"Beg your pardon, miss, but air you one of the family?"
"No, sir. I am lady Kingsland's companion."
"Oh, a domestic!" said Mr. Parmalee, as if to himself. "Who'd a' thought it? Lady Kingsland's companion? Which of 'em? There's two, ain't there?"
"Sir Everard's mother has left Kingsland Court. I am companion to Sir
Everard's wife."
"Ah! jest so! Got married lately, didn't he! Might I ask your name, miss?"
"I am Sybilla Silver."
"Thanky," said Mr. Parmalee, with a satisfied nod. "So much easier getting along when you know a person's name. Married a Miss Hunsden, didn't he—the baronet?"
"Yes. Miss Harriet Hunsden."
"That's her. Lived with her pa, an old officer in the army, didn't she? Used to be over there in America?"
"Yes. Did you know her?"