CHAPTER VII. THE MAN IS COMING.
“You look very pale this morning, my child.”
Mercy sighed wearily. “I am not well,” she answered. “The slightest noises startle me. I feel tired if I only walk across the room.”
Lady Janet patted her kindly on the shoulder. “We must try what a change will do for you. Which shall it be? the Continent or the sea-side?”
“Your ladyship is too kind to me.”
“It is impossible to be too kind to you.”
Mercy started. The color flowed charmingly over her pale face. “Oh!” she exclaimed, impulsively. “Say that again!”
“Say it again?” repeated Lady Janet, with a look of surprise.
“Yes! Don’t think me presuming; only think me vain. I can’t hear you say too often that you have learned to like me. Is it really a pleasure to you to have me in the house? Have I always behaved well since I have been with you?”