Page:A Study in Colour - Augusta Zelia Fraser.pdf/35

24 The Missus noticed this extraordinary attribute even more the next day, when Justina, in passing her in the corridor, bestowed upon her another glistening and silvery smile.

It mystified her altogether, for the negroes, like children, dislike pain and trouble, and will lose all their teeth, and suffer tortures from toothache, sooner than pay one timely visit to a dentist; also they have not the money for such things, and Justina's mouth represented much time, pain, and expense.

On the next occasion, however, the Missus had no difficulty in recognising in Justina her old acquaintance under the flamboyant tree; for her teeth shone white, as of old when she stood by the roadside hedge in her red cotton dress.

"Marning, Missus," she said, reproachfully. "One, two, tree days, Missus, dat you not know me 'gain, and yet I come to dis yar hotel jist cos I learn de Missus stay hyar."

At this absolutely gratuitous invention the Missus smiled. It was, however, perfectly characteristic of the speaker.

"I remember you now very well also, Justina," she answered. "I should have known you at once,