"I heard it, sir. I was surprised. It wasn't like ordinary music."
"Oh, you thought so, did you? For heaven's sake don't repeat your thoughts to Mrs. Wyndham. You look a sensible young woman."
Esther dropped a curtsey.
"I hope I am," she said in a demure voice.
"Has your mistress a maid—a maid she likes?"
"No. I render her what little services are necessary."
"Can you stay in her room to-night? She ought not to be alone."
"I will sleep on the sofa in my mistress' room."
"That is right. Don't allude to the music in the street if you can help it."
Carr ran downstairs and went away, and Esther, slowly and hesitatingly, entered the drawing-room.