A lump came into my throat, and tears into my eyes. For a moment or two
I could not answer.

"I don't know anything about my parents," I said. "I never remember
seeing them. I don't know whether they are alive or dead."

"Do you know why you were consigned by the Park Hill people to this
particular house--to Deepley Walls--to me, in fact?"

Her voice was raised almost to a shriek as she said these last words,
and she pointed to herself with one claw-like finger.

"No, ma'am, I don't know why I was sent here. I was told to come, and I
came."

"But you have no claim on me--none whatever," she continued, fiercely.
"Bear that in mind: remember it always. Whatever I may choose to do for
you will be done of my own free will, and not through compulsion of any
kind. No claim whatever; remember that. None whatever."

She was silent for some time after this, and sat with her cold, steady
eyes fixed intently on the fire. For my part, I sat as still as a mouse,
afraid to stir, longing for my dismissal, and dreading to be questioned
further.

Lady Chillington roused herself at length with a deep sigh, and a few
words muttered under her breath.

"Here is a bunch of grapes for you, child," she said. "When you have
eaten them it will be time for you to retire."