"We are ready," she said simply, and again the girl was gone.
It seemed ages, but really was but a short time before Lena returned.
"All right," she said, "the door is opened, and the dogs are gone."
It was the first time Cora had been out in the hall, and she looked around in wonderment. It was dark and dirty, so different from Helka's apartment. Lena led the way. There were three flights of stairs.
"You girls do not do too much sweeping," complained the queen, as she lifted her skirts. "I should think you would have had Christine brush down these steps."
"I told her to, but Mother Hull sent her for berries," explained Lena.
They passed along, and finally reached the outer door. The fresh air blew upon them.
"Oh!" exclaimed Cora. "Isn't it good to be in the open air?"
"Hush!" whispered Helka. "It is best that you make no remarks. I will tell you why later."
Mother Hull was crouched at the steps. She looked up first at Helka, then at Cora. My, what eyes! No wonder Helka said they might kill one in a dream.