"No, I ain't," said Rachel, shortly.

"Will you lead me to your mistress, then?"

"I have none."

The visitor's eyes flashed, as if her temper was easily roused.

"I want to see Mrs. Crump," she said, impatiently. Will you call
her, or shall I go and announce myself?"

"Some folks are mighty impatient," muttered Rachel. "Stay here, and
I'll call her to the door."

In a short time Mrs. Crump presented herself.

"Won't you come in?" she asked, pleasantly.

"I don't care if I do," was the reply. "I wish to speak to you on
important business."

Mrs. Crump, whose interest was excited, led the way into the
sitting-room.

"You have in your family," said the stranger, after seating herself,
"a girl named Ida."

Mrs. Crump looked up suddenly and anxiously. Could it be that the
secret of Ida's birth was to be revealed at last!