"I'm afraid we can't do the kitchen for you to-day. I don't think the
white-wash will dry. It is too damp."
If he sent his men in to white-wash it would be impossible for me to
leave, and go to the Receiving Matron's rooms, and oversee the washing.
I saw through his plan; but I said,--
"I think I can keep fire enough to dry it. I have made my arrangements
to have it done."
"I'll see," he said, and went out.
In a short time the officer who was to oversee the white-washing came
in,--
"As it is so damp to-day, the Deputy told me I had better put the men on
a job down in the men's workshop; so they won't be in here to-day."
"If the whitening will dry there, why not here?" I asked.
He smiled. "The men have begun there; it won't be best to take them off.
I don't think the Deputy would like to have me come in here now."
"I don't think he would," was my knowing reply.
Very soon, Mr. Deputy made his appearance again, and came up to me with
a nice, spicy compliment.
"I find it the same here early and late, quiet and clean."
"I'm glad you are pleased with my place."
"Can't you go over to the wash-room, and set the women to work, when
they go out from breakfast? And I should like to have you stay there as
much as you can this forenoon, to keep order. As it is pea day your
women won't have a great deal to do; and you have got them so well
trained they will get on very well without you. You will have no trouble
in managing both places."
"O yes, sir; I will oblige you in that way with pleasure!"
When they came in to white-wash the kitchen, it rained pouring. The only
revenge I took upon the Deputy was to ask him if he thought it would be
a good drying day.