"Couldn't, my dear--was at Millecolonne's to meet Prince Protocoli--a political dinner which could not be avoided--sent Trewin in my place, and brought Sir Maurice Abercroft with me, so you can't complain for want of medical or paternal attention either." His lordship, after patting her cheek, went out, saying with comfortable imperiousness that she must be ready to start in two hours--Abercroft would set her up for the drive. Forthwith Sir Maurice Abercroft came in and minutely examined Lady Juliana on her injuries. The result was as might have been expected, considering his lordship's wishes, a decision in favor of the proposed removal; and the lady's maid was sent in to do her mistress' toilet. Apparently my lady stood in some little awe of her father, for she submitted without further question, though a petulant cloud was on her beautiful face, as she said, "I would rather stay in this quiet little room, with that solemn Miss Blair, if she would stay, than go home to the Park. This is a new sensation, at the least." Margaret drew nearer and tenderly smoothed the hair back from my lady's brow. "Dear me!" cried Lady Juliana, looking at her, "how pale and exhausted you look, Miss Blair. Why, of course you must feel so--you have been up with me all night, and--good gracious!" becoming suddenly filled with compunction, "how coolly I have taken your great service!" Her ladyship sat upright, flushed by a sudden impulse of gratitude. "Who are your friends?" she asked, with a bright look. "I have none, Lady Juliana. I am looking for some situation by which to be independent of friends." "Oh, how fortunate for me! Would you like--but perhaps you are not qualified. Are you well educated? I think you are." "I have been eight years at a boarding-school, my lady." "Good gracious! I suppose you are as learned as Socrates. I never was at school in all my life! I was kept with Aunt Faulconcourt and beasts of governesses. But here comes papa." The marquis re-entered with a bow, the consolidation of courtly etiquette. "Papa. I was too stupid before to introduce you to Miss Blair. She is the young lady who saved my life. I wish to do something for her." His lordship advanced and held out two fingers. "How can I most suitably thank Miss Blair for her services to my daughter?" "Papa," interposed Lady Juliana, seeing Margaret stand pale and embarrassed before her pseudo-patron, "may she come to Hautville Park instead of Madam Beneant, whom I am so tired of? She would be a more suitable companion than that chattering widow--I am so sick of her flirtations! And I am sure I should be perfectly happy with the generous creature who saved my life." "Shall you consider her ladyship's proposal?" asked the marquis, turning again to Margaret. "Madam Beneant has been my daughter's companion for a year and a half, but she is too old. Her salary was two hundred a year. Yon shall have two hundred and fifty if you decide to come. What do you say?"