Cora's position was a very delicate and embarrassing one. She did not believe that this former nursery governess of hers was or ever had been a proper companion for her. She herself--Cora Rothsay--was now a widow with an independent income, and was at liberty to choose her own companions and make her home wherever she might choose.
But how could she leave her aged and widowed grandfather, who had no other daughter or granddaughter, or any other woman relative to keep house for him? And yet how could she associate daily with a woman whose presence she felt to be a degradation?
As we have seen, she knew and felt that it would be vain to oppose her grandfather's wish to have Mrs. Stillwater in the house, especially as he had already invited her and sent her the money to come--unless she should tell him of that secret interview she had witnessed between Mr. Fabian and Mrs. Stillwater. That, indeed, might banish Rose from Rockhold, but it would also bring down a domestic cataclysm that must break up the household and separate its members.
No, she could say nothing, do nothing that would not make matters worse. She must let events take their course, bide her time and hope for the best, she said to herself, as she arose and rang the bell.
"It is Martha whom I want. Send her here," said the lady.
The man went out and the upper housemaid came in.
"Yes. Do you remember the room occupied by my nursery governess years ago?"
"Yes, ma'am; the front room on the left side of the hall on the third story."
"Yes; that is the room. Have it prepared for the same person. She will be here to-morrow evening."
"Good--Lord!" involuntarily exclaimed old Martha; "why, we haven't heard of her for a dozen years. What a sweet creeter she was, though, Miss Cora. I thought as she'd a married a fortin' long ago."
"She has been married and widowed. At least she says so."
"A widow, poor thing! And is she comin' to be a companion or anything?"
"Oh! very well, Miss Cora; I will have the room ready in time."
When the old woman had left the room Cora sat down to her writing desk and wrote two letters--one to Mr. Fabian Rockharrt, Hotel Trois Freres, Paris; the other to Cadet Sylvanus Haught, West Point, N.Y.
When she had finished and sealed these she put them in the mail bag that was left in the hall to be taken at daybreak by the groom to North End post office. Then she retired to rest.