In the yard I found a
zinc pail with a hole in it, which was most useful, for
by its aid I managed to carry up all the jaws with which
my kitchen was heaped. Then with my new broom, my coat
hung on a gas-bracket and my shirt sleeves turned to the
elbow, I cleaned out the lower rooms and the hall,
brushing the refuse into the yard. After that I did as
much for the upper floor, with the result that I brought
several square yards of dust down into the hall again,
and undid my previous cleaning. This was disheartening,
but at least it taught me to begin at the furthest point
in future. When I had finished, I was as hot and dirty
as if it were half-time at a football match. I thought
of our tidy charwoman at home, and realised what
splendid training she must be in.
Then came the arranging of the furniture. The hall
was easily managed, for the planks were of a dark colour,
which looked well of themselves. My oakum mat and my
umbrella stand were the only things in it; but I bought
three pegs for sixpence, and fastened them up at the
side, completing the effect by hanging my two hats upon
them. Finally, as the expanse of bare floor was
depressing, I fixed one of my curtains about halfway down
it, draping it back, so that it had a kind of oriental
look, and excited a vague idea of suites of apartments
beyond. It was a fine effect, and I was exceedingly
proud of it.
From that I turned to the most important point of
all--the arrangement of my consulting room.
Pages:
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216