"I am ready," she exclaimed, her face and manner changing in one of those abrupt alternations that made so curious a feature of her character.
"But first," said I, touching the bell, "there is an imposing ceremony to be gone through. I must introduce you to Mrs. Williams, my housekeeper; a very worthy woman, whom you will find a most useful minister to help you in the government of this little kingdom."
When Mrs. Williams entered I said, "This is my housekeeper, Geraldine;" and then to the other, "Mrs. Williams, this lady, I hope, will shortly come here to take possession of Elmore Court as its mistress. I wished her to become acquainted with you."
She curtseyed without any expression of surprise. Geraldine took her hand.
"I am sure I shall like you, Mrs. Williams. The appearance of this house, so far as I have seen, tells me how valuable you will be to me."
"I am grateful for your kind opinion, ma'am," said Mrs. Williams.
"Are you not surprised to hear of Mr. Thornburn's resolution to marry me?" asked Geraldine, in her pretty downright way.
Mrs. Williams smiled quietly.
"I didn't think it would happen so soon," she replied; "but I guessed it would end in his marrying you, ma'am."