To take her to the Isle of Wight was not to be thought of for a moment.
To dismiss her at once, by paying the month's salary, might be the preferable course to pursue--but for two objections.

In the first place (if the friendly understanding between them really continued) Carmina might communicate with the discarded governess in secret.

In the second place, to pay Miss Minerva's salary before she had earned it, was a concession from which Mrs.Gallilee's spite, and Mrs.Gallilee's principles of paltry economy, recoiled in disgust.

No! the waiting policy in London, under whatever aspect it might be viewed, was, for the present, the one policy to pursue.
She returned to the demands of her correspondence.

Just as she had taken up her pen, the sanctuary of the boudoir was violated by the appearance of a servant.
"What is it now?
Didn't the housekeeper tell you that I am not to be disturbed ?" "I beg your pardon, ma'am.