“Thank you, sir!” said Sir Charles. He took her voice for a man's, so deep and guttural was her “A—a—men” with concentrated passion.
She closed the door and crept back to her mistress.
Lady Bassett was seated at her glass, with her hair down and her shoulders bare. Mary clinched her teeth, and set about her usual work; but very soon Lady Bassett gave a start, and stared into the glass. “Mary!” said she, “what is the matter? You look ghastly, and your hands are as cold as ice. Are you faint?”
“No.”
“Then you are ill; very ill.”
“I have taken a chill,” said Mary, doggedly.
“Go instantly to the still-room maid, and get a large glass of spirits and hot water—quite hot.”
Mary, who wanted to be out of the room, fastened her mistress's back hair with dogged patience, and then moved toward the door.
“Mary,” said Lady Bassett, in a half-apologetic tone.
“My lady.”