"Yes, ma'am."
"And, Esther, if you can make them understand, civilly, I mean, that I never wish to see one of them again, I shall feel infinitely obliged."
"Yes, ma'am." And the girl turned towards the door; then with a rush she swept back to Dolly, and said, with tears pouring down her cheeks,
"I cannot bear to see you like this, ma'am. Don't be angry with me for asking, but is there any new trouble?"
Without a moment's hesitation Mrs. Mortomley answered,
"Don't be a simpleton, Esther. There is trouble enough and to spare, but do as I tell you, and you shall know all about it when they are gone."
Dolly had one royal quality—she could trust implicitly. It stood her in good stead in the weary, weary times to come.
CHAPTER XIV.
KLEINWORT IS SYMPATHETIC.
Some eighteen months before that especial September of which I am now writing, Mrs. Mortomley's then maid announced her intention of marrying. She did not, however, wish to inconvenience her mistress, and would stay with her till suited.