She was to see no one but her maid and her granddaughter.

Mr.Horton, a plain family man, took it for granted that the granddaughter was dear to her heart, and likely to exercise a soothing influence.

Thus it happened that although Lady Maulevrier asked repeatedly that James Steadman should be brought to her, she was not allowed to see him.

She whose will had been paramount in that house, whose word had been law, was now treated as a little child, while the will was still as strong, the mind as keen as ever.
'She would talk to him of business,' said Mr.Horton, when he was told of her ladyship's desire to see Steadman, 'and that cannot be allowed, not for some little time at least.' 'She is very angry with us for refusing to obey her,' said Lady Mary.
'Naturally, but it is for her own welfare she is disobeyed.

She can have nothing to say to Steadman which will not keep till she is better.