At that moment I detected a rustle in the hall. My hearing was always singularly acute,--Jessie used to say that I was like a wild animal in that respect,--and I felt confident that I heard some one stealing away from behind us. I started up at once, hurried into the hall, and met Cora, Mrs. Dennison's maid, face to face. She was running off--I could have sworn to that; but the moment she heard my step she turned toward me with her usual composure and pleasant smile. "What do you want here, Cora?" I asked, more sharply than I often spoke to a dependant; for, of all people in the world, it is my habit to treat servants kindly. "Pray, what brings you into this hall?" "I was just coming to look for my mistress, ma'am. Excuse me; I didn't know it was wrong." "I have not said that it was," I answered, still convinced that she had been listening; "but our own domestics are never permitted to pass through this hall unless called." "I will remember--I beg pardon." "Mrs. Dennison is not here." "Oh! excuse me--" She stopped. I saw her curtsy, turned, and there stood Mr. Lee, looking at me gravely. He had heard my ill-natured tone, and could see the flush of anger on my face. "What is the matter, Miss Hyde?" he asked, quietly enough; but the tone displeased me, and I replied with a good deal of sharpness,-- "I am not aware of anything, sir; Cora was searching for her mistress." "That is right enough, I am sure." "She is not here," I continued, feeling a savage pleasure in the words I spoke; "she is out in the woods with Mr. Lawrence." Mr. Lee colored slightly, but managed to conceal his discomposure. Cora hurried away after giving me a spiteful glance, and Jessie, who had heard my words, came into the hall. "Mrs. Dennison told me that she should be busy all the morning in her room," she said, quickly. "I can't help what she said, my dear; I only know that I saw her walking with Mr. Lawrence." "Surely it is her privilege, if she feels disposed, to walk with any person," Mr. Lee said, laughing with a very bad grace, while Jessie looked much disturbed. "I have no desire to interfere with the lady's movements," I said, my temper still in the ascendant; "but I see no necessity for saying one thing and doing another." Mr. Lee appeared surprised at my outburst. I dare say it was not lady-like; but I am not made of stone, and my real feelings will peep out occasionally. "I am afraid Mrs. Dennison would think you spoke harshly to her servant," he said. "I shouldn't like a guest in this house to be annoyed." For the first time I was angry with Mr. Lee. I was not a dependant; I was not accustomed to anything but affection and respect in that house, and the reproof in his voice, added to my own feeling of self-dissatisfaction, made me quite furious. "Sir," I said, "you have always requested us not to permit servants to enter this hall; when you wish to change any of your regulations, be good enough to inform me in advance."