"A girl, miss, who has called, and has asked very particularly to see Miss Howland. She's rather a common sort of girl, miss, although I dare say she means well." "I will go and see her myself," said Aneta; "perhaps I can convey a message from her to Miss Howland, for I know she won't be back for some little time." Agnes, quite relieved in her mind, turned down the back-stairs and went to attend to her numerous duties. A few minutes after, Aneta, in all her slim grace, stood in the hall and confronted Tildy. Aneta was herself going out; she was going out with Mademoiselle Laplage. They had some commissions to execute. The day was a foggy one, and they were both rather in a hurry. Nevertheless, Aneta stopped to say a kind word to Tildy. Tildy gazed at her with open-eyed admiration. Beautiful as the house was, this young lady was indeed a radiant and dazzling vision. "She made me sort o' choky," said Tildy as she related the circumstance afterwards to Mrs. Martin. "There was a hair about her. Well, much as I loves our Miss Maggie, she ain't got the hair o' that beauteous young lady, with 'er eyes as blue as the sky, and 'er walk so very distinguishified." "What can I do for you?" said Aneta now, in a kind tone. Tildy dropped an awkward curtsy. "I've come, miss," she said, "to see our Miss Maggie." "Miss Howland is out," said Aneta. "Oh, miss!" replied Tildy, the corners of her mouth beginning to droop, "that's crool 'ard on me. Do you think, miss, if I may make so bold as to inquire, that Miss Maggie 'll be in soon?" "I do not think so," replied Aneta; "but I can convey any message you like to her, if you will trust me." "Oh miss," said Tildy, worshipping Aneta on the spot, "who wouldn't trust one like you?" "Well, what is it? What can I do for you?" "I was maid, miss--maid-of-all-work--at Shepherd's Bush when Miss Maggie and 'er ma used to live there; and when Mrs. 'Owland married Martin the grocer they was that kind they took me to live at Laburnum Villa. It's a very rich and comfortable 'ouse, miss; and the way they two goes on is most excitin'. It's joke, joke, and play, play, from morn till night--that's the ma and steppa of Miss Maggie. I've brought a letter from Mrs. Martin to be delivered straight to Miss Maggie." "I can give it to her," said Aneta in her calm voice. "You'll per'aps mention, miss," said Tildy, taking the letter from her pocket, "as I called, and as I love our dear Miss Maggie as much as I ever did. You'll per'aps say, miss, with my dutiful respects, that my 'eart is 'ers, and always will be." "I will give her a kind message," said Aneta, "and safely deliver her mother's letter to her. I am afraid there's no use in asking you to stay, as Miss Howland is very much occupied just now." "Very well, miss, I've delivered my message faithful." "You have." As Aneta spoke she herself opened the hall-door. "Good-day, miss," said Tildy, dropping another curtsy, "and I wishes you well." "Good-day," replied Aneta.