the table in a handsome dining-room, equally as garish in
color as the apartment below. The table appointments were
elegant, and Mrs. Pill served a nice little meal to which Miss
Loach did full justice. She wore the same purple dress, but
with the addition of more jewellery. Her sharp eyes followed
Susan about the room as she waited, and at the end of the
dinner she made her first observation. "You know your work I
see," she said. "I hope you will be happy here!"

"I think I will, ma'am," said Susan, with a faint sigh.

"You have had trouble?" asked Miss Loach quickly.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"You must tell me about it to-morrow," said the old lady
rising. "I like to gain the confidence of my servants. Now
bring my coffee to the room below. At eight, three people
will arrive--a lady and two gentlemen. You will show them
into the sitting-room and put out the card-table. Then you
can go to the kitchen and wait till I ring. Be sure you don't
come till I do ring," and Miss Loach emphasized this last
order with a flash of her brilliant eyes.

Susan took the coffee to the sitting-room in the basement and
then cleared the table. Shortly before eight o'clock there
was a ring at the front door. She opened it to a tall lady,
with gray hair, who leaned on an ebony cane. With her were
two men, one a rather rough foolish-looking fellow, and the
other tall, dark, and well-dressed in an evening suit. A