"She is
evidently of the taciturn sort. We don't need to keep these servants,
you know. I 'll hunt up some more cheerful in town tomorrow. Why, by
Jove, it's ten o'clock already. Have you finished?"
"I could n't choke down another mouthful."
"Well, don't be afraid. They mean well enough, no doubt. Sallie!"
She came gliding in, her back to the door.
"Are you the one who is to show us to our rooms?"
"Yes."
She picked up the lamp and went out, and Mrs. Bernard followed
instantly, evidently afraid to be left in the dark. I followed with
the grips, trailing up the stairs, having seen nothing of Coombs in the
front room. In the upper hall our guide threw open two doors, going
into the rooms and lighting lamps, thus giving glimpses of the
interiors. The one in the corner was the larger, and better furnished.
"This will be yours," I said, placing her valise on the floor. "You
can feel safe enough there with the door locked--yes, there is a
key--and I will be right opposite if you need anything."
She gave me her hand, but I felt it tremble.
"You are still afraid?"
"Yes, I am--but--but I am not going to be such a fool."
As her door closed I turned to the mulatto, who still stood there, lamp
in hand. I was not sleepy, and I wanted most of all to have an
understanding with Coombs.
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