“I see that you did not like her, but it is possible that your dislike may have been the result of jealousy rather than have arisen from any really good reason, so I wish you to make an effort to disabuse your mind of anything but justice in replying to my questions about her.”
CHAPTER XV.
THE BEAUTIFUL FACE OF ISABEL.
“When did Isabel Benton first make her appearance in the household?”
“About a year ago—perhaps a little more.”
“Who recommended her?”
“I do not know. She came one afternoon and entered at once upon her duties. Nobody offered me any word of explanation and I sought none.”
“Naturally. Did her duties conflict with yours at all?”
“Not at all. I attended my mistress’ person. Isabel was more of a waiting maid, constantly in attendance. My duties were in the bedchamber and with the wardrobe; hers were entirely general.”
“Still you were jealous.”
“I suppose so. I thought Isabel unnecessary. There was nothing to do that I could not attend to.”