familiar ledge below the mantelpiece, when I observed that Elizabeth
was hovering in my vicinity.

'Excuse me, sir,' she said, speaking with apparent hesitation,
'but--but--do you mind if I speak to you?'

'Why shouldn't you speak to me if you want to?' I said, surprised and
rather puzzled.

'Well, you see, sir, it's a bit 'ard to tell you. I dunno how to begin
exactly--makes me feel like a cat treadin' on 'ot plates.' I quote
exactly the rough vernacular of the lower classes in which she
habitually expresses herself.

'There is no necessity for you to feel like a cat--or any other
animal--treading on plates hot or otherwise when unburdening yourself
to me,' I said kindly and benevolently, to put her at her ease. As a
matter of fact, I half surmised the cause of her embarrassment. No
doubt she had broken some object of value and wished me to act as
intermediary with her mistress in the matter. I have frequently heard
Mrs. Warrington complain of her ever-recurring breakages.

'If I can assist you in any way,' I continued, 'and intervene----'

'Inter-wot?' said Elizabeth.

'Er--perhaps you desire me to put in a good word for you with your
mistress----'

'Do I _not_,' she broke in. 'I can put in all the good words _I_ want