe," said Matilda suddenly making up her mind, "it is very hard not to want to be fashionable."
"I don't know that there is any harm in being fashionable," said her teacher quietly. But though his face was quiet, it was so strong and good that Matilda felt great reliance on all it said.
"But--it costs so much!" Matilda could not help confessing it.
"You do not dress yourself, I suppose. The money is not your money, is it?"
"Yes, sir, some of it is my money; because I have an allowance, and get my own shoes and gloves."
"And you find it costs a great deal to be fashionable?"
"What would you like to do with your money?"
"There is a great deal to do," said Matilda soberly. "A great many people want help, don't they?"
"More than you think. I could tell you of several in the class you have just been with."
"Then, sir, what ought I to do?"--and Matilda lifted two earnest, troubled eyes to the face of her teacher.
"I think you ought to look carefully to see what the Lord has given you to do, and ask him to shew you."
"Then you will better be able to tell. When you see clearly what you can do with a dollar, it will not be very hard to find out whether Jesus means you should do that with it, or buy a pair of gloves, for instance. We will talk more about this and I will help you. Here is your house. Good bye."
"But Mr. Wharncliffe," said Matilda, eagerly, as she met the clasp of his hand,--"one thing; I want to stay in your class. May I?"