"Wherever they are, I don't see so much of them as I should." "How considerate of you!" "Isn't it? But they're a bit too formidable even for one of my sober tastes." "I see. They're interesting and clever." "If Low Church and frumpy clothes are cleverness, they're geniuses," he remarked. "Of course, you prefer High Church and low bodices," retorted Mavis. Soon after, Mrs Hamilton and Mavis left the men and went upstairs to the drawing-room. The girl was uneasy in her mind as to how Mrs Hamilton would take the fact of her having considerably eclipsed her employer at table; now that they were alone together, she feared some token of Mrs Hamilton's displeasure. To her surprise and delight, this person said: "You're an absolute treasure." "You think so?" "I don't think; I know. But then, I never make a mistake." "I'm glad you're pleased." "I'm not pleased; delighted is more the word. You're worth your weight in gold." "I wish I were." "But you will be, if you follow my advice. At first, I thought you a bit of a mug. I don't mind telling you, now I see how smart you are." Mavis looked puzzled; the extravagant eulogy of her conduct seemed scarcely to be justified. "You can see Williams is head over ears in love with you. So far, he's been beastly stand-offish to anyone I put him on to," continued Mrs Hamilton. "Indeed!" said Mavis coldly. She disliked Mrs Hamilton's coarse manner of expressing herself. Mrs Hamilton did not notice the frown on the girl's forehead, but went on: "As for that idea of drinking water, it was a stroke of genius." "What?" "My heart went out to you when you insisted on having it, although I pretended to mind." Mavis was about to protest her absolute sincerity in the matter, when Parkins, the maid who had dressed her, came into the room. She whispered to her mistress, at which Mrs Hamilton rose hurriedly and said: "I must leave you for a little time on important business." "What would you like me to do?" asked Mavis. "Particularly one thing: don't leave this room." "Why should I?" "Quite so. But I want someone here when Mr Williams comes upstairs." "I'll stick at my post," laughed Mavis, at which Mrs Hamilton and the comely-looking maid left the room.