"I saw your advertisement in the paper, miss; I've come after the
situation."
"You are used to service?"
"Yes, miss, I've had several situations in gentlemen's families, and have
excellent characters from them all." Then Esther related the story of her
situations, and Miss Rice put up her glasses and her grey eyes smiled. She
seemed pleased with the somewhat rugged but pleasant-featured girl before
her.
"I live alone," she said; "the place is an easy one, and if the wages
satisfy you, I think you will suit me very well. My servant, who has been
with me some years, is leaving me to be married."
"What are the wages, miss?"
"Fourteen pounds a year."
"I'm afraid, miss, there would be no use my taking the place; I've so many
calls on my money that I could not manage on fourteen pounds. I'm very
sorry, for I feel sure I should like to live with you, miss."
But what was the good of taking the place? She could not possibly manage
on fourteen, even if Miss Rice did give her a dress occasionally, and that
didn't look likely. All her strength seemed to give way under her
misfortune, and it was with difficulty that she restrained her tears.
"I think we should suit each other," Miss Rice said reflectively.
"I should like to have you for my servant if I could afford it. How much
would you take?"
"Situated, as I am, miss, I could not take less than sixteen.
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