208 unspeakable impudence. 
and “ what the whole thing was going to be, 
any way!’’ Nor could their neighbors from all 
over the Union help pouring out their inquisitive 
souls in torrents of questions. On the other 
hand, Mrs. Maxwell was absolutely obliged to 
be deaf to them, or her work would never have 4 
been completed. 
This fact, however, was not apparently sus- 
pected by the visitors, who, anxious to know all 
that was to be learned at the great Exhibition, 
used every means in their power to attract her 
attention to their questions, poking her with 
canes and umbrellas when she was near enough 
to be reached, and assailing her ears after this 
fashion when too far from the rope stretched 
around her space to permit those appliances 
being used to advantage. 
“ Madam ! Could you tell me what is the 
design of this work ? ” 
No answer. 
“Madam ! ” a little louder, supposing her to be 
somewhat deaf as well as pre-occupied. 
“ Madam ! ! I say ! ” 
Still no answer. 
“ Madam ! ! ! ” with a spitefully suggestive 
accent on the last syllable, emphasized still more 
by a thrust with the end of his cane as near her 
as the rope will permit. 
Still no sign that she was aware of the presence 
of any one in the building. 
