"We hope not; perhaps a change of air may do something for her; but even
at the best, it will be years before she is able to go about."

"I am so sorry," she said; "so very sorry. How sad for you and for her.
I can understand why you want a companion for her; she can take no
active share in the management of a large establishment like this."

"No, no share at all. We will not decide anything until my sister comes;
but it seems to me that she will be most thankful to have you here, that
you will be more useful to her than I can say. She would not be able to
see guests, give orders or anything of that kind."

There was a strange light in her eyes, a strange, suppressed glitter in
her face.

"When will your sister come?" she next inquired.

"I am going to-morrow to fetch her. There will be no need for you to
make any alterations. You spoke of going away; there will be no need of
that. I leave here to-morrow, and when my sister comes I suppose the
sternest British propriety will be satisfied."

She smiled.

"I suppose so, too. And Sir Barnard has not even left me a
mourning-ring? Well, I have so much less to be grateful for. The old
servants were all remembered, I hope?"

"All of them. I will say good-night, mademoiselle; I have much to attend