Midafternoon, I rose, toiletted, and dressed. I kept the young girls busy trotting up and down the stairs bringing me brushes, combs and hot irons for my hair. What I really wanted was to keep them busy and under my feet. When my hair was dressed to my satisfaction, I peered into the mirror, satisfied to find few grey hairs amid the gingery tresses. Mattie tied a velvet ribbon with a cameo at my throat. Her deft little fingers were put to better use being a ladies' maid than a pickpocket.<br/><br/>"Thank you, Mattie. Have you eaten today?" I inquired, drawing her around to face me. When she shook her head, I told her,<br/>"Tell Jane to give you a sweetmeat with your breakfast.  You and Nessie have worked hard and deserve a treat."<br/><br/>She squealed with delight and taking her sister by the hand hopped down the stairs. I watched with affection as they disappeared towards the kitchen.<br/><br/>I glanced at the grandfather clock and noticed that it was time for my visitor. Gustav had laid the fire in the parlour. I descended and paced the faded oriental rug. My red kidskin boots tapped as I walked. I rang for tea and some cakes. I heard a knock at the door. Gustav answered it and I heard male voices.