She was reprimanding the servant who had answered the bell.
"Is it your duty in my house to look after the lamps ?" "Yes, my lady." "And is it my duty to pay you your wages ?" "If you please, my lady." "Why do I find the light in the hall dim, and the wick of that lamp smoking?
I have not failed in my duty to You.

Don't let me find you failing again in your duty to Me." (Never had Lady Janet's voice sounded so sternly in Mercy's ear as it sounded now.

If she spoke with that tone of severity to a servant who had neglected a lamp, what had her adopted daughter to expect when she discovered that her entreaties and her commands had been alike set at defiance ?) Having administered her reprimand, Lady Janet had not done with the servant yet.

She had a question to put to him next.
"Where is Miss Roseberry ?" "In the library, my lady." Mercy returned to the couch.

She could stand no longer; she had not even resolution enough left to lift her eyes to the door.
Lady Janet came in more rapidly than usual.