With what seemed a superhuman effort she went on,
“I-I came to see you, my Lord, because this morning at breakfast time we received a very upsetting letter – addressed to my – mother.”
The Earl did not speak and Marista went on,
“It was from your Agent and he – ordered us to pay – rent for – the house we are living in.”
“Which house is that?” the Earl asked.
“It is called ‘Dovecot House’, my Lord, and I thought, and I am sure my mother thought so too, that when we moved out from The Castle – at least it was ours to – live in without – payment.”
The Earl said in a dry voice,
“I am sure that my Agent would find that a very optimistic assumption.”
Because of the way he spoke, Marista felt her fear of him replaced by the hatred there had been in her breast ever since her father had die
