She prattled on in this way for a long time, talking of a hundred
different subjects, and ridiculing the people she had met at the races,
for her maid's amusement. Her step-daughter came into the dressing-room
to bid her good-night, and found the maid and mistress laughing aloud
over one of the day's adventures. Alicia, who was never familiar with
her servants, withdrew in disgust at my lady's frivolity.

"Go on brushing my hair, Phoebe," Lady Audley said, every time the girl
was about to complete her task, "I quite enjoy a chat with you."

At last, just as she had dismissed her maid, she suddenly called her
back. "Phoebe Marks," she said, "I want you to do me a favor."

"Yes, my lady."

"I want you to go to London by the first train to-morrow morning to
execute a little commission for me. You may take a day's holiday
afterward, as I know you have friends in town; and I shall give you a
five-pound note if you do what I want, and keep your own counsel about
it."

"Yes, my lady."

"See that that door is securely shut, and come and sit on this stool at
my feet."

The girl obeyed. Lady Audley smoothed her maid's neutral-tinted hair
with her plump, white, and bejeweled hand as she reflected for a few
moments.