"No, Fricka, I don't like him--I don't, I don't, I _don't!_ But you and I have just got to behave. If you annoy that big dog downstairs, he'll break your neck,--he will, Fricka. As for me,"--she shrugged her small shoulders,--"well, Mr. Helbeck can't break _my_ neck, so I'm dreadfully afraid I shall annoy him--dreadfully, dreadfully afraid! But I'll try not. You see, what we've got to do, is just to get Augustina well--stand over her with a broomstick and pour the tonics down her throat. Then, Fricka, we'll go our way and have some fun. Now look at us!----" She moved a little, so that the cracked glass on the dressing-table reflected her head and shoulders, with the dog against her neck. "You know we're not at all bad-looking, Fricka--neither of us. I've seen much worse. (Oh, Fricka! I've told you scores of times I can wash my face--without you--thank you!) There's all sorts of nice things that might happen if we just put ourselves in the way of them. Oh! I do want some fun--I do!--at least sometimes!" But again the voice dropped suddenly; the big greenish eyes filled in a moment with inconsistent tears, and Laura sat staring at the sunshine, while the drops fell on her white nightgown. Meanwhile Fricka, being half throttled, made a violent effort and escaped. Laura too sprang up, wiped away her tears as though she were furious with them, and began to look about her for the means of dressing. Everything in the room was of the poorest and scantiest--the cottage washstand with its crockery, the bare dressing-table and dilapidated glass. "A bath!--my kingdom for a bath! I don't mind starving, but one must wash. Let's ring for that rough-haired girl, Fricka, and try and get round her. Goodness!--no bells?" After long search, however, she discovered a tattered shred of tapestry hanging in a corner, and pulled it vigorously. Many efforts, however, were needed before there was a sound of feet in the passage outside. Laura hastily donned a blue dressing-gown, and stood expectant. The door was opened unceremoniously and a girl thrust in her head. Laura had made acquaintance with her the night before. She was the housekeeper's underling and niece. "Mrs. Denton says I'm not to stop. She's noa time for answerin bells. And you'll have some hot water when t' kettle boils." The door was just shutting again when Laura sprang at the speaker and caught her by the arm. "My dear," she said, dragging the girl in, "that won't do at all. Now look here"--she held up her little white hand, shaking the forefinger with energy--"I don't--want--to give--any trouble, and Mrs. Denton may keep her hot water. But I must have a bath--and a big can--and somebody must show me where to go for water--and then--_then_, my dear--if you make yourself agreeable, I'll--well, I'll teach you how to do your hair on Sundays--in a way that will surprise you!"