Laura looked up impatiently. The girl's chatter made her nervous. Sharply, she said:
"Annie, go and put the best dresses on the foot of the bed. I'll get them myself. You heard what I said?"
The girl ran. She stood in awe of her mistress when she was in ill-humor.
"Yassum!"
While the negress was in the inner room taking the garments from the cupboards, Laura continued busily arranging the contents of the trunk, placing garments here, and some there, sorting them out. While she was thus engaged, with her back to the door, the door leading to the outer corridor opened, and Brockton appeared. He entered quietly, without disturbing Laura, and for a minute or two stood watching her in silence. Then, suddenly, he said:
"Going away?"
Startled, Laura jumped up and confronted him.
"Yes," she said, with some confusion.
"In somewhat of a hurry, I should say," he said dryly.
"Yes."