She stopped. I saw her curtsy, turned, and there stood Mr. Lee, looking at me gravely. He had heard my ill-natured tone, and could see the flush of anger on my face.
"What is the matter, Miss Hyde?" he asked, quietly enough; but the tone displeased me, and I replied with a good deal of sharpness,—
"I am not aware of anything, sir; Cora was searching for her mistress."
"That is right enough, I am sure."
"She is not here," I continued, feeling a savage pleasure in the words I spoke; "she is out in the woods with Mr. Lawrence."
Mr. Lee colored slightly, but managed to conceal his discomposure.
Cora hurried away after giving me a spiteful glance, and Jessie, who had heard my words, came into the hall.
"Mrs. Dennison told me that she should be busy all the morning in her room," she said, quickly.
"I can't help what she said, my dear; I only know that I saw her walking with Mr. Lawrence."
"Surely it is her privilege, if she feels disposed, to walk with any person," Mr. Lee said, laughing with a very bad grace, while Jessie looked much disturbed.