As she entered the hotel Mr.Hutchins begged a word with her in his little slate-painted office, saying that the young housekeeper had not been like herself for some time, and that he was uneasy, for she made a friend of no one.
"Are you afraid of losing her ?" asked Miss Rexford coldly, with slight arching of her brows.
He replied candidly that he had no interest in Eliza's joys or sorrows, except as they might tend to unsettle her in her place.

Having, by the use of his own wits, discovered her ability, he felt that he had now a right to it.
Sophia went upstairs, as she was directed, to Eliza's bedroom on the highest storey, and found her there, looking over piles of freshly calendered house linen.

The room was large enough, and pleasant--a better bedroom than Sophia or her sisters at present possessed.

Eliza was apparently in high spirits.

She received her guest with almost loud gaiety.
"What do you think's happened now, Miss Sophia ?" cried she.