So I keep a cane near me to knock on the floor when I want anybody to fetch me things, but the cane got mislaid somehow, so I had this umbrella in its place.

And wasn't it fortunate?
For when the water began to drip down I just put up the umbrella and protected myself perfectly.

The only trouble was, I couldn't close it to knock on the floor without getting myself drenched, so, as I had an interesting book I just waited patiently for somebody to come.

The servants have gone on an excursion and Nan is away, too, so there was no one to knock for except old Dilatory, and he wouldn't have heard me anyway.

Now, Bob, if you'll get another umbrella to hold over yourself while you move me to dryer quarters I'll be truly grateful." "Take mine," said Patty, running to fetch it, and then she held her open umbrella over Bob while he wheeled his mother's chair across the hall and into the music-room.
Bumble moved the ottoman at the same time, and though she meant to be very careful, she bumped the wounded foot terribly when going over the door-sills, but Mrs.Barlow pretended it didn't hurt her, and thanked the children lovingly for their assistance.