vigorously, as a relief to her emotions.

There was a surprising interruption just here. The Masked Lady and Mr.
Literal were there, after all, standing close behind Everychild. And
Mr. Literal was saying: "She seems to be a bit of a cynic. That
reference to women on the go . . . _what period should you say she
belongs to_?"

"To every period," said the Masked Lady. After which, fortunately,
they remained silent. "And your children," said Everychild. "I don't
see them anywhere."

"They'll be here soon enough. I hire 'em out by the day--the boys. I
tell 'em if they won't work for me I'll put 'em under masters who'll
make 'em work. They gather fagots--the boys. The girls are in the
house. They did the wash to-day and I keep 'em under my eye until it's
time to take the clothes in. Nothing like keeping a girl under your
eye if you want to know where she is."

She got up with an air of great industry and went to the line where the
wash was hanging.

She tried the garments with her hand. It seemed they were now dry
enough to be taken in. She stepped to the bell suspended from the tree
and struck it sharply with a little mallet which had been provided for
this purpose.

Wonder of wonders!--the top of the shoe began to overflow with girls!
They were rather carelessly dressed, and there was hair in their
eyes--they took after their mother in this matter--but being young,