yourself useful."

"And if I don't?"

"I fear you will rue it."

"Well, this looks more civilized!" said Helen, after they went down.
"What nice antique furniture! how delightful those geraniums are; and
how charming the fire looks and feels!"

"Here is your breakfast, dear Helen; eat it while it is warm," said
May, coming in with a small tray, which she arranged on a stand behind
her.

"Thank you, dear little lady; really this coffee is delicious, and the
toast is very nice," said Helen, eating her breakfast with great _goût_.

"I am glad you relish it; and now that you are comfortably fixed, if
you will excuse me, I will run out for an hour or so; I have some
little matters to attend to down street. You will find a small bamboo
tub in the next room, when you finish eating, in which you can wash up
your cup and saucer, and plate."

"Yes, dame Trot, I will endeavor to do so!" said Helen, with a droll
grimace.

"The tea-towel is folded up on the first shelf in that closet near you;
so, good morning," said May, laughing, as she took up her work-basket,
and went upstairs to get her bonnet and wrappings, and make other
arrangements; then drawing on her walking-boots, and twisting a _nubae_