Will you kindly excuse my troubling you, but may I ask if you would have any objection to saying what you could in my favor to Mrs. Wyndham, who will engage me as cook, if I can obtain a satisfactory reference as to my capacity and character. Thought, as I had formerly lived in your service, I might be allowed to refer to you. Am aware that I cannot ask for a character, having received one on leaving your service; but, unfortunately, when I left my last situation the lady refused to give me one on account of my having lost my temper with her, she having been previously very violent in her language towards me.
I mentioned this circumstance to Mrs. Wyndham, who says she will overlook it if the answer from my former mistress to her inquiries was satisfactory.
Shall be very grateful, madam, if you will grant this request.
I beg to remain,
Yours respectfully,
Mary O'Brien.
160. From a Nurse to Her Mistress Absent from Home.
P——, August 10, 19—.
Madam:—
I am glad to be able to inform you that the dear children are quite well. Miss Nina has almost lost her cough, and Master Robert has a wonderful appetite compared to what he had when you left home. They all send their best love to dear papa and mamma. I am very particular in attending to all your directions. The house is kept as cool as the season permits, and the heat is quite bearable. I never allow the children to be out in the sun, and I give them cold baths morning and evening.
Enclosed please find the list of things wanted for the young ladies which you desire me to send.