At once she saw the way open before her, and sent the young woman with a message to ask if between twelve and one the next day would be convenient for a visit respecting the character of a servant.
Mrs. Armstrong had been very much interested in this young housemaid, who was not, however, sufficiently acquainted with her business, and on that account only she had parted with her.
It so happened that when the girl brought the message Mrs. Armstrong was engaged, otherwise she would have questioned her kindly respecting her new situation.
All, therefore, that could be done was to answer the message, which merely asked if Mrs. Armstrong could see a lady about Jane's character at the time named.
The reply in the affirmative gave Mrs. Halford the opportunity of paying an unexpected visit so far as her name went, but of this she was not aware when she presented herself next morning at the appointed time and sent in her card.
Mary and her mother were seated in the library, the former at the easel, the latter at work, when the servant entered.
"The lady about Jane's character, ma'am," she said, as she offered the card to her mistress.
Without reading it, Mrs. Armstrong laid it on the table by her side.
The next moment Mrs. Halford was ushered into the room.
Two of the three who then met so unexpectedly never forgot that meeting.