"Tell the housekeeper I would like to see her now," said Lady
Vincent.
Katie tossed her head and went out. Katie was already jealous of the housekeeper.
In a few minutes Mrs. Murdock entered.
"I hope your leddyship is better," she said, courtesying.
"I am better; do not stand; sit down on that chair beside me," said
Claudia kindly.
The dame sank slowly into the offered seat and said: "Will your leddyship please to take onything?"
"Nothing, just yet."
"Can I do naething for you, me leddy?"
"Yes, thank you; you can take that flagon of carmelite water on the stand beside you and bathe my forehead and temples while you sit there," said Claudia slowly and hesitatingly; for she was thinking how best to open the subject that occupied her mind. At length, while the dame was carefully bathing her head, Claudia said, with assumed carelessness:
"Mrs. Dugald is very beautiful."