"Which of the women saw me ?" she asked, impulsively.
Sir Patrick (watch in hand) declined to prolong the interview by answering any incidental inquiries which might arise in the course of it.
"Pardon me," he rejoined; "I am pledged to occupy three minutes only.

I have no room for the woman.

With your kind permission, I will get on to the messages next." Anne remained silent.

Sir Patrick went on.
"First message: 'Lady Lundie's compliments to her step-daughter's late governess--with whose married name she is not acquainted.

Lady Lundie regrets to say that Sir Patrick, as head of the family, has threatened to return to Edinburgh, unless she consents to be guided by his advice in the course she pursues with the late governess.