Before the housekeeper had time to reply, or the lady's maid had time to pour out her cold coffee, the drawing-room bell rang. And soon after Jovial entered to say that Mrs. Brudenell required the attendance of Phœbe. The girl rose at once and went up to the drawing room.
"How is the countess this morning?" was the first question of Mrs. Brudenell.
"My lady is sleeping; she has had a bad night; I thought it best not to awake her," answered Phœbe.
"You did right. Let me know when she is awake and ready to receive me. You may go now."
Phœbe returned to her cold and comfortless breakfast, and had but just finished it when a second bell rang. This time it was her mistress, and she hurried to answer it.
The countess was already in her dressing-gown and slippers, seated before her toilet-table, and holding a watch in her hand.
"Oh, Phœbe," she exclaimed, "how could you have disobeyed me so! It is after ten o'clock!"
"My lady, I will tell you the truth. You were so restless last night that you could not sleep, and I was so anxious for fear you were going to be ill, that indeed I could not. And so I lay awake listening at you till after four o'clock this morning, when I dropped off out of sheer exhaustion, and so I overslept myself until half-past nine; and then my lady, I thought, as you had had such a bad night, and as it was too late for you to keep your appointment with yourself, and as you were sleeping so finely, I had better not wake you. I beg your pardon, my lady, if I did wrong, and I hope no harm has been done."
"Not much harm, Phœbe; but something that should have been finished by this time is yet to begin—that is all. In future, Phœbe, try to obey me."
"Indeed I will, my lady."