I
heard Miss Rachel ask whether the door would be dry that evening, in
time for the birthday company to see it. And Mr. Franklin shook his
head, and said it wouldn't be dry in less than twelve hours. It was long
past luncheon-time--it was three o'clock before they had done. What does
your arithmetic say, Rosanna? Mine says the door was dry by three this
morning.'
"'Did some of the ladies go up-stairs yesterday evening to see it?' I
asked. 'I thought I heard Miss Rachel warning them to keep clear of the
door.'
"'None of the ladies made the smear,' Penelope answered. 'I left Miss
Rachel in bed at twelve last night. And I noticed the door, and there
was nothing wrong with it then.'
"'Oughtn't you to mention this to Mr. Seegrave, Penelope?'
"'I wouldn't say a word to help Mr. Seegrave for anything that could be
offered to me!'
"She went to her work, and I went to mine."
"My work, sir, was to make your bed, and to put your room tidy. It was
the happiest hour I had in the whole day. I used to kiss the pillow on
which your head had rested all night. No matter who has done it since,
you have never had your clothes folded as nicely as I folded them for
you.
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