regret. Matilda carefully shut the doors, and returned to Bertha's apartments, with a lighter heart and a dawn of hope.
On her entrance into the kitchen the good creature clasped her hands and shouted for joy; "O good God be thanked, (said she) that I see you once again; my dear lady, where have you been and what have you seen?" "An excellent library of books, (replied Matilda.) "And did you see no ghosts, nor hear no noises?" "I saw no ghosts, but I certainly did hear noises." "Lord have mercy upon us! and so, had you courage to stay?" "Yes, I stayed to view the apartments, but I was a little frighted, I must confess." "O, dear heart, but I hope you won't go again." "Indeed I shall, (said Matilda) I intend to sit there very often, and shall borrow some books to bring home with me." "O, madam, don't be so hardy, who knows what mischief may come of it one day," "I have no fears, good Bertha; if we perform our duties towards God andman,
