"Yes, madam," replied Emilia, faintly, glad of the opportunity of hiding her distress of mind, "if you say it is." "Of course. You will observe that it places you in an unexpectedly favorable position. Leaving my service of your own accord will make it easier for you to obtain another situation, if such should be your desire. Wait a moment. I should like your signature to be witnessed." She rang the bell, and a maid appeared, a new servant who had arrived only that evening. "I rang for you, Jane, to witness Miss Braham's signature to this paper. You can write?" "Oh, yes, ma'am." "Miss Braham has read the document, and perfectly understands its terms. That is the truth, is it not, Miss Braham?" "Yes, madam," said the helpless girl. "You hear, Jane? Now, Miss Braham, you can sign it if you wish." Emilia wrote her name, and Jane wrote hers as witness, proud of the confidence reposed in her. Then Mrs. Seaton gave the new servant some whispered instructions, and she left the room. Had Emilia's agitation allowed her, she could not have failed to notice that while Jane was in the room Mrs. Seaton's voice was kind and considerate, in striking contrast to the tone in which she spoke when they were alone. "And now, Miss Braham," said Mrs. Seaton, folding up the paper and pocketing it with an air of triumph, "you will leave my house at once." "At once, madam!" exclaimed the bewildered girl. "This instant. I will not allow you to remain in it another hour. As the mother of a family I have a duty to perform. Your presence here is a contamination." "I will not answer your insults, madam," faltered Emilia, "but it is night and rain is falling----" "That is not my affair. You are well known, and can easily find lodgement with some of your friends----" "I have none. You surely cannot be so cruel as to drive me away at such an hour." "I am prepared for anything you may say. The paper you have signed fully protects me from any base statements you may make when you are no longer under my roof. You have no friends? Why, there is Mr. Paget. Do you think I have been blind to your goings on? Assignations, secret meetings, under my very eyes. Go to him. I have no doubt you know where to find him." "Madam!" "Oh, you may madam me as much as you like; it will not alter my determination. Ah, Jane"--to the new servant who entered the room--"have you locked the door of the room which Miss Braham occupied?" "Yes, ma'am." "And brought her box down?" "Yes, ma'am." "Give me the key of the room. That will do, my good girl; I do not require you any more. Go down-stairs and get your supper. Leave the door open." The merciless woman waited until Jane had reached the basement and was out of hearing; then she spoke again. "If you cannot take your box with you to-night, you can send for it in the morning, but once out of my house you do not enter it again. Go immediately, or I will send for the police."