returned to the book she was reading.

Meantime, flurried and impatient, the lady above stairs pulled at the
bell-rope, growing more nervous and angry with every pull, until at
last, as she heard her brother's step in the hall, she went out to him
and said, "I wish you'd send that girl to me. I've rung at least fifty
times; and dare say she's enticing Ben again. I knew it would be so."

Going hurriedly down the stairs, Mr. Browning sought out Rosamond and
said to her, "My sister is ringing for you."

"I know it, sir;" and the brown eyes, which heretofore had seemed so
soft and gentle, flashed upon him an expression which puzzled him.

"Then why do you not go?" he asked; and the young girl replied, "I
shall not wait upon, her any more."

"_Rosamond!_" said Mr. Browning. There was severity in the tone of his
voice, and Rosamond roused at once.

"She says I am _vulgar_, and _low-born_, and have designs upon Ben,"
said she, "and it's a falsehood. My mother was as much a lady as she.
I am _not_ vulgar, and I hate Ben, and I won't stay here if I must
wait on _her_. Shall I go away?"

If Rosamond left, the life of the house went with her. This Mr.
Browning knew; but man-like, he did not wish to be conquered by a
woman, and after questioning her as to the nature of Mrs. Van
Vechten's offence, he answered, "My sister says some foolish things, I
know, but it is my request that you attend to her while she stays, and