"Law! Miss! I'm sure I can't say," replied Jane somewhat surprised in her turn at the extraordinary emotion she witnessed, and delighted that so far she had succeeded beyond her hopes. "Then you ought to know; I don't believe one word of it." "It's true all the same, Miss, whether you believe it or no, and I'm sure there's some people as is always picking other people to pieces, and more especially those as is much above them in station; and if I don't mistake Miss Neville thinks herself a mighty fine lady, and as Mason says tries--though she doesn't say she manages it--to turn Mrs. Linchmore round her thumb." A gentle tap at the door here interrupted Jane, and she hastened to open it, but before she could do so the imperious "come in," of Frances was answered by the door softly opening and shutting; a light footstep crossed the room, and Amy Neville herself stood by the table. Frances looked surprised. "This is a most extraordinary intrusion, Miss Neville," said she rising. Then added sarcastically, "to what fortunate circumstance am I to ascribe the pleasure of your company?" "No fortunate circumstance," replied Amy, almost as proudly, "has induced me to come here." "Perhaps unfortunate, then," suggested Frances, in the same tone, still standing, and never asking her visitor to sit down. "You are right," said Amy, quietly. But this quietness enraged Frances, predisposed as she was to quarrel with her, and inwardly hating her, as she did; so she answered, angrily-- "And do you suppose I have nothing better to do than to listen to unfortunate circumstances, related by unfortunate people; for I suppose you are come with some absurd story. I care nothing for you or yours, and have no wish to listen to anything you have to say," and turning away, as rudely as she had spoken, Frances once more seated herself at the table, and desired Jane, who had been looking on in astonishment, to go on with her hair. "But you _must_ listen," replied Amy firmly, her eyes flashing at Frances' insulting tones and speech. "I have something to tell you,--an explanation to give,--a circumstance to explain; indeed you must listen." Frances mused. "Must listen," she repeated presently. "If that is all, pray talk on; as to whether I answer or no remains to be seen. No one ever yet compelled me to do aught against my will; therefore I advise Miss Neville,--determined as she seems,--to think twice before she puts me to the test. I must also state I am rather hurried, the dressing bell having rung long since." And Frances carelessly wound the two long plaits Jane had plaited round her head. "I have little to say; I shall not detain you long." "Pray begin," said Frances. "Jane be more careful, that hair-pin hurts me. Well, Miss Neville?" But Amy answered-- "What I have to say is for your ear alone; Jane cannot be present." "I have no secrets from Jane; you need have no fear of her repeating anything she hears."