"These three are mine; others manage as they can. It's Hartledon's fault.
I told him not to invite a heap of people. You and I shall get on
together very well, I've no doubt, Mirrable," she continued in a false,
fawning voice; for she was remarkably alive at all times to her own
interests. "Am I to understand that you are the housekeeper?"

"I am acting as housekeeper at present," was Mirrable's answer. "When my
lord went to town, after my lady's death, the housekeeper went also, and
has remained there. I have taken her place. Lord Elster--Lord Hartledon,
I mean--has not lived yet at Hartledon, and we have had no
establishment."

"Then who are you?"

"I was maid to Lady Hartledon for many years. Her ladyship treated me
more as a friend at the last; and the young gentlemen always did so."

"_Very_ good," cried the untrue voice. "And, now, Mirrable, you can go
down and send up some tea for myself and Lady Maude. What time do we
dine?"

"Mr. Elster ordered it for eight o'clock."

"And what business had _he_ to take orders upon himself?" and the pale
little eyes flashed with anger. "Who's Val Elster, that he should
interfere? I sent word by the servants that we wouldn't dine till nine."

"Mr. Elster is in his own house, madam; and--"

"In his own house!" raved Lady Kirton. "It's no house of his; it's his