"Does it represent the same Mr.Brown whom you had in your mind when you asked me if Miss Emily's father was still living ?" That question roused her.

She looked up, on the instant; she answered loudly and insolently: "No!" "And yet," Alban persisted, "you broke down in reading the inscription: and considering what talkative woman you are, the portrait has had a strange effect on you--to say the least of it." She eyed him steadily while he was speaking--and turned to Emily when he had done.

"You mentioned the heat just now, miss.

The heat has overcome me; I shall soon get right again." The insolent futility of that excuse irritated Emily into answering her.

"You will get right again perhaps all the sooner," she said, "if we trouble you with no more questions, and leave you to recover by yourself." The first change of expression which relaxed the iron tensity of the housekeeper's face showed itself when she heard that reply.