Hester Winsome, from an upper window, looked after his retreating form.
“I guess who you are,” she said to herself. “You don’t know all that I know. Some day perhaps you and I may be friends, there is no saying. Ah! my young lady, you’re a deep one, but you are not quite as deep as Hester Winsome yet.”
As Nancy was leaving the library she came suddenly face to face with Mrs. Ferguson.
“I beg your pardon, madam,” said the housekeeper, “but may I speak to you for a moment?”
“Certainly,” answered Nance; “is anything the matter?”
“I am ashamed to trouble you, Mrs. Rowton. It is about that tiresome George—he has just given notice to leave.”
“George,” said Nance with a start, her colour flushing; “I thought that you liked him.”
“He is an excellent servant, madam, and gives complete satisfaction; but the fact is, he has taken fright on account of the new safe. The safe arrived this morning and the men have been busy putting it up all day. It is a wonderful safe, and they tell me there is not a burglar in the land who can break into it. It is worth your while to come and see it, ma’am.”
“So I will presently,” answered Nance; “but tell me now about George.”