"You'll find yourself discharged if you go on in this way! You seem to

forget that my lady is the mistress of this house," said Phoebe,

seating herself at the table, which was covered with the litter of the

housekeeper's breakfast.

Before the housekeeper had time to reply, or the lady's maid had time to

pour out her cold coffee, the drawing-room bell rang. And soon after

Jovial entered to say that Mrs. Brudenell required the attendance of

Phoebe. The girl rose at once and went up to the drawing room.

"How is the countess this morning?" was the first question of Mrs.

Brudenell.

"My lady is sleeping; she has had a bad night; I thought it best not to

awake her," answered Phoebe.

"You did right. Let me know when she is awake and ready to receive me.

You may go now."

Phoebe returned to her cold and comfortless breakfast, and had but

just finished it when a second bell rang. This time it was her mistress,

and she hurried to answer it.

The countess was already in her dressing-gown and slippers, seated

before her toilet-table, and holding a watch in her hand.

"Oh, Phoebe," she exclaimed, "how could you have disobeyed me so! It

is after ten o'clock!"

"My lady, I will tell you the truth. You were so restless last night

that you could not sleep, and I was so anxious for fear you were going

to be ill, that indeed I could not. And so I lay awake listening at you

till after four o'clock this morning, when I dropped off out of sheer

exhaustion, and so I overslept myself until half-past nine; and then my

lady, I thought, as you had had such a bad night, and as it was too late

for you to keep your appointment with yourself, and as you were sleeping

so finely, I had better not wake you. I beg your pardon, my lady, if I

did wrong, and I hope no harm has been done."

"Not much harm, Phoebe; but something that should have been finished

by this time is yet to begin--that is all. In future, Phoebe, try to

obey me."

"Indeed I will, my lady."

"And now do my hair as quickly as possible."

Phoebe's nimble fingers soon accomplished their task.

"And now go order the carriage to come round directly; and then bring me

a cup of coffee," said the lady, rising to adjust her own dress.

Phoebe hurried off to obey, and soon returned, bringing a delicate

little breakfast served on a tray.




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