“Of course not, ma’am, and I am sorry I forgot myself.” Hester spoke in a subdued voice; she turned her back on Nance, who did not see the angry and vindictive flash in her eyes. “Shall I take down your hair now, ma’am?” she asked, speaking in a tone almost of servility. “Thank you, no, I prefer to wait on myself to-night.” “As you please, ma’am. I have left everything ready and comfortable in your bedroom. You are quite sure you would not like me to help you to get into bed?” “Quite sure, thank you.” “Very well, ma’am, then I think with your permission I’ll go to Leah; I am not at all nervous with the insane, but Leah, strong as she looks, gets quite overpowered at times.” “But surely Leah has not the care of Mrs. Cameron by herself?” asked Nance. The words were almost forced from her, for she had the greatest dislike to discussing the matter with Hester. “Oh! yes, ma’am, I assure you it is so—those two always sleep alone in the Queen Anne wing. After all, it is only occasionally that it is necessary for Leah to have assistance. Well, I’ll go to her now—I like to be good-natured.” “Good night,” said Nance. “Good night, madam; I hope you’ll sleep well.” CHAPTER XVI. THE LADY IN THE WOOD. True to her promise Lady Georgina arrived at nine o’clock the following day to take Nance for a ride. They had an hour and a half of vigorous exercise, and Mrs. Rowton returned home with spirits raised in spite of herself. A letter from her husband awaited her—it was dated from a big London hotel and was written late the evening before. She seized it, opened it eagerly, and with eyes full of passionate love and anxiety, devoured the contents. The letter was short, and although every word breathed affection, there was little or no information to be obtained from the hurried scrawl. “I am leaving England, Nance, for a short time,” wrote her husband. “I cannot give you any information with regard to where I am going. In short, my darling must make up her mind to do without hearing from me for a few weeks. I know this is hard on you, Nance, as it also is on me. The fates are bitterly hard on us both, but we married, did we not, accepting the position, and we must now endeavour to make the best of things. Unexpectedly some day I shall be again at your side. Meanwhile, believe that I am well, very well; believe that I will take all possible care of myself, for your sweet sake; believe also, that all my heart is yours—my best thoughts are yours. Good-bye, my angel. “Your loving “ADRIAN. “P.S.—Do not mention to anyone that I am out of England for a time. You can say, if questioned, that I am detained on business in town.” “No, I won’t tell a lie,” said Nance to herself proudly.