Susan and Dent conversed for several minutes longer, the man meanwhile busy at the windows.

Then the cook, hearing her mistress calling her, started for the house in a hurry.
The result was disastrous.

As she started off the string tied to the ladder and her apron tightened.

As Susan was a woman of heavy weight, it did not take much effort on her part to pull over the ladder, together with Dent and the pail of water.
Dent came down to the ground, fortunately landing on his feet like a cat.

The pail of water described a graceful curve and splashed on both Susan and the man.