"Anna is so surly, Archie," she said droopingly, "that I simply can't cope with her. She is furious at the idea of being late at her class. This was to be her great night, she says, as she was to sing _With Verdure Clad_, and she seems indignant. I was kind though firm. I insinuated--though I didn't say so--that her verdure would keep, and that my dinner must be served properly." "Quite right, dear." "I felt it was a sort of crisis," Letitia continued, "a kind of tide in the affairs of the household. Then her sister came, and I suggested that if Anna liked, the girl could remain and wait at table." "But does she know how?" I asked. "What is there to know?" queried Letitia, with a tinge of annoyance. "Anybody can wait at table. It is very simple. Anna seemed pleased, or, rather, not displeased. But she is very sulky and I have arranged the flowers on the table myself. I've never worked so hard in my life and I feel quite tired out. But I realize, dear, that one must do something useful--at least at the beginning of housekeeping. I have also placed the _hors d'oeuvres_ on the table. It all looks very charming." "Poor Letitia!" I exclaimed, stroking her hair, "I hate the idea of your laboring. You mustn't do it again. I have no doubt but that Anna could have done it all, but as she was so cross you were right to heap coals of fire on her head. She is probably remorseful enough by this time." "No," Letitia remarked thoughtfully, "I don't believe that Anna has a remorseful nature. The colored disposition--I mean by that the disposition of the colored people--is peculiar, Archie. When we have quite settled down, I shall study Anna, psychologically." "In the meantime, dear," I said, airily jocular, "let us hope that the _crème d'asperges_ won't be too psychological." Letitia looked a picture in blue _crêpe de chine_, with her beautiful neck and shoulders emerging from one of those spidery lace effects that render the masculine pen impotent. Her _trousseau_ contained so many evening dresses that one might have imagined that our entire life was to be spent at night, and that morning counted for absolutely nothing. Some of the orchids, remaining from the table decorations, Letitia wore at her bosom, and one exquisite American Beauty rose nestled in the golden glories of her hair. "You see how economical I am, Archie," she said, "for instead of throwing away the superfluous flowers, I wear them. Aunt Julia says that the essence of good housekeeping consists in utilizing everything."