e the Stern face bending over her
relaxed in its severity, and Miss Betsey's voice was very kind and
soothing, as she said:

"There, there, child; don't get up a headache. I am glad you like the
room; glad you are here. You had better go to bed, and not come down
again."

She did not kiss the girl, but she put her hand on her head and smoothed
the curly hair, and Bessie felt that it was a benediction. When she was
alone she sank upon her knees by the bedside, and burying her face in
her hands, prayed earnestly that she might know what was right to do,
and be a comfort and help to the woman whose peculiarities she began in
part to understand. She was so glad to be there, so glad for the
shelter, of a home, that the fact of being a housemaid did not trouble
her at all, though she did wonder what Neil would say, and if he would
not think it quite as bad as steerage, and wondered, too, if Grey would
ever come to see her, and if he would recognize her in her new position.

"It will make no difference with Grey Jerrold what you are," something
said to her, and comforted, with this assurance she fell asleep, in her
new home.

CHAPTER XI.

MISS McPHERSON'S HOUSEMAID.

Bessie meant to be up with the sun, but she was so tired and the room so
quiet, that she slept soundly until awakened by the long clock in the
lower hall striking seven.

"This is a bad beginning," she thought, as she made her hasty toilet.

She found her trunks outside her door, and selecting from them her new
calico dress, which she had bought just before leaving home, she put it
on, together with one of the pretty white aprons which Neil had so
detested and Grey had so admired.

"I ought to have a housemaid's cap," she thought, is she looked at
herself in the glass and tried to smooth and straighten her hair, which
would curl around her forehead in spite of all she could do.

A clean collar, with cuffs at her wrists, completed her costume, and it
was a very neat, attractive little housemaid which entered the room
where Miss McPherson was leisurely finishing her plain breakfast of
toast, and tea, and eggs.

"Oh, auntie," Bessie began advancing to her side, "I am so sorry I
overslept. I was very tired, and the bed was so nice. It shall not
happen again. What can I do for you? Let me make you a fresh slice of
toast."

"No, thanks. I am through. You can clear the table if you like," Miss
Betsey replied, shoving back her chair and eyeing her