But, then, you see, her chamber was no closet, but a large and stately room; and, besides, how, alas! _could_ the child of Roger and Lady M.Alice Mortimer know that in the silence was hearing--that in the vacancy was a power waiting to be sought?
Hesper was not much alone, and here was a chance it was a pity she should lose; but, when she came to herself with a sigh, it was not to pray, and, when she rose, it was to ring the bell.
A good many minutes passed before it was answered.

She paced the room--swiftly; she could sit, but she could not walk slowly.

With her hands to her head, she went sweeping up and down.

Her maid's knock arrested her before her toilet-table, with her back to the door.

In a voice of perfect composure, she desired the woman to ask Miss Yolland to come to her.
Entering with a slight stoop from the waist, Sepia, with a long, rapid, yet altogether graceful step, bore down upon Hesper like a fast-sailing cutter over broad waves, relaxing her speed as she approached her.
"Here I am, Hesper!" she said.
"Sepia," said Hesper, "I am sold." Miss Yolland gave a little laugh, showing about the half of her splendid teeth--a laugh to which Hesper was accustomed, but the meaning of which she did not understand--nor would, without learning a good deal that were better left unlearned.