"Miss Braham has read the document, and perfectly understands its terms. That is the truth, is it not, Miss Braham?"
"Yes, madam," said the helpless girl.
"You hear, Jane? Now, Miss Braham, you can sign it if you wish."
Emilia wrote her name, and Jane wrote hers as witness, proud of the confidence reposed in her. Then Mrs. Seaton gave the new servant some whispered instructions, and she left the room.
Had Emilia's agitation allowed her, she could not have failed to notice that while Jane was in the room Mrs. Seaton's voice was kind and considerate, in striking contrast to the tone in which she spoke when they were alone.
"And now, Miss Braham," said Mrs. Seaton, folding up the paper and pocketing it with an air of triumph, "you will leave my house at once."
"At once, madam!" exclaimed the bewildered girl.
"This instant. I will not allow you to remain in it another hour. As the mother of a family I have a duty to perform. Your presence here is a contamination."
"I will not answer your insults, madam," faltered Emilia, "but it is night and rain is falling----"
"That is not my affair. You are well known, and can easily find lodgement with some of your friends----"