"
Mrs. Trubner was sitting on a low wicker chair by the fire. She was a
large woman with eagle features. Her eyesight had been failing for some
years, and her maid was reading to her. The maid closed the book and left
the room.
"It has come to my knowledge, Waters, that you have a child. You're not a
married woman, I believe?"
"I've been unfortunate; I've a child, but that don't make no difference so
long as I gives satisfaction in my work. I don't think that the cook has
complained, ma'am."
"No, the cook hasn't complained, but had I known this I don't think I
should have engaged you. In the character which you showed me, Mrs.
Barfield said that she believed you to be a thoroughly religious girl at
heart."
"And I hope I am that, ma'am. I'm truly sorry for my fault. I've suffered
a great deal."
"So you all say; but supposing it were to happen again, and in my house?
Supposing----"
"Then don't you think, ma'am, there is repentance and forgiveness? Our
Lord said----"
"You ought to have told me; and as for Mrs. Barfield, her conduct is most
reprehensible."
"Then, ma'am, would you prevent every poor girl who has had a misfortune
from earning her bread? If they was all like you there would be more girls
who'd do away with themselves and their babies. You don't know how hard
pressed we are.
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