“I was not aware that you played the piano,” said Mrs. Mason a trifle coldly. Elsie’s face flushed.
“I do not. I never touched one in my life; but I have a longing to see what I can do. There isn’t volume and scope enough in our little cottage organ, and I promised Antoine to ask permission to try the piano. He is so much interested in music and finds so much pleasure in learning that I love to help him even in little things.”
“I see no objection in the present instance; but you of course understand that I regard the request as an unusual one for a servant to make?”
“I do,” said Elsie hotly as she turned away, “and I will not——”
Back swept the red blood from Elsie’s face, and a white, dull patience overspread it as she took up the broken thread of her speech.
“Mrs. Mason, I was going to say that I would not touch your piano for worlds! You seem to be afraid all the time that I will forget the difference in our station and presume upon it. Have I done so? Have I been less than obedient, or indicated by word or look that I thought myself anything more than a servant? But even servants have the common right of humanity, and I asked a favor, knowing it to be a favor, because of the crippled boy I love and the sick sister who taught me to love and do for all things helpless and dependent. If it were not for them no money would tempt me to stay where I am not trusted; but they are helpless and in need. I shall never ask any further favors of you, Mrs. Mason; but if you still wish to keep me I shall try, as I have tried, to be obedient and faithful to your interests.”
Mrs. Mason sat for a moment without speaking, and then suddenly reached out her hand to Elsie. “Come back, child,” she said, “and sit down. I want to talk with you.”
Elsie came back from the door and stood before her mistress. “Sit down,” reiterated Mrs. Mason.
“It is expected that servants will stand in the presence of their superiors,” answered Elsie with the old mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
Mrs. Mason laughed. “I like your spirit, anyway. I really haven’t any objection to your using the piano when we are away. I’m glad you are ambitious to cultivate yourself; but you mustn’t make the mistake of regarding a little superficial finish as cultivation. Genuine cultivation strikes deep in the soil and takes hold of every fibre of the being.”