"Yes. I can't give the words; but she was saying, in her silky way, that Miss Jessie was so much altered since she met her at the sea-shore, so obstinate and demonstrative, vulgarized, as one might say, if anything so very beautiful could be vulgarized. But didn't Mr. Lee think that a companion who followed her pupil into society was rather a drawback, and apt to get a predominating influence over that of the parents? Was he certain of Miss Jessie's friend,--of her prudence and disinterestedness? Of course, she had no right to give an opinion: but when the time came for a young lady to enter society, was there no reason to think that a household companion, like Miss Hyde, might become a dangerous counsellor? Of course, Mr. Lee knew best, his wisdom was never at fault; but would not a companion, perfectly dependent, and who had some experience in society, produce a better result?
"I wish you could 'a' seen Mr. Lee's face, Miss Hyde. He looked up all of a sudden, and his eyes flashed fire; Babylon saw it, and looked down as if butter wouldn't melt in her mouth; and then he took her hand in his,--it wasn't the first time, Miss Hyde, I'd bet my head on that, for it all came too easy--and I've seen what I have seen;--then he said how difficult it was to find such a person,--one who was an ornament to society, and yet willing to live in a place like that which Mrs. Lee's illness made, in some sort, like a prison.
"She left her hand in his, and lifted her eyes to his face sideways--you know how--and said a few words almost in a whisper. I couldn't catch the first word, but he turned red as fire and lifted her hand to his lips, almost; then he dropped it again and begged her pardon."
I had no power to stop Lottie's narrative. The import of this conversation struck me with a sudden pang. It seemed as if sentence of death had been pronounced upon me. What could I do? Where on earth was a home like that to be found? What would Jessie and Mrs. Lee do without me? That woman in my place! The thought was anguish. I almost hated her.
Lottie stood by the bed, looking at me, with trouble in her face.
"I knew that it would be a blow; but this is worse than I expected," she said. "How white you are--how your lips quiver! But don't take on so. Let them try it; let Babylon do her worst--she'll find her match. I've learned a thing or two, since she came, that I didn't know before,--especially how to droop your eyelids and look meek, then open 'em quick and flash out fire. It's taking, I've tried it with--with--"