Before he could
open his lips, Mrs. Lecount's plump hands descended on his shoulders,
put him softly back in his chair, and restored the plate of strawberries
to its former position on his lap.
"Refresh yourself, Mr. Noel, with a few more strawberries," she said,
"and leave Miss Garth to me."
She followed Magdalen into the passage, and closed the door of the room
after her.
"Are you residing in London, ma'am?" asked Mrs. Lecount.
"No," replied Magdalen. "I reside in the country."
"If I want to write to you, where can I address my letter?"
"To the post-office, Birmingham," said Magdalen, mentioning the place
which she had last left, and at which all letters were still addressed
to her.
Mrs. Lecount repeated the direction to fix it in her memory, advanced
two steps in the passage, and quietly laid her right hand on Magdalen's
arm.
"A word of advice, ma'am," she said; "one word at parting. You are a
bold woman and a clever woman. Don't be too bold; don't be too clever.
You are risking more than you think for." She suddenly raised herself on
tiptoe and whispered the next words in Magdalen's ear. "_I hold you
in the hollow of my hand!_" said Mrs.
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