Page:A Study in Colour - Augusta Zelia Fraser.pdf/34

Rh names, such as Clementina, Evadne, Ursulina, Maud, and Margarita. To individualise them was an impossibility.

One day, however, the Missus, on entering her room, was greeted by a "Marning, Missus," in a singularly distinct, although low voice.

A brown damsel was sitting at the dressing-table, languidly polishing the looking-glass, and admiring herself meanwhile. Most of the chambermaids would have contented themselves with simply doing the latter; but although the present process was a slow one, the mirror was certainly being cleaned after a fashion, and this in itself was remarkable. The polisher looked up, and gazing expectantly at the Missus, added in a markedly friendly manner, "I Justina, Missus. Come as new maid."

Now at that moment the Missus was in a hurry, so she had barely time to return the salutation; and although the dusky face seemed strangely familiar to her, a curious peculiarity in its smile struck her most, for the new chambermaid showed three apparently solid silver teeth in the front of her large but good-tempered mouth. The effect was uncanny and weird to a degree.