ur out her cold coffee, the drawing-room bell rang. And soon after
Jovial entered to say that Mrs. Brudenell required the attendance of
Phoebe. The girl rose at once and went up to the drawing room.

"How is the countess this morning?" was the first question of Mrs.
Brudenell.

"My lady is sleeping; she has had a bad night; I thought it best not to
awake her," answered Phoebe.

"You did right. Let me know when she is awake and ready to receive me.
You may go now."

Phoebe returned to her cold and comfortless breakfast, and had but
just finished it when a second bell rang. This time it was her mistress,
and she hurried to answer it.

The countess was already in her dressing-gown and slippers, seated
before her toilet-table, and holding a watch in her hand.

"Oh, Phoebe," she exclaimed, "how could you have disobeyed me so! It
is after ten o'clock!"

"My lady, I will tell you the truth. You were so restless last night
that you could not sleep, and I was so anxious for fear you were going
to be ill, that indeed I could not. And so I lay awake listening at you
till after four o'clock this morning, when I dropped off out of sheer
exhaustion, and so I overslept myself until half-past nine; and then my
lady, I thought, as you had had such a bad night, and as it was too late
for you to keep your appointment with yourself, and as you were sleeping
so finely, I had better not wake you. I beg your pardon, my lady, if I
did wrong, and I hope no harm has been done."

"Not much harm, Phoebe; but something that should have been finished
by this time is yet to begin--that is all. In future, Phoebe, try to
obey me."

"Indeed I will, my lady."

"And now do my hair as quickly as possible."

Phoebe's nimble fingers soon accomplished their task.

"And now go order the carriage to come round directly; and then bring me
a cup of coffee," said the lady, rising to adjust her own dress.

Phoebe hurried off to obey, and soon returned, bringing a delicate
little breakfast served on a tray.

By the time the countess had drunk the coffee and tasted the rice
waffles and broiled partridge, the carriage was announced.

Mrs. Brudenell met her in the lower hall.

"Ah, Berenice, my dear, I am glad to see that you are going for an
airing at last. The morning is beautiful after the storm," she said.

"Yes, mamma," replied the countess, rather avoiding the interview.

"Which way will you drive, my dear?"

"I think through the valley; i