Opening the door at once, Kate Henderson approached her, and asked what she wanted.
With an air of half pride, half shame, the country girl drew herself up, and stared full and steadfastly at the speaker, and so continued till Kate repeated her question.
“Sure you're not Miss Mary?” replied she, by questioning her in turn.
“No, but if I can be of any use to you—”
“I don't think you can,” broke she in, with a manner almost haughty; “it's somebody else I 'm wanting.”
“If you wish to see Miss Martin, I 'll go and fetch her,” said Kate.
“I did n't say it was her I wanted to see,” replied she, with a calm and almost severe composure.
“Maybe her Ladyship?” asked Kate, far more interested than repelled by the other's manner.
“It's none of them at all,” rejoined she. “I came here to speak to one that I know myself,” added she, after a long pause; “and if he isn't gone, I want to see him.”
“Oh, I think I can guess now,” said Kate, smiling. “It is the Counsellor from Dublin, Mr. Repton.”