Wonder as much as you please, good friend;
only conduct me immediately to the duchess.
I doubt whether her ladyship receives calls to-day," stammered the
servant, hesitatingly.
"Then go and ask; and, that I may learn her answer as soon as
possible, I will accompany you."
With a commanding air, she motioned to the servant to go before her;
and he could not summon up courage to gainsay this proud beauty.
In silence they traversed the suite of stately apartments, and at
length stood before a door hung with tapestry.
"I must beg you to wait here a moment, my lady, so that I can
announce you to the duchess, who is there in her boudoir."
"No, indeed; I will assume that office myself," said Miss Holland,
as with strong hand she pushed back the servant and opened the door.
The duchess was sitting at her writing-table, her back turned to the
door through which Arabella had entered. She did not turn round;
perhaps she had not heard the door open. She continued quietly
writing.
Miss Arabella Holland with stately step crossed the room, and now
stood close to the chair of the duchess.
"Duchess, I would like to speak with you," said she, coolly and
calmly.
The duchess uttered a cry and looked up. "Miss Holland!" cried she
amazed, and hastily rising. "Miss Holland! you here with me, in my
house! What do you want here? How dare you cross my threshold?"
"I see you still hate me, my lady," said Arabella, smiling.
Pages:
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350