"I--" Just then there was a dull falling sound followed by a sharp rising one, and she rushed into the parlor without more words.
When she could hear and be heard again, she found Mrs.Bell seated in the shadowy little hall, serene and cool.

"I called on Mr.Miner yesterday when I arrived," said she, "with letters of introduction from my former minister, told him what I wanted to do, and asked him if he could suggest anyone in immediate need of help in this line.

He said he had called here recently, and believed you were looking for someone.
Here is the letter I showed him," and she handed Mrs.Porne a most friendly and appreciative recommendation of Miss D.Bell by a minister in Jopalez, Inca Co., stating that the bearer was fully qualified to do all kinds of housework, experienced, honest, kind, had worked seven years in one place, and only left it hoping to do better in Southern California.
Backed by her own pastor's approval this seemed to Mrs.Porne fully sufficient.

The look of the girl pleased her, though suspiciously above her station in manner; service of any sort was scarce and high in Orchardina, and she had been an agelong week without any.

"When can you come ?" she asked.
"I can stop now if you like," said the stranger.