"Show it me," said Laura, and marched her off there. The rough-headed one led the way along the panelled passage and opened a door.
Then it was Laura's turn to stare.
Inside she saw a vast room with finely panelled walls and a decorated ceiling. The sunlight poured in through an uncurtained window upon the only two objects in the room,—a magnificent bed, carved and gilt, with hangings of tarnished brocade,—and a round tin bath of a common, old-fashioned make, propped up against the wall. The oak boards were absolutely bare. The bed and the bath looked at each other.
"What's become of all the furniture?" said Laura, gazing round her in astonishment.
"The gentleman from Edinburgh had it all, lasst month," said the girl, still sullenly. "He's affther the bed now."
"Oh!—Does he often come here?"
The girl hesitated.
"Well, he's had a lot o' things oot o' t' house, sen I came."
"Has he?" said Laura. "Now, then—lend a hand."
Between them they carried off the bath; and then Laura informed herself where water was to be had, and when breakfast would be ready.