“I am the mistress of the house. Mrs. Mercer is only the housekeeper,” said the old lady, with an unwonted assumption of dignity. “Please ring the bell, Paul.”
Paul did so.
Presently the housekeeper entered in answer to the summons. She looked askance at Paul.
“Mrs. Mercer,” said her mistress, “you will prepare a room for this young gentleman. He will remain here, for the present.”
Mrs. Mercer looked disagreeably surprised.
“Perhaps you had better read this letter from my niece, Mrs. Holbrook, as it will save explanations.”
The housekeeper read the letter, and her thin lips tightened with displeasure.
“There is no need of your getting a boy to drive you around, ma’am,” she said. “My son is perfectly able to do it.”
“Your son is very apt to be engaged when I want to drive out,” returned the old lady, dryly.