When Augusta reached the breakfast-room, Lucy was cutting up the loaf of bread, and at the same moment the old butler was placing a letter immediately under her eyes.

She saw the handwriting and recognised it, but yet she finished cutting the bread.

"Lucy, do give me that hunchy bit," said Nina.
"Hunchy is not in the dictionary," said Cecilia.
"I want it in my plate, and not in the dictionary," said Nina.
Lucy did as she was asked, but her hand trembled as she gave the hunch, and Lady Fawn saw that her face was crimson.

She took the letter and broke the envelope, and as she drew out the sheet of paper, she looked up at Lady Fawn.

The fate of her whole life was in her hands, and there she was standing with all their eyes fixed upon her.