The tender threads were fast giving way to the vigorous strokes, when two doors opposite each other opened simultaneously, and both Mrs.Richards and Eudora appeared.
"Are you--ah, yes--you are the lady who Jim said wished to see me," Mrs.
Richards began, bowing politely to Adah, who had not yet dared to look up, and who when at last she did raise her eyes, withdrew them at once, more abashed, more frightened, more bewildered than ever, for the face she saw fully warranted her ideas of a woman who could turn a waiting maid from her door just because she was a waiting maid.
Something seemed choking Adah and preventing her utterance, for she did not speak until Mrs.Richards said again, this time with a little less suavity and a little more hauteur of manner, "Have I had the honor of meeting you before ?"--then with a low gasp, a mental petition for help, Adah rose up and lifting to Mrs.Richards' cold, haughty face, her soft, brown eyes, where tears were almost visible, answered faintly: "We have not met before.

Excuse me, madam, but my business is with Miss Anna, can I see her please ?" There was something supplicating in the tone with which Adah made this request, and it struck Mrs.Richards unpleasantly.

She answered haughtily, though still politely, "My daughter is sick.

She does not see visitors.

It will be impossible to admit you to her chamber, but I will take your name and your errand." Adah felt as if she should sink beneath the cold, cruel scrutiny to which she knew she was subjected by the woman on her right and the woman on her left.