Her tone was not unkind but it was sharp—the tone of a woman with her hands full of work, and no time for those who have theirs empty. The girl answered surlily.
“I want work,” she said.
“Well, there ain’t none to be ’ad ’ere.”
“I’m used to the straw-plaiting and shape-sewing too,” said the girl more humbly.
“Well, ye must go elsewhere. We’re full up ’ere,” said the woman, “and shall be for weeks, as far as I know. ’Ave ye got a reference?”
The girl nodded.
“Sort of, I s’pose,” said the woman shrewdly.
“I’ve got my character,” repeated the girl doggedly.
“Well, ye must take it elsewhere then,” said the woman again. “I’m sorry for ye. Good-night.”
And she shut the door quietly.