“Who is that?” asked Nancy of Hester.
“She is the caretaker of the poor mad lady,” replied Hester.
“Then what is she doing in this part of the house?”
“She was only talking to me about her charge, Mrs. Rowton. She says that poor Mrs. Cameron is very queer to-night, and Leah wanted to know if I would go and help her to sit up with her.”
“Well, of course you won’t, Hester,” said Nance. “I do not know anything about the case, but you surely want your night’s rest, and I am sure Mr. Rowton——”
“Oh!” said Hester, with a toss of her head, “Mr. Rowton would not interfere with a thing of this sort. Leah does want help at times, for Mrs. Cameron is terribly violent. Indeed, I cannot make out why she is not put into an asylum like other mad ladies.”
“It is not your business to discuss that question,” replied Nance.
“Of course not, ma’am, and I am sorry I forgot myself.” Hester spoke in a subdued voice; she turned her back on Nance, who did not see the angry and vindictive flash in her eyes. “Shall I take down your hair now, ma’am?” she asked, speaking in a tone almost of servility.
“Thank you, no, I prefer to wait on myself to-night.”