then at Eastbury, and it shall be my business to see that the promise is
duly carried out."

"Then I am to remain at Deepley Walls!" said Janet. "I thought it
probable that my visit might be for a few weeks only, as my first one
was."

"From what Lady Chillington said, I imagine that the present arrangement
is to be a permanent one; but she gave no hint of the mode in which she
intended to make use of your services, and that she will make use of you
in some way, no one who knows her can doubt. And now, dear, I must say
good-bye for the present; good-bye and God bless you! You may look to
see me again within the week. Keep up your spirits, and--but here comes
Dance, who will cheer you up far better than I can."

As the Major went out, Dance came in. The good soul seemed quite
unchanged, except that she had grown older and mellower, and seemed to
have sweetened with age like an apple plucked unripe. A little cry of
delight burst from her lips the moment she saw Janet. But in the very
act of rushing forward with outstretched arms, she stopped. She stopped,
and stared, and then curtsied as though involuntarily. "If the dead are
ever allowed to come back to this earth, there is one of them before me
now!" she murmured.

Janet caught the words, but her heart was too full to notice them just
then. She had her arms round Dance's neck in a moment, and her bright
young head was pressed against the old servant's faithful breast.

"Oh, Dance, Dance, I am so glad you are come!"