Whenever a quarrel down stairs took place I never interfered as long as they did not talk loud, but the next day if I noticed any one in the sulks or a tendency to let things go by, I had the furniture of one room changed to another. This required 'all hands' to work together, and I made them fly round so, that when it was done they were only too happy to go to lunch and rest, and I could hear many a joke and pleasant laugh rise from the kitchen table.
One rainy evening, as my sister and myself were sitting in front of the wood fire, exactly two months since the famous contract, and very much in the same position, and talking over everything but it, a timid knock was heard. I said 'come in,' and Sabina entered, looking very healthy and neat—I cannot say pretty, though she had a good figure.
I never asked questions on these occasions. I always made it difficult for them to talk in this, to them, gloomy room.—They had to stumble through themselves.
'Can I speak to you, sir.'
'Certainly, Sabina—go on.'
'I have come to say, sir, that—that—I have came to say, sir, that'—a pause; she looked very guilty.
'That's right, Sabina; you have come to say that—I understand—but what have you come to say?'
'I have come to say, sir, that—I have come to go, sir!'
I controlled myself. She was an excellent chambermaid; understood my ways thoroughly; and did her work well; had always been respectful to me, and was very steady. It would be a great loss, but discipline must be preserved, and my mind was at once made up. My sister looked surprised and sorry right out.
'Well, Sabina, when do you wish to go.'