I am aware--indeed," she added, bitterly, "I could scarcely help perceiving, that it has been an exceedingly irksome one." "I trust," began Brant coldly, "that no gentleman of my command has"-- "No!" She interrupted him quickly, with a return of her former manner, and a passionate sweep of the hand.
"Do you suppose for a moment that I am speaking--that I am even thinking--of them?
What are they to me ?" "Thank you.

I am glad to know that they are nothing; and that I may now trust that you have consulted my wishes, and have reserved your animosity solely for me," returned Brant quietly.

"That being so, I see no reason for your hurrying your departure in the least." She rose instantly.
"I have," she said slowly, controlling herself with a slight effort, "found some one who will take my duty off my hands.

She is a servant of one of your neighbors,--who is an old friend of my uncle's.

The woman is familiar with the house, and our private property.