Page:The Black Cat v01no01 (1895-10).pdf/20

18 Lacombe, came to the door of the practise room, where I was at work, and, calling me to one side, said:—

"'"Miss Wood, didn't you tell me that you understood the deaf and dumb alphabet?"

"'"Perfectly," I answered.

"'As you know, Mr. Gilbert, my little sister Helen is deaf and dumb, and that is why I understand the sign language almost as well as I do spoken English.

"'"I thought so," said Mr. Lacombe, "and am glad, for your sake, that you do, for I've just had an application from a lady who wants a deaf and dumb-stenographer."

"'"But I am not deaf and dumb," I protested.

"'"No, but you understand the sign language, and that is the main point. You see, this woman wants some notes taken from a deaf and dumb relative, who uses, of course, the deaf and dumb alphabet, and she thinks, I suppose, that a person who understands the sign language must be a deaf mute, also. She says that this relative of hers is ill; possibly hasn't long to live. So no doubt you 're wanted for some sort of an ante mortem examination; one, maybe, that's connected with some family scandal or secret that they don't want to leak out. Just a matter for discretion, that's all.

"'"Of course I don't want to urge you into this against your will," he added, "but I know how much you want a position and a chance for practical experience. Besides, this engagement is only for a week, perhaps even less, and the salary is fifty dollars and all expenses paid. The main question is whether you care to be deaf and dumb for that time."

"'For just a moment I hesitated. Certainly the conditions were very queer. Still, there was the money,—how much fifty dollars would mean for my poor little sister! There was the experience, and there was, yes—I must confess it—there was the charm of adventure. You know you always said that I was of an adventurous disposition, and that spirit has grown since I have been thrown upon my own resources, and have made up my mind that I must make my own way in the world, as if I were a man. As for acting the part of a deaf mute, that seemed a simple matter to me, who know so well the habits of