“To protect your interests and property,” exclaimed the housekeeper.
“Giving me credit for not knowing my own mind, and making me look absurd in the eyes of my friends.”
“I didn’t mean to do anything of the kind, sir,” said Mrs Lloyd, stoutly.
“I’ll grant that; and that you did it through ignorance,” said Trevor.
“I don’t want to see the place I’ve taken care of for years go to ruin,” said Mrs Lloyd.
“I’ll grant that too,” said Trevor, “and that you and your husband have been most faithful servants, and are ready at any time to give an account of your stewardship. I feel your zeal in my interests, but you must learn to see, Mrs Lloyd, that you can carry it too far. I daresay, too, that for all these years you and your husband have felt like mistress and master of the house, and that it seems hard to give up to the new rule, and to render the obedience that I shall exact; but, Mrs Lloyd, you are a woman of sound common sense, and you must see that your conduct to me has been anything but what it should be.”
“I’ve never had a thought but for your benefit!” exclaimed Mrs Lloyd.
“I believe it, Mrs Lloyd—I know it; but tell me frankly that you feel you have erred, and no more shall be said.”
Mrs Lloyd gave a gulp, and stood watching the fine, well-built man before her.
“It grieves me, I assure you, to have to speak as I do, Mrs Lloyd,” continued Trevor; “but you must see that things are altered now.”