of speech, not lacking in humour, of impeccable
taste in dress, and to all appearances not a day older than
forty-five, despite hair like snow that framed a face of rich
but indisputably native complexion.

In her regard, when it was accorded exclusively to Sally, the girl
divined a mildly diverted question, quite reasonable, as to her choice
of travelling costume. Otherwise her reception was cordial, with
reservations; nothing warranted the assumption that Mrs. Gosnold (Aunt
Abby by her legitimate title) was not disposed to make up her mind
about Miss Manwaring at her complete leisure. Interim she was very
glad to see her; any friend of Adele's was always welcome to Gosnold
House; and would Miss Manwaring be pleased to feel very much at home.

At this point Mrs. Standish affectionately linked arms with her
relation and, with the nonchalant rudeness that was in those days
almost a badge of caste, dragged her off to a cool and dusky corner of
the panelled reception-hall to acquaint her with the adulterated facts
responsible for the phenomenon of Miss Manwaring.

"Be easy," Mr. Savage comforted the girl airily; "trust Adele to get
away with it. That young woman is sure of a crown and harp in the
hereafter if only because she'll make St. Peter himself believe black
is white. You've got nothing to worry about. Now I'm off for a bath
and nap; just time before luncheon. See you then. So-long."

He blew a most debonnaire kiss to his maternal aunt and trotted
lightly up the broad staircase; and as Sally cast about for some place
to wait inconspicuously on the pleasure of her betters, Mrs. Gosnold
called her.

"Oh, Miss Manwaring!"

The girl responded with an unaffected diffidence apparently pleasing
in the eyes of her prospective employer.

"My niece has been telling me about you," she said with an engaging
smile; "and I am already inclined to be grateful to her. It isn't
often--truth to tell--she makes such prompt acknowledgment of my
demands. And I'm a most disorderly person, so I miss very much the
services of my former secretary. Do come nearer."

Sally drew within arm's-length, and the elder woman put out a hand and
caught the girl's in a firm, cool, friendly grasp.

"Your first name?" she inquired with a look of keen yet not unpleasant
scrutiny.

"Sarah," said Sarah bluntly. "Man'aring" stuck in her guilty throat.

"S-a-r-a," Mrs. Standish punctiliously spelled it out.

"Thank you; I recognise it now." A sh