ing to say to
you."

The ayah's face was almost green; she was shaking all over, but after a
moment's hesitation she ultimately obeyed in sullen silence.

"I was not aware until two days ago," resumed Sophy, "that my aunt took
drugs and that you supplied them."

"I don't know what the missy is talking about," stammered Lily.

"Oh yes, you understand, and Mr. Krauss will understand. At present he
has no idea of my aunt's real ailment."

"Missy going to tell _him_? Well, if I am sent away to Madras and the
drug taken from the missis she will soon die--you will see!"

Lily's tone was more triumphant than regretful.

"She will die anyway," rejoined Sophy, "and it were better that she
should die in her senses than a drugged victim to cocaine. How long
has this been going on?"

"Two, three years--maybe four years."

"Four years!" repeated Sophy incredulously.

"Yes, missis plenty sick--no sleep getting; doctor ordering small dose
sleep mixture; missis liking too much, taking more and more, and more."

"And you have kept her supplied--you get it from Ah Shee?"

"If not me, then some other woman. I plenty fond of missis and I kept
her secret."

"And, no doubt, she has paid you well."

"Yes, giving money; but too much trouble to get morphia and cocaine and
to keep people from talk. One or two times she took too big dose, and
then nearly die--but missis will have it all the same--die or no die!"

"Well, now, if I promise you one thing will you promise me another? I
will not say a word to Mr. Krauss if you will agree to buy no more
cocaine."

"I will promise not to give so much; but no more cocaine taking at all,
missis would shrivel up and go out like one bit of paper in a candle!
I will do what I can, missy, but missis always taking plenty--two
grains is nothing."

"I am astonished," said Sophy, "that my aunt has never been suspected
of taking drugs."

"Missy, you never suspect it yourself, and yet you have lived in same
house for fifteen months. It was hard to keep it dark, but all the
servants know. Of course, that is no matter, and as for the big
mem-sahibs, they do not come here _now_."

"It seems so strange," said Sophy, "that my aunt should have sunk into
this state--all through one little dose of morphia."

"Well, you see, missy, she was ill; it was in the rains; she was
awfullee melancholy and depressed, and she had not much to fill her
mind. She did not sew or ride or make music, like