"My curious lady's conscience must be a little active! Let's see what is to come of this." It is hardly in the nature of woman to look very lovingly upon the servant whom she has discovered peeping into her letters.

At least, it was not in my nature.

I, therefore, treated Mary with becoming gravity, whenever we happened to meet.

She, under the circumstances, was ill at ease; and rather shunned contact with me.

The morning passed away, and the afternoon waned until towards five o'clock, when the accumulating pressure on Mary's feelings became so great that she was compelled to seek relief.
I was alone, sewing, when my chamber maid entered my room.