As he was crossing a paved yard at the back of the house, some one came hastily out of the laundry in the detached premises to the side, and crossed his path.
A very beautiful girl.

Her features were delicate, her complexion was fair as alabaster, and a bright colour mantled in her cheeks.

But for the modest cap upon her head, a stranger might have been puzzled to guess at her condition in life.

She looked gentle and refined as any lady, and her manners and speech would not have destroyed the illusion.
She may be called a protegee of the house, as will be explained presently; but she acted as maid to Mrs.Verner.The bright colour deepened to a glowing one when she saw the bailiff.
He put out his hand and stopped her.

"Well, Rachel, how are you ?" "Quite well, thank you," she answered, endeavouring to pass on.