on't trace back further than Adam, does she? And we all
do about that," was the answer.

Here the conversation was interrupted. Bertha was summoned to receive
visitors.

The instant Maurice returned his grandmother attacked him. "Maurice,
that woman's presence here is insupportable; there is no use of argument
on the subject; I have made up my mind,--go and dismiss her at once, and
seek somebody else!"

May not Maurice be pardoned for losing his temper and answering with
considerable irritation,--"Have I not clearly explained to you, madame,
that I cannot do anything of the kind? I have engaged her for a month,
and I cannot turn her away without a good reason; here she must remain
until the time expires."

"Pay her double her wages, and let her go!" urged the countess.

"Once more, and for the last time," cried Maurice, determinedly, "I tell
you, I cannot and will not!"

"Then send her to me!" answered the countess.

Maurice did not stir; she repeated, in a more commanding voice, "Send
her to me, I say!"

Maurice reluctantly went to his father's room and returned with Mrs.
Gratacap. Before the countess could commence the formal address she had
prepared, the good woman took a chair, and with complacent familiarity,
sat down beside her, saying, "Well, and what is it? I hope you feel a
little better. I'm afraid you've a deal of _bile_; really, it ought to
be looked after; if you can just get rid of it you'll be a deal more
comfortable."

"Woman"--began the countess.

Mrs. Gratacap interrupted her, but without the least show of ill-temper.

"Now I tell you, if it's all the same to you, I'd just as lief you'd
call me by my name, and that's 'Gratacap'--'Mrs. Gratacap!' Fair play's
a jewel, you know, and you didn't like my calling your grandson a 'young
man' even, but politely begged that I'd term him 'Mr. Gramont;' so you
just call me by my name, and I'll return the compliment."

"I choose to avoid the necessity of calling you anything," returned the
countess, when Mrs. Gratacap allowed her to speak. "You are discharged!
I desire you to leave my house" (the countess always imagined herself in
her chateau, or some mansion to which she had the entire claim), "leave
my house within an hour."

"Hoighty-toighty! here's a pretty kettle of fish! But it's no use
talking; I'm settled for a month! that's my engagement."

"I am aware of it; you will receive double your month's wages and go!"

"I'll receive nothing of