This mystery must end, and that very night.
When the shadows fell and the evening meal was ready, she put away her work, smoothed her hair and took her seat beside the nurse, eating little and answering Martha's anxious, but carefully worded questions in monosyllables.

With the end of the meal, she pushed back her chair and sought her bedroom, saying that, if Martha did not mind, she would throw herself on her bed and rest awhile.
She lay there listening until the last clink of the plates and cups and the moving of the table told her that the evening's work was done and the things put away; then she called: "Martha, won't you come and sit beside me, so that you can brush out my hair?
I want to talk to you.

You need not bring the lamp, I have light enough." Martha hurried in and settled herself beside the narrow bed.

Lady Barbara lifted her head so that the tresses were free for Martha's hands, and sinking back on the pillow said almost in a whisper: "I have been thinking of your brother, and want your help.

What did he mean when he said that things could not go on as they were with me?
And that he was going to put a stop to them if he could ?" Martha caught herself just in time.