"Yes," replied she; "but now you must listen to all I have to say. I am sure that I am doing right in telling you, and therefore nothing shall prevent me. I love my mother--what a sad thing it is that I cannot respect her! I was in the dressing-room, when my mother was lying on the sofa in her bedroom this morning, when her great friend, Mrs Germane, came up. She sat talking with my mother for some time, and they appeared either to forget or not to care if I heard them; for at last your name was mentioned. "`Well, she does dress you and your girls beautifully, I must say,' said Mrs Germane. `Who is she? They say that she is of a good family; and how came she to live with you as a milliner?' "`My dear Mrs Germane, that she does live with me as a milliner is true, and it was for that reason only I invited her to the house; but she is not aware that I retain her in that capacity. She is, I understand from Mrs Bathurst, of a noble family in France, thrown upon the world by circumstances, very talented, and very proud. Her extreme taste in dress I discovered when she was living with Mrs Bathurst; and, when I found that she was about, through my management, to leave Lady R--, I invited her here as a sort of friend, and to stay with my daughters--not a word did I mention about millinery; I had too much tact for that. Even when her services were required, I made it appear as her own offer, and expressed my thanks for her condescension, and since that, by flattery and management, she has continued to dress my daughters for me; and, I must say, that I do believe it has been owing to her exquisite taste that my daughters have gone off so well.' "`Well, you have managed admirably,' replied Mrs Germane; `but, my dear Lady M--, what will you do with her now?' "`Oh,' replied Lady M--, `as Amy will now come out, I shall retain her in my employ until she is disposed of; and then--' "`Yes, then will be the difficulty,' replied Mrs Germane; `after having allowed her to live so long with you as a visitor, I may say, how will you get rid of her?' "`Why, I was puzzling myself about that, and partly decided that it should be done by mortifying her, and wounding her feelings, for she is very proud; but, fortunately, I have found out something which I shall keep to myself, until the time comes, and then I can dismiss her at a moment's warning.' "`Indeed!' said Mrs Germane, `what could you have found out?' "`Well, I will tell you; but you must not mention it again. My maid entered the room the other day, when mademoiselle was receiving a young man who called upon her, and she found them kissing.' "`You don't say so!' "`Yes, a kiss was given, and my maid saw it. Now, I can easily make it appear that my maid never mentioned it to me till the time that it may be convenient to make use of it, and then I can send her away; and if any questions are asked, hint at a little impropriety of conduct.'