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216 an old domestic, who had formerly lived with Sir Jasper Meredith, entered the hall. He knew Maynard at once; but he, too, demurred about the lateness of the hour. "I know you love your mistress," said Walter, drawing the old man aside; "it is of vital consequence to herself that I should see her alone for a very few moments!" The old man looked at him with a sort of startled surprise; but Walter was too pale and too agitated not to be in earnest. "Come," said he, "to my room, I will take care that you see her ladyship."

Walter followed him into one of those small dark rooms, which so forcibly contrast the general magnificence of London, marking the social distinctions which exist under the same roof. The servant lighted a dull lamp, and left his visitor to a space that, to his impatience, seemed endless. "I have been waiting," said the old man, "till I heard Lord Marchmont go down to supper: my lady is now alone in the dressing