, from the room above, a frightful,
tearing shriek.

She wrenched herself away, tightened herself, drew herself up.

"Who did that--who made that noise?"

... In the silence the thin wailing of a baby.

"Achk!" shrieked Sabina, rushing from the room.

8. THE LUFT BAD.

I think it must be the umbrellas which make us look ridiculous.

When I was admitted into the enclosure for the first time, and saw my
fellow-bathers walking about very nearly "in their nakeds," it struck me
that the umbrellas gave a distinctly "Little Black Sambo" touch.

Ridiculous dignity in holding over yourself a green cotton thing with
a red parroquet handle when you are dressed in nothing larger than a
handkerchief.

There are no trees in the "Luft Bad." It boasts a collection of plain,
wooden cells, a bath shelter, two swings and two odd clubs--one,
presumably the lost property of Hercules or the German army, and the
other to be used with safety in the cradle.

And there in all weathers we take the air--walking, or sitting in little
companies talking over each other's ailments and measurements and ills
that flesh is heir to.

A high wooden wall compasses us all about; above it the pine-trees
look down a little superciliously, nudging each other in a way that is
peculiarly trying to a debutante. Over the wall, on the right side, is
the men's section. We hear them chopping down trees and sawing through
planks, dashing heavy weights to the ground, and singing part songs.
Yes, they take it far more seriously.

On the first day I was conscious of my legs, and went back into my cell
three times to look at my watch, but when a woman with whom I had played
chess for three weeks cut me dead, I took heart and joined a circle.

We lay curled on the ground while a Hungarian lady of immense
proportions told us what a beautiful tomb she had bought for her second
husband.

"A vault it is," she said, "with nice black railings. And so large that
I can go down there and walk about. Both their photographs are there,
with two very handsome wreaths sent me by my first husband's brother.
There is an enlargement of a family group photograph, too, and an
illuminated address presented to my first husband on his marriage. I
am often there; it makes such a pleasant excursion for a fine Saturday
afternoon."

She suddenly lay down flat on her back, took in six long breaths, and
sat up again.

"The death agony was dreadful," she said brightly; "of th