Kate did not answer.
"Did you have to dismiss her, Mother—was it that? Was she dishonest, or something of the sort?"
"No," said Kate, with an odd reluctance. "She was a very good servant in every way, and perfectly devoted to you and to little Katharine."
Jemima looked at her in surprise. It was very unlike the Madam to lose touch with any creature, human or otherwise, who had once faithfully served her. She waited for an explanation.
"Mahaly has never come to Storm," said Kate in a low voice, "since your father's death. She was his servant for many years before I came here."
"Oh!" said Jemima. The negress had evidently been one of her father's loyal supporters, resenting what she must have seen at Storm. "I see! In that case, Mother, I should like to do something for her. People who are faithful to my father—"
There was an uncomfortable stir in the room.
"Mahaly has been given the cottage in which she lives, as a present from you and little Katharine," interrupted Kate.
"I am glad of that," said the girl with a certain stateliness. "I was going to say that people who are faithful to my father must never be forgotten by his children."
"Nor by his wife," said Kate, with quiet dignity....