Mrs. Hill tossed her head with a knowing air, and answered:
"Them that told you that, Mr. Mountcastle, wished it might be the case, no doubt, but Miss Farnham is up and dressed, and took breakfast with the family this morning."
"Happy, happy news!" murmured the young man, gladly. "She is better, thank Heaven! Oh, Mrs. Hill, will she be kind enough to come to me and let me thank her for so nobly saving my life?"
"The same ones that were so anxious to keep her abed so long have busied themselves this morning to persuade her that it would be highly improper for her to visit you in your sick-room," replied the worthy housekeeper, swelling with indignation.
"Pshaw! Why, Azalea has been in here a dozen times."
"They told her that was quite different. You see, sir—old friends, and all that."
She saw his lips curl in angry contempt under his mustache, and he exclaimed angrily:
"Mrs. Hill, I will not submit to this hectoring by the Courtneys. Go at once to Miss Farnham, say distinctly that I demand an interview. If she refuses I shall consider myself an unwelcome guest, and depart from Gray Gables within the hour."
"Oh, sir, it would kill you to be moved!"
"No matter. I will not remain."