"
"What affliction?" she asked eagerly, "you did not tell me there was
anything the matter with her."
"She has a spinal complaint," I replied, "and is unable to move."
"Is it quite incurable?" she asked again.
"We hope not; perhaps a change of air may do something for her; but even
at the best, it will be years before she is able to go about."
"I am so sorry," she said; "so very sorry. How sad for you and for her.
I can understand why you want a companion for her; she can take no
active share in the management of a large establishment like this."
"No, no share at all. We will not decide anything until my sister comes;
but it seems to me that she will be most thankful to have you here, that
you will be more useful to her than I can say. She would not be able to
see guests, give orders or anything of that kind."
There was a strange light in her eyes, a strange, suppressed glitter in
her face.
"When will your sister come?" she next inquired.
"I am going to-morrow to fetch her. There will be no need for you to
make any alterations. You spoke of going away; there will be no need of
that.
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