Not a word did Major Warfield say at supper in regard to the new
inmate of the Hidden House, for he had particular reasons for
keeping Cap in ignorance of a neighbor, lest she should insist upon
exchanging visits and being "sociable."
But it was destined that Capitola should not remain a day in
ignorance of the interesting fact.
That night, when she retired to her chamber, Pitapat lingered
behind, but presently appeared at her young mistress's room door
with a large waiter on her head, laden with meat, pastry, jelly and
fruit, which she brought in and placed upon the work stand.
"Why, what on the face of earth do you mean by bringing all that
load of victuals into my room to-night? Do you think I am an ostrich
or a cormorant, or that I am going to entertain a party of friends?"
asked Capitola, in astonishment, turning from the wash stand, where
she stood bathing her face.
"'Deed I dunno, Miss, whedder you'se an ostrizant or not, but I
knows I don't 'tend for to be 'bused any more 'bout wittels, arter
findin' out how cross empty people can be! Dar dey is! You can eat
um or leab um alone, Miss Caterpillar!" said little Pitapat, firmly.
Capitola laughed, "Patty" she said, "you are worthy to be called my
waiting maid!"
"And Lors knows, Miss Caterpillar, if it was de wittels you was a-
frettin' arter, you ought to a-told me before! Lors knows dere's
wittels enough!"
"Yes, I'm much obliged to you, Patty, but now I am not hungry, and I
do not like the smell of food in my bedroom,, so take the waiter out
and set it on the passage table until morning.
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