"I'm not so sure of that," muttered the woman, as she curtsied

respectfully and went away, looking as if the letter had not

been found.

Dean was Miss Beaufort's maid, a grave, middle-aged woman with keen eyes

and a somewhat grim air. Having been long in the family, she enjoyed all

the privileges of a faithful and favorite servant. She loved her young

mistress with an almost jealous affection. She watched over her with the

vigilant care of a mother and resented any attempt at interference on

the part of others. At first she had pitied and liked Jean Muir, then

distrusted her, and now heartily hated her, as the cause of the

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increased indifference of Coventry toward his cousin. Dean knew the

depth of Lucia's love, and though no man, in her eyes, was worthy of her

mistress, still, having honored him with her regard, Dean felt bound to

like him, and the late change in his manner disturbed the maid almost as

much as it did the mistress. She watched Jean narrowly, causing that

amiable creature much amusement but little annoyance, as yet, for Dean's

slow English wit was no match for the subtle mind of the governess. On

the preceding night, Dean had been sent up to the Hall with costumes and

had there seen something which much disturbed her. She began to speak of

it while undressing her mistress, but Lucia, being in an unhappy mood,

had so sternly ordered her not to gossip that the tale remained untold,

and she was forced to bide her tune.

Now I'll see how she looks after it; though there's not much to be got

out of her face, the deceitful hussy, thought Dean, marching down the

corridor and knitting her black brows as she went.

"Good morning, Mrs. Dean. I hope you are none the worse for last night's

frolic. You had the work and we the play," said a blithe voice behind

her; and turning sharply, she confronted Miss Muir. Fresh and smiling,

the governess nodded with an air of cordiality which would have been

irresistible with anyone but Dean.

"I'm quite well, thank you, miss," she returned coldly, as her keen eye

fastened on the girl as if to watch the effect of her words. "I had a

good rest when the young ladies and gentlemen were at supper, for while

the maids cleared up, I sat in the 'little anteroom.'"

"Yes, I saw you, and feared you'd take cold. Very glad you didn't. How

is Miss Beaufort? She seemed rather poorly last night" was the tranquil

reply, as Jean settled the little frills about her delicate wrists. The

cool question was a return shot for Dean's hint that she had been where

she could oversee the interview between Coventry and Miss Muir.

"She is a bit tired, as any lady would be after such an evening.

People who are used to play-acting wouldn't mind it, perhaps, but

Miss Beaufort don't enjoy romps as much as some do."




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