waiting for her to get out of the way."

At this very moment Mrs. Adams, one hundred and fifty miles away,
was congratulating herself that she had left her little daughter
with such a competent servant who, though far from amiable, yet
was quite capable of taking the entire charge of the house during
her absence. Perhaps it was just as well that she was not within
hearing of the conversation which the girls had just been holding.




CHAPTER VII.

POLLY'S HOUSEKEEPING.


"I'm going now, miss," remarked Mary's voice at the foot of the
front stairs.

"Go on, then," said Polly, with dignity, turning to Molly to add,
"She wouldn't dare do that if mamma were here. Then she never
thinks of calling to us, like this."

Peeping stealthily out at the front window, the girls watched her
as she walked off, dressed in her state and festival suit. Then
they descended to the kitchen to survey their field of operations.

"She's left it in splendid order, and there's a hot fire; that's
one good thing," said Polly, lifting the stove lid to look in.