“If you don’t mind I will retire. I am so little used to long journeys that this has fatigued me. No, Lilian you need not stay. I shall not want anything. By morning I shall be rested,” and she waved her away.
“Are you quite sure?” asked the girl, “and you will not be lonely?”
“Oh no, I shall enjoy the quiet.”
“Are you fond of music?” asked Mrs. Barrington. “Shall I play a little for you?”
“Oh, that would be delightful. I have heard very little that might be called refined music.”
Then she knew the difference.
She was charmed, though the hostess played mostly the simpler things. She thought she could have listened all night.
A night’s rest refreshed Mrs. Boyd very much and the certainty that Lilian had found a good friend. For she knew she could not stand the struggle much longer. She was really worn out.
Her duties were explained in a very kindly manner. There were the linen closets at hand, the bedding that she was to deal out as it was needed, the table napery. What she did for the girls was quite her own affairs.
“And you must not allow them to impose on you. My rule is that all small bills must be settled once a month. Most of the girls get their allowance then. You will have considerable leisure for yourself. I hope you will soon feel very much at home.”