But to do
this--with Blanche acting (as might certainly be anticipated) in direct
opposition to her, and openly espousing Miss Silvester's interests--was
manifestly impossible.
The first thing to be done--and that instantly--was to inform Blanche
that she was discovered, and to forbid her to stir in the matter.
Lady Lundie rang the bell twice--thus intimating, according to the laws
of the household, that she required the attendance of her own maid.
She then turned to the cook--still waiting her pleasure, with stony
composure, slate in hand.
"You have done wrong," said her ladyship, severely. "I am your mistress.
You are bound to answer your mistress--"
Hester Dethridge bowed her head, in icy acknowledgment of the principle
laid down--so far.
The bow was an interruption. Lady Lundie resented it.
"But Miss Blanche is _not_ your mistress," she went on, sternly. "You
are very much to blame for answering Miss Blanche's inquiries about Miss
Silvester."
Hester Dethridge, perfectly unmoved, wrote her justification on her
slate, in two stiff sentences: "I had no orders _not_ to answer. I keep
nobody's secrets but my own."
That reply settled the question of the cook's dismissal--the question
which had been pending for months past.
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