"So, even if Miss Hilary axes me to come, I'll stop, I reckon.

Ay, I'll stop wi' Miss Leaf." This valorous determination taken, the poor maid servant's dream was broken by the opening of the parlor door, and an outcry of Ascott's for his coat and gloves, he having to fetch his aunts home at nine o'clock, Mr.Lyon accompanying him.

And as they all stood together at the front door, Elizabeth overheard Mr.Lyon say something about what a beautiful night it was.
"It would do you no harm, Miss Hilary; will you walk with us ?" "If you like." Hilary went up stairs for her bonnet and shawl; but when, a minute or two after, Elizabeth followed her with a candle, she found her standing in the centre of the room, all in the dark, her face white and her hands trembling.
"Thank you, thank you!" she said mechanically, as Elizabeth folded and fastened her shawl for her--and descended immediately.

Elizabeth watched her take, not Ascott's arm, but Mr.Lyon's, and walk down the terrace in the starlight.
"Some'at's wrong.

I'd like to know who's been a-vexin' of her," thought fiercely the young servant.
No, nobody had been "a-vexing" her mistress.