Page:The time spirit; a romantic tale (IA timespiritromant00snaiiala).pdf/21

 said the sympathetic Eliza. "And it's bound to make the upper servants at Bridport House very jealous."

"It may." The deep tone had almost an edge of disdain. "Anyhow it doesn't matter. I don't go to Bridport House now."

"But you can't tell me, my dear, that they like to hear of her Grace's second maid holding the keys in the housekeeper's room."

The calm Harriet smiled. "But it's only Buntisford, after all. You speak as if it was Bridport House or Ardnaleuchan."

Eliza shook a knowledgeable head. "They won't like it all the same, Hattie. The dad wouldn't have, for one. He was all his life on the estate, but he was turned fifty before he rose to be factor at Ardnaleuchan."

"Well, Eliza"—there was a force, a decision in the words which made an end of criticism—"it's just a matter for the Duke. The place is not of my seeking. I was asked to take it—what else could I do?"

"Don't think I blame you. If it's the wish of his Grace there is no more to be said. Still, there's no denying you've a big responsibility."

At these words a shadow came into the resolute eyes.

Said the elder sister reassuringly, "You'll be equal to the position, never fear. That head of yours is a good one, Hattie. Even Aunt Annie admits that. By the way, have you seen her lately?"

"Seen—Aunt Annie?" said Harriet defensively. The sudden mention of that name produced an immediate change of tone in her distinguished niece.

"She's been asking about you. She wants very much to see you."