Ellen Percy; or, The Memoirs of an Actress — page 293: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

——s 280 you neglect me—you are an hour in bringing up wy things of “I beg your pardon, ma’am,” answered the chamber-maid meekly: “but you were told when you arrived just now, that the house was full and that this was the only chamber you could have for the present. Youshall be put in possession of the best that next falls vacant ;—and as for not wait- ing on you quick enough, I beg to observe that we are short of hands, and I have got to answer a dozen rings at the bell a “Well, then, cut yourself into a dozen pieces!” retorted Melissa. ‘ Here! give me the band-box! Now then,” she continued in a milder tone, “ you are a little more on the alert; and if you behave better I shan’t scold you. Do you know the lady in the next room P” | “Yes, ma’am: it is Miss Trafford, the celebrated actress, I’m told. She has been here several times before: she is a good customer and always pays well.” “ And how long does she mean to stay here” demanded Melissa. ‘“‘T don’t know, ma’am, but she never stays long at atime. I think she must have some friends in the town or neighbourhood she comes to see. Perhaps she will be off to-night—perhaps to- morrow.” “ Well, then, I will have her chamber when she goes,” returned Melissa. “But I must havea sitting-room likewise ae “The sitting-room opposite, ma’am,” said the chamber-maid, “ will become vacant at the same time; for it is also occupied by Miss Trafford.” “ Ah, indeed!” ejaculated Miss Harrison. “Then who was that tall, handsome, pale young gentle- map, dressed in black, that I saw just now coming out of that sitting-room ?” “T don’t know, ma’am—I did not see him. Per- haps it was a friend,’ suggested the chamber- maid,—“a gentleman who may have called “No doubt it was a gentleman who called!” interjected Melissa: and methought there was a certain degree of maliciousness in her accent. “But look at my watch! What o’clock is it P” ‘It is close upon five, ma’am,” responded the domestic. ** And you have ordered the fly for five—have you not?’ asked Melissa. “ Well, that is all right. I am very nearly ready—though I am half perished with cold, dressing in this wretched roow, without fire, and with the December wind blowing through the chinks of this bow-win- dow !” “ By the bye, ma’am, I forgot to ask you some- thing,” said the chamber-maid. ‘“ Missus pre- sents her respectful compliments - “And pray who is missus?” inquired Miss Harrison, contemptuously accentuating the ill- pronounced word. “ Missus, ma’am ’” exclaimed the chamber. maid, evidently in astonishment that the term should not have been understood. ‘“ Why, that’s Mrs. Peters, the landlady, to be sure.” “And what message has Mrs, Peters sent to me P” demanded Melissa. “Oh! it’s only about the chaise, ma’am,” re- turned the chamber-maid. ‘“ Missus wants to know how far it is going—and whether it’s to stop pos put up at the place—or whether it’s to — ES Se ae ae wee ee. ——— eee ELLEN PERCY; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF AN ACTRESS, be sent back to fetch you at any particular hour? — because then missus will know what instructions to give the coachman.” “Perhaps you can tell me,” said Melissa, “ how far off Escott Court is—the seat of the Marquis of Tynedale, you know: for I am a perfect stranger in Petersfield and all its neighbour- hood.” “ Ab, indeed, ma’am! yeu are going to Escott Court—are you?” said the chamber-maid, speak- ing in a voice which was more profoundly respect- ful than ever. ‘‘ It’s a beautiful place—I mean of course in the summer time: but even now, in the middle of winter is ‘‘-Yes—I have no doubt it is a very fine place,” interjected Miss Harrison. “But I am accus- ‘tomed to live in fine places,” she- continued, in a tone of self-sufficiency. “ You have not yet told me how far off it is? About three miles — or something of that sort—is it not P” “Exactly so, ma’am,” rejoined the chamber- maid. “ You are acquainted with the Marquis of Tynedale, then P” : “Tt would appear as if I were—would it not,” asked Melissa, “since I am going to a banquet which he gives there this evening? But we were speaking of the chaise. I shall keep it at Escott Court; for I do not exactly know at what hour the party may break up. It is however most probable that I shall be back in good time—for the Marquis keeps very early hours.” “Then I will tell missus that the chaise is to put up at the Court,” said the chamber-maid. “Ah, there itis! I hear it driving round to the portico at this moment.” “And I am ready!” exclaimed Melissa. “ Just one more peep in the glass! I think I look pretty well—eh P” Quite beautiful, ma’am,” responded the cham. ber-maid. “Well! after all, you are a well-meaning, good- tempered, civil girl,” said Miss Harrison; “ and if I was just now rather impatient with you Is my hair all right ?” “ Nothing could be better, ma’am; and it sets off those pearls in such grand style !” “Really you are a judge!” ejaculated Melissa. ‘Now where are my gloves—my handkerchief ? Ah ! and here is my purse! There are five shil- lings for you. And now my shawl! There! Gently over the shoulders! That’s right! You can attend me down to the chaise. I really scarcely regret now that I left my own maid in London behind me.” Here the conversation ended; and I heard Miss Harrison descend the staircase, followed by the chamber- maid. CHAPTER CXIII. THE TWO BED-CHAMBERS THE partition between Melissa’s bed-room and my own was so thin that I could not help over- hearing every syllable of this discourse; — and most probably the chamber-maid had forgotten that the partition was thus slight—or else she was unaware that [ had re-entered—or perhaps COMMMEYOO Cc) SS (Eo)