"And these preparations are for her?"

Sheila said nothing: there was that in the tone of her husband's voice
which was gradually bringing her to herself, and giving her quite
sufficient firmness.

"And now that this girl has come up, I suppose you mean to introduce
her to all your friends; and I suppose you expect those people who are
coming in half an hour to sit down at table with a kitchen-maid?"

"Mairi," said Sheila, standing quite erect, but with her eyes cast
down, "is my cousin."

"Your cousin! Don't be ridiculous, Sheila. You know very well that
Mairi is nothing more or less than a scullery-maid; and I suppose you
mean to take her out of the kitchen and introduce her to people, and
expect her to sit down at table with them. Is not that so?" She did
not answer, and he went on impatiently: "Why was I not told that this
girl was coming to stay at my house? Surely I have some right to know
what guests you invite, that I may be able at least to ask my friends
not to come near the house while they are in it."

"That I did not tell you before--yes, that was a pity," said Sheila,
sadly and calmly. "But it will be no trouble to you. When Mrs.
Lorraine comes up at two o'clock there will be luncheon for her
and for her friends. She will not have to sit down with any of my
relations or with me, for if they are not fit to meet her, I am not;
and it is not any great matter that I do not meet her at two o'clock."

There was no passion of any sort in the measured and sad voice, nor
in the somewhat pale face and downcast eyes. Perhaps it was this
composure that deceived Frank Lavender: at all events, he turned and
walked out of the house, satisfied that he would not have to introduce
this Highland cousin to his friends, and just as certain that Sheila
would repent of her resolve and appear in the dining-room as usual.

Sheila went down stairs to the kitchen, where Mairi still stood
awaiting her. She gave orders to one of the servants about having
luncheon laid in the dining-room at two, and then she bade Mairi
follow her up stairs.

"Mairi," she said, when they were alone, "I want you to put your
things in your trunk at once--in five minutes if you can: I shall be
waiting for you."

"Miss Sheila!" cried the girl, looking up to her friend's face with a
sudden fright seizing her heart, "what is the matter with you? You are
going to die!"

"There is nothing the matter, Mairi. I am going away."

She uttered the wor