id one cannot--in the
nature of things--it's impossible, I fear, to expect--my mother to live
very much longer." Her voice caught in a dry strangled cough. "Dr.
Christopher has warned us. After my mother's death my life, of course,
will be very different. I shall live very quietly--a good deal in the
country and abroad, I expect.

"I shall not, of course, have a secretary."

"I quite understand," said Lizzie quietly.

"I want you to know, Miss Rand," Lady Adela continued, "that although
during all these years I have seemed very unappreciative.... It is not
my way--I find it difficult to express--But I have, nevertheless, been
very conscious--we have all been--of the things that you have done for
me, indeed for the whole house. You have been admirable; quite
admirable."

"I have been very happy here," said Lizzie.

"I am very glad of that. I must have seemed often very blind to all that
you were doing. But I should like you to know that it is more--it is
more--than simply your duty to the house--it is the many things that you
have done personally for me. You have not yourself been, I dare say,
aware of the effect that your company has had upon me. It has been very
great."

Lizzie smiled. "I've loved the house and the work. It has meant a very
important part of my life. I shall never forget it."

Their embarrassment was terrible. After a moment of struggle Lady
Adela's voice was hard and unconcerned again. "You know, Miss Rand,
that--when the time comes for this change--anything that I, or any of
us, can do ... I do not know what your own plans may be, but you need
have no fear, I think."

"Thank you very much, Lady Adela. That is very kind."

There was a little pause--then they said good night.

As Lizzie went down the great staircase, on every side of her, the
stones of the house were whispering, "You're all going--you're all
going--you're all going."

Her heart was very sad.

II

As she passed the Regent Street Post Office Francis Breton came out of
it. They had not met often lately, but she was conscious that ever since
that interview in Regent's Park, they had been very good friends. Her
absorption with Rachel and affairs in the Portland Place house had
assisted her own resolution and she had thought that she could meet him
now without a tremor. Nevertheless the tremor came as she caught sight
of him there and, for a moment, the traffic and the shouting died away
and there was a great stillness.