face was paler than usual; her eyes had lost
something of their piercing brightness. She stopped outside Carmina's
door. Mrs. Gallilee requested her to enter the room.

After an instant--only an instant--of hesitation, Miss Minerva crossed
the threshold. She cast one quick glance at Carmina, and lowered her
eyes before the look could be returned. Mrs. Gallilee discovered no mute
signs of an understanding between them. She turned to the governess.

"Have you been here already this morning?" she inquired.

"No."

"Is there some coolness between you and my niece?"

"None, madam, that I know of."

"Then, why don't you speak to her when you come into the room?"

"Miss Carmina has been ill. I see her resting on the sofa--and I am
unwilling to disturb her."

"Not even by saying good-morning?"

"Not even that!"

"You are exceedingly careful, Miss Minerva."

"I have had some experience of sick people, and I have learnt to be
careful. May I ask if you have any particular reason for calling me
downstairs?"

Mrs. Gallilee prepared to put her niece and her governess to the final
test.

"I wish you to suspend the children's lesson for an hour or two," she
answered.

"Certainly. Shall I tell them?"

"No; I will tell them myself."

"What do you wish me to do?" said Miss Minerva.

"I wish you to remain here with my niece."

If Mrs. Gallilee, after answering in those terms, had looked at
her niece, instead of looking at her governess, she would have seen
Carmina--distrustful of her own self-control--move on the sofa so as to
turn her face to the wall. As it was, Miss Minerva's attitude and look
silently claimed some explanation.

Mrs. Gallilee addressed her in a whisper. "Let me say a word to you at
the door."

Miss Minerva followed her to the landing outside. Carmina turned again,
listening anxiously.

"I am not at all satisfied with her looks, this morning," Mrs. Gallilee
proceeded; "and I don't think it right she should be left alone. My
household duties must be attended to. Will you take my place at the
sofa, until Mr. Null comes?" (_"Now,"_ she thought, "if there is
jealousy between them, I shall see it!")

She saw nothing: the governess quietly bowed to her, and went back
to Carmina. She heard nothing: although the half-closed door gave
her opportunities for listening. Ignorant, she had entered the room.
Ignorant, she left it.

Carmina lay still and silent. With noiseless step, Miss Minerva
approac