Miss Panney was glad to find Miriam alone on the front piazza, training some over-luxuriant vines upon the pillars; and the moment her eyes fell upon the girl, she saw that she was dressed as a woman, and not in the youthful costume in which she had last seen her.  This strengthened the old lady’s previous impression that Ralph’s sister was rapidly becoming the real head of this house, and that it would be necessary to be very careful in her conduct toward her.  It might be difficult, even impossible, to carry out her match-making plans if Miriam should rise up in opposition to them.

The old lady was very cordial, and entreated that Miriam should go on with her work, while she sat in an armchair near by.  After a little ordinary chat, Miss Panney mentioned that she had heard that Molly Tooney had been discharged.  Instantly Miriam’s pride arose, and her manner cooled.  Here again was somebody meddling with her affairs.  In as few words as possible, she stated that the woman had not been discharged, but had left of her own accord without any good reason; that she did not like her, and was glad to get rid of her; that she had an excellent cook in view, and that until this person could come to her, she had engaged, temporarily, a very good woman.

All this she stated without question or remark from Miss Panney; and when she had finished, she began again to tie the vines to their wires.  Miss Panney gazed very steadily through her spectacles at the resolute side face of the girl, and said only that she was very glad that Miriam had been able to make such a good arrangement.  It was plain enough to her that Molly Tooney must be dropped, but in doing this, Miss Panney would not drop her plans.  They would simply be changed to suit circumstances.

Had Miss Panney known who it was who was coming temporarily to the Cobhurst kitchen, it is not likely that she could have glided so quietly from the subject of household service to that of the apple prospect and Miriam’s success with hens, and from these to the Dranes.

“Do you expect to have them much longer with you?” she asked.  “The work the doctor gave the young lady must be nearly finished.  When that is done, I suppose she will go back to town to try to get something to do there.”

“Oh, they have not thought of going,” said Miriam; “the doctor’s book is a very long one, and when I saw him yesterday, he told me that he had ever so much more work for her to do, and he is going to bring it out here before he goes to Barport.  I should be very sorry indeed if Cicely had to leave here, and I don’t think I should let her do it, work or no work.  I like her better and better every day, and it is the greatest comfort and pleasure to have her here.  It almost seems as if she were my sister, and Mrs. Drane is just as nice as she can be.  She is so good and kind, and never meddles with anything.”