'Well, it appears Jane's sister wants to come and be your housemaid, and you won't let her, and she's very disappointed. You've no idea how badly you've behaved to Jane's sister.'
'Fancy! How horrid of me! Tell me some more.'
'And it's all through Miss Yeo. In fact, Anne's enmity to Jane's sister is quite extraordinary—unheard of. By some deep and malicious plot it seems she prevented you yielding to your better nature—or something—and there it is. Oh, Hyacinth, I wish she hadn't! It makes your aunt so nasty to me. Yes, I get the worst of it, I can tell you.'
'Poor Charles! I am sorry. If I'd known that you were going to suffer for it, I should have insisted on engaging her. Is it too late now? I believe we've got another housemaid, but can't she come too?'
'I fear it is too late. And when Janet has got accustomed to a grievance she doesn't like having it taken away either. No, nothing can be done. And I am having a time of it! However, it's a great comfort to see you. You're never worried are you?'
'Never worried! Why, Charles, if you only knew—of course I've been divinely happy, but just now I'm in real trouble.'
He looked at her.
'But I can't bear anyone to know it.'
'Then don't tell me,' he said.
'Oh, I must tell you! Besides, very likely you'll hear it soon.' Then she added,' It's not impossible that Cecil and I may separate.'