WHEN the servants' dinner-bell at St. Crux rang as usual on the day of
George Bartram's departure, it was remarked that the new parlor-maid's
place at table remained empty. One of the inferior servants was sent
to her room to make inquiries, and returned with the information that
"Louisa" felt a little faint, and begged that her attendance at table
might be excused for that day. Upon this, the superior authority of the
housekeeper was invoked, and Mrs. Drake went upstairs immediately to
ascertain the truth for herself. Her first look of inquiry satisfied her
that the parlor-maid's indisposition, whatever the cause of it might
be, was certainly not assumed to serve any idle or sullen purpose of
her own. She respectfully declined taking any of the remedies which the
housekeeper offered, and merely requested permission to try the efficacy
of a walk in the fresh air.
"I have been accustomed to more exercise, ma'am, than I take here," she
said. "Might I go into the garden, and try what the air will do for me?"
"Certainly. Can you walk by yourself, or shall I send some one with
you?"
"I will go by myself, if you please, ma'am."
"Very well. Put on your bonnet and shawl, and, when you get out, keep in
the east garden.
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