By-and-by, Dolly knew her guests would become clamorous for tea. Well, her _rôle_ was ended. She had not asked much from man, and the little she did entreat was denied. She took her head out of the evergreen, and walked back to the house, and upstairs to her dressing-room.
"Esther,"--this to her maid--"I shall not go down again to-night. My compliments to Mr. Deane and the other gentlemen. I have a bad headache; and let them have tea."
"And get rid of them as soon as you can."
"And, Esther, if you can make them understand, civilly, I mean, that I never wish to see one of them again, I shall feel infinitely obliged."
"Yes, ma'am." And the girl turned towards the door; then with a rush she swept back to Dolly, and said, with tears pouring down her cheeks,
"I cannot bear to see you like this, ma'am. Don't be angry with me for asking, but is there any new trouble?"
Without a moment's hesitation Mrs. Mortomley answered,
"Don't be a simpleton, Esther. There is trouble enough and to spare, but do as I tell you, and you shall know all about it when they are gone."
Dolly had one royal quality--she could trust implicitly. It stood her in good stead in the weary, weary times to come.
Some eighteen months before that especial September of which I am now writing, Mrs. Mortomley's then maid announced her intention of marrying. She did not, however, wish to inconvenience her mistress, and would stay with her till suited.
"By no means," said Mrs. Mortomley, who, being taken by surprise, was disgusted at the announcement. "You have been very secret about your love affairs, Jones; but of course I cannot complain. Tell me when you wish to leave, and leave. I can suit myself at once."
Whereat Miss Jones smiled. After all, lady's maids who understand their work are as scarce as good and economical cooks.
Nevertheless, Dolly stood her ground; Jones had not treated her with the confidence she thought she deserved, and she should go; and she did go, and the marriage never took place.
Her _fiancé_ had not proposed to remove his beloved immediately from Homewood, and when he found Mrs. Mortomley quite decided in the matter, he repented him of his offer.
So Miss Jones procured another situation, and Mrs. Mortomley had no maid.