“Yes; but I cannot wait for that just now,” said Nance.
“You must, Nance: we really must see the thing complete,” said Lady Georgina.
“Well, if I must, I must,” replied Mrs. Rowton.
She sat down before her glass with a good-humoured sigh.
“There are some disadvantages in being rich,” she said, smiling up into Lady Georgina’s face.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE BLACK DIAMOND AGAIN.
While Hester was busy dressing Nancy’s hair Lady Georgina seated herself near, and began chatting volubly as usual.
“By the way,” she said, after a moment’s pause, “I am told there has been another robbery in the neighbourhood. The burglars broke into Belton Priory last night. Fortunately they were heard before they committed much mischief.”
Nance listened to this information with somewhat languid interest, but Hester, who was sweeping some of her mistress’s beautiful hair over a high pillow, started violently, and dropped the pad which she was using to the floor. When she raised her head again after stooping to pick it up, her whole face was scarlet.