In as few words as possible, she stated that the woman had not been discharged, but had left of her own accord without any good reason; that she did not like her, and was glad to get rid of her; that she had an excellent cook in view, and that until this person could come to her, she had engaged, temporarily, a very good woman.
All this she stated without question or remark from Miss Panney; and when she had finished, she began again to tie the vines to their wires.

Miss Panney gazed very steadily through her spectacles at the resolute side face of the girl, and said only that she was very glad that Miriam had been able to make such a good arrangement.

It was plain enough to her that Molly Tooney must be dropped, but in doing this, Miss Panney would not drop her plans.

They would simply be changed to suit circumstances.
Had Miss Panney known who it was who was coming temporarily to the Cobhurst kitchen, it is not likely that she could have glided so quietly from the subject of household service to that of the apple prospect and Miriam's success with hens, and from these to the Dranes.
"Do you expect to have them much longer with you ?" she asked.

"The work the doctor gave the young lady must be nearly finished.