“Very well, darling, let it be as you wish. That will not be very long to wait, and meantime I shall call the high and mighty ones into counsel,” he replied, with a sly laugh, which brought the ever-ready color into her cheeks again. CHAPTER XXVII “SHE IS NOT BENEATH ME.” Contrary to her own and Brownie’s expectations, and somewhat to the disappointment of the latter, Lady Ruxley decided to return to West Malling the next afternoon. She had taken cold the night previous, and was not so well as usual, and thought she would feel better to be at home. “I shall come soon, my darling,” Adrian had managed to whisper, as he handed Brownie into the carriage, and then stood wistfully watching it until it was out of sight. Lady Ruxley reached home about five, where she found awaiting her a summons to Vallingham Hall. Lady Randal was planning a musical _soirée_, to come off the following week, and requested her aunt to lend her Miss Dundas’ services for the occasion. She also stated that it would take three or four days’ practice to prepare for the occasion; meanwhile they were invited to make the Hall their home, she promising that her ladyship should have every comfort and attention, and be assigned rooms in as quiet a portion of the house as possible. “It will do the child good; she has perked up wonderfully in the last two days by just going over to Dunforth Castle,” mused the old lady, who continued to marvel at the wondrous change in her usually sad companion. Wholly unmindful of the aches and pains which had hurried her home from Dunforth Castle, she rang the bell a furious peal for her maid. “Pack up a week’s supply of clothing, and have it ready by ten to-morrow. We go to Vallingham Hall for a seven days’ visit.” With which command, she left the astonished Minnett and hobbled away to find Brownie and impart the news to her. Brownie, as soon as she had removed her wrappings, repaired to the conservatory, and was greatly surprised when she heard Lady Ruxley’s cane come clinking over the tiled floor, supposing her to be snug in bed, and enjoying the delights of a rousing rum-sweat—her favorite remedy for colds and rheumatics. “I thought I should find you here,” her ladyship said, as Brownie arose quickly and came forward to lead her to a chair. “You like birds and flowers, don’t you?” she added, keenly regarding the lovely, smiling face and sparkling eyes. “Yes, my lady, I am exceedingly fond of them. But are you not imprudent to come here, where it is so damp, with your cold?” she asked, as she seated her and placed a hassock at her feet. She was ever tenderly mindful of her comfort. “No, no, child; I’m all right now I am home again. I never feel well when I’m visiting—that is,” she hastened to add “in strange places. It did you good, though; you have more color, and look brighter.”