“Mrs. Ward sent down word she particularly wanted a steak and all the rest,” stammered Jones. “Cook and I just carried out her orders, ma’am. Shall I take off any of the dishes?”
“Oh, no; see that Mrs. Ward has every attention, Jones. I was only wondering——” Mrs. Burnham paused thoughtfully; the housekeeper was indulging in a very substantial meal for one who claimed to be a seriously ill woman. “Carry the tray to Mrs. Ward, Jones, but see that you do not mention my comment upon her appetite.”
“Yes, ma’am, certainly, ma’am,” stuttered Jones and hurried on his way. He stood in great awe of Mrs. Burnham, whose caustic comments when she found him careless in his work had made an indelible impression.
Jones’ tap at the housekeeper’s door brought a pretty chambermaid who dimpled into a smile at sight of him. They had no opportunity to exchange a word, for Mrs. Ward called to her to take the tray and shut the door.
“Put the tray here,” she directed, tapping the chair by her bed. “That will do,” she added a moment later as the maid arranged the dishes within easy reach of her hand. “Thank you, don’t wait any longer.”
Waiting until the pretty chambermaid had disappeared into the adjoining room, Mrs. Ward listened until her sharp ears caught the click of the latch of her sitting room door and convinced her that she was alone. Raising herself on her elbow she proceeded to eat with avidity. She had just finished the last morsel of bread when the door of her bedroom opened and Mrs. Burnham walked in.
“Good morning, Matilda,” she said cheerily. “Glad to see you are so much better.”
Mrs. Ward settled back on her pillow and pulled the bedclothes up about her throat.
“Good morning,” she replied. “It’s very good of you to come and see me so early in the morning.” Mrs. Burnham, who was not noted for early rising, flushed at the housekeeper’s insolent air; she was a woman, however, who carried the war into Africa when occasion arose, and discourtesy from a subordinate or servant instantly aroused her resentment.
“I expected to find you up, Matilda,” she said. “Dr. Hayden told me last evening that he had crossed you off his list of sick patients.”