Certainly, with all his faults, Sir Lawrence had his temper splendidly under control; for he did not even look annoyed. Perhaps he felt that he had no right to resent anything she might say, since she could never insult him half as much as he was injuring her. However this may be, he was very patient, and tried industriously to soothe and satisfy her. But Lady Gwendolyn had heard enough by this time. She rose from her knees, cold and benumbed, and stole out of the house where she had thought to reign queen, in stealth, like a thief. How she got to Borton Station she could never remember, but she did get there, and, eventually, to the hotel, where she found Phœbe waiting for her, and evidently anxious. “Get me to bed as quickly as you can,” said her mistress hoarsely; and not another word did she speak. Phœbe, who did not like her looks, sat beside her for an hour; and then, as she seemed to be sleeping quietly, she went to bed. In the morning Lady Gwendolyn was very pale, but perfectly composed. Motioning Phœbe to her bedside, she said, with a little tremor in her voice: “Phœbe, circumstances over which I have no control force me to leave Sir Lawrence for good. You have behaved exceedingly well ever since you have been in my service, and I should like to keep you with me; at the same time, I should not like to injure your prospects in any way. I shall live very quietly; I shall not even call myself by my real name. People will look suspiciously on me, perhaps; and you will hear their remarks, and feel annoyed and humiliated at being supposed to live with a lady whose character will not bear investigation. This is as certain as sorrow and pain. Are you sufficiently attached to me to brave it all?” “Yes, my lady,” replied Phœbe, without a moment’s hesitation. “Then you elect to follow my fortunes?” “Yes, my lady.” “You understand, I hope, that I shall not allow you to presume upon my position, Phœbe?” “I don’t think you will find that I shall ever try to do so, my lady,” answered the girl, with simple dignity. “If I am no worse treated than I have been thus far, I shall have nothing to complain of; and at any time that anything in my manner or conduct displeases your ladyship, you have only to speak, and I will endeavor to alter it.” Lady Gwendolyn held out her hand to the faithful creature. She was desolate enough to feel thankful even for a humble friend like this; and the best service is that which is dictated by affection as well as by duty. That afternoon Lady Gwendolyn had a confidential interview with her solicitor, Mr. Large; gave him a power-of-attorney to receive her dividends, and then, accompanied by Phœbe, she left town. CHAPTER XXIII. A PAINFUL SURPRISE. Several of Sir Lawrence’s--as we must call him now--new neighbors had attended the funeral, and his pleasant but subdued manner impressed them so favorably that they were ready to give him and his wife a cordial greeting when they came to live among them.