She found the front door, which was
commonly open, to be uncommonly shut, and was forced to rap loudly and
wait lengthily ere the survivor of the Fire-Sale came to let her in.
Then when the door did open the figure which appeared in the opening
was such as to startle even the phlegmatically disposed chewer of
clover.
"My heavens alive, Susan, whatever is the matter with--"
Susan backed faintly into the hall so as to allow the other to enter.
"I'm worn to a frazzle--that's all!" she said weakly and wearily.
They turned into the parlor, where the lamp was burning, and Mrs.
Lathrop gave a little frightened scream:
"Susan! why, you look half--"
Miss Clegg collapsed at once heavily upon the haircloth-covered sofa.
"I guess you'd better make me some tea," she suggested, and shut her
eyes.
Mrs. Lathrop had no doubt whatever on the subject. Hurrying out to the
kitchen, she brewed a cup of the strongest possible tea in the fewest
possible moments, and brought it in to the traveller. The latter drank
with satisfaction, then leaned back with a sigh.
"It was a auction!" she said in tones that gasped.
Mrs. Lathrop could restrain her anxiety no longer.
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