Soon a loud bell broke the silence of the morning. Millicent did not heed it, but looked about the room to find a means of summoning assistance. Happily she found the bell quite near her, and, after twice ringing, a tap at her door was heard. In answer to her "Come in," Ah Lam opened the door cautiously.
"Missie call Ah Lam?"
"I want my breakfast now," said Millicent, somewhat dismayed at the attendant she had summoned.
Soon Barbara came, carrying the breakfast tray in her strong arms.
"I am so sorry you don't feel well this morning, Millicent. What can I do for you?"
"But I feel perfectly well. Do I look so badly?"
"No, dear; but we were afraid, not seeing you--"
"Dear Barbara, you must excuse my strange foreign habits. You know I have been only a week in your country. I did not realize that you all came downstairs to breakfast. What time is it?"
"After seven."
"And you have been up since--?"