Her nature
revolted against it; but she must do what was best for the child. She
often asked herself how it would all end, and the more she thought, the
more terrible did the future seem. Her miserable meditations were
interrupted by a footstep on the stairs. It was Mrs. Jones, coming to tell
her that a lady who wanted a wet-nurse had come from the hospital; and a
lady entered dressed in a beautiful brown silk, and looked around the
humble room, clearly shocked at its poverty. Esther, who was sitting on
the bed, rose to meet the fine lady, a thin woman, with narrow temples,
aquiline features, bright eyes, and a disagreeable voice.
"You are the young person who wants a situation as wet-nurse?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Are you married?"
"No, ma'am."
"Is that your first child?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Ah, that's a pity. But it doesn't matter much, so long as you and your
baby are healthy. Will you show it to me?"
"He is asleep now, ma'am," Esther said, raising the bed-clothes; "there
never was a healthier child."
"Yes, he seems healthy enough. You have a good supply of milk?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Fifteen shillings, and all found. Does that suit you?"
"I had expected a pound a week."
"It is only your first baby. Fifteen shillings is quite enough. Of course
I only engage you subject to the doctor's approval.
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