s at a pinch. Sad
expression, as though she had something on her mind. Honest-looking,
but I think a trifle inquisitive, seeing how she examined the room and
is stealing glances at me. Talks sufficiently, but in a low voice.
Fairly intelligent, but not too much so. Might be secretive. Humph!"

The thoughts of Susan Grant. "Handsome old lady, probably nearly
sixty. Funny dress for ten o'clock in the morning. She must be rich,
to wear purple silk and old lace and lovely rings at this hour. A hard
mouth, thin nose, very white hair and very black eyebrows. Got a
temper I should say, and is likely to prove an exacting mistress. But
I want a quiet home, and the salary is good. I'll try it, if she'll
take me."

Had either mistress or maid known of each other's thoughts, a
conclusion to do business might not have been arrived at. As it was,
Miss Loach, after a few more questions, appeared satisfied. All the
time she kept a pair of very black eyes piercingly fixed on the girl's
face, as though she would read her very soul. But Susan had nothing to
conceal, so far as Miss Loach could gather, so in the end she resolved
to engage her.

"I think you'll do," she said nodding, and poking up the fire, with a
shiver, although the month was June. "The situation is a quiet one. I
hope you have no followers."

"No, ma'am," said Susan and flushed crimson.

"Ha!" thought Miss Loach, "she has been in love--jilted probably. All
the better, as she won't bring any young men about my quiet house."

"Will you not read my characters, ma'am?"

Miss Loach pushed the two papers towards the applicant. "I judge for
myself," said she calmly. "Most characters I read are full of lies.
Your looks are enough for me. Where were you last?"

"With a Spanish lady, ma'am!"

"A Spanish lady!" Miss Loach dropped the poker she was holding, with a
clatter, and frowned so deeply that her black eyebrows met over her
high nose. "And her name?"

"Senora Gredos, ma'am!"

The eyes of the old maid glittered, and she made a clutch at her breast
as though the reply had taken away her breath. "Why did you leave?" she
asked, regaining her composure.

Susan looked uncomfortable. "I thought the house was too gay, ma'am."

"What do you mean by that? Can any house be too gay for a girl of your
years?"

"I have been well brought up, ma'am," said Susan quietly; "and my
religious principles are dear to me. Although she is an invalid,
ma'am, S