Mrs. Ellmother arrived, punctual to the appointed time. She was shown into Miss Ladd’s own room. Francine--ostentatiously resolved to take no personal part in the affair--went for a walk. Emily waited to hear the result. After a long interval, Miss Ladd returned to the drawing-room, and announced that she had sanctioned the engagement of Mrs. Ellmother. “I have considered your wishes, in this respect,” she said. “It is arranged that a week’s notice, on either side, shall end the term of service, after the first month. I cannot feel justified in doing more than that. Mrs. Ellmother is such a respectable woman; she is so well known to you, and she was so long in your aunt’s service, that I am bound to consider the importance of securing a person who is exactly fitted to attend on such a girl as Francine. In one word, I can trust Mrs. Ellmother.” “When does she enter on her service?” Emily inquired. “On the day after we return to the school,” Miss Ladd replied. “You will be glad to see her, I am sure. I will send her here.” “One word more before you go,” Emily said. “Did you ask her why she left my aunt?” “My dear child, a woman who has been five-and-twenty years in one place is entitled to keep her own secrets. I understand that she had her reasons, and that she doesn’t think it necessary to mention them to anybody. Never trust people by halves--especially when they are people like Mrs. Ellmother.” It was too late now to raise any objections. Emily felt relieved, rather than disappointed, on discovering that Mrs. Ellmother was in a hurry to get back to London by the next train. She had found an opportunity of letting her lodgings; and she was eager to conclude the bargain. “You see I couldn’t say Yes,” she explained, “till I knew whether I was to get this new place or not--and the person wants to go in tonight.” Emily stopped her at the door. “Promise to write and tell me how you get on with Miss de Sor.” “You say that, miss, as if you didn’t feel hopeful about me.” “I say it, because I feel interested about you. Promise to write.” Mrs. Ellmother promised, and hastened away. Emily looked after her from the window, as long as she was in view. “I wish I could feel sure of Francine!” she said to herself. “In what way?” asked the hard voice of Francine, speaking at the door. It was not in Emily’s nature to shrink from a plain reply. She completed her half-formed thought without a moment’s hesitation. “I wish I could feel sure,” she answered, “that you will be kind to Mrs. Ellmother.” “Are you afraid I shall make her life one scene of torment?” Francine inquired. “How can I answer for myself? I can’t look into the future.” “For once in your life, can you be in earnest?” Emily said. “For once in your life, can you take a joke?” Francine replied. Emily said no more. She privately resolved to shorten her visit to Brighton. BOOK THE THIRD--NETHERWOODS. CHAPTER XXXII. IN THE GRAY ROOM.