It had been three days since she had received from Mrs.Smith a pleasant word, and the last remark, made to her a short time before, had been the unkindest of all.

At another time, even all this would not have moved her--she could have perceived that Mrs.Smith was not in a right state--that lassitude of body had produced a temporary infirmity of mind.

But, being herself affected by the oppressive season almost as much as her mistress, she could not make these allowances.

While still seated, the chamber bell was rung with a quick, startling jerk.
"What next ?" peevishly ejaculated Rachel, and then slowly proceeded to obey the summons.
"How could you leave my chamber in such a condition as this ?" was the salutation that met her ear, as she entered the presence of Mrs.
Smith, who, half raised upon the bed, and leaning upon her hand, looked the very personification of languor, peevishness, and ill-humor.

"You had plenty of time while we were eating breakfast to have put things a little to rights!" To this Rachel made no reply, but turned away and went back into the kitchen.