"None who would care to have me, or to whom I should wish to go."
Lady Bell was silent for a moment--the girl interested her more each minute.
"Are you taking a wise step in seeking for a situation which is considered menial?" she asked.
"I do not think it degradation to serve Lady Earlsley," she said.
"You mean to say that you would not accept any situation?"
"I heard it in the house where I am lodging," she replied.
"Have you any other testimonials besides this note of Lady Challoner's?"
"It is quite sufficient," she said; "but I am afraid you do not understand the duties of a lady's maid."
"I think so, my lady. What I do not know now, I can soon learn."
"That's true. And I see you do not wish your real name to transpire?"
"I would rather that it did not. I would rather be known by some other name," answered Laura Treherne.
There was a moment's hesitation, and the dark face paled slightly.
"I thought Lady Challoner had explained. My friends----"
"You do not care for your friends to know that you are in a situation? You think their pride would be greater than your own?"
"Well, I'll engage you," she said. "When can you come? I have no maid at present."
"Now, at once, if your ladyship wishes. I will stay now, and send for my luggage, if you please."
"Very well," said Lady Bell. "Come to my room in half an hour, and we will arrange matters. You have said nothing about salary."
"Like the cabmen," said Lady Bell, laughing. "Well, come to my room in half an hour."
Laura Treherne bowed and left the room, and Mrs. Fellowes lifted up her voice in remonstrance.
"My dear Bell, that letter may be a forgery."
"It might be, but it isn't. I can read faces, and I like that young lady's. Yes, she's a lady, poor girl. Well, she might have hit upon a worse mistress; I shan't bang her about the head with a hair brush when I'm in a temper, as Lady Courtney does her maid. There, spare your remonstrances, my dear. The girl's engaged, and I mean to keep her. And now there are three or four people coming to dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Davenant, Jack--I mean Mr. Newcombe--and that strange girl, Una. What a lovely creature she is! Do you know I rather think she will become Mrs. Stephen Davenant."
"She is a very nice girl," said Mrs. Fellowes. "She ought to make a good match."