here always, and Lady Chillington would hardly know how to get through
the day without her."

"Is she not a relative of Lady Chillington?" I asked.

"No, not a relative," answered Dance. "You must try to love her a great
deal, my dear Miss Janet; for if angels are ever allowed to visit this
vile earth, Sister Agnes is one of them. But there goes her ladyship's
bell. She is ready to receive you."

I had washed away the stains of travel, and had put on my best frock,
and Dance was pleased to say that I looked very nice, "though, perhaps,
a trifle more old-fashioned than a girl of your age ought to look." Then
she laid down a few rules for my guidance when in the presence of Lady
Chillington, and led the way to the Green Saloon, I following with a
timorous heart.

Dance flung open the folding-doors of the big room. "Miss Janet Hope to
see your ladyship," she called out; and next moment the doors closed
behind me, and I was left standing there alone.

"Come nearer--come nearer," said her ladyship's cracked voice, as with a
long, lean hand she beckoned me to approach.

I advanced slowly up the room, stopped and curtsied. Lady Chillington
pointed out a high footstool about three yards from her chair. I
curtsied again, and sat down on it. During the interview that followed
my quick eyes had ample opportunity for taking a mental inventory of
Lady Chillington and her surroundings.