The Duchess had grown too fond of her Major-Domo.
There were familiarities, and one day the Princess Victoria discovered the fact.

She confided what she had seen to the Baroness, and to the Baroness's beloved ally, Madame de Spath.

Unfortunately, Madame de Spath could not hold her tongue, and was actually foolish enough to reprove the Duchess; whereupon she was instantly dismissed.

It was not so easy to get rid of the Baroness.

That lady, prudent and reserved, maintained an irreproachable demeanour.