"If you please," he murmured, more civilly than he had yet spoken.

Katherine, with increasing surprise and interest, descended the dingy
stair and entered a chaotic kitchen.

Such a scene of dirt and confusion she had never beheld. Nothing seemed
fit to touch. The little girl's rough apron lay on the floor in the
midst, and she herself was tying on a big bonnet, while a small bundle
lay on a chair beside her. She started and colored when Katherine stood
in the doorway. "Mr. Liddell has sent me to look for you. He is very
ill. Why did you not answer the bell?"

"Because I was going away to mother," cried the girl, bursting into
tears. "I could not stay here by myself. Mr. Liddell is more like a wild
beast than a man when he is angry, and I have had a night and a day as
would frighten a policemen. I can't stay--I can't indeed, miss."

"But you _must_," said Katherine, impressively. "I am Mr. Liddell's
niece, and at least you must do a few things for me before you go."

"Oh! if you are here, miss, I don't mind. I can't think as how you are
Mr. Liddell's niece."

"I am, and I must not leave him till he is better. What is your name?"

"Susan, ma'am."

"Well, Susan, is there any bread or anything in the larder?"