Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/204

178 come in again that day, and I had a chance to make myself a little worse!

“I found a place in the wall where some loose plaster had fallen away from the brick  lining within. Breaking off some of this brick, powdering and moistening it, I thus  obtained some fine red paint with which I proceeded to decorate myself. With the pail of water for a mirror, all over my face and  hands I imitated the blotches that appear on  the plague-stricken. Oh, I must have been a fine, healthful sight!

“When Dirk came in to visit me next morning, he looked, gave one howl, and  rushed out of the room! I have not seen him since, and I know he believes me far gone in  this illness. Strange to say though, in spite of his hatred, he does not seem to wish me  to die, but has caused to be thrust in the door  the finest food and nourishment that could be  procured. I could live like a lord if I wished, but I scarcely touch it, saving only enough  to keep life in me, else he would surely