'I often helped to make you look what you are--the loveliest lady I ever saw. And I will not now help you to make a fool of yourself. You know your hair plain does not suit you; you know that dress you never wore, for it does not suit you; you know that hat only made you laugh when you put it on. You can dress as you like and do your hair as you like; but if you think I'll do what you say, you're mistaken.'
'O'Connor, I will have no more of your impertinent nonsense. Do what I tell you!'
'Is that the way you treat me after all I've done for you? Give me what you owe me and I'll go back to Cork.'
'Leave the room at once!' cried Miss Gordon excitedly.
'Not till you give me my money,' replied the girl vehemently, at the same time holding out her hand.
'Leave the room, I say, at once. How dare you stay when I tell you to go?'
'I am waiting for my money. I want to go back to Cork before you disgrace me.'
'O'Connor, I will take no further notice of you. Your conduct is unpardonable. Go, or I shall have to ring the bell.'
'Ring the bell! Ring the bell! Is that what you say after all I've done and suffered for you, and all the outlandish victuals I have eaten, and all the outlandish gibberishes I have listened to--is that my thanks?'
Miss Gordon rose and went towards the bell.
'Pay me my money, or I'll call in the police.'
All at once the manner of the maid changed. Her lips trembled, she put her hand before her face, walked towards the door, and left the room sobbing.
The chambermaid appeared in a few minutes. To her Miss Gordon said,--
'I shall be late for the table d'hôte breakfast. Get me a little for myself in about three-quarters of an hour.'
When the chambermaid came down to the kitchen she found Judith O'Connor moving about the place restlessly.
'What did my mistress ring for?' asked Judith.
'To say she'd want breakfast for herself in three-quarters of an hour.'
Judith sat down and sighed. In a few moments she said to the chambermaid,--
'The most beautiful lady you ever saw here?'
'We've had no one so good-looking lately.'
'Yes, I know what Mrs Loftus is like, all frills and tuckers, and frizzed hair and paint.'
'Mrs Loftus didn't wear frills or tuckers; she wears her hair flat: and as to paint, well, I never saw any sign of it about her. Did you?'