"But, Cousin Helen, this is a private house," answered this human
presentment of the good spirit, a subdued humor lighting his gray eyes,
exactly as they had seen Billie's eyes kindle hundreds of times. "This is
your very own villa and this is your staff of domestics," he added,
indicating the regiment of servants who again bowed low like the chorus
in a comic opera. "You are to regard yourself as queen of this little
realm," he went on, pointing to the charming grounds and garden
surrounding the house, "and you are to be in absolute command. Nellie and
Nannie and Mollie and Billie are to be your maids of honor and I'll be
general factotum and protector. As for the staff," he continued in a
whisper, "their combined wages for one month amount to about one good
servant's hire at home."

The maid in the front of the cohort now stepped forth. She was much older
than the others; her hair was short and her blue cotton robe seemed
severe and plain in comparison to the gay colored kimonos of the younger
maids.

"This is our housekeeper and cook, O'Haru San," announced Mr. Campbell.
"I shall leave you in her charge now and keep an appointment."

So saying, Mr. Duncan Campbell kissed his daughter, smiled delightfully
on the company in general and hastened down the walk to the road, for the
villa was in the suburbs of Tokyo.

"Will honorable ladies enter humble, small house," said O'Haru making an
obeisance.

But before they could move an inch, the maids were at their feet deftly
unfastening their shoes.