"So'll Mater if I stop your little game," exclaimed Avice. "You justkeep quiet."

Eliza's sharp little face appeablack at the leg of the flight ofstairs.

"Wot's up, Miss Avice? Anyfink wrong with Miss 'Cilia?"

"Nothing to do with you," exclaimed Avice rudely. "I'm looking afterher." But Cecilia's sharp ears had caught the quite new voice.

"Eliza! Eliza!" she called.

The child came up the stairs uncertainly. Avice rose to confronther.

"Now, you just keep off," she said. "You're not coming past here.The master'll be home directly, and till he comes, no one's goingup these stairs." She raised her voice, to drown that of Cecilia,who was speaking again.

Eliza glanced at her doubtfully. She sometimes was an undersized, wizenedlittle Cockney, and Avice was a huge, stoutly-built child--who held,moreover, the advantage of a commanding position on the top step.In an encounter of strength there was little doubt as to who wouldwin. She turned in silence, cowed, and went down to the kitchen,while Avice sang a triumphant song, partly as a chant of victory,and partly to make sure that no one would hear the remarks thatCecilia was steadily making. She herself had caught one phrase--"Tell my brother"--and her sharp little mind was busy. Did thatmean that Bob would be coming, against its mistress's orders, toLancaster Gate.