e able to
think that you're warm and comfortable and at home, and that you've
plenty to eat."

"Do you think that's all I want?" she suddenly flashed at him.

He gave her a quick glance and looked away immediately.

"I couldn't expect you to stay on here, not when you've got a chance of
going back to the old country. This life is all new to you. You know
that one."

"Oh, yes, I know it: I should think I did!" She gave a little mirthless
laugh, and went over to her chair again.

"At eight o'clock every morning a maid will bring me tea and hot water.
And I shall get up, and I shall have breakfast. And, presently, I shall
interview the cook, and I shall order luncheon and dinner. And I shall
brush the coats of Mrs. Hubbard's little dogs and take them for a walk
on the common. All the paths on the common are asphalted, so that
elderly gentlemen and lady's companions shan't get their feet wet."

"Gee, what a life!"

She hardly gave him time for his exclamation. As she went on, mirth,
scorn, hatred and dismay came into her voice, but she was unconscious of
it. For the moment, everything else was forgotten but the vivid picture
which memory conjured up for her and which she so graphically described.

"And then, I shall come in and lunch, and after luncheon I shall go for
a drive: one day we will turn to the right and one day we will turn to
the left. And then I shall have tea. And then I shall go out again on
the neat asphalt paths to give the dogs another walk. And then I shall
change my dress and come down to dinner. And after dinner I shall play
bezique with my employer; only I must take care not to beat her,
because she doesn't like being beaten. And at ten o'clock I shall go to
bed."

A wave of stifling recollection choked her for a moment so that she
could not go on. Presently she had herself once more in hand.

"At eight o'clock next morning a maid will bring in my tea and hot
water, and the day will begin again. Each day will be like every other
day. And, can you believe it, there are hundreds of women in England,
strong and capable, with red blood in their veins, who would be eager to
get this place which is offered to me. Almost a lady--and thirty-five
pounds a year!"

She did not look toward him, or she would have seen a look of wonder, of
comprehension and of hope pass in turn over his face.

"It seems a bit different from the life you've had here," he said,
looking out through the open doorway as if