“Now, ma’am, please I’ll take yer to your yoom. It’s just across the hall yere, right opposide to dis.”
“Thanky,” replied Mrs. Pole. “I’ll go and find out where it is, and much obleeged to you. But then, dear, I will come back and stay long o’ you until Mr. Stuart comes up.”
“Quite right, Poley, dear,” replied Palma, who by this time had got her boots off and her slippers out of her hand-bag and onto her feet, and was sitting before the fire with her toes on the top of the fender.
Polly took Mrs. Pole across the hall to the opposite room, which as to size, windows and fireplace, was exactly like that of Palma’s, except that it had a northern instead of a southern aspect, and was, therefore, somewhat colder. It was also upholstered in curtain calico instead of white dimity, and had a picture of the Washington family, instead of a handsome mirror over the mantelpiece. But there was a fine fire burning which filled the room with light and warmth.
“Now, ma’am, if yer want anything as I can get you——” began Polly; but Mrs. Pole interrupted and dismissed her.
“No; thank you. Good-night,” she said.
And Polly left the room.
Pretty soon Mrs. Pole recrossed the hall and re-entered Palma’s apartment.
“Has the colored woman gone at last?” she inquired.
“Yes, Poley. But what is the matter, dear? I do believe you are jealous of that poor creature,” said Palma.