A swift stab of premonitory disaster prevented Miss Chressham from sending the message that was at first on her lips--a curt refusal to see the Countess Lavinia's maid. Surely something desperate must have occurred before Honoria Pryse would seek her out; but the boy might be mistaken. "Bring her to me," she commanded briefly. Then in the moment that she waited a sudden sense of helplessness, of loneliness, overcame Susannah Chressham. Something was going to happen--something perhaps had happened--to Rose, and she was here alone to meet it, to decide. But when the door again opened she stood braced to face the person she had expected--Lady Lyndwood's maid. Honoria Pryse entered softly. She was simply attired in a shade of dull purple that set off the rich gold colour of her hair; a chip straw shaded her face, and she wore a dark cloak; her manner and bearing was absolutely composed and quiet. She dropped an indifferent curtsey, and waited until the black boy had left them, summing up the while with keen eyes Miss Chressham, who kept her place at the spinet, and spoke as soon as they were alone. "You have come to see me?" she inquired, with a coldness in great contrast to her usual manner. "Yes, madam." "I cannot conceive on what subject." Honoria smiled. "Do you know me, Miss Chressham? I am the Countess's woman, and have been with her since she was a child." "I remember you very well," answered Susannah. "Will you please tell me your errand?" Honoria, still completely at her ease, came further into the room. "I expect, madam, you will be surprised that I come to you, but I believe you will be interested in what I have to say, and I have always known that you were a sensible, cool-headed lady." This was said gravely, without a hint of flattery. Susannah was impressed with a sense of something weighty behind the words--the image of Selina, of Rose, flashed through her mind. What had happened? "Sit down," she said, controlling herself, "and tell me your errand." Honoria calmly seated herself on one of the gilt chairs, and clasped her mittened hands in her lap. "My Lady Agatha is out?" she asked. "Yes, I am alone." Honoria regarded her shrewdly. "You know, madam, that my mistress came here this afternoon?" "No," answered Susannah. "I have been abroad all day." "Will you listen to me for a few moments? I think you will find it to your interest, madam." Miss Chressham twisted her handkerchief in agitated fingers. "Say what you will." A faint smile touched the maid's thin lips. "You were at the masque last night? My lord and my lady were there, as you know. My lady returned about three of the clock, and found a letter from Mr. Hilton with ill news in it. She waited up for my lord, and there followed a scene of some violence--on her part." Miss Chressham interrupted. "What do you mean by recounting to me these things? I will not hear them."