Carbury, my lady, that the person I last served--
I really cannot give her her title in your ladyship's presence!--
has left England for America. Mrs. Carbury knows that I quitted
the person of my own free will, and knows why, and approves of my
conduct so far. A word from your ladyship will be amply sufficient
to get me the situation.'
'Very well, Mrs. Rolland, I have no objection to be your reference,
under the circumstances. Mrs. Carbury will find me at home to-morrow
until two o'clock.'
'Mrs. Carbury is not well enough to leave the house, my lady.
Her niece, Miss Haldane, will call and make the inquiries, if your
ladyship has no objection.'
'I have not the least objection. The pretty niece carries
her own welcome with her. Wait a minute, Mrs. Rolland.
This lady is Miss Lockwood--my husband's cousin, and my friend.
She is anxious to speak to you about the courier who was in the late
Lord Montbarry's service at Venice.'
Mrs. Rolland's bushy eyebrows frowned in stern disapproval of
the new topic of conversation. 'I regret to hear it, my lady,'
was all she said.
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