The cook never knew how many guests to expect; the coachman never knew
when the horses and carriages would be wanted; the footmen were called
upon to leave their proper duties and wait upon a mob of "advanced
women" collected for a meeting--and a scramble feed--in the dining room,
when perhaps a proper lunch should have been in preparation for an
ordinary party.

There was no rest, no cessation of the stir and turmoil in the great
house, and amid it all Nell moved like a kind of good fairy, contriving
to just keep the whole thing from smashing up in chaotic confusion.

Presently everybody began to rely upon her, and came to her for
assistance; and the earl himself was uneasy and dissatisfied if she were
not at the head of the breakfast table, at which he and she very often
made a duet. He seemed to see Lady Wolfer very seldom, and gradually
got into the habit of communicating with her through Nell. It would be: "May I trouble you so far, Miss Lorton, as to ask Lady Wolfer if she
intends going to the Wrexhold reception to-night?" Or: "Lady Wolfer
wishes for a check for these bills. May I ask you to give it to her?
Thank you very much. I am afraid I am giving you a great deal of
trouble."

Sometimes Nell would say: "Lady Wolfer is in her room. Shall I tell her
you are here?" and he would make haste to reply: "Oh, no; not at all necessary. She may be very much engaged. Besides, I
am just going out."