"Do you now?"

"Of course not--what footsteps are those I hear?"

Liddy looked from a back window into the courtyard behind, which was
now getting low-toned and dim with the earliest films of night. A
crooked file of men was approaching the back door. The whole string
of trailing individuals advanced in the completest balance of
intention, like the remarkable creatures known as Chain Salpæ, which,
distinctly organized in other respects, have one will common to a
whole family. Some were, as usual, in snow-white smock-frocks of
Russia duck, and some in whitey-brown ones of drabbet--marked on the
wrists, breasts, backs, and sleeves with honeycomb-work. Two or
three women in pattens brought up the rear.

"The Philistines be upon us," said Liddy, making her nose white
against the glass.

"Oh, very well. Maryann, go down and keep them in the kitchen till I
am dressed, and then show them in to me in the hall."




CHAPTER X


MISTRESS AND MEN