CHAPTER XIX.
A WARNING.
The girl who had been blind and could see and Madeleine of the unconquerable soul appeared in Millicent’s sumptuous apartment promptly at three o’clock on Friday afternoon.
They carried with them a suitcase containing the implements of their labor, taken chiefly from Madeleine’s rag bag: some old stockings; several wornout undervests and polishing cloths made from antiquated flannel petticoats; also a bottle of ammonia and two boxes of silver polish.
“Well, here we are,” announced Madeleine, unconcernedly, when Millicent had opened her door to them. “I hope you have the things out and ready. Our time is valuable.”
Of no avail were Millicent’s pompous and important airs. Madeleine insisted on treating her as a familiar and an equal.
“I have put you in the den. You will be less disturbed and you can use the writing table to spread things on. Please be care——”
“Have you made an inventory?” interrupted Madeleine.
“No,” faltered Millicent. Why was it that this poverty-stricken little person took all the wind out of her sails?
“Make it please at once in duplicate. Keep one yourself and give us the other.”