And--I have much to do in the interim," said the young duchess, speaking with gentle courtesy to this poor, shabby woman in the rusty widow's weeds.
"Ah, my lady--grace, I mean! there is no need of being quick! When you hear all I have to tell you--to my sorrow as well as yours, my grace!--your hurry will all be over; and you will not care about catching the tidal train--not if you are the lady as I take my--_your_ grace to be!" "What do you mean ?" inquired Salome, in low, tremulous tones.
"My lady--grace, I mean! will you send your maid away?
What I have to tell you, must be told to you alone," whispered the visitor.
"Margaret, you may retire.

I will ring when I want you," said the young duchess.
And her maid, disgusted, for her curiosity had been strongly aroused, left the room and closed the door.

And, as Margaret had too much self-respect to listen at the key-hole, she remained in ignorance of what passed between the young duchess and the uncanny visitor.
"Your strange words trouble me," said Salome, as soon as she found herself alone with her visitor.
"Ay, my lady, your grace, I know it.

And I am sorry for it.

But I cannot help it.