"That thing certainly
spelled Bat," she remarked. "I wish I were a man. I'd like to see
any lawyer, Doctor, or merchant of my acquaintance leading a double
life without my suspecting it."
"Every man leads a double life and some more than that," Lizzie
observed. "I guess it rests them, like it does me to take off my
corset."
Miss Cornelia opened her mouth to rebuke her but just at that moment
there, was a clink of ice from the hall, and Billy, the Japanese,
entered carrying a tray with a pitcher of water and some glasses on
it. Miss Cornelia watched his impassive progress, wondering if the
Oriental races ever felt terror--she could not imagine all Lizzie's
banshees and kelpies producing a single shiver from Billy. He set
down the tray and was about to go as silently as he had come when
Miss Cornelia spoke to him on impulse.
"Billy, what's all this about the cook's sister not having twins?"
she said in an offhand voice. She had not really discussed the
departure of the other servants with Billy before. "Did you happen
to know that this interesting event was anticipated?"
Billy drew in his breath with a polite hiss. "Maybe she have
twins," he admitted. "It happen sometime. Mostly not expected."
"Do you think there was any other reason for her leaving?"
"Maybe," said Billy blandly.
"Well, what was the reason?"
"All say the same thing--house haunted." Billy's reply was prompt
as it was calm.
Miss Cornelia gave a slight laugh.
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