leading to the servants' quarters. It was, indeed, my Lady Dunstanwolde
who had ordered the closing of this part when it had been her pleasure to
be shown her domain by her housekeeper, the which had greatly awed and
impressed her household as signifying that, exalted lady as she was, her
wit was practical as well as brilliant, and that her eyes being open to
her surroundings, she meant not that her lacqueys should rob her and her
scullions filch, thinking that she was so high that she was ignorant of
common things and blind.

"You will be well housed and fed and paid your dues," she said to them;
"but the first man or woman who does a task ill or dishonestly will be
turned from his place that hour. I deal justice--not mercy."

"Such a mistress they have never had before," said my lord when she
related this to him. "Nay, they have never dreamed of such a lady--one
who can be at once so severe and so kind. But there is none other such,
my dearest one. They will fear and worship you."

She gave him one of her sweet, splendid smiles. It was the sweetness she
at rare times gave her splendid smile which was her marvellous power.

"I would not be too grand a lady to be a good housewife," she said. "I
may not order your dinners, my dear lord, or sweep your corridors, but
they shall know I rule your household and would rule it well."

"You are a goddess!" he cried, kneeling to her, enraptured. "And you
have given yourself to a poor mortal man, who can but worship you."

"You give me all I have," she said, "and you love me nobly, and I am
grateful."