readiness for the evening's event. From where she stood she could
see piles of plates already neatly ranged in the warming oven,
peeled potatoes were soaking in ice water in a yellow bowl, and the
parsley that would garnish the big platter was ready, crisp and
fresh in a glass of water.

"Well, you look nice and peaceful," smiled the mistress. "I am just
going to dress for a little tea, and I may have to look in at the
opening of the Athenaeum Club," she went on, fussing with a frill at
her wrist, "so I may be as late as five. But I'll bring some flowers
when I come. Miss Alexandra will probably be at home by that time,
but if she isn't--if she isn't, perhaps you would just go in and
straighten the living room, Justine? I put things somewhat in order
yesterday, and dusted a little, but, of course, things get scattered
about, and it needs a little attention. She may of course be back in
time to do it--"

Her voice drifted away into casual silence. She looked at Justine
expectantly, confidently. The maid flushed uncomfortably.

"I'm sorry," she said frankly. "But that's against one of our rules,
you know. I am not supposed to--"

"Not ordinarily, I understand that," Mrs. Salisbury agreed quickly.
"But in an emergency--"

Again she hesitated. And Justine, with the maddening gentleness of
the person prepared to carry a point at all costs, answered again:

"It's the rule. I'm sorry; but I am not supposed to."