"Tell them not to come any more," said she, lifting both hands in nervous appeal.
"They must have their orders," Elizabeth replied; "come what may, everything must go on as usual to the last moment."
Elsie shivered down among her cushions and was silent. She had pulled the sofa close to the hearth, gathered a pile of French novels about her, and sat there trying her best to be comfortable in her feeble way.
"If you would only sit down," she exclaimed, at length.
"I cannot," replied Elizabeth; and resumed her dreary walk.
Then there came more interruptions; Victoria wished to know if they would have luncheon.
"Marster's got in de library wid dem men—'spect missus don't want to go down."
"What is she talking about?" questioned Elsie from her sofa.
"Luncheon," said Elizabeth; "will you have it up here?"
"As if one could eat—"