CHAPTER XVI.
'HER FACE RESIGNED TO BLISS OR BALE.' Lady Mary and the Fraeulein had been sitting in the drawing-room all this time waiting for Lady Maulevrier to come to tea.

They heard her come in from the garden; and then the footman told them that she was in the library with a stranger.

Not even the muffled sound of voices penetrated the heavy velvet curtain and the thick oak door.

It was only by the loud ringing of the bell and the sound of footsteps in the hall that Lady Mary knew of the guest's departure.

She went to the door between the two rooms, and was surprised to find it bolted.
'Grandmamma, won't you come to tea ?' she asked timidly, knocking on the oaken panel, but there was no reply.
She knocked again, and louder.