“Indeed, ma'am! Where?” exclaimed Laura.
“In the top drawer of the escritoire!”
“I'm sure I searched that drawer, ma'am!”
“Mr. Carteret found it at once. But don't say anything more about it. I don't want the matter talked about. By-the-bye, I mean to drive over to Brackley in the pony-carriage this afternoon, and shall take you with me.”
“I'm always pleased with a drive, ma'am, especially to Brackley,” replied Laura.
As they entered the house, they met the aged butler, who bowed respectfully to his mistress.
“Much obliged to you for thinking of me, ma'am,” he said. “You've always shown me great kindness.”
“Not more than you deserve, Norris,” she replied graciously. “It was quite a misapprehension, I assure you. I never intended to part with you, and should never think of doing so without making you a comfortable provision.”
“I'd rather stay where I am, ma'am,” replied the butler. “After living in it for half a century, a man gets attached to a house.”
“Then rest easy, Norris,” she rejoined. “You shall stay here to the last—that I promise you.”