"There's a young person sitting in the kitchen: came up and knocked at the door and said she had to wait until a gentleman called. Can't get nothin' out of her." Hawkes brightened up.
"That must be Miss O'Connell," he said. He turned to Mrs. Chichester and asked her if he might bring the young lady in there.
"My niece in the kitchen!" said Mrs. Chichester to the unfortunate footman. "Surely you should know the difference between my niece and a servant!"
"I am truly sorry, madam," replied Jarvis in distress, "but there was nothing to tell."
"Another such mistake and you can leave my employment," Mrs. Chichester added severely.
Jarvis pleaded piteously:
"Upon my word, madam, no one could tell."
"That will do," thundered Mrs. Chichester. "Bring my niece here—at once."
The wretched Jarvis departed on his errand muttering to himself: "Wait until they see her. Who in the world could tell she was their relation."
Mrs. Chichester was very angry.