Phœbe fidgeted about the room for a while, and then, with the freedom of a favorite attendant, she came to the side of the countess and, smiling archly, said:
"My lady."
"Well, Phœbe?"
"People needn't starve, need they, because they are going back to their 'ain countrie'?"
Lady Hurstmonceux smiled faintly, roused herself, and went down to dinner.
On her return to her room she found her maid locking the last trunks.
"Is everything packed, Phœbe?"
"Except the dress you have on, my lady; and I can lay that on the top of this trunk after you put on your traveling dress."
"And you are glad we are going home, my girl?"
"Oh, my lady, I feel as if I could just spread out my arms and fly for joy."