[CHAPTER X.]
ROMA SEEKS A NEW MAID.
Roma's rage and grief at her mother's failure to set matters straight between her and Devereaux were beyond all expression.
But, for very pride's sake, she concealed the deepest bitterness of her heart.
She could not accuse her gentle mother of wanton carelessness, for the tears stood in her deep-blue eyes as she told the story of her interview, concluding sadly:
"Do not think, my darling, that I did not do my best to bring him to reason, putting pride away, and telling him how devotedly you loved him, and that it would break your heart to lose him now. He was cold and unresponsive to all my pleadings, and as good as said he was glad to be free of you. I confess I lost my temper at the last, and told him I despised him, before I came away."
Roma did not speak, she only tapped the rich carpet with a restless foot, indicative of a white heat of repressed anger; but Mrs. Clarke did not read her mood aright; she thought she was bearing the blow with fortitude.
In her keen sympathy she exclaimed: