Her voice shook a little as she spoke, for her heart was beating high in the hope of victory.
"Please set your hamper right down here, and go to the front door. There is a gentleman just coming in. Say to him that Miss Jean begs to be excused, that she particularly wishes to be excused. Well," imperiously, for the good-natured woman was staring at her stupidly, with gaping mouth and astonished eyes. "Don't you understand me? Put your hamper down at once and do as I tell you."
The woman obeyed her slowly, and wiping her hands on her apron, moved clumsily forward. Farr's foot was already on the step of the veranda, and Miss Stuart had barely time to push open the swinging door and conceal herself behind it, when his clear, quiet voice, addressing the strange servant, broke the stillness.
"Will you please tell Miss Jean Lawrence that Mr. Farr wishes to see her. She is expecting me, I believe."
The woman confused by her hurried orders, and embarrassed by the unusual duty of waiting upon the door, grew very red in the face, as she answered bluntly:
"She says she won't see yer, sir."
Farr stared blankly at her.
"What? Oh, I think you must be mistaken. Just take my message up to Miss Jean, please."
In her hiding-place Miss Stuart clutched tightly at the folds of her gown, and a look of desperation burned in her eyes. But her fears were unfounded. The woman's thickset figure barred the doorway, and she stood her ground stolidly.
"It ain't no use, sir. She told me herself she pertick'ly wouldn't see you, sir."