"I have come here, some distance, to request an interview with Lady Chandos. I hear she is indisposed; but not, I trust, too much so to grant it to me."
"I'm sorry you should have taken the trouble," bluntly returned Hill, who was in one of her ungracious moods. "My lady cannot see any one."
"My business with her is of importance."
"I can't help that. If all England came, Lady Chandos could not receive them."
"To whom am I speaking?—if I may inquire," resumed the lady.
"I am Mrs. Hill. The many-years' confidential attendant of Lady Chandos."
"You share her entire confidence?"
"Her entire confidence, and that of the family."
"I have heard of you. It is not every family who possesses so faithful a friend."
"Anything you may have to say to her ladyship, whatever its nature, you can, if you please, charge me with," resumed Hill, completely ignoring the compliment. "I do not urge it, or covet it," she hastily added, in an uncompromising tone. "I only mention it because it is impossible that you can see Lady Chandos."