The Press., 1916-11-09
A Student of Languages; For the Purpose of a
 SOjOurn Abroad
By LOUISE B. CUMMINGS

 zerland, then to France. I shall get on very well in France, because nave learned to speak the language in talk ing with you. I have been studying Italian, but in order to converse in that language I need practice in 1t such as I have had with you in French. am thinking of getting another maid for that purpose. Not to interfere with you, she will have the care of my wardrobe and wait upon me when you are otherwise engaged.
 Will you give her the care of your jewels, madameT
 "Sot at all. You will remain in charge of them. I have perfect conh' dence in you and would not think of intrusting them to the care of any one else"
 This announcement was to prepare Lizctte for the coming of one she might otherwise think was intended to take her place. Mrs. Darlington ap- piled to her Italian teacher to furnish her with a woman who would accept a maids place, but who could speak Italian more correctly than one usually occupying a menial position. He prom ised Mrs. Darlington to interest him. self in the matter.
 In due time a young woman appear ed with a note from Signor Speretti, the Italian teacher. introducing her and vouching for the correctness with which she spoke the Italian language. Her name was Blanca Morelli. She seemed rather younger than the age she gave, which was twenty-two. not appearing to be more than eighteen. Instead of having the black hair and eyes usual to Italians. she was a blond. Since Mrs. Darlington needed her to converse with and SignOr Spe- retti vouched for her pronunciation and general knowledge of the Italian Ian guage she was engaged.
 Indeed, Blanca was found not to be of much use for any purpose except that for " hich she was especially need ed. She had nothing to do with her mistress toilet: that was attended to by Lizetts, but when called upon to bring some article of clothing she man. ifested a singular obtuseness. On one occasion when told to bring tea gown she brought bath robe. On an- other. when the Italian was called upon for brassiere, she handed in a brush and comb.
 Lizette laughed at the girl for her stupidity, but her mistress believed that Blanca had not been brought up with well to do women. She had doubtless associated with those who wore only the plainest clothing. But Mrs. Darlington could not understand, if this had been her condition, how she could speak the language of well bred person. Blanca explained by say ing that she had never had sister; that her parents. though they had been we'll to do persons, during their child hood and youth could not give her the variety of dress enjoyed by other girls of her class.
 Blanca had not been long in the house before her mistress began to mo- tice that the relations between her two maids had changed. Lizette had at first rather patronized Blanca, sympa- thizing with her stupidity as to her duties and instructing her in them. All of a sudden her manner toward her fellow servant changed. The freedom with which she had treated her disap- peared and was replaced by reserve. Then, too, she was at times inclined to speak harshly to the Italian, while at complacent
 Mrs. Darlington one day spoke to Lizette about this change.
 "LiZette,' she said, II know the diff faculties of servants constantly under the same roof getting on with each other, but do hope that you and Bian- ca will not disagree. l am rapidly be- coming able to give her orders and understand what she says to me In Italian. Now, if you and Blanca quar- rel I shall have to send her away, and that will be the end of my prac- tice in Italian. Try to get on with her for the few months that remain before we go abroad
 This brought no explanation of the status between the two maids. Lizette did not admit that there was any ill
 
 did not deny that there was. She was doing" her mistress hair when the subject was broached and went on brushing the glossy locks without a word. But Mrs. Darlington saw by a reflection in mirror before her that her maid was perturbed by what sine had said and was evidently cOncealing something.
 Mrs. Darlington was more interested in keeping her two maids on amicable terms than in ferrcting out the cause. of this singular change that had come between them. Nevertheless she no ticcd that Blanca seemed to have an influence over I.iZette. On one Occa- sion. when tine mistress had called LI zette without getting reply. she went to the servants quarters to see whnt was the matter. Opening a door without warning. she came upon the two maids in ernest conversation. T'ra French girl HaS talking rapidly and gesticula ting: the Italian was uD- ruilled and listening to what the other was saying.
 "Lizettc." said the mistress. 'I have been calling you for so1Lc time.''
 Yes, madame. I didn't hear you. madame"
 Mrs. Darlington returned to her room. followed by LiZctte. AS soon as they were alone together the mistress said:
 'Lizette. of course what goes on be- tween you and Blanca does not neces- sarily concern me. but I don't want any mystery in my house. Though want Blanca for practice in speaking Italian. I win send her away at once if she is interfering ill any way with my domestic arrangements.
 "She does not interfere. madame" was the almost inaudible reply.
 Mrs. Darlington was puzzled. She said no more but kept up good deal of thinking about this. strange status between the two maids. Had it been