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Ellmother's choice placed between the alternatives of submitting to discovery by Emily, or of leaving the house. Poor Miss Letitia's writing-table stood near the window of the sitting-room.
Ellmother's farewell look. "A commonplace man would say we are both in a morbid state of mind," he thought; "and sometimes commonplace men turn out to be right." He was too deeply preoccupied to notice that he had advanced perilously near Francine's window. She suddenly stepped out of her room, and spoke to him. "Do you happen to know, Mr. Morris, why Mrs.
Emily's first act after the discovery of Mrs. Ellmother's incomprehensible disappearance was to invite the new servant to follow her into the sitting-room. "Can you explain this?" she began. "No, miss." "May I ask if you have come here by Mrs. Ellmother's invitation?" "By Mrs. Ellmother's request, miss." "Can you tell me how she came to make the request?" "With pleasure, miss.
Neither letter nor envelope offered the slightest hint that might assist inquiry; even the postmark had been so carelessly impressed that it was illegible. Emily was still pondering over the three mysterious words, when she was interrupted by Mrs. Ellmother's voice at the door. "I must ask you to let me come in, miss; though I know you wished to be left by yourself till to-morrow. Mrs.
"I have been used to service all my life, Miss Emily that's one reason. And service may help me to get rid of my own thoughts that's another. If you can find me a situation somewhere, you will be doing me a good turn." "Is it useless to suggest that you might come back, and live with me?" Emily ventured to say. Mrs. Ellmother's head sank on her breast. "Thank you kindly, miss; it is useless."
I respect and admire Miss Emily; and I have tried, in my poor way, to be of some little service to her." Mrs. Ellmother's haggard face instantly softened. "Please to forgive me, sir, for forgetting my manners," she said simply. "I have had my health since the day I was born and I don't like to be told, in my old age, that a new place doesn't agree with me."
The door was immediately closed on her from the outer side. Mrs. Ellmother's heavy steps were heard retreating along the passage. Then the banging of the door that led into the kitchen shook the flimsily-built cottage. Then, there was silence.
"She need feel no anxiety, poor soul, on that account," Miss Ladd replied. "In any case, I had arranged that a week's notice on either side should be enough. As it is, I will speak to Francine myself. The least she can do, to express her regret, is to place no difficulties in Mrs. Ellmother's way." The next day was Sunday.
"Miss de Sor received my reproof in a penitent spirit; she expresses sincere sorrow for having thoughtlessly frightened you. Both yesterday and to-day she has made kind inquiries after your health. Come! come! don't bear malice wish her good-by." Mrs. Ellmother's answer was characteristic. "I'll say good-by by telegraph, when I get to London." Her last words were addressed to Alban.
"Certainly, miss." Amid much that was unintelligible, certain plain conclusions presented themselves to her mind. After what the doctor had already said to Emily, on the subject of delirium generally, Mrs. Ellmother's proceedings became intelligible: they proved that she knew by experience the perilous course taken by her mistress's wandering thoughts, when they expressed themselves in words.
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