y Scapegrace and Mrs. Lumley, hating
each other, were, of course, inclined to be excessively kind to me--I
formed a bond of union between the foes. We three, particularly with
such a weapon as the tongue of Mrs. Lumley, were more than a match for
any number of our own sex, and most of the other ladies gave in at
once. Only Miss Molasses held out, and eyed me once more with an
expression of eager malice for which I could not easily account. I
remarked, too, that she seemed restless and fidgety, glanced anxiously
ever and anon at the door by which the gentlemen would join us, and
seemed uncomfortable if any of us approached an empty chair which was
next to her seat. I began to have my suspicions of Frank Lovell,
notwithstanding all his asseverations. I determined to watch him
narrowly; and _if_ I found my misgivings were true--if I discovered he
was false and treacherous, why, then, I would--after all, what _could_
I do? It stung me to think how powerless I was.

Now, the establishment of Scamperley, although doubtless the bonds of
domestic discipline were by no means over-tightly drawn, was one in
which servants, from the stately curly-headed "groom of the chambers,"
down to the little boy in green that was always too late for the post,
had more than enough upon their hands. In the first place, nobody ever
seemed to think of going to bed much before daylight. This entailed a
breakfast, protracted by one late sleeper after another till
luncheon-time; that meal was of unusual magnificence and variety;
besides which, a hot repast, dressed by the French cook, and
accompanied by iced champagne, etc., required to be served in one of
the woods for the refreshment of Sir Guy's shooting guests. Then in
the afternoon there were constant fresh arrivals and rooms to be got
ready; for when the host and hostess were at home they kept the house
full, and the day concluded with a large dinner-party, at which seldom
less than sixteen sat down to discuss the inspirations of Monsieur
Horsd'oeuvre and the priceless wines of Sir Guy. No wonder the
servants looked tired and overworked, though I fancy the luxury and
good living _downstairs_ was quite equal to that which elicited
encomiums from _bon-vivants_ and connoisseurs above. Nevertheless, it
was but just that they too should have their share of relaxation and
amusement; therefore did Sir Guy in his generosity give an annual
servants' ball, which he attended and opened himself in a state