But hothouse grapes are nicer than mysteries, and how is it
possible to give one's serious attention to two things at a time?
When I had finished the grapes, I put my plate back on the table.
"Ring that bell," said Lady Chillington. I rang it accordingly, and
presently Dance made her appearance.
"Miss Hope is ready to retire," said her ladyship.
I arose, and going a step or two nearer to her, I made her my most
elaborate curtsey, and said, "I wish your ladyship a very good-night."
The ghost of a smile flickered across her face. "I am pleased to find,
child, that you are not entirely destitute of manners," she said, and
with a stately wave of the arm I was dismissed.
It was like an escape from slavery to hear the door of the Green Saloon
close behind me, and to get into the great corridors and passages
outside. I could have capered for very glee; only Mrs. Dance was a staid
sort of person, and might not have liked it.
"Her ladyship is pleased with you, I am sure," she remarked, as we went
along.
"That is more than I am with her," I answered, pertly. Mrs. Dance looked
shocked.
"You must not talk in that way, dear, on any account," she said. "You
must try to like Lady Chillington; it is to your interest to do so. But
even should you never learn to like her, you must not let anyone know
it."
"I'm sure that I shall like the lady that you call Sister Agnes," I
said.
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