I wonder now that I lived through the ordeal.

The torment was secret and incessant, and kept my mind in unintermitting activity.
Externally things went on at Knowl for some weeks in the usual routine.
Madame was, so far as her unpleasant ways were concerned, less tormenting than before, and constantly reminded me of 'our leetle vow of friendship, you remember, dearest Maud!' and she would stand beside me, and looked from the window with her bony arm round my waist, and my reluctant hand drawn round in hers; and thus she would smile, and talk affectionately and even playfully; for at times she would grow quite girlish, and smile with her great carious teeth, and begin to quiz and babble about the young 'faylows,' and tell bragging tales of her lovers, all of which were dreadful to me.
She was perpetually recurring, too, to the charming walk we had had together to Church Scarsdale, and proposing a repetition of that delightful excursion, which, you may be sure, I evaded, having by no means so agreeable a recollection of our visit.
One day, as I was dressing to go out for a walk, in came good Mrs.Rusk, the housekeeper, to my room.
'Miss Maud, dear, is not that too far for you?
It is a long walk to Church Scarsdale, and you are not looking very well.' 'To Church Scarsdale ?' I repeated; 'I'm not going to Church Scarsdale; who said I was going to Church Scarsdale?
There is nothing I should so much dislike.' 'Well, I never!' exclaimed she.

'Why, there's old Madame's been down-stairs with me for fruit and sandwiches, telling me you were longing to go to Church Scarsdale----' 'It's quite untrue,' I interrupted.

'She knows I hate it.' 'She does ?' said Mrs.Rusk, quietly; 'and you did not tell her nothing about the basket?
Well--if there isn't a story! Now what may she be after--what is it--what _is_ she driving at ?' 'I can't tell, but I won't go.' 'No, of course, dear, you won't go.

But you may be sure there's some scheme in her old head.