Blogs and book

'He is a
very interesting character. A relation of yours, I suppose?'
'Yes, he is a relation,' replied Steadman. 'He is very old, and his mind
has long been gone. Her ladyship is kind enough to allow me to give him
a home in her house. He is quite harmless, and he is in nobody's way.'
'Of course not, poor soul. He is only a burden to himself. He talks as
if his life had been very weary. Has he been long in that sad state?'
'Yes, a long time.'
Steadman's manner to Lady Mary was curt at the best of times. She had
always stood somewhat in awe of him, as a person delegated with
authority by her grandmother, a servant who was much more than a
servant. But to-day his manner was more abrupt than usual.
'He spoke of Maulevrier Castle just now,' said Mary, determined not to
be put down too easily. 'Was he once in service there?'
'He was. Pray how did you find your way into this garden, Lady Mary?'
'I came through the stable. As it is my grandmother's garden I suppose I
did not take an unwarrantable liberty in coming,' said Mary, drawing
herself up, and ready for battle.


Pages:
403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427