“Certainty not. I hope he will give you no more trouble either, dear Lady Emily. But if I might presume to advise you, I would say—Get well as soon as you can, and leave this place.” “Why should I? You frighten me. Mr. Arnold is very kind to me.” “The place quite suits Lady Emily, I am sure, Margaret.” “But Lady Emily is not so well as when she came.” “No, but that is not the fault of the place,” said Lady Emily. “I am sure it is all that horrid man’s doing.” “How else will you get rid of him, then? What if he wants to get rid of you?” “What harm can I be doing him—a poor girl like me?” “I don’t know. But I fear there is something not right going on.” “We will tell Mr. Arnold at once,” said Mrs. Elton. “But what could you tell him, ma’am? Mr. Arnold is hardly one to listen to your maid’s suspicions. Dear Lady Emily, you must get well and go.” “I will try,” said Lady Emily, submissive as a child. “I think you will be able to get up for a little while tomorrow.” A tap came to the door. It was Euphrasia, inquiring after Lady Emily. “Ask Miss Cameron to come in,” said the invalid. She entered. Her manner was much changed—was subdued and suffering. “Dear Miss Cameron, you and I ought to change places. I am sorry to see you looking so ill,” said Lady Emily. “I have had a headache all day. I shall be quite well to-morrow, thank you.” “I intend to be so too,” said Lady Emily, cheerfully. After some little talk, Euphra went, holding her hand to her forehead. Margaret did not look up, all the time she was in the room, but went on busily with her needle. That night was a peaceful one. CHAPTER XXII. THE RING. shining crystal, which Out of her womb a thousand rayons threw. BELLAY: translated by Spenser. The next day, Lady Emily was very nearly as well as she had proposed being. She did not, however, make her appearance below. Mr. Arnold, hearing at luncheon that she was out of bed, immediately sent up his compliments, with the request that he might be permitted to see her on his return from the neighbouring village, where he had some business. To this Lady Emily gladly consented. He sat with her a long time, talking about various things; for the presence of the girl, reminding him of his young wife, brought out the best of the man, lying yet alive under the incrustation of self-importance, and its inevitable stupidity. At length, subject of further conversation failing, “I wonder what we can do to amuse you, Lady Emily,” said he.