"Much obliged to you, Jacob. But when I want your advice in my household affairs, I will ask it. You and Evelyn Crowborough have meddled a good deal too much in them already. Good-night. Hutton will get you a cab." And with a slight but imperious gesture, Lady Henry motioned towards the door. Jacob hesitated, then quietly took his departure. He threw Julie a look of anxious appeal as he went out. But she did not see it; her troubled gaze was fixed on Lady Henry. * * * * * That lady eyed her companion with composure, though by now even the old lips were wholly blanched. "There is really no need for any conversation between us, Miss Le Breton," said the familiar voice. "But if there were, I am not to-night, as you see, in a condition to say it. So--when you came up to say good-night to me--you had determined on this adventure? You had been good enough, I see, to rearrange my room--to give my servants your orders." Julie stood stonily erect. She made her dry lips answer as best they could. "We meant no harm," she said, coldly. "It all came about very simply. A few people came in to inquire after you. I regret they should have stayed talking so long." Lady Henry smiled in contempt. "You hardly show your usual ability by these remarks. The room you stand in"--she glanced significantly at the lights and the chairs--"gives you the lie. You had planned it all with Hutton, who has become your tool, before you came to me. Don't contradict. It distresses me to hear you. Well, now we part." "Of course. Perhaps to-morrow you will allow me a few last words?" "I think not. This will cost me dear," said Lady Henry, her white lips twitching. "Say them now, mademoiselle." "You are suffering." Julie made an uncertain step forward. "You ought to be in bed." "That has nothing to do with it. What was your object to-night?" "I wished to see the Duchess--" "It is not worth while to prevaricate. The Duchess was not your first visitor." Julie flushed. "Captain Warkworth arrived first; that was a mere chance." "It was to see him that you risked the whole affair. You have used my house for your own intrigues." Julie felt herself physically wavering under the lash of these sentences. But with a great effort she walked towards the fireplace, recovered her gloves and handkerchief, which were on the mantel-piece, and then turned slowly to Lady Henry. "I have done nothing in your service that I am ashamed of. On the contrary, I have borne what no one else would have borne. I have devoted myself to you and your interests, and you have trampled upon and tortured me. For you I have been merely a servant, and an inferior--" Lady Henry nodded grimly. "It is true," she said, interrupting, "I was not able to take your romantic view of the office of companion."