CIIAP, V.—MY MASTER.

MAD promised not to put off delivering that

note, and it was a comfort to have something
still to do at my lady’s bidding ; so the following
evening found me standing at Mrs. Howells’ door,
rapping timidly with uncertain fingers. But when,
after many raps, the door remained unopencd, I
remembered having gathered from my father’s talk
that town houses had bells to their doors, with
handles outside by which to ring them. I therefore
looked about, and presently espying the handle,
gave it a tug, expecting to hear the bell on the
other side. But I heard nothing, so I pulled again,
harder and harder, marvelling at its being so stiff,
until I heard hasty steps in the passage, the door
flew open, and there stood the maid with Mrs.
Howells behind her, and a girl peeping out from
the kitchen staircase, all staring at me with wide
eyes; while now that the door was open, I could
hear the treacherous bell still tinkling far below,