grate fire in no time. I felt a passing envy for the woman who was the
mistress of this maid and who did not have to worry whether she threw
her clothes in a heap on the floor or not, as she would always find
them properly taken care of when she wanted them again. Taking care of
my clothes is the greatest trial of my life.

The other maid spoke not at all; she seemed newer at her job and obeyed
the directions of the first meekly and in silence. Carrie picked up
Nyoda's soaked coat and shook it, and as she did so the scarab flew out
of the pocket and fell to the floor. She hastily picked it up and held
it in her hand for an instant, turning it over and looking at it
curiously. I saw her glance sidewise at Agnes, the other maid, who
stood with her back to us putting Nyoda's shoes onto trees; then she
looked boldly at Nyoda and deliberately winked one eye! Nyoda looked at
her with a puzzled frown. Carrie became all meekness and deference in a
moment; she laid the scarab down on the table beside Nyoda's purse and
went about her duties without raising her eyes.

In a moment she left the room and we sat listening to the rain beating
against the panes and wondering when it would stop and how soon our
clothes would be dry so we could resume our journey. Agnes went out
presently and when she came back she carried a tray full of cups of
steaming broth and a plate of sandwiches. We were very thankful for
this favor, as we were beginning to feel chilled through. Getting
drenched that way when we were so hot was bad enough, but the wind that
accompanied the shower was decidedly cool and we were pretty
uncomfortable by the time we were picked up.

"To whom are we indebted for this hospitality?" asked Nyoda of Agnes.