The old woman emerged at once from the little passage leading to the kitchen. “Yes,” she said. “Does Madame la Comtesse want anything?”
And again Lily was struck by Cristina’s deathly pallor.
“Bring a glass of water for Mademoiselle”—the words were uttered very curtly.
And then, rather to Lily’s surprise, there came a touch of color in Cristina’s pallid face. She turned away, then came back a few moments later with a glass of water in her hand.
“Thank you very much,” said Lily gratefully. This was a kind thought of Aunt Cosy.
“I have got a candle already lighted in Mademoiselle’s room,” said Cristina.
Holding the glass of water, Lily turned to Aunt Cosy to say good night.
“Take care!” cried the Countess sharply. “You might spill some of that water over my dress. I will not kiss you to-night, dear child, but I will make up for it to-morrow!”
It was clear she was anxious to get rid of the girl before the two men came out of the dining-room, and Lily went off, quickly, upstairs.
Her bedroom looked dreary and uncomfortable, very unlike her pretty, bright room at The Nest.